Chapter Text
Prologue
It was a dark stormy night for the Kaneshiro kingdom, as the rain poured heavily on the cobblestone floor. The castle was bustling as the maids scatter, getting towels and water to bring to the queen's chambers. For she was about to give birth to the new heir to the throne. They could hear her groans and yell in agony throughout the castle and began to pick up their pace. As they entered and gave the materials to the doctor. One goes over to stand beside the queen. Wiping off her sweat with a cold wet rag.
The King on the other side, letting his wife clench his hand. Her grip was so deadly you could see the majesty's hand turn purple. But he did not dare utter a word at that moment. For his wife was the one experiencing the most pain. The doctor prompted the queen to push and steady her breathing.
Her mind however was becoming a blur, as her vision was beginning to blur. Though she did take a shaky deep breath and pushed as hard as she could. The doctor yelled in excitement when he saw the baby’s head begin to peak out. He adjusted his hands to prepare to position the baby so that the shoulders would come out safely.
“My love you are doing great, you are almost there!” The King exclaimed with excitement. The Queen though looked over at him with a furious face and clenched his hand harder. She couldn't say a witty remake back as the doctor told her to let out one more big push. She let out another scream of excruciating pain as she pushed again. The room was then filled with crying, everyone then let out a breath of relief.
The queen then fell back to the bed as she was now exhausted from the labor. “Is- Is the baby ok?’ The queen asked as her voice was shaky from being out of breath. “Yes my queen, you have a healthy baby boy.” The King made his wave to the doctor and looked at the crying baby. “Our son, our beautiful son.” The doctor then grabbed one of the warm towels and cleans the baby. After the baby was clean, he wrapped the baby in another towel and let the King hold him.
The King was a little uncomfortable when he first held his son. To be more exact he was nervous, though when he looked down at his face he had a warm smile. He makes his way back to his wife's bedside. “My dear, he has your hair.” The maids assist the Queen and sit back up as the doctor begins the cleaning process for her. Her eyes begin to water as she looks at her newborn child. The King slowly hands over the baby into the mother's arms.
She looks into the baby’s eyes as she continues to cry. “And he has your eyes.” She reached forward to push some hair to stand out of his face. The baby then squirms around a little until he looks up into his mother’s eyes. His crying then softened when he felt the warmth of his mother.
“What shall we name him dear?”
“I was perhaps thinking of the name Luca”
“Luca… Mm yes, that name does seem suited for a future king.”
The two smiled at each other as they cooed over their newborn son. A happy atmosphere was resonating around them, as everyone in the castle was filled with peace that the new prince was born. However, this tranquil moment would not last long for the kingdom.
That following weekend the majesties decided to celebrate the birth of Luca. Royals from kingdoms far and wide gathered around the party. Along with the townspeople coming in wanting to see the adorable new addition to the Kaneshiro family. One by one people stepped up to the King and Queen congratulating them. To then peek over to the prince, who was laying in a cradle.
He would laugh and smile at whoever's new face would peer over into his view. Winning the guest's heart with his cute charm. After people would see the prince, they would have a gift to offer to the prince. Everyone was enjoying themselves, laughing amongst themselves. Until suddenly there was a loud crack of thunder that echoed in the dancing hall. Everyone let out a shriek of fear as dark clouds began to fill the room.
The parents were getting terrified about this ominous magic that was appearing now. The King held onto his wife, though the Queen was trying to get to her son. “Now, is this any way to react to an old acquaintance?” Her majesty recognized that voice and her blood ran cold throughout her body. The clouds began to fade away, as the source of this mayhem was now in plain sight. It was Meredith, the witch that used to be in the kingdom's council for being involved in the dark arts. Meredith did not take that news well and made a clear statement that their empire would someday pay the price for what they have done.
“Meredith, what are you doing here?” The Queen had an uneasy feeling as Meredith stood in front of her. “Well, I am just here to congratulate you, after all, you did just give birth to your son. I must say I was quite saddened that I was not invited to this grand banquet”
“You weren’t welcomed back to our kingdom!” The King said angrily as he puffed up his chest. The Queen held him back and gave him a pleading glare. She was scared of what may happen with two people disputing with hot tempers. Meredith just let out a scoff as she stared daggers at the King. She then made her way up the stairs and bent down to get a closer look at the baby. “My my, just look at the little rascal, so small, so vulnerable.”
