Souls of the Crystals

Valentine opened her eyes slightly, is was so dark out. She lifted herself up against the tree so she would be more comfortable. Memories of what happened before Dirk knocked her out rushed back. She pulled her knees up so they would cover her face. Valentine started to cry as silently as possible. It all happened so fast she hardly had to time to take it all in, meaning she couldn’t really remember the details of most of the things that had been around her.

She couldn’t believe Dirk would just leave her there alone. She was surprised to see it was almost morning. She could see the sun beginning to rise. Dirk must have knocked her out hard since when she went to go meet him it was morning. It took a second before it occurred to Valentine that she needed to get away. Dawn and dusk were the times when certain creatures loved to feast.

Valentine got to her feet and the note fell. She picked it up and began to read it.

Valentine,

I am sorry for what has happened to you. Please do not look for me, I will be long gone from here. Something has come up so next time we meet I assure you we will not be friends. If you value what you still have in life then go to the eleventh castle of the royals. Soon you will be tracked down and killed by the monster who destroyed the other castles, looking for the Crystals of Rasicari.
~Dirk

The eleventh castle? Valentine was sure only ten existed containing the Crystals. Wisdom, Courage, Immunity, Love, Hatred, Emotion, Healing, Death, Illusions, Transformation. Those were the ten castles, why would an eleventh be around?

“An eleventh castle was built so the Crystals of Rasicari would stay there since the royals argued about them so much.” a girls voice said. Valentine looked over and saw a young blonde girl about her age holding a basket full of herbs. She wore a priestess outfit while her hair was tired into a ponytail. “Excuse my rudeness. I have the ability to read minds so I had read yours.”

“Oh.” Valentine had no idea what to tell the girl or what she should even say.

“My name is Yuka, Yuka Rose. Your name is Valentine?”

“Valentine Eternity.” she said staring at the note.

“Come with me Valentine.” Yuka said walking away leaving Valentine a bit surprised and speechless.

“Slow down and wait for me a moment.” Valentine said chasing after the girl in the strange forest.
Yuka did not stop or slow down for Valentine whatsoever. Instead she walked faster. Valentine stared at the girl as they were heading deeper into the forest. She heard the creatures howling, growling and crying out. Valentine jumped when she heard a loud shriek nearby.

“Do not worry. Mt father is only eliminating those beasts.” Yuka said without looking back at Valentine.

Only a few moments later did they reach a small hut. There were many flowers around the house and everything seemed brighter and much more lively. The sounds of the creatures stopped as soon as they began to walk on the bright green grass. Yuka opened the door and let Valentine in.

Valentine was amazed by the beauty of the inside. A small kitchen, living room and two cots seemed right there. The kitchen had four of all things needed such as bowls, plates and silverware. The living area consisted of a small sofa, two small tables and a rug in the middle of the floor. The two cots were in the back of the place. It was small but seemed very cozy.

Valentine looked around a little bit. She looked out the back window by the cots. Through some of the trees, a waterfall could be seen slightly, along with a river. Valentine wondered how anyone could possible live so cramped. Yuka giggled lightly as she put the basket with herbs down on the left cot.

“My father should be home soon.” Yuka smiled.

“Why did you bring me here?”

“I am sure my father would like to talk to you. May I see that note you had?” Yuka asked holding out her hand.

“Uh sure.” Valentine handed her the letter from Dirk.

“Hm, do you notice the difference in writing style?” Yuka asked sitting on the cot with a single finger over her lips.

“What?” Yuka gave Valentine back the note. It was true, Dirk’s handwriting started off the way he wrote but seemed to change. It was similar but still different.

“So you are Valentine Eternity, daughter of Noila Terety.” a mans snake like voice hissed as he walked in. he was very pale and had unusual golden eyes. His hair was black and long, he wore a long white robe and sandals. He had to be in his forties but looked as if he was in his mid-twenties.

“Who are you.?” Valentine asked trying to stay calm. The guy creeped her out.

“I am Obe Natimo.”

“Daddy, I think Mistress may be behind this.” Yuka said sanding with a small smile on her lips.

