Vescrutia: Legacy

In the heart of Amerina[/img], a city where the air buzzed with the vibrant energy of a thousand lives, Mika Maru moved with the grace of a panther, his eyes scanning the crowded marketplace. His long, black hair fluttered behind him as he weaved through the throng of traders and shoppers, his height making him an unmissable figure even in the most chaotic of surroundings. The crimson teardrop tattoo above his left eye was a stark contrast to the rest of his youthful features, a silent declaration of his status as an outcast. Despite the warm embrace of the sun, the coolness of his demeanor was palpable, a shield against the prying eyes that often fell upon him.

Mika's destination was the Tower of Elements, a bastion of knowledge and power that soared above the cityscape. It was said that the archives within held secrets to the very fabric of Vescrutia, and it was here that he hoped to find answers about the Lotus of Lumina. The tower was a symbol of unity among the four elemental factions: the Flamebringers of the south, the Whisperers of the east, the Tidecallers of the west, and the Windseekers of the north. Each had contributed to its construction, and the resulting structure was a marvel of engineering that reflected the diverse tapestry of the land.
r turmoil.

As he approached the tower, the chatter of the crowd grew faint, replaced by the solemn whispers of the wind as it danced around the grand arches. The massive wooden doors creaked open, revealing an antechamber bathed in the soft glow of floating orbs that emanated a gentle luminescence. The air was thick with the scent of ancient tomes and the faint scent of incense, hinting at the sacred rituals performed within. Mika felt a shiver of anticipation run down his spine, the thrill of the hunt melding with the solemnity of his quest.

Inside, the Tower was a maze of spiraling staircases and corridors, each adorned with the emblems of the four elements. His footsteps echoed off the marble floors as he climbed, his crimson eyes never leaving the intricate mosaics that depicted tales of battles won and lost, of heroes and gods. He was a man on a mission, driven by the whispers of fate and the memory of a mother lost too soon to darkness. With every step, the weight of his lineage grew heavier, a silent reminder of the legacy he was born to uphold and the price of failure that loomed over him like a specter.

The library was a sanctum of silence, the only sound the rustle of pages and the occasional cough of a scholar. The shelves stretched upwards, disappearing into the shadows of the high ceiling, each one laden with tomes that held the secrets of the ages. Mika approached the central desk, where an elderly librarian looked up from his work, spectacles perched precariously on the tip of his nose. The man's eyes widened at the sight of the crimson teardrop tattoo, and his expression shifted from curiosity to wariness.

"Welcome, young one," the librarian spoke in a hushed tone. "What brings you to the Tower of Elements?"

Mika's smile was as bright as the light he wielded. "I seek knowledge of the Lotus of Lumina," he replied, his voice steady. "It’s extracts are the key to purifying the dark Naten that threatens us all, however, I need to make sure I am following my studies correctly. "

The librarian studied him for a moment, his gaze piercing through the facade of charm. Finally, he nodded, his hand trembling slightly as he gestured to a hidden staircase behind him. "Follow the path of the ascending moon," he murmured. "You will find what you seek in the chamber of forgotten whispers."

Mika felt his heart race as he ascended the staircase, the air growing colder and heavier with each step. The whispers grew louder, echoes of the past speaking in tongues long forgotten. Upon reaching the chamber, he found it to be a circular room with a high domed ceiling, adorned with a mural depicting the birth of the Tears of Lumina. The floor was inlaid with a mosaic of the three laws of power - Life, Love, and Lineage. In the center stood a young woman with fiery red highlights in her hair, her eyes closed in deep concentration, surrounded by a whirlwind of documents.

Natasha looked up as he entered, her eyes snapping open to reveal a fierce intelligence that mirrored his own. "You're not the only one searching for answers," she said, her voice a mix of accusation and resignation. "I've been looking for our father. I've heard rumors that he might have left clues here about the Trinity and the Lotus."

The siblings exchanged a tense look, the weight of their shared history heavy between them. Mika took a step forward, his hand outstretched. "Natasha," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "We have much to discuss."

Natasha looked at him skeptically, the glow of her own Naten pulsing around her fingertips. "We do," she agreed. "But first, we need to find that Lotus. The fate of the Mary may rest upon it, and I won't let it fall into the wrong hands."

Together, they pored over ancient scrolls and tomes, their eyes scanning the pages for any mention of the Lotus of Lumina. The hours passed like moments, each discovery leading them closer to the truth of their father's disappearance and the fate of the world. As they worked, a bond began to form, the shared pain of their past weaving a new tapestry of hope and purpose.