“We are no fools, what are your true intentions you heathen.” The King spat out angrily as he stepped forward. “Know your place my grace.” Meredith then raised her hand, making the King stop in his tracks. “Let me go to this instance! I am your king!” The king tried to struggle against Mereidth’s magic but it was no use.
“Silence! If I am not mistaken, you are no longer my king sir. This is trivial anyways, you're no match for me.” Prince Luca began to cry from all the commotion, Meredith turned over to his cradle. “Now look what you’ve done, the poor prince is getting frightened.”
“Meredith! Please don’t hurt him!” The Queen was quite petrified about the situation, Meredith was already a powerful witch before. Who knows what she is capable of now that she practices dark magic. “Hurt him, my dear I would never.” Meredith had a mischievous smile on her face, making the Queen doubt her remark. She then bent over and lifted the prince with one hand, making sure she had the King under her control with the other.
Everyone gasped as she held the child, as they all thought the absolute worst could happen. “Oh there there, you don’t need to be scared. I am just here to give you your birthday present, my prince.” The prince cried out even louder, making Meredith roll her eyes. “Eugh you children are all so .” She then leaned in close to the prince and began to whisper an incantation. A black cloud started to form around them, everyone was mortified by what they were witnessing. She was finally done with the curse and let the crying child back down in the cradle with a wicked smile.
She then ascended into the air, as her right hand finally went down. Now the King was finally free from her control and called over the guards. They quickly came over and handed the King his swords. “No, my baby!” The Queen leaped forward to grab her child as he was crying in fear. “What have you done to him?” The witch let out a maniacal laugh, making everyone get a sudden chill running down their back. “I just gave him a little birthday present.” The queen looked angrily at the witch as she frantically was trying to calm down the child.
“We will not ask again, what have you done to our son?!” The King then stepped forward among the guards. They all positioned themselves, ready to attack at any moment. “You folks had to ruin the surprise, fine. Your precise child is now cursed.” The Queen let out a gasp in disbelief, she held onto her child tightly. “You monster! How could you?!”
“How could I!? Oh, I could ask you the same question, your majesty. For it was you who decided to kick me out of the council. This is just the consequences of your action my dear. Now your child can never live on to live his legacy.” The King’s blood was beginning to blow out of frustration. “Guards! Attack!” Meredith let out another loud maniacal laugh. Before anyone could even try to attack her, she vanished in a dark black cloud.
The hall then became silent as everyone was still in shock at what just occurred. The King turned back to where his wife was standing. She was crying hysterically as she held onto Luca. “My son, oh my poor son.” The King looked down in both defeat and anger, though he had to keep a composed expression for his people.
For the next few days, the king sent out search parties to try to capture Meredith. He was determined to find her and make her pay for what she did to his family. The Queen on the other hand had fallen into a depressive episode. If she wasn't sitting in silence starting, in the nursery room. She was found crying in her quarters. She was completely devastated by what may happen to her child.
Everyone else in the kingdom was on the edge of the majesty's state. Or if Meredith may come back and continue to torture their kingdom. The King returned to their bedroom after another unsuccessful search for Meredith. When he walked into the room he saw his wife sitting on her chair. Her eyes puffed eyes and swollen from crying. Next to her was the dinner she left untouched. It was apparent that she was refusing to eat from all the stress. Seeing her in this state made the King feel more ashamed.
He walked up slowly to her and kneed down next to her. “My dear, you must eat something.” She averts her gaze at him with a sorrowful expression and shakes her head no. He frowns and lifts his face to lightly brush his hand against her face. She has gotten thinner, and her skin was beginning to get pale. She didn’t even react to his touch as she went back to staring off into the distance.
He brings his hand back down and clenches it into a fist. He was furious at what had become of his beloved wife. “We will find a way to protect him, I promise you that.” He leaned in to kiss her cheek and retreated out of the room quickly. He suddenly has an idea and calls over his second in command.
