Prior To The Event (Prologue - Part 1)

Read More Chapters Here

Our story begins with a young "used-to-be" Bard and a skilled archer named Pietro, who lives in a town called Nesseley in Yorkshire, England, 16th century.

Pietro is a messy, lazy-ass boy who doesn't do anything other than an annoyance to the whole community.

He steals, threatens, gambles, and bullies kids into doing things for him. He is the perfect example of a delinquent. Thankfully, aside from these mischievous things he currently practices, he hasn't done anything to hurt innocent people and doesn't plan anything to do so.

But Pietro...he wasn't like this a year ago. He was a good boy, a sweet boy, to be precise. A person who was full of love, happiness, and songs! Yes, songs! He writes melodies about joy, hope, friendship, love, love, and not to mention... love! People liked him, always waiting for his performance in the Nesseley Plaza at four o'clock in the afternoon, craving to be serenaded by his heavy-metal joyful poems and tunes.

It seems like Pietro has an infinite bank of ideas and inspiration. Is it possible? Why, yes, it is! For Pietro, being in love with someone is the source of great ideas and inspiration... being in love with Erica is the source of his unlimited inspiration.

They often go to this small park or "secret place," as they call it together, which is placed right outside the town of Nesseley. Every day, before and after Pietro's performance, they would spend time together in that same place talking about random stuff and doing things that a decent couple would do. For Pietro and Erica, it was perfect; it was majestic; it was infinite.

Until that fateful day happened...

---

A few hours before Pietro's daily performance in the town, the sweet couple was enjoying their time together in that secret place cuddling, talking, and once again doing stuff a decent couple would typically do.

When the clock finally struck 4 in the afternoon, Pietro, as hard as it was for him to get up and leave his dearest Erica to fulfill his daily play in the town, finally summoned the urge to say goodbye temporarily. But right before Pietro entirely walks away from the park, Erica rushed into him and gave him her sweetest kiss. Pietro, surprised, blushed like a fully ripened tomato and gave back Erica the warmest hug and kiss. It was an exceptional day.

Erica also told him that she would be going to the forest to get some fresh fruits and vegetables. She'll cook a splendid dinner to celebrate their special day after his show.

Unsurprisingly during the show, Pietro's performance was incomparable! It was magnificent! It might be the best performance of his life!

But when he is about to play his last performance, terrible news broke out in the town. Every play, every event, and every work was stopped to let curious ears listen to the message.

"A girl was severely attacked by savaged animals! In the forest!"

A cold lightning feeling scratched Pietro's heart upon hearing the news, and without hesitation, he got down from the stage and rushed towards the forest, thinking that it isn't her. Please, it must not be her.

He bumps into several people several times, not caring or minding their reactions. He wants to get to the forest.

Upon his arrival, several guardsmen were already there inspecting the crime scene. He ran towards these guardsmen and brushed them off with all his might to see what he needed to see. Although he was successful in boxing the guardsmen out, the consequence was a horrifying sight.

It was a lifeless Erica...full of bruises, scratches, and bite marks.

---

A speechless and shocked Pietro got down to his knees, carrying his beloved Erica into his arms. No tears were falling down his face because everything was too sudden. Everything was too fast. Even his tears were shocked by what he just saw. All he can feel now was emptiness as if the world

suddenly disappeared.

He didn't expect that... that kiss...that sweetest kiss! In the park a while ago was their last...

One of the kinder guardsmen walk up to him and bravely told him what happened.

Erica was attacked by savage creatures that looked like animals, and by the time they got there to rescue her and shove the unknown creatures off... it was already too late.

Erica was already on her dying breath like they were just there to receive Erica's last words.

"Please give this bell to Pietro. It contains my memories and love for him. Tell him to remember me, tell him that I will always be in his heart to guide him, tell him that I love him so much."

-were Erica's final message...

---

As the guardsman finishes his tragic story, he gave Pietro a bell.

A silver bell with a blue orb on its handle; The only memory he now has from his first love, that he yearns to be the last...

But that will never be possible anymore.

His beginning in the world of romantic bonds with his first love, Erica, ended on that particular day.

The day when everything changed, even him, as everything finally started sinking in.

Because for him...

...everything ended on the day of their anniversary.

All illustrations are done by Des Lombos.

Read More Chapters Here