Mika couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu as they uncovered a prophecy that spoke of three siblings reunited by the light of the Lotus, destined to wield its power and restore balance to the realms. The weight of their legacy grew heavier with each revelation, but so too did their resolve.

As the moon reached its zenith, casting a silver beam through the chamber's single skylight, they found a map hidden within the pages of a dusty, forgotten tome. It depicted a hidden temple, said to be the resting place of the Lotus. Their hearts raced with excitement and dread, for the path ahead was fraught with peril.

They knew that the journey would not be easy, that it would test them in ways they could not imagine. Yet, as they looked into each other's eyes, a silent pact formed between them. Together, they would find their father and fulfill their destiny, no matter the cost. The siblings Maru, bound by blood and power, were reunited, and their story was about to take a turn that would shake the very foundations of Vescrutia.

"Oof!" Lino Maru stumbled as he fell out of the dimensional rift, the air thick and heavy with a scent of ozone. He rubbed his forehead, wincing at the sharp stab of pain that accompanied the sudden shift in reality. His vision swam, the world around him a blurry mosaic of colors and shapes that slowly coalesced into the outskirts of an unfamiliar town. The cobblestone streets and quaint buildings looked as if they were painted with a brush dipped in a watercolor palette of pastels. It was a stark contrast to the bleak, monochrome landscape he had just left behind.

"Where am I?" he murmured to himself, his voice echoing faintly in the alleyway. He recognized the architecture, the whisper of an ancient tongue carved into the archways, but it had been centuries since he had set foot in this realm. Vescrutia, the heart of the mystical world he had sworn to protect.

Lino took a deep breath and focused his Naten sense, a gift from the Maru Tribe that allowed him to detect the presence of magical beings. His eyes searched the bustling streets, but instead of finding the familiar warmth of his kin, he was met with a cacophony of unrecognizable signatures. The chaotic interference was disorienting, a stark reminder of his isolation in this untouched era. He felt a pang in his chest, a phantom echo of the Naten bond that once connected him to Kira.

He pushed through the throngs of townsfolk, his gaze catching a glimpse of a woman with raven hair and a flowing Sakura dress. His heart skipped a beat—it was her, Kira! But as the crowd parted, she turned to reveal unfamiliar eyes, a stranger's smile. The illusion shattered, and the weight of his solitude settled back upon him.

With a heavy sigh, Lino sought refuge in the first tavern he saw. The wooden sign creaked in the gentle breeze, depicting a grinning moon with a pint of ale in its hand. The warm, inviting light spilled onto the cobblestone street, beckoning him inside. The smell of roasting meats and the clink of tankards greeted him as the heavy oak door swung open. He stepped into the dimly lit room, the air thick with the aroma of ale and the low murmur of conversations. It was a welcome respite from the unsettling silence of his thoughts.

He took a seat at the bar, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of the Maru. His gaze fell upon a young waitress with afro tied back into two simple ponytails. She moved with a grace that seemed almost ethereal, her smile as bright as the stars he hadn't seen in his desolate dimension. Natasha, his youngest, was unknowingly serving drinks to patrons, her beauty subtly influencing the flow of her movements. Despite their shared lineage, she walked by without a flicker of recognition, her eyes never meeting his.

As the evening progressed, Natasha approached Lino with a tray of steaming food and a pint of frothy ale. She placed them before him gently, her touch barely grazing his arm. An unspoken bond seemed to pull them closer, a thread of Naten resonating between them. Lino felt a peculiar warmth in his chest, a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time. "Thank you," he said, his voice gruff.

Tasha looked up, her eyes meeting his for the first time. They were the same piercing blue as Kira's, and in that moment, Lino saw a glimmer of his own past, of the love he had lost. "Is there anything else you need, sir?" she asked, her voice soft and melodious. Her eyes searched his, as if looking for an answer to a question she hadn't yet asked.

Lino took a deep breath, the gravity of the situation weighing on him. He knew he couldn't reveal his true identity—not yet. He needed to learn more about this world, to understand where the Shroud of Eclipse had hidden his children, and how he could prepare them for the battles ahead. So, he simply nodded. "No, thank you," he replied, his gaze lingering on her for a beat longer than necessary.

As Natasha walked away, Lino couldn't help but feel the pull of the Gentai bond, the unspoken connection that tugged at his heartstrings. It was faint but unmistakable, a reminder of the family he had been torn away from. His thoughts grew darker as he pondered the fate of his children. What had they faced in his absence? Who had they become in this unfamiliar world?

