Maani was a child of wondrous curiosity, her bright blue eyes glimmering with a sense of wonder that seemed to radiate from her very soul. Her chestnut brown hair was often a chaotic mess, a tangle of knots that framed her face like a wild halo.
Her build was delicate and slender, but she possessed a unique feature that set her apart from others – a pair of antlers that sprouted from the top of her head like delicate branches. Maani’s heart burned with an insatiable desire to uncover the secrets of the world around her, explore every nook and cranny, and unravel the mysteries hidden beneath the surface.
But her mother’s warning echoed in her mind like a distant thunderstorm, urging her to stay away from the imposing wall that towered over their land like a behemoth of danger and unknown perils.
“Stay away from the wall,” her mother had warned, her voice hindered with a deep concern that chilled Maani to the bone. The young girl couldn’t help but wonder what lay beyond the massive structure stretching into the heavens themselves.
“Why not?” she asked, her eyes wide with innocent curiosity. “What’s on the other side?”
Her mother’s response was solemn and grave as if she were imparting a great and terrible truth. “The humans built that wall to keep us out, to keep us away from their primitive magic. But they are not above using trickery and deceit to get what they want. Children like you are their easiest targets.”
Maani felt a shiver run down her spine at the thought of being taken away from her family, from the world she knew and loved. She nodded meekly, promising to stay away from the wall, however, deep down, her adventurous spirit yearned to explore the forbidden frontier beyond.
But Maani was never good at listening to her parents, and that recklessness would soon have dire consequences.
In the tranquil place Maani called home, a day like any other unfolded before her, unhurried and serene. The sun crept across the sky as if savoring each moment, casting its golden rays upon the verdant landscape. Maani meandered through the soft grasses, her heart attuned to the earth’s rhythms as she engaged in leisurely conversations with the delicate deer and timid rabbits that shared her domain.
Their quest for sustenance led them on a long journey, their small paws and slender hooves brushing against the grass, leaving a whispery trail in their wake. Maani, ever mindful of her woodland companions, gently aided them in unearthing the hidden treasures beneath the soil’s surface. As the day stretched on languidly, Maani found herself drifting further from the familiar paths she had trodden countless times before.
The world around her seemed to blur around her, the verdant hues melding into an indistinct tapestry, and she lost all sense of direction. Gradually, she became aware of an ominous presence looming on the periphery of her vision.
The imposing wall, the barrier that marked the edge of all she had ever known, now stood but a few miles distant. Though it appeared to be a mere stone’s throw away, Maani sought to convince herself that it was not truly so close. She hesitated, uncertain whether to turn back or continue her journey.
But then she heard them – hunters, their gruff voices ringing out like a warning bell.
Panic seized Maani’s heart as she realized she had strayed too close to the forbidden wall. She held her breath, trying to remain still and hidden as the hunters searched for something.
“Find it,” One of them spoke, his voice gruff, “Look everywhere.”
What could they be looking for?
She didn’t want to know.
No, she didn’t need to know. She needed to head back.
Turning around, she sprinted toward her village.
But it was too late. Before she could react, a sharp pain tore through her back, and she stumbled forward, a cry of pain escaping her lips. She turned around, her hands flying onto her back. Her fingers closed around something that sent a chill through her fingers – an arrow, a weapon of the humans. Maani’s heart pounded in her chest as she realized the danger she was in.
“We found another kid,” one of the hunters said, a sneer on his lips. “What do we do with it?”
“Throw it in the wagon,” the leader said maliciously, “We can make some coins for them.”
Maani tried to scream, to plead with them for mercy, to alert her people about her circumstance, but before she could make a sound, she was choked. The air was cut off from her lungs, and she felt a sense of suffocation grip her like a vice. She was bound up tight, restricted in her every movement. As she was thrown into the wagon with the other captured children, Maani’s mind raced with terrible thoughts.
Why hadn’t she listened to her mother’s warning?
Why had she been so reckless, so foolish?
Maani’s tears flowed like a river, her sobs wracking her small frame as she realized the cruel fate that awaited her. She cried until she could cry no more, but it made no difference. The hunters had captured her, and she was now trapped, a prisoner of the world beyond the wall. They brought her inside the walls, to the nearest city, a place of strange sights and sounds that filled Maani with a deep sense of fear and despair. She had wanted to explore past the wall, to uncover the secrets of the world beyond, but not like this.