“He is your father?” Valentine asked. She only got a giggled from Yuka and a cold stare from Obe.

“Mistress is the name of a creature. The one who had attacked the castles to get the Crystals of Rasicari. She has the Crystal of transformation so she can pretend to be anyone.” Obe explained trying to get to the point of things.

“So what?” Valentine asked cautiously.

“You have a crystal so she is after you. Since you have always been the same I am guessing your crystal activated when you were still a small toddler.” Obe told her.

“Whoa, Whoa, Whoa what?” Valentine asked.

“You have the Crystal of Love.” Yuka told her.

“How would you know that? plus there I no way crystals could be inside people.” Valentine told them.

“Long ago the warriors souls had burst from their bodies. Meaning the crystals were there souls. When the soul is ready to be reincarnated it would dissolve the crystal itself and nothing but the pure light would exist. Within its owner.” Obe told her. Obe walked to Valentine and sat her on the other cot.

“I know all this seems weird and sudden, but you must know. No sense in hiding it all.” Obe announced.

“Listen Valentine, we both know much about this. I have the Crystal of Healing. Daddy has the Crystal of Death.”

“Explains the creepiness.” Valentine said looking at the note. “What about this? Wait, this looks like Mikona’s hand writing.” Valentine announced.

“Who?” Yuka asked.

“Mikona is Dirk’s mother.”

“She may be involved.” Obe said.

“No way the sweet woman could possibly be.” Valentine said giving Obe a snubbed look.

“Unless your soul is completely cleansed and purified the crystals may still exist inside.” Yuka announced.

“Huh?” Valentine said lost.

“It is possible for some with a crystal to have it taken away. You for instance. If Mistress got hold of you she could bring out the crystal by taking your souls energy and putting it in one place, causing the crystal to be what is was. Although if put back in the energy will flow through your body giving you your life back.” Obe told her.

“Mommy said something like that before.” Valentine said before holding her head. She was starting to get a headache.

“Stay here for a while and rest. You need it.” Yuka told her

“I just got up from being knocked out by Dirk.” she told them.

“You need to rest because you have something to do later. You will not have a good night sleep for a long time.” Obe told her.

“What?” Valentine said starting to get dizzy.

A few moments later Valentine fell down completely on the cot. Yuka got up and arranged her body so she would be able to sleep comfortably. Obe got up and walked over to a the small dresser and took out a wrapped box. He opened it and put it on the ground next to the cot Valentine laid in.

“Tell her to change clothing when she gets up. I will be out for a while longer.” Obe said heading towards the door.

“Daddy was it necessary to use your special technique to get her to fall asleep.” Yuka asked.

“Valentine was going to argue with me and she will need to sleep. Nolia trusted me with her. Valentine may be the only one able to get those with the crystals together. Mistress’s trap or not, we will see how things will turn out with the girl at the Eleventh Castle.” Obe opened the door and walked out leaving Yuka to watch over Valentine.

Valentine Eternity

Out of all the villages in Rasicari, one was more unique than the others. That was only because of one unique individual, Valentine Eternity. She would stick out like a soar thumb. The young seventeen year old girl has long pink hair with dark green eyes, many other girls were jealous because of her beauty. She was very thin but also very strong whether she looked it or not. She was smart, obviously beautiful, loving and she cared so much.

Valentine was never really social though. It took a lot of time and patience to get to know the girl. Valentine has never really been able to talk to many people even in her village but when someone needed help she was right there. Valentine confused many, if someone knew her she would tell them one thing and do almost the complete opposite. It seemed as if it amused her when people get confused.

Today was a special day for Valentine, today she was going to meet her best friend. He had gone away from the village a few years ago, Valentine had missed him more than anyone else. Dirk Knight was her friend since she was about two years old. She only trust Dirk, no one else. She didn’t trust her own mother as much as she trusted Dirk, some girls around the village had made up a rumor saying the two were together because of how close they were. Many guys older and even a little younger than her have always tried to ask her out but she declined each and every offer. Though it happened recently becasue when Dirk was around no guy dared go near the girl.
Valentine had made it to the Lake of Osika, seeing Dirk standing by the edge waiting. Dirk had neck length black hair with a coral colored eyes. He change his usual blue outfit for all black. He had black pants with a dark blue top, which was cut near the bottom showing his stomach a bit, that had a black jacket over it. Valentine was confused, that was defiantly not Dirk’s style.