The tavern door burst open with a bang, startling the patrons. A group of disheveled rebels stumbled in, their clothes torn and dirty from battle. One of them, a young man with a fiery gaze, approached the bar and slammed a coin on the counter. "Ale for my comrades!" he shouted, his voice filled with urgency. The tavern keeper, a portly man with a bushy mustache, nodded wearily and began to pour drinks.

The young rebel, noticing Lino's contemplative expression, took a seat beside him. His eyes held a glint of defiance that was all too familiar to the seasoned warrior. "You look like you've seen some battles," he said, his voice low. Lino nodded slowly, his curiosity piqued. "What brings you to the Taven?"

The rebel leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "We fight for freedom from the tyrant who holds our lands in his iron grip. His name is Lord Castell. He possesses a power none of us can match—it's said he wields an Urklic. Have you heard of such a thing? I thought only the Maru can summon those weapons.

Lino's heart raced. The Tears, shattered and scattered across the realms—could it be that one of the fragments had found its way to this despot? The very thought of Lumina’s essence being used to oppress innocents filled him with rage. He had to get closer to Natasha, to understand the extent of her connection to this Lord Castell.

The tavern grew rowdy as the rebels recounted tales of their struggles, their passionate cries for liberty resonating through the room. Lino felt a kinship with these freedom fighters, their plight a reflection of his own. He knew he couldn't ignore their cause, not if it meant that a piece of his soul was being corrupted by the very darkness he had vowed to fight. His mission had just become a personal vendetta.

As the night grew late, Natasha cleared the last of the empty plates and tankards. Lino watched her, his thoughts racing. The tyrant's power was a wildcard in this delicate dance of fate. He needed to tread carefully, to ensure that his quest to protect the Lotus Lumina didn't lead to the destruction of the very people he sought to save.

"What's your name?" he asked her as she passed by, his voice gentle.

"Natashina Maru," she replied with a smile. "But everyone calls me Natasha or Tasha."

Lino felt a twinge of sadness at the mention of Natasha's name. It had been so long since he'd heard it spoken aloud, and it brought back a flood of memories—Kira's laughter, the soft warmth of Natasha in his arms. He steeled himself and asked, "Do you know your mother?"

Her smile faded, and she paused for a moment before shaking her head. "I'm afraid not," she said softly. "My mother passed away during my birth. I've never known her, only heard stories."

"And your father?" he pressed, his voice tight with emotion.

Tasha's eyes searched his for a moment before she spoke. "My father disappeared when I was seven. He was a great man, a traveler who spoke of distant lands and ancient secrets. He taught me to listen to my heart, He said it could lead me to great power."

Her words hung in the air, resonating with Lino's own history. He knew all too well the pain of losing a loved one and the burden of a destiny left unfulfilled. "What happened to him?" he asked, his voice thick with concern.

"He was searching for something," she replied, her eyes distant. "The Tears of Lumina, they called it. He said they were powerful artifacts, one that could change the tide in the battle. But he never returned."

Lino felt the gravity of her words settle upon him. The Tears of Lumina—his people's legacy and the key to unlocking the Lotus Lumina's power. He knew he had to find out more about her father's quest. Perhaps it was intertwined with the prophecy that had brought him here. "What did your father look like?"

Her smile grew sad. "He was tall, with eyes like the sky before a storm and hair as brown like streams of chocolate. He had a scar over his left eye, from a battle with My uncle Jino, he said."

Lino's heart skipped a beat.

The resemblance was uncanny—his own features mirrored in the face of a stranger. Natasha looked at him, her eyes filled with curiosity as she wiped down the bar. The silence grew heavier with every passing second, the room around them fading into the background as their gazes held.

"You look familiar," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the din of the tavern. "Your eyes... they're like my father's."

He nodded solemnly. "You do, Natasha. Your mother a fae and father a Maru."

Natasha's eyes widened. "You knew him? What was he like?"

Lino paused, gathering his thoughts. "Your father was brave, wise, and loved by many. His name was Lino Maru." The name rolled off his tongue like a prayer, a silent vow to the universe.

Her hand flew to her mouth. "Maru... like me. Are...are you family?"

The room seemed to hold its breath as Lino searched Natasha's eyes, seeing the innocence and hope that mirrored Kira's own. "I am," he said finally, his voice filled with the weight of his words.

Natasha stared at him, her mind racing. "But how? My father...he's been gone for so long."

With a gentle touch, Lino reached for her hand and turned it palm up, revealing the faint outline of a rune etched into her skin. "This," he said, tracing the symbol with his thumb, "this is your birth rune. The same as mine. It connects us, the Maru lineage."

