Chapter 2 - Memories of her past

*Arianna's Memories*

I watch as 5 years old Arianna wearing a cute blue dress with yellow lining run around their garden chasing a white butterfly, her laugh echoed as she continously run while maids and servants followed her nervously shouting to be careful.

I laugh at seeing how cute this child was, she really looks like a living doll she's even more charming when she was a kid.

*While running, the child enter a maze like garden, like a expert she turns to different directions leading to the center where in a large circle like space and a fountain with waiting shed at its side, there a beautiful woman with Long Gold locks wearing a light blue dress sitting inside the waiting shed.

the woman seems to noticed arianna as she look at her direction and smile, tapping her lap a sign to* sit.

The little arianna beam and shouted mommy as she run and jump towards the beautiful lady, suddenly a handsome hot man unexpectedly went towards them and kiss the lady while lifting the little arianna in her lap followed by two little boys age from 7 to 10 years old, the little boy have a pale blond hair and crystal blue eyes while the older one have a platinum white hair and green eyes

'Damn thats a one hell of drop dead gorgeous family you have Arianna" i said while watching their beautiful happy family with a smile

Suddenly the memories dissapeared and a new one appear this time it was Ariannas 7th Birthday she and her siblings together with her mother are celebrating her special day.

"Happy Birthday my princess what is your birthday wish?" Asked by her beloved mother while kissing her cheeks

Arianna look at the ceiling as if thinking and jump at her mothers lap.

"I wish for Airi to spend more time with mother !" Said by arianna while snuggling at her mother.

"What about your brother Airi dont you want to spend time with me too ?" Ask by her second brother with a cute pout who is now 9 years old.

"Ofcourse Airi want spend more time with brother Ariel and brother Arlan too !" Shouted by arianna as she jump from her mother and hug her second brother which was happily accepted by the young boy.

"Awwwweee I love you airi youre the cutest of all ! Please marry brother when you grow up" said by the innocent child as he hug the little one tightly, suddenly a loud smack connect to his head making the young boy cry in pain.

"Ouch ! Whats your problem Arlan ! Wanna fight me ?!".

"Thats for suffocating my beloved Airi" said by the older brother who is now 12 as he lift the small girl before giving another smack at the younger brother.

"Ouch ! What is that for !".

"Thats for thinking you could marry Airi when youre merely a monkey, by the way happy birthday my princess heres your gift" said by the older brother ignoring the tantrums of his younger brother placing a small box neatly wrapped in her litte hands.

"Thank you brother airi is so happy ! What is this ?".

"Open it and youll see" he said as he smile genuinely.

"Airi Airi brother have a gift for you aswell! Look look !" Said by Ariel as he take something from his pocket wrapped in some papers.

"Whats that a trash? Heh" teased by the older brother mocking at his younger brother.

"B-brother...."

"Shut your mouth you Ghost!".

"Uhh ... Brothers please dont fight .."

"What did you say you ugly monkey ?!"

"B-bro-"

A loud smack was heard as fist connect at the two young mens head, they cry in pain as they slowly look at their back only to be faced by their father glaring draggers to the both of them.

"I said mind your manners when youre speaking infront of Airi, did you forgot my warning" said by their father as he gave them a chilling glare that makes even my skin get goosebumps.

The two young man run towards their mother shaking in horror as they hide behind her as if shes a shield that cannot be pierced by anyone.

"AAACK Mommy save me !" Shout by the two in harmony as of they hug the back of their mother who chuckle at the cuteness of her son.

"Haha you two should apologize to airi and place your gift at the table so she can open it" said by their mother as she pat their head gently earning a nod but still hostile at the sudden appearance of their father.

Their mother went to their father and take off his coat giving him a peck on the cheeks.

"Welcome home honey im glad you made it in time before the candle blow" said by arianna's mother as she put his coat somewhere.

The handsome father smile and kiss his wife on her forehead and look at his daughter who innocently look at them.

"Darn this parents dont they know what SPG is" i said hoping that theres a popcorn and some coke.

The father squat infront of his daughter as if trying to make their height even, he pat her small head and smile gently as he reached a long rectangular box from his back.

"How could i missed this princess birthday, God will punish me if i do" he said as he give the long rectangular box to his daughter which in return was rewarded by a cute hug from the beloved child.