“Dirk, it’s good to see you again.” Valentine said cheerfully as she ran up next to him.

“Likewise.” he said. Usually Dirk would smile or sound at least friendly.
“Dirk, is something wrong with you?” Valentine asked wary.

“No. Nothing is wrong. Why do you ask?” he said in a monotone.

“You are not acting like the Dirk I know. What is going on with you?” She demanded.

“I’ve just changed a bit Valentine. That‘s all, no big deal.” he told her closing his eyes for a moment.

“It is a big deal to me. I came here to talk with you and all I get is this thing!” she shouted at him.

“You are loud.” He said opening his eyes and putting his hand over the ear she screamed in.

“No kidding.” she said.

"Really easy to mess with." Dirk laughed.

“You big faker.” She said punching him in the arm with a slight giggle. “I’m not dumb, I know you.”

“Yeah. Ow.” He said holding his arm. When Valentine punches, even a playful punch, it hurts like no tomorrow.

“So how was traveling?” She asked sitting down.

“Eh, it was alright.” He said sitting as well. “Very boring and tiring.”

“You’re lucky you get to travel with your mommy. I wish I could go around Rasicari to explore the region and do all kinds of things.” She said pulling her knees to her chin.

“It isn’t as easy or fun as you think.” He told her leaning back on his hands.

“At least it’s something new.” She looked over at him.

“Lately I haven’t been my old self. I’m not sure why but this is how I’m beginning to be.” Dirk looked up into the sky, trying to avoid looking at Valentine.

“Huh?” She said clueless.

“I just seem to be really sad as of late. Depressed for no reason. Heck I have even been angry for no reason. My mother thinks it’s a good thing and she gives me weird looks, as if she is waiting for something.” he said in a sad tone.

“That is so wrong.” Valentine said.

“Speaking of mothers, where is yours?” He asked.

“Probably with yours.” Valentine told him with a smile.

“Eh.” Dirk clicked his tongue and looked at his friend.

“What?” she asked tilting her head.

“You seemed to have changed a bit.” Dirk said with a smile.

“What do you mean? I haven’t change at all.” she said looking around at herself, making Dirk laugh.

“I mean you look much older and more beautiful dunce.” He told her, still snickering a bit.

“I am not a dunce.” She shouted.

“Sure you are.” Dirk teased. She must be completely oblivious to the fact he had just called her beautiful.

“Dirk, I suggest you stop right there.” Valentine said standing up.

“Why?” He said standing as well.

“Because if you don’t….”

“You are going to be in the lake.” he said before pushing her into Lake Osika. “Ha-ha.” Valentine lifted her head as fast as she could and spit out some water that got stuck in her mouth.

“Dirk you are going to pay for this!” she said getting out of the water.

“Uh-oh.” He laughed before running towards the village.

Dirk had a huge lead against Valentine because he was a much faster runner but Valentine had always raced others just so she could try to catch up with Dirk one day. She would either beg or annoy others to race her. Valentine was getting closer, she couldn’t help but smirk. This was the first time she was able to keep up.

Dirk was surprised she was catching up. He figured now was a good time for a little hide and seek. After he got further ahead he swiftly turned and began to go to the thicker part of the forest. Valentine was good at finding others, but she never could find him. When he was sure she wasn’t able to see him, Dirk started to climb one of the trees to hide in.

Valentine ran rapidly through the trees, jumping and ducking over most of them trying to make her way to where Dirk had gone. Again he had disappeared. She hated when he played tricks like this, she failed to catch him every time. The worst part is if he was changing or not, he would still gloat about hiding in the perfect spot.