Her eyes searched his, a storm of emotions brewing within. "Siblings?" she whispered.

Lino's grip tightened on her hand, his thumb caressing the rune. "More than that, Natasha," he said, his voice filled with a warmth she had never heard before. "I am your father."

Natasha took a step back, her hand instinctively moving to the hilt of the dagger she kept hidden beneath her apron. The man before her, with his piercing blue eyes and gentle touch, claimed to be her father—a revelation that both thrilled and terrified her. His story was like a fairytale, filled with magic and heroics, yet the gravity of his words resonated deep within her soul.

Her gaze searched the stranger's face, looking for any sign of deceit, any hint of a lie in those familiar eyes. Yet all she saw was a reflection of her own uncertainty, a mirror to her own lost past. The tavern around them grew hazy, the laughter and clinking of glasses muffled by the thundering of her heart. Could it be true? Could this man, this warrior with a teardrop tattoo, be her lost parent?

Her thoughts raced, a whirlwind of doubt and hope. She had grown up hearing stories of the Maru Tribe, of their fierce battles and noble deeds, but she had always felt like an outsider in her own skin. Now, as she stared into the eyes of the man who claimed her heritage, she couldn't help but feel a spark of belonging. Yet, she had to be cautious—the fate of the realm could rest on her trust.

"Prove it," she demanded, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hand. "Tell me something only my father would know."

Lino's smile grew sad, his eyes misting over with memory. "The night you were born, Natasha," he began, "the stars shone like a thousand diamonds in the sky. Your mother and I danced around the bonfire, our hearts filled with joy as we welcomed you into the world. It was the night of the crimson moon, and as the light bathed you, the first teardrop of your life force—your Naten—took the color of the moon's glow. That's why your tattoo is red."

Her hand hovered over the dagger, unsure. His words stirred something deep within her, a memory long buried beneath the sands of time. The crimson moon, the warmth of her mother's embrace, the scent of the bonfire—it was all there, as real as the air she breathed. Yet, doubt remained.

With a swift motion, Natasha drew the dagger, the blade glinting in the dim tavern light. "I've heard enough tall tales," she spat, her voice laced with anger and fear. "If you truly are my father, tell me where the Tears of Lumina are hidden!"

Surprise flashed across Lino's face, quickly replaced by understanding. He held up his hands in a gesture of peace, his own Naten flaring around him. "Natasha," he said firmly, "I don't know where the Tears are. I've been searching for them just as you have."

Her eyes narrowed, the dagger pointing at his chest. "You expect me to believe that?" she hissed. "To trust a man I've never met, you might have the power to manipulate my very thoughts?"

He stepped closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "If I wanted to harm you, I wouldn't have allowed you to attack me . I'd have done it when you were defenseless." His voice was calm, his aura steady. "But I believe, I'm here to help you, to guide you. We must search together. If I was sent here, there must be a reason. What year is this…"

The room grew still, the air thick with tension as Natasha weighed her options. The bond between them pulsed with unspoken truths, the Naten in her blood calling out to him. Yet, she had been raised to trust no one, especially not those who bore the crimson teardrop tattoo.

With a snarl, she lunged, her dagger slicing through the air. Lino moved with the grace of a seasoned warrior, his hand shooting out to catch her wrist, his grip firm but gentle. The dagger clattered to the ground, the threat averted.

"You must believe me," he whispered, his eyes filled with an intensity that pierced her soul. "We're all that's left, Natasha. We need each other."

Their gazes held for what felt like an eternity, the truth of his words echoing in the silence. Slowly, Natasha's hand relaxed in his grip, the fight draining from her body. Her eyes searched his, looking for the answers she had sought her whole life.

"You’ve been gone since I was 10 years old I’m 17 now, Natsuka’s 19 and Mika’s a full adult now.” she murmured, her voice shaky. "Dasmun Maru is the head of the family now.”

With a nod of understanding, Lino released her hand and opened his arms. Natasha stared at him for a moment, her eyes searching, and then she fell into his embrace. The years of loneliness and doubt melted away as she felt the warmth of a parent's love, something she hadn't felt since she was a child. Her shoulders shook as she sobbed into his chest, the weight of her burden finally lifted.

Lino held her tightly, his own eyes misting over. He had missed so much—her first steps, her first Naten glow, the sound of her laughter. He had failed her and her brothers in the most fundamental way a parent could, but he was here now, and he would not fail them again.

"I promise you, Natasha," he whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion, "I'll never leave you or your brothers alone again."

