Overcast by the glory of her sister, Xaela couldn't hope to compare. Helena was exceptional, a gift from the very gods. She was surely the hero they sought for so long.
Helena worried deeply for her sister. Once inseperable, more and more Xaela noticed the difference between them. No matter how hard she tried, she would still be a disappointment. No one could live up to Helena's name. It was better to make no effort in the first place.
Their enduring league of sailors received an urgent request. The distant colony D had lost its supplies in a storm... With Helena on board, their success was assured. The crew left cheerfully in the dimming sun, talking and gossiping amongst themselves. Xaela watched as they were swallowed by the sunset with a near-convincing smile.
She would only hold us back... She's a blight on Helena's name...
A monster of untold strength slashed the seas in two. The serpent's eyes glared a vibrant red, and its wail made even the fiercest hearts tremble. This power was indescribable, like an envoy of destruction itself. Faced with insurmountable despair, Helena stood before the beast. Even now, the legend of her sacrifice rings through the taverns.
"We need to go back, Helena is still out there!" The despondent survivors shrugged off Xaela's cries. Not one could survive that, not even her. Even so, Xaela insisted she could still feel her sister calling.
Even if no one believes me... Even if I'm all on my own...!
A trickle of lamplight fell on coils of rope. She carefully secured the rigs, clutching the necklace Helena gave her. She braced her map against the wind, tracing the route they had taken. Her turbulent mind was as clear as the glittering sky.
Drawing closer to the serpent's den, a gentle noise rang out. The necklace shone a dull blue, pulling her towards her destination. Helena... Helena was nearby!
Her delight fell to terror as dark clouds filled the sky. No matter how hard she fought, no matter her conviction, the storm was unconquerable. Her pitiful boat capsized in an instant, throwing her into the inky abyss.
You were a fool to even try... Indeed, anyone else would have died that day.
Xaela leapt from the seas, gleaming a brilliant white. The typhoon spiraled around her body, and the pitiful serpent cowered. Washed up on the shores of her hometown, her memories had vanished. She believed it was Helena who saved her.
Clinging to her necklace, she wailed within the depths. Once again, her efforts went to waste. No one would listen. No one would help her. But even if her mission seemed insane, the hero Sacha admired her determination.
Following the pull of her necklace, Xaela steered the vessel of hope. Together they found the strength to brave this terrible ocean. And within a glorious temple glimmering white, Helena smiled and outstretched her hand... She had been waiting for Xaela's arrival.
No, for her rebirth.
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