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@bunny_rabbit:Thank you for taking the time to read and leave a comment! I hope I can write it out till the end too, lol! Though I wanted to do something new that would actually get me invested long-term. Plus, fantasy genre? It would be cool to tackle it. You got it right! I actually pulled influence from Granblue Fantasy, Final Fantasy XIV, and, unironically, Goblin Slayer. Angst? Hm... I'm not too sure!
[A/N]I ran through this prequel section with too much energy that my arthritis is acting up on my right wrist. I've been dying over my studies and internship, but I could not help write these out. It's been a while since I've last genuinely felt excited in writing something without much restriction. I will also be adding more world-building details later in separate posts. Please do keep an eye out for them! Other than that, thank you so much for taking the time to check out this new series!
[ WATANABE MAYU - INNOCENT DREAM ]
There was a story that Watanabe Mayu remembered. It was a tale told by her uncle every night she went to bed.
The young child bounced around in the living room, her bare feet prancing upon the creaky, organic wood of her family’s log cabin. Flames flickered from within the fireplace and brought immense warmth to the already-cozy atmosphere. Mayu’s small hands balled up as she waited for the arrival of her great uncle.
His stories were full of fantasies. The event called “The Great Disaster of 2050” that caused tectonic plates and natural disasters to mash various lands on the planet into one country. The concept of “magic” becoming a reality due to the unpredictable nature of biological evolution from mankind and their environment. Mythological creatures that once were mere fairy tales sprung to life. A new form of government centered around the concept of idols taking the place of these “monarchies, democracies, communisms, and anarchies.” A great war that once took over after the death of a famous idol due to mistrust. The existence of the “IDOL TOURNAMENT.”
Wasn’t it too much of a fantasy? The small girl thought so. How could there be so much violence? The world today is in a time of peace. They lived in Japan, one of the four nations that is a part of ADONIS. She had both of her parents who led a peaceful life as farmers in the lush forest, their family lineage of soldiers and warriors coming to a halt. Governmental funds were annually received from the family thanks to her uncle’s contributions during the war against KRONOS two years ago. He retired with his sister’s family and became the family’s guardian. Everything was just perfect.
“Mayu-chan?”
Watanabe’s lips curled from hearing his soft-spoken tone. A small squeal was heard as she ran towards the old male. His hand resting on his cane, the handicapped relative cracked a smile of his own. He ran his hand through her pig-tailed hair the instant Mayu clung to his leg. She tugged and pulled at his pant with a pout.
“Uncle, you’re not supposed to be late when putting me to bed!”
“I’m sorry about that.” He chuckled. How childish, how innocent, how naïve. But that is what he loves about his niece. The uncle ruffled her hair once more before he walked over to one of the three house’s bedrooms. “To make it up, how about I tell you one of my own adventures?”
Mayu looked up at the bearded man. “No more history lesson?”
“H-History lesson?” He gave a sideway glance and scratched his cheek. “Did they sound like that to you…?”
The ex-soldier shook his head. Not that it mattered. He ignited the oil lamp on the nightstand with a twist of a knob. A gentle warmth illuminated the entire bedroom. Simple designs adorned the wooden interior with handcrafted, wooden weapons resting on the nearby clothing chest. The corner of his lip twitched. What matters most is having his niece sleep comfortably for another night. As Mayu crawled into her mattress, she posed a question for him.
“Uncle, do you think I can become an Idol?”
His weary eyes widened after he sat on the nearby wooden stool. Both hands resting on his metallic cane, the man let out a grunt. What made her ask such a question? Or rather, what crossed through her mind about the role? It was well-known that this country was run by idols since the new era of ADONIS. It was almost the same as asking if it was possible to become President or Prime Minister of a country from ancient times. He blinked. After a short time, he shifted and looked directly at his grandniece’s eyes.
“What made you think about becoming an Idol?”
Sitting cross-legged on her mattress, the little girl leaned forward. With a bright smile, she exclaimed, “I want to keep peace in this country!”
Naïve. Too naïve. If she were older and had given this outburst, her uncle would have told her it’s impossible. Kind and gentle as he may be, there are some wishes and goals that are truly unobtainable. When it comes to “peace,” it acts as a false sense of security to the children and ignorant. Monsters still roam the land in hopes of surviving for another day. Criminals and injustices run rampant in society, many seeking salvation and power for their own life. The poor and misfortune grow in numbers, their flames flickering out without a single peep in dark alleyways and abandoned facilities. That was only in Japan. For the United States, Korea, and Miscellaneous, their problems are even more numerous than what they currently have in their nation. To become an Idol, one must be able to step up and take responsibilities for all four nations in the face of society’s endless complaints and sins.
