Nine centuries ago, the Mana Tree burned to ashes. The power of Mana survived inside Mana stones, enchanted instruments, and artifacts. Sages fought with each other for control of the last remnants of Mana.
Then, after hundreds of years of war, as Mana's power began to wane, those who sought it grew scarce, and the world returned to peace.
After this, humanity grew afraid to desire. Their hearts filled with empty emotions, and grew estranged from my hands. They turned their eyes away from my infinite power, and were troubled by their disputes.
Remember me! Need me! I can provide you with everything! I am love. Find me, and walk beside me.
MAILBOX
"Some letters a month can mean a lot to a lonely, far-off home."
Then, after hundreds of years of war, as Mana's power began to wane, those who sought it grew scarce, and the world returned to peace.
After this, humanity grew afraid to desire. Their hearts filled with empty emotions, and grew estranged from my hands. They turned their eyes away from my infinite power, and were troubled by their disputes.
Remember me! Need me! I can provide you with everything! I am love. Find me, and walk beside me.
MAILBOX
"Some letters a month can mean a lot to a lonely, far-off home."
It was early. It wasn't long since the Sun had emerged on the horizon, bringing daylight to the small hill. Situated in an empty field, with only a trail leading nowhere, its only peculiar feature was the large, leafy tree that covered both the hill itself, as well as a small house just below its branches, built next to the tree.
The house itself did not have many features that would make it unusual, having been built with wood and with a straw roof, with several windows and a friendly door, having an awning of ivy over itself. Just below was an elegant mailbox, having a pair of decorative wings, a painting that made it look similar to a house, and an attached bell that rang whenever any letter was put inside.
The bell rang, briefly, when a hand landed atop it.
— 18 years, it's been ... — the owner of this hand commented, while he looked at the mailbox. — I think it's time for me to meet with them. They must already be mature enough.
With a few more steps, he turned to the door, waiting for it to open. It didn't take long; in a few moments, he could hear the sound of footsteps coming from inside the house, as its inhabitants moved in speed. The sounds increased as they were approaching, until finally the door opened quickly.
— Ah… uncle! — said the youth who was at the door, a young, blond hair and green eyes, dressed in a very peculiar manner; his red hood had a green brooch with a pair of wings, his gloves that rose up to the shoulders were made of the same material, and the little armor that he wore – leather that only covered the chest itself, and lateral protections also made of leather, for his hips and legs — didn’t seem to give a lot of protection. The only thing more that he wore was a pair of trousers of the same style as a robe, and a pair of great boots, but still somewhat useless in terms of protection. — It's been so long!
— It sure has, right? — the stranger said, with a smart grin. Even though he looked like he was younger in appearance, given his smaller stature, he had an air of experience, aided by the gray hair and eyes. His own clothes were strange; blue and white scarves, brown gloves, a vest over a light shirt and a pair of shorts, and boots fastened with buckles white instead of laces. — How do ya do, Totó? Training hard? — he added while rubbed the youth's hair.
— Gosh! I'm not a pet, uncle! — ' Toto ' retorted, franzindo eyebrows. — And more-
— UNCLE! — shouted another voice, coming from the inside. This was most clearly a girl’s, who ran up the Uncle and embraced him with force. — I missed you so, uncle...
— Yeah... I can so see that, Imu! — he answered, taking a while to get out of her grip. The girl had long blond hair, broken into four parts, and eyes so green as those of 'Totó', with a stronger tone. She wore a short and purple sleeveless dress, with a red breastplate of stripes, red protections for the forearms, and green fuzzy boots. Three reeds grew on each side of the head, and more reeds tied her hair on the back and front tips. — Ya grew stronger, I see!
— Not as much as me though! — the youth declared immediately before displaying his sword, holding it with one hand. — I can handle not only this sword, but also a real shield! I can face any enemy!
— Don’t exaggerate, Toto! — Imu retorted, putting her hands on the waist. — You know I practiced a lot, to prove to uncle I can fight! And I can fight just as well as you!
— Haaaaaah ... is that so? — Uncle asked, crossing his arms. — I want to see if ya two have improved then. Did ya have breakfast already?
— Yes! — both responded immediately. Increasing the smile, the gray haired boy took a few steps back, before entering his own battle stance – separated legs, body positioned sideways, a hand ahead in a defensive state and another further back, to be able to attack. A pair of decorated daggers, with a bright and dark blade, formed in his hands like the sword of Toto had been formed in the hands of its owner.
— Then come here, Totó! I want to see if ya can break me out of this! — he challenged the boy, who smiled with fervor.