"Thank you so much daddy airi love daddy the most" she said as she hug tightly at her father's neck

The said father lift his daughter and look at his two sons with a mocking smile saying "You think you can beat me ? You have a long way to run before you can take airi from me" look

The two sons look at their father with in envy and fury as they run to their mother defeated

"There there, lets start the party i prepared alot of foods for everyone, Claire can you please bring the foods here ? Also please ask the servants to come inside and join us"

"Roger Madam" said by the maid named clair which is the same black haired girl maid with me in the hospital although she looks younger here around 17 years old but i could recognize her cause of her unique amber eyes

"I guess shes been serving their family for ages huh"

I watched as their family happily enjoy the party, its good to see that this family treat everyone equally unlike other rich people who think all about money and fame

After a few minutes of preparation everything where done from foods drinks and cake

The young girl eyes sparkle as she eye the big cake with lots of candles

"Go blow the candle and make a wish airi" said by her father

The said girl nodded and close her eyes

"Airi wish to spend more time with family and everyone" said by the little girl making people squeel in awe just when shes about to blow the candle, the main door burst open throwing 2 wounded people inside

"MASTER RUUUUU- !" Shout by one of the guy who got thrown from the door however his words where cut off as an arrow hit his head killing the guy instantly

"WHAT THE HECK !" I shout as i watched a group of 25 people wearing a dark green cloak and silver mask, even though im not from this world i could clearly tell that they are not here to join the party

"Take the duchess and her kids if they resist kill them and bring their head, you know what to do with the rest" said by one of the guys with gold mask

"YES" respond by the goons in synchronized

"I wont let you !" shout by the Arianna's father as he charge to the leader with his sword

"Marquirias Castle will not fall easily !" Shout by the head butler as the servants and maids grab any tools that they can use to fight however i can see clearly who are at the disadvantage and its more likely the servants are trying to delay the intruder instead of fighting them knowing the outcome of their death

"PROTECT THE YOUNG MASTERS AND ROYAL DUCHESS!" Shout by one of the servants as they charge to the enemy

"HIYAAAAAAAAAA"

"Quickly Claire, Jule take Marianne and kids away from here"

"HONEY what about you ?!"

"I'll stay here and delay the intruder, i oath to your father in the name of my sword that ill protect you and the children with my life!

"Father I-I'll fight !" Said by Arlan the older brother as he take the knife thats supposed to cut the cake

"Arlan No !" Shout by the duchess as she hug her beloved son

"B-but mother I-"

"ARLAN!" Shout by his father as he continously fight the intruder

"This is your first mission as a knight no this is my favor as your Father and a Knight ! Escort your mother and siblings outside, once youre out of the mansion fire this flare" he said as he tossed a rectangular round object at his sons direction

"Father.."

"Im counting on you ! Whats your answer !"

"Y-YES FATHER!" Shouted by the eldest son tears running down from his face as he grab his younger brother and mother who is carrying a clueless arianna

"Honey !"

"..."

"I'll see you later" said by the Dutchess as tears running down from her eyes

"Daddy?" Said by Arianna as she look at his father innocently

The said man look at his wife and childrens departing figure and pray to have mercy on his family

"What a heartbreaking words, though i doubt if you can still see them after this" said by the masked man

"Dead man should not talked" said by the duke as he forced an opening and stab the masked mans shoulder pinning him down on the floor

"Hahahaha youre speaking for your self?"

"NOOOOOOO" I Shouted as i tried to push ariannas father however like those scenes i saw in movies, i just went through to his body like a ghost

"**** !" I shout as i watched the man get pierced by an arrow connecting to his body making him kneel down on the floor

"Damn damn damn !" I cursed as tears run down from my eyes

Even though this guy is not my real father but for some reason theres a connection that lingers from my heart with him, watching him died here feels like watching my own parents die for the second time, the suffocating feeling is surreal that i could hear my own heart beat

"Its poisoned..." he said as he removed the arrow from his back and tried to stand up but failed to

"MASTER !" Shout by one of the servants as he charged to the masked man but died cruelly as his throat got slit cleanly

I felt like vomiting from the sight of the blood and dead bodies of the servants and maids on every corner of the mansion, the once cozy warm happy family is being slaughtered infront of me and the only thing i could do is watched like some kind of spectator, i feel so nauseous i feel so useless so powerless as i kneel beside ariannas father

"Dont worry Grand Duke youre not gonna die, the poison is not deadly it will only weaken your body making you unable to move for a while" said by the masked man as he step at the wounded back of the Duke making him cry in pain

"Do anything you want to me but PLEASE spare my wife and children!"