He let out a deep exhale. It would be wrong for him to crush her dreams right here. Besides, he would be doing a disservice not to her and the Watanabe family, but to himself too. If there was ever a chance she could actually become one… If he held her back before she could achieve her goals… Another sigh. The uncle lowered his head and tightened his hold on the cane until his knuckles became white.
“Your dream is simple and pure, Mayu.”
The question is, how long will she be able to keep at it? He did not hold high hopes for the child. She has yet to become an adult, let alone become a teenager. Still… It wouldn’t hurt to give her a push. Instead of a tale, he raised his head and furrowed his brows.
“Mayu, are you willing to train your entire childhood and adulthood into becoming an idol?”
Mayu didn’t hesitate to bob her head. She raised both fists to emphasize her commitment.
“I’ll do anything to become an Idol!”
Her uncle let out a hum. He gazed upon her eyes once more. The pair were intense, unwavering and full of determination. A passionate fire burned beneath her brown hues. He moistened his lower lip. The guardian turned his attention towards her man-made toy weapons. Various wooden swords, shields, and axes rested against the cozy wall. What stuck out like a sore thumb were the large quantity of spears from all sizes, shapes, and styles in comparison to the other toy weaponries. From years of experience and training from his old masters and friends, the uncle could tell from a mile away what sort of weapon Mayu would likely main.
“Tell me, are you willing to enroll into an Adonis Temple here in Japan once you get older?”
“Is that the school for teaching?”
He nodded. “The Temples take in students, teach and train them to become efficient warriors and educators for the country and nations.”
“You went to one too, didn’t you?” Mayu rocked back and forth on the bed, excitement practically bouncing out of her petite figure. “I remember mommy used to tell me how much of a trouble maker you are in the Temple—”
“Whoa, how much did your mom tell you about me!?”
She laughed. “Up until you graduated!”
“Er… She didn’t tell you about how many girlfriends I had, right?”
“Uncle, were you a player in the past?”
“Urk…”
He cleared his throat and tried to brush aside the redness that shaded his cheeks. At least his younger sister didn’t mention his habit of picking up the ladies and having one-night stands. Then again, it might be because his niece is far too young to know his black sins. For a man who was influential on the battlefield with his signature spear, he sure had a horrible romantic life. (Explains why he never got married and decided to treat Mayu like his own daughter.)
Mayu’s uncle returned their attention over to the main matter with a single motion of his hand. He closed his eyes and a smile bloomed on his face.
“Anyway, I will have you enrolled in the temple once you turn 16.”
Mayu tilted her head. “I heard that you could enroll at an even younger age.”
“I think it would be best I mentor you before you become a part of the Temple. I don’t want my one and only niece to be upped by other prominent families.” He grumbled the next statement. “One of my old comrades kept bragging about how much money he has to spend on his son for education in ADONIS. Preposterous! I’ll have Mayuyu become a natural and show how great the Watanabe family is!”
While her uncle mumbled under his breath, that was when Mayu turned to look at the nearby glass window. Aside from the natural landscape that overlooked a pond, she peered up at the night sky. Stars twinkled in the blue and black background. She pressed a hand against her chest. It was scenic, and she wanted to keep it that way. What better way than to make her country peaceful like this sight? A simple, yet powerful dream. Although her relative would eventually cease his rambling, she would have fallen asleep by the windowsill. This prompted the uncle to tuck her in bed. There may have been no story for the night, but it was exchanged with something far more rewarding.
Before she knew it, her uncle had given her his prized possession the next day. A spear he treasured, a spear he used during the great war against KRONOS. A religious red ribbon accompanied the bangled jade at the neck of the elongated weapon. It was worn out from its long usage, but nonetheless, Mayu happily received the present.
“I promise to take good care of it, Uncle!”
He nearly chortled at the sight of his little niece over the weapon. It was heavy for her. A little too long for her to handle too. The child swayed side-to-side in hopes of maintaining equilibrium with earth’s gravity. When she toppled to the side, the girl had fallen on her bottom. That ultimately led to another laugh to erupt from the handicapped male.
“I’m sure you will.”