But even as the words left his lips, the air grew colder, the shadows darker. A rift in the very fabric of reality tore open behind them, unleashing a torrent of dark energy that swept through the tavern. The patrons' eyes glazed over, their movements becoming erratic and violent. They turned on each other, driven by a malevolent force that Lino and Natasha could feel pulsing in the very air they breathed.

Natasha's eyes widened in horror as she saw the chaos unfolding around her. "What’s that smell," she said urgently, pulling away from her father's embrace as she covered her nose.

But Lino was already on the move, his Naten blazing to life. He knew that running would only delay the inevitable; they had to close the rift before it consumed the tavern and the innocent souls within. "Natasha,we are Maru protectors of the light." he called over the din of battle, "use your power to calm them. We must not harm those who are not truly our enemies."

Her eyes searched his, finding the strength she needed. Nodding, she raised her hands, her own Naten swirling in a mesmerizing dance of red and silver. Together, they combined their magic, weaving a spell that soothed the agitated souls of the tavern-goers. The dark energy retreated, and the room grew still as one by one, the patrons slumped to the floor, their eyes closing in a deep, peaceful sleep.

Their combined power was a sight to behold, a testament to the unbroken line of the Maru family. As the last of the energy dissipated, Natasha's shoulders slumped with relief, her eyes never leaving the sleeping forms around them. "What was that?" she breathed, her voice shaking.

"The energy of the creature, Eclipse," Lino said grimly, his gaze on the now-closed rift. "It feeds on chaos , the darkness in people’s hearts are what attracts them, creating these gateways to invade our world. It's one of the things we, the Maru, been fighting against all these centuries. We called them Exorcisms whenever we go to an infected area… I’m sure you know this by now…. But I used my Psalms do know how to manifest the holy light magic."

The gravity of the situation settled over Natasha like a heavy cloak. This was the enemy her father had been speaking of, the darkness that had stolen him from her so long ago..

With a determination that surprised Natasha as she turned to Lino, her eyes burning with the light of her own Naten. "Teach me," she said, her voice firm. "Teach me everything you know, so I can fight alongside you

The sun had dipped below the horizon by the time Natasha and Lino arrived at the Maru family manor. The grandeur of the building was lost in the shadows, but the flickering lights from within cast an inviting glow onto the cobblestone path. The scent of blooming flowers and the distant sound of laughter filled the air, hinting at a warm reunion. Natasha's heart raced as she approached the entrance, eager to introduce her father to her brother Mika.

Mika Maru, the eldest son of Lino, was a man of stoic demeanor, his eyes as sharp as the blade he wielded. He had been watching over Natasha and Natsuka in their father's absence, his own crimson tattoo a reminder of the burden he carried. As Natasha led Lino into the courtyard, she could see the tension in Mika's shoulders ease as he caught sight of them. His smile was tentative, but hopeful.

"Father?!," Mika said, his voice a mix of wonder and caution. He stepped forward, his arms open wide.

Lino's eyes watered as he embraced his son, feeling the warmth of his Naten mingle with his own. The years of separation fell away, and for a brief moment, they were a family again. But the joy was short-lived, as the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the night.

The new head of the Maru family, Ashor Maru, strode into the courtyard, his eyes narrowing at the sight of the two figures standing before him. His gaze turned cold as he took in the crimson teardrop tattoo that marked Lino. The air grew thick with tension as the three of them stood, the unspoken words hanging heavy between them.

"What is the meaning of this?" Ashor bellowed, his voice booming across the courtyard. His eyes darted to Natasha, and she could see the accusation in his gaze. "You've brought him here?"

Natasha stepped in front of Lino, her own Naten flaring. "He is my father," she declared, her voice unwavering. "And he is here to help us find the Tears of Lumina."

Mika's eyes grew wide with shock, but he didn't move, his hand resting on the pommel of his sword. The silence was deafening, the only sound the distant whisper of the wind.

Ashor’s expression was unreadable, his eyes flickering between Natasha and Lino.

"Your father is a traitor!" Ashor spat, his hand tightening around the hilt of his sword. "He abandoned us, left us to deal with the aftermath of his failure!"

Natasha stepped forward, her own hand moving to the dagger at her side. "He didn't abandon us," she said fiercely. "He was taken!"

But Ashor wasn't swayed. "It matters not," he said, his voice cold. "The council has spoken, and he is to be tried for treason."


Mika's eyes searched Natasha's, looking for some sign of doubt, but all he found was conviction. With a nod, he sheathed his sword, his gaze never leaving Ashor's. "Then let him face the council," he said, his voice firm.