Would she ever see her family again?
Would she ever be free from the cruel hand of her captors?
As they entered a nearby town, Maani fought back the urge to cry out, to scream at the injustice of it all. Instead, she gritted her teeth and tried to disappear within herself, praying for the strength to endure. Her captors unceremoniously threw her into a pen, her once-proud form now nothing more than a spectacle for the staring humans.
A cold voice cut through the air, the chilling words announcing her fate: she and her family were to be sold as slaves. The crowd murmured with interest, their callous gazes dissecting her as if she were a prized object to be bartered and bought.
At that moment, Maani felt the last remnants of her dignity stripped away, leaving her raw and exposed. The humiliation burned like fire in her chest, igniting a spark of defiance that would smolder in the darkness, waiting for the day it could burst into flame.
◊◊◊◊◊
In the hollow echo of her once-vibrant life, Maani found herself ensnared within a bleak imitation of the existence she had once cherished. The laughter and merriment that had filled her days now seemed like distant memories, cruelly snuffed out and replaced with the unrelenting burden of servitude. Her every waking moment was consumed by the ceaseless toil demanded by her callous master, whose whip bit into her flesh with ruthless efficiency.
Gone were the carefree afternoons of frolicking with woodland creatures, the joy of dancing beneath the dappled sunlight that filtered through the leafy canopy above. Instead, her hands now bore the marks of endless scrubbing, as she diligently cleaned the cold stone floors, scoured the soiled laundry, and prepared nourishment for the very man who had wrenched her from all she held dear.
Her heart, once brimming with love for her family and the embrace of the forest, now ached with a sorrow that threatened to consume her entirely. Each day, the crushing weight of her confinement bore down upon her like an iron yoke, suffocating the last remnants of her spirit and imprisoning her in a cage of despair.
“You.” A voice whispered in her ear, soft as a breeze, as Maani stood in the courtyard of the border estate. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows that seemed to reach for her. The great wall, a seemingly insurmountable barrier, loomed in the distance, separating her from the forest and the life she once knew. Her heart raced as she looked around, trying to locate the source of the voice.
“Who’s there?” she asked hesitantly, her voice quivering with a mix of fear and curiosity.
“You,” the voice repeated, eerily mimicking her own tone. The disembodied sound sent shivers down her spine.
“Who are you?” Maani demanded, a flicker of anger igniting within her.
“They took your childhood from you. From us,” the voice replied, its tone tinged with sadness and rage.
“I don’t understand,” Maani whispered, her confusion growing.
“I will get it back, just wait,” the voice promised.
“W-wait for what?” Maani asked, her heart pounding in her chest.
And then, darkness.
Her vision blurred and then faded to black, leaving her with only the mysterious voice echoing in her mind. When Maani awoke, it was nighttime, and the world around her seemed different, somehow altered. She looked down at her hands, her breath catching in her throat as she saw them stained with blood. The horrifying sight made her stomach churn, but she couldn’t remember what had happened.
As the weight of her actions settled upon her, a cold realization dawned on Maani – she had killed her own master. It wasn’t her, of course, not really. It was another being that resided within her, the one that she could barely control.
With the urgency of someone who knew their fate was sealed, Maani knew she had to flee before the truth was uncovered. Her heart racing in her chest like a thundering tempest, she bolted towards the towering wall that separated her from freedom.
Drawing upon the magic she had learned while climbing trees in the forest, Maani reached out to the wall, trying to scale the massive barrier with her powers. Her fingers tingled with energy as she desperately tried to grasp the smooth stone.
Despite her efforts, she failed to ascend the wall, her body growing weak from the exertion.
It didn’t take long for her to get found out.
Maani’s failed escape attempt and the murder of her previous master did not go unnoticed. Word spread quickly about the beastkin slave with mysterious powers, and soon enough, she found herself being sold once more, too valuable to kill. This time, however, fate had a different plan for her. Her new master, a stern man with a military background, had heard of Maani’s magic and combat abilities.