The lack of hopes he had for her was still there, but he was willing to give it a try at least. Hopefully, Mayu can tear down his presumptions in the following years.
----------
[ 16 years later ]
“Mayuyu! Are you ready for your final exam?”
The 22-year-old female adorned in her light armor and chain mails were seen making final adjustments to her spear at her single-bedroom dormitory. She paused. Then, the student glanced over her shoulder. Compared to her younger self, she had grown to become a fine young lady. A small white patch rest under her left eye to conceal the scar that nicked her when she was first a student at the Temple. Watanabe’s jawline became prominent at the sight of her mentor, Shinoda Mariko.
It was time.
She had been training under Mariko after two years of academic and spiritual bookwork. Four years of physical training were nothing but full of stress and diligence. Unlike most of her friends’ and classmates’ mentors, rotten luck clung itself to the poor woman. Mayu was provided with the toughest, strongest, and strictest mentor. Was it because of her prior training with her uncle? Could it be because of her family’s name? Or was it simply lady luck taking a vacation for the student? Whatever it may be, it all boils down to her final examination. Years of sweat, tears, and bloodshed would all be for naught if she failed the final examination.
Mayu swung her spear downward with a flick of her wrist. She turned towards her mentor and nodded.
“I’m ready.”
As part of the Temple of Adonis programs, individuals accepted into it were given a chance to choose the Class they would become proficient in. This was to mimic the ancient times of universities and colleges with a focus on specialization. Their locations vary based on the institution and have their own ways of teachings. There are classes in which are easy to obtain. There are also classes that are difficult to obtain, if not, near impossible. For Mayu, her final examination is composed of multiple physical sessions.
Both Shinoda and Watanabe walked out of the dormitory building. The smell of salt tickled their noses, the large body of water prominent near the land of Japan. This particular Temple of Adonis training Spear Wielders is always located by the sea. Standing in between land and water, many students undergo unique training with the long pole. Wooden bridges connected to various parts of the Temple. Some standing above the calm parts of sea, others directly leading the walker to specific areas of land. As they proceeded towards the arena, nestled deep inside of the Temple, Mayu felt her mentor’s gaze. Mariko spoke up when Watanabe returned looks.
“I have trained many students before, and many of them were either too arrogant or too weak. I am proud to say that you are one of the few students that kept up with my pace.”
Mayu could not help but feel a bead of sweat run down the side of her face. Then, she gently scratched her cheek with an index finger and felt a single, forced laugh escape.
“I think you are praising me too much, Master Shinoda. I still recount the days I slipped up.”
Days that the young woman wishes to forget. When she was late for her lessons, she was forced to run around the Temple for multiple laps till her legs can barely stand. When she argued back, she was punished with a blow to the head by her mentor’s stick. When she failed to meet her mentor’s standards, she would have no dinner until she perfected the techniques and forms. Boot camps from ancient times held nothing against Shinoda Mariko.
“But that is the past,” the lightly armored female retorted. They temporarily paused right before the arena’s double door. “Unless you wish to linger in the past, I strongly suggest you focus on the present.”
“R-Right…”
A soft smile briefly formed on Mariko’s face before she continued moving forward.
“If you still have some doubts, I am sure it will all be gone once you complete your week-long examination.”
A one-week final examination. Watanabe Mayu and a small handful of students deemed ready for it was presented at the arena. On the first day, the students would take turns in a sparring match with not one, two, or three opponents, but five opponents of various classes all at once. The five opponents consist of a Sword Wielder, Crossbow Wielder, Fighting Monk, Assassin, and Spellcaster. This is to guarantee proficiency, adaptability, and critical thinking when going up against a diverse crowd of enemies.
Then, for tomorrow, the student will be subjected to a one-on-one match with their mentor. For Mayu, she needs to pray to the heavens and gods for strength and clarity. Mariko is a frightening veteran with credentials backing up her skillsets. She was an old friend of her uncle and rivaled his abilities with the spear. But the four years should have prepared just about any students to spar with their mentor. Weaknesses and strengths of their opponents should be studied and read up on. This is to reenact the cruelty of the outside world, especially when it boils down to predictable monsters and weak enemies.
Finally, upon completion of the two sparring matches, students must trek a 100-mile trail from the Temple by the sea and hike to the tip of the mountain respective to their nation’s capital under a week. They will be provided with necessary food and supplies for the trip. Upon arrival at the mountaintop, their mentor and headmaster will bless them with a silver dog tag as an official proclamation of their professional status as a Spear Wielder.