Ashor hesitated, his eyes flickering to Natasha, then back to Mika. Finally, with a devious smile, he barked an order to his guards. "Take him to the cells. He's not to be harmed..Inform the High Coucil… The Zhao has returned."

Lino allowed the guards to lead him away without protest, his gaze never leaving Natasha. He handed her his blade, Nitos, and the flask of Kaigen, his grip lingering for a moment. Protect them, treat them as they are me, Nira" he said softly.

The liquid within the flask was indeed low, a reminder of the battles he had faced. Yet, Natasha felt a strange comfort in holding the weapon, as if it were a piece of him that she could wield.

Mika and Natasha exchanged a worried glance as the guards marched Lino away. Despite their fears, they knew their father was capable of escaping if necessary. He had survived so much, they had to trust that he would find a way out of this as well.

The siblings made their way to Natsuka's chambers, their hearts heavy with the news they bore. They found him poring over his own set of tomes, his eyes weary with the weight of his own studies. As they entered, he looked up, his gaze immediately falling upon the weapons in Natasha's hand. "What's happened?" he asked, his voice tinged with alarm.


Mika took a deep breath and relayed the events of the evening, his voice steady despite his inner turmoil. Natsuka's eyes grew wide with shock, his handsome features contorting in disbelief. "Our father?" he breathed. "He's returned?"

Natasha nodded, her voice shaking. "But he's been arrested," she said. "Ashor doesn't trust him."

The room grew quiet, the three of them standing in a tense tableau. The bond between them, forged by blood and shared adversity, was palpable. They had always been outsiders, their heritage a source of both pride and persecution. Now, they had to face the possibility that the very family they had fought to protect could be their greatest enemy.

Mika stepped forward, his jaw set with a fierce determination that Natasha had never seen before. "We're not going to let him be taken," he said, his voice a low growl. "We'll break him out."

But Natasha knew better than to act rashly. "We must be careful," she cautioned, her eyes flicking to the guards stationed at the door. "We need to understand why Ashor has done this. Perhaps there's more to the story than we know."

As if on cue, a soft glow emanated from the sword in Natasha's hand. The siblings' eyes widened as a figure coalesced before them—a woman of ethereal beauty, dressed in a gown of shimmering light. Her long, flowing hair was the color of a morning sky, and her eyes held the warmth of a thousand stars.

"I am Nese," she whispered, her voice like the rustle of leaves. "The spirit guardian of the sword Nitos."

Mika and Natsuka stumbled back, their eyes glued to the spectral figure before them. "Your father, Lino Maru, like you, is an Exorcist," Nese continued, her eyes filled with a fierce loyalty. "He has sworn his life to the Goddess Lumina, and I am his partner in this sacred duty."

Natasha couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy at the mention of her father. "You look just like her," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper.

Nese's smile grew wistful. "I am of the same Fae lineage as your mother, yes," she said. "But I am not she. I am Nese, a guardian of the light. Your mother, Kira, was a gentle soul whose love for your father was as vast as the sky. I carry a piece of her within me, for we were bound by a shared purpose. But my existence is tied to this blade, to protect and guide those who wield it."

The room grew quiet as the siblings digested this revelation. The bond between their father and Nese was palpable, a bond forged in the heat of battle and the purity of their shared cause. It was a bond Natasha longed for, a connection to the mother she had lost.

Mika broke the silence, his hand on the pommel of the sword at his side. "What do we do now, Nese?" he asked. "We can't just sit here and wait for a trial."

The spirit guardian's expression grew serious. "Your father's return is no coincidence," she said. "The darkness is growing, and the Eclipse draws nearer. The prophecy speaks of three siblings united by the light, wielding the power of the Tears of Lumina to vanquish the Shroud. You must find the Lotus, Natasha, and together you will be unstoppable."

Natasha felt a shiver run down her spine, the weight of their mission settling heavily upon her shoulders. "But how do we do that?" she asked. "We're outcasts. We have no resources, no allies. Ashor has control over everything. This isn’t seven years ago when father was head of the Family. We are spread thin and Ashor is the reason behind it all. We have lost almost half of our family. Ashor deploys us on the most dangerous assignments.”

Nese's gaze grew steely. "Your bond is your strength," she said. "Trust in each other, and in the power of your lineage. The answers you seek lie within the Tower.”

