Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust: Angela's Story
Note: My first Seiken Densetsu 3 fic.
I don't know if I have all the facts right,
but I'm hoping I do!
Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust: Angela's Story
by Princess Lumy (Willow)
The city of Altena is an adventure already. There are so many citizens of this town, and I have power over them all. Since my mother, the Queen, is too busy in meetings or too busy doing something important, I assumed the position as the Queen of the Streets at a young age.
When my mother refused to even look at me, I'd take my hurt, anger, and despair onto the streets. I'd bully people and steal. I gave myself a reputation, even though it might have been one I might not have wanted. But it showed that I was tough. I didn't cry when my mother was too busy for me. She was always too busy for me.
There was only one thing that my mother cared about which concerned me. She insisted that I become the best witch there was, so she could be proud of me. An old man, José, was my mentor, but I refused to learn anything from him. I didn't care if I became a witch. Why should I do anything for my mother?
José sympathized with me, which quite frankly made me sick. I can quote that old man perfectly: Angela, your pain and contempt are building up in your heart. You must overcome those obstacles to learn magic.
Magic? Who needs magic? Your Highness, the Queen, already had so many witches running around for her. Why does she need me for magic? I see what those witches wear; they have on those repulsive purple and pink cone hats with a purple cape. Purple is the color of royalty yet my mother allows all her measly servants to have that color in their attire?
If I could not show that I was royalty by wearing simply purple, I insisted that a tiara was made for me. It was made from the finest diamonds with not even a hint of gold, unlike my mother's. I strutted around Altena with my crown on top of my rich lavender colored hair.
Instead of purple, I wore a red suit with leather boots and gloves made from the purest white cattle in the fields. My mother took this as a sign of rebellion and ignored me even more.
I met one person who I could actually call a friend besides the old fool José. His name was Victor, and he had hair like the sun. We often played in the courtyard as little children; we teased the gardeners and imitated the animals. As I grew older, my friendship with Victor drifted apart. I was happy everytime I saw him, but our conversations always ended with the topic of the Queen. I did not like talking about my mother, therefore I avoided talking to Victor.
Without Victor, the only pastime I had in the castle was learning magic. I still refused to learn which made the old fuss even more philosophical. I found pulling away from José was harding than pulling away from Victor. Everytime I was caught playing hooky, my mother's servants scolded me until my ears hurt.
During my teenage years, a staff got into my possession. I was ecstatic that I found something to do other than hide from my castle dwelling. I practiced using my staff carefully and soon mastered fighting with it. I boldly challenged anyone to fight me, and I always won. My pride, ego, and esteem came back with each of my winnings.
<*>a<*>n<*>g<*>e<*>l<*>a<*>
As I ran away from José once again, I saw Victor below. Out of politeness, I waved a hello, but decided that I rather talk to Victor than go back to José. I leaned over the balcony, but our talk lasted only for seconds.
I ran down into the courtyard and began walking in the castle. There were no feelings of guilt that I skipped José's magic lessons today as I strolled past each witch. Some of them shook their heads in disapproval and told me to go apologize, but I ran the other way.
I reached a room where I saw a witch near a book case. As I slowly approached her, she turned me way. Victor came running in the room saying my mother would like to see me.
I followed Victor to my mother. Thoughts of curiosity, hate, and regret of following Victor raced through my head. But I ended up staring at my mother's feet as I shamefully bowed to my very own mother.
I listened to my mother's wishes and concerns. I nodded in agreement, and shook my head in confusion at the appropriate times.
Yes, mother, I do recall the weather becoming colder.
Yes, mother, I have heard of Mana.
No mother, I do not know of the tree.
Yes, mother, I understand.
No mother, I have not heard of the Mana crystals.
No mother, I do now know what you should do.
Ye.. MOTHER?
I realized that my mother wanted to sacrifice my life in order to save her kingdom. No, the way she said it sounded like she wanted to murder me. Saving her kingdom would be the only thing that I was good for, it sounded like.
"I realize I have disappointed you with my ignorance of learning magic, but I don't believe I deserve this! I am your daughter and since I was born you have neglected me. I am not shamed to say that the way I turned out is the result of the amount of love you nourished me with, which was close to none. If you are to save your kingdom, I will be willing to help, but I will not aid you by giving up my life. That is not a selfish wish."
That is all what I should have said, but one look at those menial eyes, I could do nothing but cry and scream, "HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?"
When my mother pointed a menacing finger at me, I began to shake. I looked around desperately for help, but all of the eyes I saw were ones who were once tortured by my arrogance. They would all be more than happy to see me die. I knew I would not receive any help from any of them.
"Seize her!" were the next words of my mother's shrill voice.
"NO!" I shouted. This can't be! I said to myself. My life can't end this way!
All of a sudden, I felt a chill in my bloodstream, and a burst of ice on my skin. I believe that's when I fell unconscious with the chant going through my head: Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, I can't be left alone to rust. I need a way out of this, I must, I must. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
<*>a<*>n<*>g<*>e<*>l<*>a<*>
I woke up, my health feeling low. It was so cold. I could feel my fingers as I hugged myself tightly. Whiteness ... snow ... everywhere. What saved me? Was it the chant that miraculously came to my head?
I needed to escape from this blizzard. I staggered around, trying to find a warm place. Ashes to ashes... Was I really the dirty Cinder girl to my mother? Dust to dust... She probably thought I was dust, an annoyance. I can't be left alone to rust. If I died, nobody would come to my funeral. I sniffled as I thought of the idea of me rotting. I need a way out of this, I must, I must... It was too cold, I felt my legs buckling under me. Ashes to ashes, dust to..
Was it magic that saved me before?
BLACKNESS
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