Villain's Requiem

The warm sunlight danced across a beautiful garden casting dappled shadows on the winding paths.

Amidst this idyllic backdrop, two children, a boy and a girl twirled and laughed as they moved about it.

The boy had white hair, crimson eyes and looked to be around six to seven years old given the baby fat on his face.

While the girl had pink hair, blue eyes and also looked to be around six to seven years old.

They moved happily around the garden, laughing and playing with the insects on the flowers.

The girl with her wild flower bright smile and pink locks skipped ahead, her lavender dress fluttering like a butterfly.

She turned around and called out to her companion "Hey Lucas, over here". After saying that she started running and

Her companion, Lucas chased after her while screaming "Hey. Wait up Aurora." He said while trying to catch up to her.

When he finally caught to her, he saw her looking at the pond as a family of swans as effortlessly gliding across the water surface.

"Wow", Aurora said out loud with an excited look on her face. Lucas looked at her and couldn't help but smile as well.

After watching the family of swans for a little longer, the two carried on playing for the rest of the day.

As the day was nearing it's end, the exhausted children sat on a weathered stone bench surrounded by vibrant blooms and chirping birds.

They sit for a while before Lucas turns to face Aurora with a beautiful flower and gives it to her with a blush on his face.

"Ooohhh. How cute. How thoughtful". Aurora exclaimed excitedly. She then got off the bench, and fixed it on her hair.

She then spins around while asking.

"Hey Lucas how do I look?" But Lucas couldn't respond as his face got even redder.

Aurora smile grew even wider at Lucas' reaction. She then went to the bench and sat down drawing closer to Lucas.

Then as if summoning courage from nowhere, Lucas put his hand inside his pocket and brought out a small wooden ring with a flower design on it.

He then showed it to Aurora.

"Hey look, I made this just for you." He said to her excitedly.

Aurora turned to look at the ring and smiled happily with her eyes widening. "Wow. It's beautiful."

"I know. I carved it myself". Lucas replied. Well more like boasted to her while sticking out his chest.

Then almost immediately, his expression got serious. "Aurora. I love you. And I wish for us to someday get married."

This time Aurora was the one who blushed. Lucas was usually meek yet here he was being so unnaturally serious and bold.

She smiled and nodded enthusiastically. "Me too. I want us to get married too." Lucas expression brightened at her acceptance.

She giggled at his reaction. "We'll be together forever and ever". They said at the same time and giggled at each other.

And then the scene faded into black. Replaced by a different one.

This time, they were in the Morningstar mansion. It was the birthday of Lucas and Silas.

Since everyone in this world awakened at 10, it was also their awakening ceremony. Guests were flooding in. The twins were exchanging pleasantries with the guests alongside their parents.

After the birthday ceremony, the awakening ceremony took place next. And it was shocking.

Lucas who was always seen as the potential heir of House Morningstar awakened with a C rank potential while his brother Silas awakened an SS rank potential.

The gap was staggering. And from there, the promising heir's life fell apart.

And then the scene faded. And a new scene played out.

This time, it was a funeral service. There was a somber mood among the gathered mourners.

While the air was heavy with grief as friends, family, and acquaintances congregated to bid farewell to their departed friend, colleague, sister and wife, Yennifer Morningstar.

The sound of soft weeping and murmured condolences filled the air.

Lucas, his face pale and drawn, stood among the forefront mourners along with Silas, Isabel, and Aurora.

His eyes fixed on the mahogany casket, while Aurora grasped his hand, her eyes were red- rimmed from crying but her presence still managed to offer a little comfort.

As the funeral service began, the mournful melody of the lone violinist pierced the misty air, echoing the heartbreak that echoed within the most of the attendees.

Each of the eulogies spoke of Yennifer's kindness, firmness and unwavering devotion to those considered family. Each word cut deep, reminding Lucas and everyone there of the void she had left behind.

As the pall bearers carried the casket to the family plot, the sound of rustling leaves and distant birdsong seemed to fade into the background. Replaced by the haunting reality of a goodbye.

The Morningstar family each said their final goodbyes to her as the coffin was laid to rest.

And then the scene shattered. Different scenes began playing out. With Lucas' awakening being a disaster, a lot of his childhood friends began distancing themselves.

Albeit little by little. His father, Arnolds had already started becoming withdrawn and cold towards his children. Silas who had never been the focal point of attention before, thanks to his huge potential now was.

In the eyes of most nobles, it was already a given that Silas was going to be the heir of house Morningstar so they didn't bother themselves with Lucas.

Arnolds himself no longer trained Lucas as he used to. His efforts focused on Silas now.

With his mother gone, his friends isolating him now, and his father basically ignoring him, all he had was Aurora or so he thought.

*****

Lucas and Aurora stood facing each other in the same garden they made their promise to get married as children.

Lucas' expression currently tho was of shock and disbelief. As he stammered out. "W-what?"

Aurora looked at him with an aloof expression on her face as she repeated her words.

"Lucas, I don't think this engagement will work anymore. I don't want to get married to you."

Lucas facial expression crumbled even more. "W-why?"

Aurora still with an aloof look on her face replied. "We were kids when we made that promise. I don't think it should hold even now."

Lucas' eyes widen, pain etched on his face. But he still managed to stutter a statement which was more like a question.

"But, ..you wore the ring."

Aurora's gaze drops down to her hand as if just remembering, she slid the ring of her finger and holds it out to him.

She then speaks firmly. "I'm sorry Lucas but it just wouldn't work out." She then placed the ring on the floor and left.

As she walks out, Lucas tries to speaks. He wants to speak but. But there were no words. He didn't know what to say. And so he just stared at her departing back as she left.

And whispered. "Rory." The pet name he gave her. It almost seemed to work as Aurora stopped in her tracks. She paused, her back to him and without looking back whispered softly.

"Goodbye Lucas". And she heads out of the garden leaving Lucas alone with the ring clutched in his embrace as he started crying.

And then like glass, the scene shattered.