Intrigued by the potential he saw in her, he decided to take her under his wing. Maani, her spirit worn and weary, steeled herself for the inevitable transition as she was led through the imposing gates of her new master’s estate. Each step she took across the pristine grounds was accompanied by a silent bracing; her body tensed in anticipation of the familiar sting of abuse and harsh treatment that she had expected. Yet, as she hesitantly stepped across the threshold of her new quarters, she was struck by a startling contrast to the squalor she had known before.
The room, bathed in soft, warm light, emanated an air of cleanliness and comfort, a far cry from the dismal conditions she had endured in her previous servitude. Maani’s eyes widened, a flicker of astonishment sparking within their depths, as she cautiously reached out to caress the plush sheets adorning the bed. Her fingers grazed the soft fabric with a delicate touch, half expecting the mirage to dissolve into nothingness.
Later, as dinner approached, Maani was guided to a seat at the grand table, a gesture that stood in stark defiance of her accustomed relegation to a dark corner, subsisting on mere scraps. Her eyes roved over the sumptuous spread before her, the fragrant aroma of the dishes tantalizing her senses and setting her stomach to rumbling with anticipation. As Maani tentatively lifted her fork and took her first bite, savoring the rich flavors that graced her tongue, her new master addressed her with an unexpected kindness.
“I’ve heard of your abilities, Maani,” he said, his voice strong and firm yet gentle. “Your magic and combat skills are unique, and I believe they could be of great value. I would like to help you harness those abilities and teach you how to use them effectively.”
Maani looked at him with a mix of disbelief and suspicion. “Will you allow me to return to the forest?” she asked, her voice wavering slightly.
He sighed, his eyes filled with a distant sadness. “I was once a great general,” he replied. “I’ve seen many of your kind come and go. And although this slavery system is wretched, my goal was always to harbor peace with the beastkin. One can only do that from within the kingdom, as they would never understand otherwise.”
“But why should it be me?” Maani questioned, her brow furrowed.
He leaned back in his chair, his expression was thoughtful. “I am not removing your chance of returning from whence you came. I am just giving you another option on the table. As you can see, I’m growing old. I don’t have much fight left in me as I used to. Whether you want to leave back to your family or help garner relations with our kind, it is up to you. But decide when you become an adult. For now, I will teach you.”
“I don’t believe you,” Maani said, her eyes narrowed.
“You don’t have to,” he replied with a small smile. “Just watch and see.”
And so she did. Over time, Maani’s distaste for humans turned into a small sense of gratitude for her new master’s kindness. As she searched his eyes for deceit, she found none. It took several weeks for her to let her guard down, but eventually, she allowed herself to trust him, just a little.
One night, as Maani lay in her comfortable bed, the voice from before returned. “Do you really think he is good of heart?” it asked.
“Yes,” she replied.
“You are weak,” the voice sneered.
“Thank you,” Maani retorted with a hint of smugness. “It’s nice that you killed my previous master, but I hope you don’t do something that would jeopardize us again.”
“My intention was to climb the wall,” the voice said defensively.
“Are we both using the same brain here? Because even I knew that wasn’t going to work,” Maani countered.
“What else was there?” the voice demanded, “Live a life of bondage?”
“Well, he said he would teach us,” she pointed out, “And to give us freedom.”
“He lies,” the voice insisted.
“I don’t really think so,” Maani responded, her voice firm. “I’m willing to give him a chance.”
As Maani continued to learn and grow under her new master’s guidance, she couldn’t help but hope that she had finally found a path forward. But the voice’s presence served as a constant reminder of the darkness that still lingered within her.
The sun had barely risen the next day when Maani’s new master led her to an open training ground. The cool morning air brushed against her skin as she glanced around, seeing wooden dummies and practice weapons scattered about. “Today, we’ll test your combat skills,” her master announced, his voice serious. “I want to see how you fare against a real opponent.”
Maani nodded, her heart pounding as she picked up a gleaming sword. She hesitated momentarily, feeling a mixture of excitement and dread, then stepped forward to face her master. As the fight began, Maani found herself struggling to keep up. Her movements were clumsy, her strikes easily parried by her master’s expert hand.
With every missed swing and blocked attack, her frustration grew, and she felt a familiar anger bubbling up within her. And then, without warning, something inside Maani shifted. Her posture changed, her eyes flashed with feral intensity, and her movements became fluid and precise. The robust sword in her hand felt like an extension of her body as she unleashed a flurry of powerful strikes that caught her master off guard.