— For sure! — was the declaration in response, Toto taking his own position, one leg forward to serve as a counterweight to the sword arm.
After a moment, Uncle had a hardier smile, seeing the blond boy dashing in his direction, shouting a battle cry. The blades met in a strike, the two daggers working together to stop the weapon.
— Yor a little better, Totó... — he commented without disdain. — The last time we trained, ya couldn't keep yor sword in his hands, after seven strikes... This was my first!
— I'll prove that I can... — was the snappy answer. — ...that I can defeat you, uncle!
On the next strike, Toto put more strength on his attack, blocked once more by daggers; however, this time they failed to stop him so completely.
— Yes! — the boy celebrated, smiling more. However, the Uncle did not lose his smile.
— This... was the second. — he replied, before removing the daggers from the sword’s path; however, his next move was to stop it with one of the knives, the second following towards Toto’s hand. The boy had to hold his blow to escape the trap, forced into a defensive position. — And the third has passed. There are four left.
— Why, you... — Toto growled, using the sword to block an attack with both daggers, seeing their movements well. — That score of yours can go straight to-
— Fourth strike. — With the interruption, the Uncle used a kick to gain distance, spinning one of his weapons with his finger. — And with this... it will be the fifth!
Toto retained a moan, having been kicked in the knee, using another strong blow to defend the next; when the dagger met with the sword, he rammed against the opponent, not only blocking it but also managing to attack. — No way... that’s gonna happen!
— My sixth strike. — In a single move, the boy threw himself backwards, falling to the ground and avoiding the blade. His next kick was directed to Toto's arm, preventing him from continuing; the forces were equal, in that movement. Both had to retreat once more, but Toto hadn’t lost his control this time. He just checked his arm, for a moment, feeling a bit of pain. — Can ya take one more?
— Come and get it... — the youth retorted, his breathing a bit short, while he saw his opponent stand back up. — I'll be able to hit you! I guarantee you that!
Slyly Uncle smiled. — Ya asked for it!
Both rushed to the other, attacking with force; several attacks were launched at once, with similar parries with the blades. Toto was able to block most of them ... but his energy was beginning to wear down; he had put too much force in those early blows, used as he was in using devastating blows in the first moments. An enemy who could not resist the first blow would become helpless, after all, like the scarecrows he had practiced on.
The blows were halted, and Toto took a deep breath, slowly; he hadn’t earned the advantage in this case.
— It’s been seven... in other words! — Uncle counted, before crossing his arms. Energy concentrated within, noticeable to both due to their training. — It will be yor end!
— Not a chance! — the youth cried, gaining momentum for a second, before jumping in the air. While he was there, he attempted to perform a spin like the one he had seen a long time ago, used by his current enemy – a technique practiced for years on end. He held the sword with both hands now, to give the attack more power.
The sword was able to meet with the twin blades for a moment, sparks coming out of the meeting. However, the boy’s attack was stronger, forcing the sword away and dragging Toto with it. Both went towards the house, Toto being hurled against the wall while Uncle stopped next to him.
— ...congratulations.
With those words, the Uncle stood up, dropping the daggers. The weapons disappeared within light, moments later. He was smiling.
— Eight blows, and ya held on... not bad. — The boy spoke calmly, although it was possible to see an incredible desire in his eyes. — Could ya fight a little more?
Despite being stuck to the wall, Toto nodded. — For sure... — he moaned, bravely. — I... I can still fight!
— Good to know. — Uncle crossed his arms, at that moment. — But for now enough already... we can play more later. Now... it's time for Imu to try her luck.
By looking toward the girl, they could see that she had brought her own weapon out, a halberd with a half-moon-shaped blade, holding it with so much certainty that it was clear how much she had trained with the gun.
— I'm ready, uncle! — she said bravely. — You can come!
— A long-ranged spear... a long range away will be! — the boy said, raising a hand, forming his own weapon. A rod came up with a strong light, a bright jewel attached to the tip. — So, I’ll get well inside!
— A simple wooden staff cannot against my lance! — was the answer, and Imu prepared her battle position, holding onto two equidistant points of the spear; thus, she could keep her weapon balanced, even with it pointing toward the head of Uncle.
— Underestimating yor opponents is a danger, Imu ... this stick is not only a stick, after all. — running toward the girl, he held his weapon with one hand only, the jewel shining against the light.
— I have no doubt ... but no matter! — Imu reacted with determination, fighting back immediately; her attack was directed below, lower than the initial direction. The blade of the spear met with the staff, the impact felt by both. — I just have to hit once, and I... I can do it!