Mayu tightened her hold on the spear her uncle had passed on. The jaded stone dangled from the neck as she twirled the elongated device at hand. She swung it downward. A deep inhale with eyes closed. She exhaled. At last, the uncomfortable knots in her stomach dissipated. Watanabe reopened her eyes and shot a glance over at Mariko.
“I won’t let you down.”
----------
[ 1 month later ]
Mayu had returned back to her cozy resident. After six years at the Temple of Adonis of Japan, she had nearly forgotten the company of her family and warmth from a place called “home.” Her parents greeted her with open arms, her uncle popped a bottle of expensive champagne to commemorate her return, and the two dogs made no hesitation to reunite with one of their owners.
A silver dog tag occasionally pats itself on her chest as she planted apple seeds onto the rich soil. The dogs were barking, their tails waggling in anticipation of playtime with Mayu or her parents. Some chickens rested in their pens, and others wandered about on the premise. Her parents called out to each other as they conducted their duties as hardworking farmers. Then, there is her uncle, who watched on the porch with hawk-like eyes.
It felt as if the time came to a standstill. Not that she minded. It was a nice break from the military-like training she had received from the Temple. If anything, she rightfully earned it.
Still… she did not want to stop there. Unlike most of her passing classmates and friends, who opted to go for security or returned to their homes as a guardian for their family, Mayu wanted to do something more. The sense of becoming an Idol still resonated deep within her. The dream of keeping everlasting peace stretching throughout all parts of ADONIS invigorated her.
“I think it’s time I head to the Great Temple of Adonis tomorrow morning.”
She finally told her family over dinnertime. They were hardly taken by surprise. Instead, the three knew that it was time for her to begin the marathon.
Time that once crawled at a snail-like pace hastened. She had just closed her eyelids only to soon find the sun rising right afterward. It felt as though the warrior hadn’t gotten a wink of sleep. Regardless, Mayu leaped out of her mattress like a little kid once more. All of her bags were prepped on the floor nearby, and some snacks for the long trip towards the capital of ADONIS. She gathered what was needed in quick motions. In and out of the house, she deposited the supplies onto the family’s mule and small wooden carriage.
The brown mammal patiently waited for his owner as Mayu made a final adjustment to her silver and bronze coin pouch. By the mule's side were her three family members and two dogs.
“Please take care of yourself, Mayu,” her mother hugged. “Keep us updated with letters, okay?”
“I will, mom.”
When Mayu parted from her mother, she was immediately struck with a tight squeeze from her father. Tears streamed down his face as he tightened his hold.
“D-Dad!”
“OhmygoshIcannotbelieveourdotaissogrownupandisleavingthenestIamgoingtomissyouohmygosh—”
The gibberish that flew out of his mouth was cut short with his wife’s karate chop on the head. He felt even more tears spurt out from the corner of his eyes, albeit for a different reason. As he rubbed the affected area and earned a scolding from the older female, Mayu’s uncle approached her. He reached outward and ruffled through her black hair. A sincere smile bloomed on his face.
“I know you can do it.”
“Uncle…” it would be a lie to say that Mayu wasn’t holding back her tears. Actually, the spear wielder felt a sense of loneliness knowing that she would leave her family behind for another year. It might be even more depending on how her life proceeds forward. It might even be forever if the worst-case scenario occurs. She felt his hand pull back only to wipe her growing tears with a slow rub of his thumb. “I promise to you that I’ll make it. I’ll prove to you that I will become an Idol.”
“You don’t need to prove to me anything. You’ve already proven to us how strong and beautiful you are.”
The lack of hope he had for her in the beginning, the lack of faith, and the original motivation to push her for the sake of letting her take a stab at her dream eroded as she grew older. Now that she is a full-fledged warrior, his niece might actually have a shot. No—That wasn’t right, she does have a shot. She will be able to capture her dreams and never let it go from her grasp.
One last farewell was made to her family before she walked over to her mule. With a gentle pat on his neck, the two walked away from the farm. Soon, they’ll walk away from the forest. Eventually, they’ll traverse many miles to the Temple of Adonis.
This was the beginning of Watanabe Mayu, and this is her reason for becoming an Idol.
Topic: Idol Royale (Watanabe Mayu - Innocent Dream - 04/23/2019) (Read 6893 times)