An eerie laugh from the masked man echoed at the mansion as he continously step at the dukes wouded back, never did i feel so disgusted at someones laugh till now, to kill people as if they are nothing and laugh, what kind of people are they who the hell they are and why are they doing this, of all the people why does it has to be them

"To think that the Silver Demon of the Azlaac kingdom beg infront of me, its such a pleasure that i think i dont mind dying at this moment" he said as he stepped again at the back of the bleeding man

"However, im afraid that i cant promise you anything" he grab the dukes head as he forced him to look at him

"You see duke we need the head of your family"

"Why ?!"

"Why ? To start a war ofcourse" he said amusingly as he left the dukes body and went to the door which arianna and his brothers enter

"Dont tell me ! Youre using this as an excuse to make Verta and Azlaac go into another war !"

"Ofcourse or else what ? Ma. Rianna Mariz De Castillo, Sole child of Emperor Clemente III of Verta, supposedly the successor of the throne however she fall in love and marry a Duke from a different country bringing Peace between the two empire, hahaha who doesnt know this story? Bringing two countries at war in peace in the name of love ? Absurd right ? Nonetheless you guys still manage to pull it out !"

"Rest assured, ill return the bodies except the head" he said with a smile on his face although it was covered by a mask i know and i can feel that this ruthless killer is smiling and enjoying the scene

"Cursed you ! " said by the duke as he passed out

The place become blurry, suddenly i was transported into another place where i can see arianna and her mother and brother running towards the corridors going to the garden

"Mommy what is happening? Why are we leaving? What about daddy ?" Asked by arianna as she clutched to her mothers neck

"S-sweety daddy is taking care of something, he'll be back later" said by the mother as she hug the back of her daughter tightly trying to stop her self from breaking out into tears, she look at her two sons who are equally crying holding each others hand while running

I could feel that my heart is slowly breaking watching this family run for their lives, despite an outside of their family, its too painful to see this mother and her child experience such devastating event

"Sweety can you do me a favor, please dont open your eyes until i said so"

"Why ?"

"C-cause mommy have a special present for you and its a surprise so i dont want airi to peek untill its finished"

The child seems confused but nonetheless nod and smile

"If thats what mommy said then airi will do !" Said by the child as she happily hug her mom excited regarding this gift shes talking

Suddenly two masked man appear blocking their way

"Jules!" Shout by clair as she hide the two boys behind her.

The said knight nod and swiftly killed the two masked man

"Young master please dont look" said by jules to the two young boy as he tried to hide the corps

Suddenly Ariel run to the corpse and do the unexpected thing, he took the masked man sword with shaky hands trying to ignore the bloody body

"I .. I will protect mommy and Airi l-like what Arlan will ! I-im not a coward !" Said by the young child as he shakily tried to hold the heavy sword making the maid and duchess cry

I watched as Arlan walk to his brother and take the sword patting the younger boys head, he wipe his tears as blazing determination was replaced in his eyes

"Im the older brother ofcourse im the one wholl protect you mother and airi, youre still a monkey so dont hold this sword unless you can lift it" he said as he pat his back

"Lets go we are almost at the garden i need to fire this flare" the people nodded and continue what they are doing

Seeing this two innocent boys immediately grow up thorn my heart, a few minutes ago they are just an innocent boys thinking of marrying their sister, to grow this fast while holding a sword, taking responsibility called protection getting their eyes forced to see what death was, seeing all those maids and servants who take care of them since birth get slaughtered, having no assurance whether they can still see their father who left to fight a dozen of enemies alone, this is just too much to process, i always thought that i am an unfortunate child but now seeing arianna and her family being followed by death makes me more guilty knowing that between us it was me who got the chance to live a second life

After a few moments of running they reached the maze garden and there Arlan fire the flare signal making the night sky change into a wide color of red

"This is an emergency signal bestow to captains and generals, yellow means safe, blue means successful battle, green means danger, and red means immediately help, we only need to hide until enforcement from Death Knights come" said by jules

"Brother !" Shout by ariel as he point a finger at their back where in 6 masked man where running towards them

"The duchess and her children are here !" Said by the masked man

"Jules take Ariel, Clair take Arlan, theres a hidden chamber under the fountain lets meet there, my two sons know the way theyll lead" said by the duchess as she hold her daughter tightly

"But madam how about you" asked by clair in worry

"Ill be fine i know the maze well, its best if we split up than get caught at once, Ariel and Arlan please be careful im sorry that its not me who have to go to with you" said by the mother as she hug both of her son and kiss their head

Tears run down to the both boys as they hug back

"Its alright mom you have to take care !" Said ariel as he hug his mother and sister

"Thats true, please keep safe mom we will meet the both of you at the center" said by arlan as he gave his mom a tight hug and pat ariannas head who is surprisingly sleeping