— It may even be ... but ya must hit first! — Uncle yelled, practically, the two pressing against each other in the process. He was using both hands to push the rod, retaining the halberd with its movement. — Do ya get it?
— Yes... yes, better than Toto! — she said, lowering the angle of attack even more. Then, putting all his strength in the coup, she quickly turned the spear around, throwing him up high. — With this, you fly!
— Fly? Funny ya say that... — the boy replied, before turning around in the air, in a sort of pirouette. — If I wanted to fly, I would fly without help!
— Uncle... now! — Imu said, preparing to perform an accurate attack; however, when she forced the halberd high so that it would thrust into him, the Uncle hit against the weapon with everything, forcing it to change the angle.
— Ya have strength, for sure... ya aren’t someone who would use a staff like this. — The declaration was simple, but the words echoed as he fell towards her. — Instead of a sword, yor spear suit yor skills better, and that’s why ya mastered it, wasn’t it?
— And if it was?! — she asked, almost angry. — You are stronger than the two of us, but use these pansy weapons! What does this have to do with our fight?
— Nothing that will matter... — was the answer, just before the boy attacked her legs with a low blow leg. — But if Totó’s sword only has good things, I can’t say the same of yor spear! Close like this, ya can't do anything against me!
— I so can! I can and I will and I can! — With the declaration, came an attempt by the girl to turn, using the spear to stop its movement; the blades trapped themselves into the ground, guaranteeing her stability. — This was... this was what I have trained for years on end!
— It sure was... now tell me if it worked! — was the answer, just before the Uncle was hit by a direct kick to the womb. Imu smiled with ease, while feeling the impact she had made.
— It sure worked! I'll knock you down, uncle, for sure! — she stated, victorious ... but moments later, the feeling of victory gave way to shock. — But what-
— Knock me down? Push me back ya can, but... — Although he had retreated due to the blow, the boy still had a cynical smile on his face. Her staff had not been released – instead, was pressed against the Imu's leg, the boy using both hands to hold it with the gun. The position to replace the stability of the lady, who could not position herself better. — Ya haven’t watched enough at yor fingertips!
— No way!
— Yes way! — Uncle yelled, before throwing her away by wrenching her arms in the normal position, forcing the leg to spin; it was only the fact of Imu had rotated along that kept the injury from being serious. Still, she fell to the ground, her halberd lost on the grass and away from her hands. She needed a few moments to recover, but still remained on the floor. — Ya still have problems to hold yor weapon... This is not good. But if I hadn’t held on to ya, ya would probably have managed to recover quickly.
— ...not bad, eh? — she came to ask, sounding embarrassed. The boy laughed.
— Not bad! If ya two can cover their differences, I don't think there will be problems in yor way! — he said, the rod disappearing shortly after with a glow. — It would be much better if ya learn to use other weapons, but ... well, for children below the age of eighteen, knowing how to use one well is good and same.
— Children ... aren’t we adults yet, uncle? — Toto grumbled, somewhat upset. — We already can fight equally with you, you saw!
— Equally not yet. — Uncle closed his eyes with a smile. — There’s still a lot of time for ya to fight just like me. Ya know to protect yorselves, and that's what counts.
— Whatever! I and Imu can fight with anyone who appears in front of us! I guarantee it!
— Ah, such confidence ... hope it's not too much to yor liking. — Imu’s giggle at the joke only left Toto more pissed, but the Uncle simply advanced towards their home. — Well, now that the morning workout is over, how about we go back inside? I'm hungry, to tell the truth!
— H-hungry!? — the girl blurted, shocked.
— Yes! I’m gonna want a nice meal, too!
...%D
The pile of dishes seemed to grow more and more whenever it was looked at, although Toto and Imu weren’t paying it that much attention. In fact, what had caught their attention was the way Uncle devoured the meal they had prepared for him. Each bite was worth three of them, at the speed he was chewing, and the fork and knife disappeared from sight with the sudden quick motions he did. The pile had already surpassed fifteen plates, bowls, and cups, and even then there was no sign of him ending his meal, as far as they could tell.
The two of them had just turned to look at each other, once more, when the noises stopped. Uncle smiled. — Hahaha! Thanks for the meal, kids! Ya outdid yourselves today!
— ...you just ate all the food in our house... — Toto complained, one of his eyebrows twitching out of irritation. — When was the last time you ate, uncle?
— Ah, a while back. — the boy explained, with a shrug. — But ya seriously used all yor food in this meal?