“Send someone out now to give a message to the warlock in the forest. He may be the only hope we have for my son.”
“Yes, your majesty.”
He made his way out to the stables and sent a messenger boy to go seek out the warlock. The King saw him ride out into the night from the entrance gate. He truly hoped the warlock could have some solution for his son's safety.
The next morning the king was able to get the queen to eat at least a few bites of breakfast. He decided to not participate in any search parties. He would rather be there to help his wife through the emotions she is going through. He held her hand as he read her favorite novel. There was a small smile on the queen’s face. It was the first time in a week that she felt a bit of peace. There was a sudden knock on their door.
“Come in.”
“Your majesty, the warlock has arrived.”
“Take us to him.”
The king stood quickly, he certainly came here faster than he expected. “Come on dear, he may be able to help us.” The queen’s eyes widen with a little bit of hope. She got up slowly since she had been sitting down and not getting the proper nutrients for a while. Her husband helped her up as they made their way down to the main entrance.
“I came as soon as I received your message, my lord.”
“I’m glad you did, but do you need some rest? I suspect you didn’t get to sleep last night.”
“No my lord, my well-being isn’t at risk here. I must see the state of your child immediately.”
He nods and turns over to a maid and tells her to bring him down. She nodded back and went up to his nursery, she came back with the prince in her arms. He was still half asleep when she handed him to the warlock.
“I see this is indeed Meredith’s doing.”
“How can you tell?”
“Every person's magic has a specific aura to them. Have you noticed any marks on him after the curse?”
The two shook their heads no, and they turned to the maids who have been taking care of the child as well. “We have not seen any unusual mark when we change or bathe the prince.” The warlock hummed as he pondered. “I must continue my investing, is there a room where I can lay the child?” The King nodded and escorted the warlock to an empty study room. The Queen followed along behind them
As they walked in the warlock placed the prince down slowly on the study room desk. The prince squirmed a little but stayed asleep. He placed his hand over the child’s body and began to say a magic spell. The Queen clenched onto her husband's arm, as she was reminded of that fateful night. Her body began to shake in fear even though she knew that her son was in good hands. The King sensed his wife’s anxious behavior and held onto her close.
They both watched in anticipation as the warlock proceeded with the spell. Though the warlock was beginning to sense an unearthly sensation, he looked down and saw a dark cloud start to surround him. The cloud then wrapped around his hand, shocking it in the process. He hissed out in pain which interpreted the incantation. The clouds then fanned out in the room heavily, making a loud crash.
The prince got startled by the noise and began to cry out. The Queen rushed over to his side and quickly picked him up. “What in the world was that?” The queen looked over at the warlock in fear. He was tending to his hand with a remedy he grabbed out of his pocket. “The curse has a protection spell. It will harm both your son and me if I try to help him.” The queen let out a gasp as she held her son closely. Her eyes began to get watery, was this truly the fate of her only child?
“Please sir, there must be a future for my son.” He let out a sign of defeat and nodded his head. “Very well I will see what I can do. I may need to gather materials for the spells I need to cast.” He then set his bags down on the table and took out a book from a magic pocket. “We will provide any material you will need, just let a servant know.” the King responded as he walked forward to the warlock. He nods back to the King and requests to only have the Queen and child present in the room. The queen of course agreed to his small request, she was willing to help in any way to save her son.
The examination would continue for the rest of the day, as the warlock tried many other spells and incantations from his book. However, there were no outcomes other than the warlock getting a new injury. While the prince would have a crying outburst. The warlock was able to heal his injuries quickly, as the Queen would soothe her son so he would stop crying. Her heart did ache to see him cry so often, she could not imagine what pain he may be enduring at such a young age.
“Sir, would it be wise to resume this in an hour? This certainly can’t be good for his health.”
“I can assure you, your highness, that I am also healing your son as well as myself. The only thing that is bothering him would be the clouds or subtle noises.”
“Still all of this can’t be good for him to endure so frequently. Please sir, at least for a few minutes. You should also get some rest, perhaps get a small meal.”