Lino laid in the cold, dank cell, the rough stone walls closing in around him. The flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows across his weary features, the crimson teardrop tattoo standing out against his chestnut skin. His thoughts raced like a river in flood, a tumult of memories and questions, fear and hope. He had been a protector, a guardian of the light, and now he was a prisoner in his own family's home. The irony was not lost on him.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting the images of his past wash over him like a warm embrace. Hugo Manor, the ancestral home of the Maru family, floating majestically in the skies above Vescrutia. The gleaming spires and crystalline windows reflected the ever-changing hues of the heavens. It had been a bastion of hope and security, a bastion that he had been proud to call home.

The hall of Hugo Manor was a place of joy and camaraderie, where he and Kira had shared countless evenings with their friends and fellow mages. Their laughter had filled the air as they discussed strategy and spells, their Naten intertwining in a dance of love and power. They had been a force to be reckoned with, their union a beacon in the fight against the encroaching shadows. The birth of Natasha had been a moment of profound joy, but it had come at a great cost—the life of his beloved wife.

The day had begun like any other, the anticipation of Natasha's birth a sweet undercurrent to the tension of the ongoing battle against the Reapers. But as the contractions grew stronger, so too did the shadows outside the manor walls. The rift had opened wider, spewing forth a tide of darkness that seemed to swallow everything in its path. The Maru family had rallied, their combined Naten lighting up the sky like a defiant sun as they fought to keep the enemy at bay.

And then, Mayuri Kawasaki had arrived. His eyes had burned with the cold fire of madness and power, his twisted smile a grim promise of the horrors to come. The battle had been swift and brutal, the manor's defenses crumbling beneath his onslaught. Lino had felt his heart shatter as he watched the manor fall, his world collapsing around him. But amidst the chaos, he had found the strength to save his children, to hold Natasha in his arms for the first time as he whispered a prayer to the Goddess Lumina.

The loss of Kira was a wound that had never truly healed, the gaping hole in his soul a constant reminder of the price of war. As he lay in the cell, Lino swore to himself that he would not let Natasha and her brothers suffer the same fate. He would find the Lotus of Lumina, harness its power, and end the Shroud's reign of terror once and for all.

For ten long years, Lino Maru had fought on the front lines, his sapphire eyes burning with a righteous fury that was as potent as the golden-white lightning that danced around his fingertips. He had become a legend, a specter of hope in the darkest of battles, the very embodiment of the Maru name. Yet, the war raged on, the Reapers growing stronger with every soul they claimed.

The first two years were a blur of pain and loss, each battle more brutal than the last. Lino pushed himself to his breaking point and beyond, driven by the memory of Kira and the promise he had made to his children. His tireless search for the Lotus of Lumina had earned him the moniker of Zhao or ' Lumina's Shadow', a title that both thrilled and haunted him. The dark whispers of the Reapers grew more insistent, their malicious intent clear. They sought to erase the Legacy bloodlines, to snuff out the light that threatened their dominion.

It was in the third year that Lino's fortunes began to shift. In the heart of a battlefield scarred by the blackened claws of the Reaper War, Lino's Urklic Weapon, Nitos, had shuddered in his grip, revealing its true form—a blade of gleaming silver, suffused with the essence of the Fae. The spirit of the blade, Nese, had manifested before him, a being of pure light and fiery resolve. Their bond had been instant and unbreakable.

The war grew more personal as Mayuri focused his attention on the Maru family. They knew that if they could break the lineage, the prophecy of the Lotus could be thwarted. Yet, Lino remained steadfast, his eyes never straying from the horizon. His determination grew with each passing day, fueled by the knowledge that he was closer to ending this nightmare.

And then, in the seventh year, the opportunity presented itself Mayuri kidnapped Natasha, luckily, intelligence reports lead to Mayuri's location, a fortress nestled in the heart of the Reaper's territory. The time had come to face the man who had taken so much from him. With Natasha's life hanging in the balance, Lino knew that he could not fail.

The battle was fiercer than any he had ever known, the air charged with the electricity of their clashing Naten. Mayuri's madness had only grown stronger, his power a twisted reflection of the love and light Lino had sworn to protect. Yet, with Nese at his side, Lino felt invincible. Together, they unleashed the full fury of their combined might, summoning the legendary Heaven's Blade—a weapon of purest light that could cleave the very fabric of darkness.

The clang of steel on steel echoed through the fortress as they danced in a deadly waltz, the air alight with the power of their blades. Each strike brought them closer to victory, each parry a step towards redemption. And then, with a final, desperate swing, Lino impaled Mayuri through the heart, the darkness around him evaporating into the ether.

As Mayuri fell, a strange silence descended upon the battlefield. The Reapers retreated, their morale shattered by the loss of several of their leaders. The survivors of the Maru family gathered around Lino, their eyes shining with a mix of relief and fear. They had witnessed the birth of a hero, a warrior whose name would be etched into the annals of history alongside the Tears of Lumina.