— You just wouldn’t stop eating, uncle! — Imu explained, crossing her arms. — You asked for a nice meal, we tried that, but you kept asking for more, and then-
— Alright, alright, I got ya, I got ya. Relax. — Pushing the wooden chair back, Uncle grabbed the dishes without much care and lifted them into the air. Every plate, bowl and cup he kept in place began to tremble precariously, while he walked around the table and closer to the lit fireplace. — At some point ya’d end up without food, anyway.
— ...huh? — both of them let out, as they stared at him. The boy let out a playful laugh as he approached the kitchen, passing by the pink curtains and the wooden reed curtain placed right after. Imu decided to speak first, while he was still out of the room. — What do you mean, uncle?
— Ah, nothing, nothing... yanno, how have you two been doing, anyway? — he asked, as the sound of water being splashed on the plates began to resound through the house. — I haven’t visited ya in the longest time, so I’m curious. Last time was... ten or so years ago, né?
— Man, uncle, you forgot already? — Toto asked, a bit annoyed. — It was ten years ago, yes! We were only eight years old, after all!
— I didn’t forget that much, as ya can tell. — Uncle replied. — But well, I remember that fight... you went all-out on me, and even then could take all those hits!
— It was you who didn’t go easy on me... good grief, I still feel the pains from that day! — the youth commented, grunting a little. — But as you could see, uncle, I’m strong! I’m super strong! I’m really strong!
— Do you have to keep showing off, Toto? — Imu asked, taking away his fun. — I learned how to fight too... we’re both doing pretty good on those scarecrows, and all that! We can finally defend ourselves!
— So ya practice against each other? — Uncle asked, as the sound of water diminished. — Wow, Totó! Just make sure ya don’t keep humping Imu’s legs, ya got me?
That made the youth blush a dark red, as strong as his hood’s. — U-uncle!!! C’mon! Why would I start humping Imu’s legs?! — he complained, embarrassing the lass.
— Toto! You moron! — she complained, turning away. — I hate you!
— Calm down, the two of ya! It’s no time now to hate each other or anything like that! — the boy interrupted, just as Toto was about to say something else. Pushing the reeds away, he walked into the room again. — We’ve got better stuff to do today, after all.
— ‘We’? — Toto repeated, surprised. — What do you mean, uncle?
— Well, how do I put it... — Uncle said, thinking for a bit; one of his hands was scratching his chin, at this point. — Yanno, I’m staying here for a while. My trips are over, and I’m on a holiday. I decided to visit my favorite kids, then, but that means I’m staying on this level for a while, yanno.
The two of them smiled openly. — Wow, uncle! You really want to spend time with us? That’s super awesome! — Toto said, and Imu hugged him tightly.
— Hooray, uncle! We’ve been so lonely here that we’ll love to spend some time with you! — she said, practically making the boy fly with that hug. Uncle laughed as he half-flew through the air, until he stepped firmly on the floor.
— Yeah, loneliness bites. Sorry for not being able to keep ya company on the last eighteen years, beyond what I could do... — he said, escaping the hug. — But well, since that’s the end of the line, then let’s change the airs a bit.
— ‘Change... the airs’? — Toto repeated, surprised again. — How would we do that, uncle? Where would we go?
— See the world.
That which he had said with a naughty smirk completely took both of them aback, making the youth fall off his chair and the lass lose her smart-aleck pose.
— The... the world? — she repeated, shocked. — But... but isn’t it dangerous out there? We... we aren’t... supposed to go too far, and...
— Why, aren’tcha adults already? — Uncle asked, his smirk growing even naughtier now. — I’m sure maturity comes not from age but from other things, but...
— Yeah... yeah, we’re adults already for sure! — Toto declared, proudly, surprising Imu. He had just managed to stand up, but had plenty of confidence on his face. — I’m not afraid! I want to see the world the uncle knows! And more, I want to know all the world that the uncle doesn’t know!
— That’s how ya say it, Totó! — the boy said, applauding him. — Ya doing that... I can even believe that some day ya’ll defeat me!
— I will defeat you, yes! — was the youth’s answer, before he turned towards Imu. — Isn’t that right, Imu?
The lass was rather silent, thinking about what had been said. A few moments passed, Toto frowning as he noticed her delay, and how she was avoiding both their gazes. — Imu!
— Ah! I-I... well... — she hesitated, as she let out these words, before nodding quickly. — Y-yes! We’re going to grow stronger, and see the rest of the world! And some day, we... we sure can!