Valentine looked around the big trees, under the roots where small openings were and up the trees. She saw no sign of him anywhere. Valentine started to climb a tree, it was a bit slippery, but she was able to do it. When she got about half way up she spotted Dirk on a tree branch a few trees ahead, not paying attention. She jumped to the next few, to get to him.

“Dirk, I…” She stopped mid-sentence when she saw what he was looking at.

The village, her village was burning. The whole place was on fire. Valentine couldn’t see any people outside running or screaming like they would have been doing. She jumped down immediately into a small clearing with hardly any sticks or braches. She ran quickly to the village.

Everything was collapsing, the house were caving in. She could hear nobody in the entire place as she ran towards her home. Valentine was now in front of her own home. She ran in, on fire or not to find her mother on the ground passed out. She ran to her mothers side, in tears. The blonde woman started to stir but slightly.

“Mommy, wake up please!” she shouted. Her mother opened her right eye and looked at Valentine.

“She is… coming for you. Valentine get out of here now!” Her mother shouted. Valentine looked at her mother. Her left eye had been slice many times, along with the cuts all over her body.

“Who did this to you?” Valentine whispered.

“Just go Valentine.” She said lifting herself up and pushing Valentine away. Dirk grabbed Valentine and started to drag her out of the house.

“Wait I don’t get it. Why is this happening, who did this Mommy?” Valentine shouted.

Dirk pulled Valentine as best as he could out, before he actually had to hit the back of her neck in a certain way, causing her to become unconscious. Dirk pulled Valentine’s unconcious body onto his back and began to race off away from the village. As he was leaving Dirk saw her house cave, her mother had no chance of getting out in that state. He hated to take her away so fast but he had no choice.

He knew who did it, he hated keeping secrets from Valentine but he had to. Damn he hated it with a passion. Once Dirk felt he was far enough away from the village, he laid Valentine against a tree. He took a small peice of paper from his pocket and began to write. He started to daze half way through btu shook his head. He pushed the note through her fingers so she could be able to find it.
What was about to happen to her was not going to be good. He brushed her cheek gently, with a agonizing expression. He kissed her forehead before getting up andrunning off, it would be best if he was gone when she awoke. He had only seen her for a small amount of time, but that small amount of time did something to his emotions. He knew she had it, she was one of them. Valentine’s very soul was the Crystal of Love.

Prologue

Many eons ago, war started in the land of Rasicari. There were ten kingdoms and a warrior from each one was selected to lead the soldiers to battle. After countless killings and innocent people murdered, these warriors rebel against the kingdoms because all wanted peace. They were so pure that all ten warriors gained a new ability that only they had. When they were strong enough they went back to the castles, hoping the royal ones would listen.

It took much time but the royals agreed and a truce was called. They warriors had then left their kingdoms, knowing the royals felt threatened by their amazing powers, so they could live together. If war started again they would be able to stop it, since many creatures tried to bring conflict into the land.

Eventually the warriors were forced to go back to their former homes, so when they would pass on they could be were they belonged. Each time one died their soul had burst out of them, creating a jewel of some sort. Each contained their special powers. The Royals kept the crystals locked away, for no one to find. If it got into the wrong hands, disaster would strike.

All but two castles had it locked away, those who didn’t tried to use it. More creatures enter the lands, one made it’s way into one castle and took hold of a crystal, gaining an ability to transform into anyone or anything. Thus it deceived all royals causing a huge disagreement. When they came together the strange beast snuck in the other castles causing much chaos.

The soldiers fought but could not defeat this foe, so when the royals came in contact with it they put a curse upon it. The jewels were scattered across the land, leaving the creature with the one it had originally possessed. In a rage for what they had done to it, the creature had attack the castles again, this time they royals had been trapped inside.

That was seventy years ago, Now rumors have started that some royals had made it out of the castles. Throughout the lands of Rasicari, they are said to have lived as civilians, keeping themselves hidden and not letting anyone know they had survived. By now even their children and grandchildren would have no idea they were royalty.

Numerous people had been looking for the jewels, but no one knows if they even existed or if they would still exist. If they did, so did the creature. That is why not many have looked for them as of late, because if they found just one crystal, the thing would kill them to get it.