With that the three of them went in separate ways inside the maze

The location suddenly went blurred like before as i was transferred inside the maze where i can see Arianna's mom running followed by two masked men, i realize that this is the same maze garden i saw from her past however this time it seems the flowers are blooming as i see lots of white rose around, focusing on whats important i watched as Arianna's mother did some turns trying to lose the two hooligan however after she turn right she was greated by another set of 2 hooligans who tried to chase her, after some moments of running she reached the open field which is the center of the garden where a fountain is located, scanning the surroundings she look for a sign regarding to her sons sadly theres none it seems like they are still inside the maze

"Ariel, Arlan please be safe everyone" said by the duchess out loud

"Stop worrying about someone when you have to worry about your self My Princess "

I watched in wide eye as i see the same masked man who fight with the duke

"Why is he here !" I said as i try to hold the duchess and arianna but got the same result as i tried to push the duke

"You have to run please run !" I shouted even though i know they cant hear me

However the 3 men already corner her at the fountain

"What do you want from me" asked by the duchess fiercely as she hold arianna tightly which is waking up from her slumber

"Uhmmm mommy is it done ?"

"No sweety kindly stay still and close your eyes" she said as she place her daughter under the big stone fountain in a sitting position, surprisingly there are two draggers attached under the fountain

She ripped her dress and throw her heels as she stand in her fighting stance

"My my, this cat is quite wild" said by the golden masked man as he signal her men to attack

"Dont underestimate a Crown princess from Verta!" She shouted as the two armed men charged towards her, completely blocking their swords using her dragger

Despite this mothers fragile and soft appearance hides a fierce woman who seems to be experienced in war

she made a clean cut to one of the masked man throat as she block the incoming sword trying to connect at her back with her right hand, the golden masked guy which seems to be the leader feels impatient as he charged towards her

with quick movements she immediately change her stance by sitting below avoiding the masked mans sword which hit his subordinate instead of her, seeing an opening she made a low kick which make the man out of balance pinning him down as she broke a finger from his right hand which makes him scream in pain dropping his sword

"WHO ORDER YOU TO ATTACK OUR CASTLE?!" Screamed by the woman as she pointed her dragger in his neck making him bleed a little

The man just laugh as if everything is just a joke

"To think the wife beat me instead of the husband, the Duke must be ashamed of him self" He said

The duchess look at him in shock processing what he said

"What do you mean the duke ?! Where is my Husband?" She screamed stabing his right shoulder which was pierced by the Duke before

This made the mad man scream in pain and laugh

"HAHAHAHA ask your daughter she might know after going to the afterlife"

my eyes completely search for the young Arianna which was standing infront of the fountain looking horrified at the sight of the dead bodies

"M-mommy?" she asked shaking while looking at her mother

My body went cold as a masked man suddenly appear behind her with a sword ready to cut the young girls head

"Behind you !" I screamed even tho i know this is just a fragment of her memories that cant be rewritten

However before the mans sword connect to the girls head a dagger connect to his head making him fall

Arianna look at the dead man behind her in horror, seeing so much blood around her this must be terrifying or traumatizing for a young girl however thinking that everything was over is an insult as after the dead man were arrows heading directly to the young girl

Knowing there's nothing i can do, i close my eyes not wanting to see this beautiful child get hurt. however my attention was caught as i heard her scream

"Mommy !" The young girl scream as she clutch to her mothers dress who is now hugging her small body shielding her from impending attacks

tears run down from my eyes as i saw 5 arrows pierce to her back

"Hi sweety, this is nothing" she said as she caught blood which obviously state shes not

Suddenly the golden masked guy appear behind her with a sword in his left hand

"Did i forgot to say ? I can use sword in both hands" he said as he slice the back of the wounded woman

"NOO !" i shouted tears run down from my eyes, i look at my surroundings and was faced with the same maid i saw while giving birth

"Claire?" I said remembering her name as if its normal, i look at my surroundings and noticed i was in a different room before none the less its still a beautiful one

i look at my side and notice my babies are not with me, panic strike remembering the flashback of young Arianna's past

"My Babies ?! Clair where are my babies ?!" I screamed immediately standing from the bed not minding the pain im feeling from giving birth

"My lady please calm down, the young masters are alright they are in the crib" the maid said as she pointed a finger on a big white crib

Clair helped me walked towards the direction of the babies seeing that my body have not yet fully recovered its energy.

Peacefully sleeping, my heart clenched at the sight, they are beautiful indeed however the real Arianna can never see these childrens

Rubbing the tears from my eyes i took the first born child gently, sleeping innocently having no awareness of what happened to his real mom. I chuckled a little bit as his face frown probably cause i took him while he is sleeping nonetheless it goes back to normal.