Her attempt at sounding confident brought back the same playful laugh from before. — Very good, Imu! And it’s true that when ya see the rest of the world, ya’ll become more experienced warriors... but until then, we have other priorities, those ya wouldn’t understand.
— ...eh? — Toto asked, surprised. — What... what priorities?
— Well, for now I think we discussed more than enough. How about we go take a walk out there? — Uncle asked, ignoring the question. — The earlier we leave, the better it is for us.
That was enough to encourage both of them; in no time they were getting out of the house, as fast as they possibly could, talking about how the world out there would be. He let out another laugh, as he saw that desire.
— Eighteen years... well, it’s about time, auntie. Your children will discover the world we left behind. — he stated, in a quiet voice. — But no worries, kay? They’re funcy guys. Let me tell ya, auntie; they’ll make the right choice. When the time is right... everything will go right. I promise you, auntie.
...%D
Outside the house, the boy saw that Toto and Imu were still there, standing still and next to someone. He watched them for a few moments, before coming closer. — So, how we going?
— Uncle, do you know that thing? — the youth asked, looking at him. With a thumb, he indicated the nearby creature.
— Toto! Watch your manners! — Imu censored him, before turning around. — We have a visitor. Can we really leave today?
The boy looked at the creature, a bit carefully. It was a person around the same height as he, but wearing nothing but leaves. Even its skin seemed to be made out of them, and its ears and feet had the same style. Its hands were different; they resembled a flower’s stamen, having long thin fingers ending at thicker points. One of the leaves seemed like a cape, from how big it was, and followed it from behind. All its garments were held together by a flower, on a spot above the heart, and the creature looked at them with big red eyes. It was hard to tell whether it was a male or female, overall.
He smiled. — Ya guys found a Sprouty? Great travel start!
— Sprouty? — Toto repeated, confused. — But what the crap’s that?
— Why don’t ya ask him? — With his answer, Uncle let out a sly laugh. — Go ahead and say it, thingy.
— I’m a Sproutling. The world can be shaped by your imagination! — The Sproutling’s voice was very high-pitched and androgynous, giving a slight impression that this creature was a female of its species. — Did you know that?
Both Toto and Imu shook their heads. — Never even thought about it, to be honest… — the youth said, rather uncomfortable. — How would we be able to do something like that, after all? There’s nothing around here that would have this power…
— Ya don’t need power to imagine things, Totó. — Uncle commented, laughing to himself. — But I’ll tell ya more later. Go on, Sprouty.
—Pokiehl the sage told me that the town of Domina exists because I think it so. People say this world isn’t an illusion, but the Sproutlings know! — Despite being filled with good will as it said that, there wasn’t enough emotion in the Sproutling’s voice. That was making the two of them grow worried. — If you can’t find Domina, use your imagination to find it.
Then, it put its hands inside its suit and took something from its inside. — Here, use this. — In its hands were several colored blocks, with many different and distinct shapes. Triangles, rectangles, squares, circles… — This is the town of Domina.
Imu took the blocks, looked at them carefully. — …is this really true? — she asked Uncle, while the Sproutling started to wander the grounds. — Does it really think these toys are a town?
— Well, if ya build it right, why wouldn’t it be? — the boy answered, and Toto frowned.
— Ah, no way, uncle! Don’t you start with that now! — the youth retorted, crossing his arms. — There’s no way that’d work!
— Yes I’ll start. It’s something super easy to do. Just build whatever ya want and that’s enough. — He made his way back to the house. — Think well about what a town is, if ya gonna build it. After all, ya wouldn’t wanna go to the wrong place, would ya?
Both of them looked at each other for a few moments, before looking at the colored blocks, still on Imu’s hands. Toto grumbled. — Uncle is very strange today…
— Well, he wants us to build something with these, right? Let’s see what’ll come out of it. — The girl headed back home, followed by Toto. Both of them went the top floor, where their rooms were, heading towards a chest placed between both rooms’ doors.
— These are some pretty big blocks, aren’t they? Do you think there’s any space in there? — the youth asked, as he opened the box. Inside it was some sort of map, with many markings and crossings, although there was no information or sense to be found. The only interesting thing in it was the small mailbox placed in the middle of the map, on a specific spot.
— Well, I guess so… but it doesn’t really matter, right? — Imu answered him, placing the blocks on the floor. — Uncle asked us to build a town. We shouldn’t need all of these blocks for it.
— Maybe… — Both of them sat next to the chest, taking a couple blocks each. — But really… what’s a ‘town’, anyway?