The victory was bittersweet, The Maru only had enough of the Lotus left to create the four flask that belong to him and his children, a reminder of the cost of war. But Lino knew that he had bought Natasha and her brothers time, a chance to grow and fulfill their destinies. As he looked into the faces of his comrades, he vowed to continue his quest, to find the Lotus and restore power back to his family. For he was no longer just a father seeking vengeance; he was the guardian of a legacy that had been entrusted to him by the gods themselves.

In the quiet moments between battles, Natasha, Mika, and Natsuka grew to know the man behind the legend. Lino was a distant father, his eyes haunted by the ghosts of his past. He was always out there, fighting the good fight, leaving them to wonder if he would ever come home for good. The days grew longer, and the nights more restless, filled with the whispers of their mother's love and the clanging of swords in their father's nightmares.

With the image of the Forbidden One cursing his mind, Lino's eyes snapped open, the images of Kira's loving gaze and Natasha's first steps fading like mist in the morning light. The heavy iron bars of his cell swung wide, the squeal echoing through the damp, stale air. Ashor Maru strode in, his expression unreadable, his eyes as cold as the steel that imprisoned Lino. Behind him, a man with a gentle aura walked in, his eyes kind despite the shadow that Lino felt within him.

"Sir Hugo," Allister said with a gentle smile, his voice a balm to the harshness of the dungeon. "I've come to speak with you."

Lino studied him, the crimson teardrop above his eye pulsing with a mix of curiosity and caution. He knew this man bore the weight of dark Naten, yet his demeanor was as comforting as a lullaby. "And you are?," he said, his voice gravelly from disuse. "What brings you to my cell?"

"I am the Great Observer, My name is Allister Morbin, I've come to seek your aid," Allister replied, his eyes never leaving Lino's. "I know you are about to bloom again, and the Tears of Lumina are in danger."

The mention of the Lotus sent a jolt through Lino's weary body. This was no random encounter; the threads of fate were weaving themselves around him once more. He pushed himself to his feet, his chains clanking as he stood tall despite his captivity.

"You speak of the Tears, so you must know why you release me then." Lino said, his eyes narrowing.

Allister's gaze grew intense. "Because you are the key," he whispered. "The one who can bring balance to the realms."

Their magical energies danced around each other, a silent conversation of power and intent. Lino could feel the pull of Allisters naten, the unspoken understanding that he was the far stronger than he was letting on, Lino felt he had to act but not here not now, he had failed once before, and the price had been too high.

"Release Him," Allister said to Ashor, his voice firm yet gentle. "He must prepare for what's to come."

Ashor's eyes narrowed, his hand tightening around the hilt of his sword. "You dare to order me?"

The kindness in Allister's eyes didn't waver. "I dare for the sake of Vescrutia," he said, his voice carrying a hint of steel. "The Maru does not discriminate. If we do not act as one, we will all fall to its shadow."

For a tense moment, the room hung in the balance, the air crackling with unspoken threats and hidden truths. Then, with a snarl, Ashor stepped aside, allowing Allister to approach the cell.

"Your family awaits you," Allister said, his hand outstretched to Lino. "The time has come to fulfill your destiny."

With a heavy heart and the ghost of Kira's smile guiding him, Lino reached out and took Allister's hand, the chains falling away like shackles of doubt. As they stepped into the corridor, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of a journey fraught with danger and revelation. A journey that would force him to confront not only the darkness in the world but the shadows of his own past.

Ashor's eyes burned into Lino's back, his disdain palpable. "You think you can control him?" Ashor challenged, his voice echoing in the dimly lit corridor.

Allister's smile was knowing as he turned to face the skeptical leader. "He is a Maru," he said simply. "And he carries the light of Lumina within him."

"He is a traitor!" Ashor roared. "He abandoned us to face the Shroud alone!"

Allister's gaze remained unflinching. "He did what he had to," he replied calmly. "And now he's back to do what must be done."

The tension in the corridor was thick enough to slice with a knife. Lino felt it as he walked away, the weight of their words like a noose tightening around his neck.

"The prophecy speaks of a Maru," Allister said, his voice echoing down the corridor. "One who will wield the Lotus and purge the dark Naten. He will either be our salvation or the spark that ignites the final war."

Ashor's expression grew darker, his hand still on the sword at his side. "You gamble with our lives," he murmured.

Allister's smile was enigmatic. "No, my friend," he said. "I gamble with destiny."