Astonishment gripped her master as he witnessed the sudden shift in Maani’s demeanor. His instincts, honed by years of experience, urged him to intervene. “Stop!” he ordered, raising a hand to signal the end of their bout.
Maani, now seemingly possessed by the enigmatic presence of her alternate self, allowed her weapon to descend, the gleaming blade catching the light as it lowered. Her chest rose and fell with labored breaths, her body quivering from the exertion and the mysterious force that had seized control.
Her master’s gaze bore into her, a potent mixture of concern and curiosity etched upon his visage as he scrutinized her every movement. An unexpected revelation had dawned upon him, the subtle alteration in her appearance capturing his attention. Maani’s eyes, once a familiar blue hue, now mirrored the deep pink of cherry blossoms that flourished beyond the wall.
The man cautiously peered into the woman’s eyes, as though searching for some elusive answer. “Who am I speaking to now?” he asked, his voice measured.
Maani growled, tightening her grip on the wooden sword. “You’re speaking to the one who protects her,” she replied, her words laced with a raw edge.
The man nodded slowly, his expression pensive.
“I see,” he murmured. “So, you’re the part of Maani that emerged to protect her from the pain and trauma she endured.”
Maani remained silent, her eyes wary and guarded. “And what will you do now?” she asked, her voice low and tense.
“I must say, I’ve never experienced a person with dual personalities,” the man mused, “But I understand that the mind comes up with many ways to protect itself from trauma.”
Maani’s grip on the sharp sword tightened even further. “She may trust you, but I don’t,” she spat.
“I understand,” the man replied calmly, “But perhaps before we continue, you would indulge me. Can I tell you a bit of my past?”
Maani’s alternate self regarded him warily but finally gave a curt nod.
“I was born in Sentoros,” the man began, his voice taking on a reflective tone. “My family were farmers, and I was raised to enter the Sentoros Knighthood. My first destination? Past the wall.” The man paused, his eyes distant as though lost in memory. “During my time there, I’ve seen many beastkin. Most were killed, the others were slaves. And then I realized something profound. The life I had been building had all been for naught. Because I didn’t have magic. My abilities in the arcane were low. I was a cog in the machine.”
Maani remained silent, her eyes locked on the man’s face as he spoke. It was as though she was struggling to reconcile the image of this man with the one that entrapped her.
“But even though I was just a cog in the machine, I never stopped fighting,” the man continued, his voice gaining strength and conviction. “Maybe because deep down, I knew that every cog had a purpose. And perhaps, that purpose was simply to protect those who couldn’t protect themselves. If I wanted to change the world, I needed to become a great mage.”
Maani furrowed her brow, her eyes searching for any hint of deceit. “So, you want me to carry your legacy? Is it because I’m a beastkin?”
The man shook his head, his gaze warm and sincere. “No, Maani. It is not about that. It’s about recognizing your potential. You have an innate connection to nature and its forces. The arcane flows through you more profoundly than most humans could ever imagine. It would be a travesty to see you enslaved for the rest of your life. I’m here to present you with another option.”
Maani’s eyes widened in surprise. “I don’t understand. Why me? Why not any other beastkin?”
The man leaned forward, his expression serious, yet compassionate. “Most beastkin resign themselves to their fate once captured. They succumb to the rigors of the Second Kingdom, toiling away until their last breath. But you, Maani, were willing to sacrifice everything to regain your freedom. That determination, that fire within, sets you apart from all the others I’ve encountered.”
Maani studied him, her heart pounding as a whirlwind of possibilities danced before her. Could she really trust him? She let out a nervous laugh, as if uncertain whether to believe her instincts. Both sets of instincts, in fact. She found herself teetering on the edge of a monumental decision.
“If I choose this path, will you guide me? Can I trust you?” she asked tentatively.
The man offered a reassuring smile, his eyes meeting hers with steadfast determination. “Yes, Maani. I will be by your side, supporting and guiding you as you grow and learn. Once you’ve come into your own, the choice of how to proceed will be entirely yours.”
Her apprehension slowly gave way to cautious hope, as she weighed the sincerity in his words and considered the chance for a future she had never dared to dream of before.
“Then teach me.”
“Very well,” He smiled, “Here begins the first lesson of the day.”