The queen looked over at the warlock with pleading eyes, he let out a hum and nodded his head. “Very well your highness, we will have a short intermission.” She thanked him as she called over a maid to bring them some food. As they waited she sat down and nursed her child, she wiped the tears off his face as she fed him. Her heartstrings pulled as a lingering feeling crept over her again. She silently prayed to any God that maybe listened to protect her precious son.
Their food had arrived and the two enjoyed the sandwiches and fruits that were displayed on the plates. After they finished the warlock flipped through his books quickly, trying to see what spell he should do next. He was rather stumbled though, he never faced a dark spell at this before. He was determined to find a solution and pulled more books out of this magic pocket. As he was reading over the spells he did find two that may be promising. So he bookmarked them and started working on the first spell.
It was a simple one that could create a protection amulet. Though it was not capable of defending against a powerful dark spell. It was able to ensure a double layer of immunity against similar forces. He requested the materials he needed from a nearby guard and began preparation for the second spell he had in mind. This however was a more difficult spell, one that would take all of his power and energy. For he was going to have help from the higher beings, and seek into the future.
“Your highness, this next spell I will cast will be one of the most difficult ones I will have to do today. Though this might well be the only way we will find answers for the well-being of your son.” His remark sounded so ominous to the Queen however, she did not dare to question him. She rose from her seat and nodded her head. “If you believe it to be true, then do what you must.” He nodded back at the Queen and waited for the supplies to come. He also called for the King to be present for the spell as well.
When everything was in place he quickly made the amulet and handed it to the two. “Have him wear this, so he may be protected from any other hexes.” They both agreed and put the amulet carefully around his neck. Then the warlock prepared himself for the second spell, he first had to mix an elixir with specific herbal plants. After he picked up a small dagger and cut the palm of his hand. He placed his hand over the elixir, making sure three drops had fallen in there. It changed into a dark blue and started to glow.
He walked over to the young prince and picked at a loose hair from his head. He dropped it into the elixir, making it change into a purple color now. He now knew the incantation worked and then proceeded to read the chant in the book. As he read the chant his entire body began to have a burning sensation. He had to ignore it for now and had to continue with the spell. He went on with the incantation when his eyes began to glow. This of course also made a burning hot sensation making him let out a yell in agony.
Through the bright glowing he was able to see some silhouettes moving. Finally, he was able to see into the future. The figures were slowly becoming clearer however, he did not seem to recognize the person. “You wish to know the fate of Prince Luca?” This sudden deep voice startled the warlock as he searched around to find the source. “Do not be frightened, I am here to aid you. Look closely.” The warlock obeyed as he kept his composure, as he was given a clearer view of who he was looking at. “He is the one that will save the prince.”
How can it be possible the young boy looked so ordinary, did he have some secret ability? The warlock questioned himself while the mysterious figure began to move in the vision. He watched carefully as the boy moved and was in front of a taller figure. He looked quite familiar, he squinted a bit and saw the amulet. Could it be? “Yes, that is the prince grown up. This is 16 years into the future. That other young man next to him is Leo, he will be able to save the prince in the future.”
The warlock could not help but still wonder how this young boy could possibly protect the prince from Meredith's forces. His thoughts had to come to a stop as the vision was beginning to fade away. The burning sensation began settling on his eyes again, making him cry in pain. “Remember these words, Shu is the fated one to save Prince Luca from the witch Meredith. 17 years from now he must come to the kingdom, and lastly-”
The last part of the message was cut abruptly as the incantation came to an end. A sudden bright white light blinded the warlock as he tumbled down on the floor. The King rushed over to help him up, as he had no more energy from the spell. His eyesight was slightly damaged from the bright light, and his body was going through excruciating pain. Though he did hear a faint voice in his head that was strangely familiar. His eyes widened when he realized it was the same entity telling him the last piece of the information he missed.
“Was it successful sir?”
“Yes, yes it was your highness.”
“What did you see?”
“You both may want to sit down.”
The two looked back at each other with worried expressions. The queen then looked down at her son, what kind of future could he possibly have?