"My first child name will be Adrian" I said with pure love and tenderness i never knew i could utter in my entire life, suddenly tears flow down from my eyes remembering the wish of the original owner of the body

'Can I really call them my children?' I thought to my self softly hugging the child feeling guilty of having the opportunity to live

"Yes my lady" Clair said tearing up at the sight of her master as if she knows what she's thinking

Gently putting down my first child, i took the second child, this one is a little heavier making me chuckle a little

"My second child shall be named Aldrin" I said brushing his lovely gold locks

"Yes my- "

Suddenly the door burst open revealing 3 handsome men which seems oddly familiar to me

"Arianna .." Said by the silver haired man which looks to be around his 40s none the less age cant beat his striking good looks.

automatically as if my body recognized the person, tears flow down in my eyes as the word i have never said for years came out of my mouth.

"Father ?" I said, The word feels kinda odd but yet familiar, i guess its probably because of the absorption of Arianna's memories that calling the peoples name here feels as natural as breathing.

The said guy walks towards me, tears running down in his face looking at me and the baby im holding giving me a light hug inorder not to squish the small child in my arms

"Is this your child ? m-my grand child?" he said as his hand shakily touch the head of the sleeping baby

"Yes its my 2nd child, his name is Aldrin" I said with a gentle smile.

"I see your 2nd child looks alot like - wait ? 2nd child? then ..."

"Yes Grand duke, my lady have twins!" Clair said clapping her hands in delight

"Hey look dad i think this is the 1st kid" said by a blond guy around 18 or 19 years old poking the face of her 1st child, his deep ocean blue eyes meet with her crystal green eyes giving her a cheeky smile.

"My Airi its been awhile!" He said with a bright smile

Remembering the flashback of arianna's past she cant be wrong, this is the same kid in the memories she absorbed, his small petite figure was now replaced by a tall young adult man, you can see by his figure that he been undergoing some training or practice for the past years.

A loud smacked was heard as another guy appear a little taller and looks more matured than her younger brother, his platinum silver hair was tied in a small ribbon and his crystal green eyes resemble alot of her.

"You cant treat babies like that you stupid monkey" He said as he looks at the small baby in the crib with a gentle eye, altho he is not smiling arianna can see that he already cares alot for the baby.

His eyes then laid on her with a gentle smile he greet her.

"How are you feeling Airi?" He said

"I-im fine" She said still processing all the handsome men's face with a blush.

The said father walk to the crib and look at his grandchild.

"I-I have two grandchildren.." He said touching the head of the small child which gaved a small yawn

A soft knock on the door was heard as the doctor who helped her gave birth enters the room

"Good afternoon Grand duke, Young master Ariel and Arlan" said by the head nurse as she bow together with her two assistant.

"The young lady needs to take a rest, if you would excuse this old lady, can we please leave the room and let her rest".

"You dont have to be so polite to me Madam Letizia, having you here helping my daughter gave birth is already an honor for our family, to have the Royal Physician of Verta assist Arianna will be a forever debt of our household" the duke said making a small bow as the rest of the maid and the two young masters followed

"You know how important your children's are to me and to the King of Verta" The old woman said as she gave a small wrinkle smile and pat the shoulder of the Duke.

"If its not me who will assist Princess Arianna? my beloved Marianne will be very dissapointed if i do not take care of her children and grandchildren" she said with a bitter smile as she take the baby from Arianna's hand like a gentle grandma and put him down in the crib, assisting the young girl in the bed who follow like a child.

The duke gave a small smile at the mention of his wife, looking at Arianna and her kids one more time he nod and signal his two sons to come with him, before leaving the room the duke look at his daughter and with a gentle voice he called her name.

"Airi ... we wil be just behind this door so you dont have to worry" He said with that he left the room together with her brothers.

"Ahh always dramatic as ever when it comes to his daughter" The old woman said as she touch Arianna's forehead trying to check her temperature.

"Your fever seems gone, for now eat light food and dont push your self to stand, you been sleeping for 2 days so you must regain back your energy and body" She said like a nagging grandma.

Arianna gave a small chuckle and nod, shes used to be the one ordering around rather than being cared of, this is quite a breathe of fresh air.

The old doctor and two nurses left the room leaving Arianna and Clair.

Arianna gave a small breath finally having the opportunity to process everything, looking at her surroundings she wanna make more observation however her body seems screaming rest, slowly she closed her eyes hoping that this time will be a better dream.

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