#reflame updates

[aqua-phantasy]

Considering my plan to stay inactive on tumblr crumbled like dust I'll be going back to posting chapter of my novel over on @aqua-loves-writing from tomorrow again day by day and then publish it again on tapas once I have drafted enough for book 1 part 2 ^^

[imasallstars]

DRESS SHOP UPDATE

The dress of the girls who rebuilt their world again and again. They'll patch it up together, no matter if torn or destroyed. Because that is the proof that these girls fought against the unrelenting world

The next set of outfits to be released is Refrain/Reflame Fantasia for ALL 190 idols! This outfit is the one currently featured in the current event and is the 9th Anniversary’s official outfits! Instead of paid jewels, you need not purchase this set! You can just claim it from the dress shop! There are two choices (Standard, Patched) you are able to equip to any idol of your choice

[aqua-loves-writing]

Bonus chapter: Scarletborn

cw: injuries, mentions of death

Cw: injuries, death, mentions of violence

A small echoing noise kept repeating itself. Heels repeatedly hitting against the rough floor. Gripping her dress, Lady Scarletborn couldn’t do anything, sitting idly as a knight was watching over her.

“I’m worried,” she said. “It’s been a while since we heard that scream, and anyone is yet to come back. Oh, I hope nothing horrible happened to those daring men.”

“You shouldn’t be concerned, milady,” the guard spoke out. “We all trained for years and faced many beasts and scoundrels on our way. This is nothing for us!”

"Still! It's a dragon! Who knows what it's capable of-"

“Help!”

Another knight came over, his helmet off, struggling to breathe as he leaned over the wall. “The general! He-”

“Hold on,” she got to him, letting him sit in her place, “Deep breaths my friend. When you calm down, you can tell us what happened.”

“Here you go.”

He was given a small sack of water to drink from. He told them the story of the fight within the jail. Them encountering the dragon and the old man, Nexus appearing before them, the general getting attacked and the dragon knocking them out.

“What?” Scarletborn almost lost her balance hearing all of this, “This can’t be!”

“My lady, wait-”

Ignoring the knight's wishes, she left to the cells. Taking off her heels to run better, her feet were struggling to keep up with the unsteady floor of the place.

She arrived. “How in the world?”

She entered the giant room, its entrance door torn down and the wall of the place crushed, the trees were leaking through what little of the room was left, for only the floor remained undamaged as throughout it were lying giant rock that fell from the ceiling, two unconscious men, and a dead body, covered in a white sheet.

“I-I can’t believe this,” she turns her head, seeing the soldiers take care of of the wounded.

“Lady Scarletborn,” they called out, “Thank the four you’re safe!”

“All of you,” some knights were left with minor wounds through their faces and arms, others suffered major injuries on their legs and chest, “You all need help this instant!”

She helped them get up. The soldiers who were better off began carrying those who had it worse, even with how they clearly struggled, stumbling in their steps. She stayed behind as they all left, watching over the two unconscious bodies.

The general, what happened to you? And is that… Graham of Asehol. His body is surprisingly skinny. A young man could have been able to fit inside his armor then. Maybe someone without magic? They said the impostor didn't use any powers during the fight, but to rival the general. Hm?

The wind from the outside had caused the blanket on the body to fly away. She was unable to keep her eyes away from it.

“Milady, is something wrong? We'll carry them over in a bit, so don't worry.”

“Oh, I know, my dear, I just want to check on something!”

She approaches the dead body. Closing in to see a calm smile on its face.

She was quietly glaring at the body, kicking it as she scoffed, “I should have known.”

---

Inside the infirmary, the beds bent and the matrices ripped in certain parts. All the knights tried their best to work on each other's wounds. They weren't professionals in any way, their bandages barely holding up the wound. Scarletborn meanwhile, slowly took off the general's armor, examining it.

“Hm, I don’t see any major would that could have caused them to be in this state, and their pulses are fine as well. So it must have been a spell of sorts. But of what kind-

“There you are!”

A young maid rushed into the room, her scream getting everyone's attention.

“Everyone! They’re here,” she shouted back to other, other maids and even knights coming over to see them.

“It’s you,” she recognized them instantly, noticing how their attire is filled with dirt all over the place, “What are you all doing here?”

“Milady, there’s a lot we need to tell you-but now is not the time. Let us handle this”

The maids didn't come in their best conditions, but they all decided to help the hurt soldiers. Preparing bandages and giving medicine.

“Milady," the dirty knights approached Scarletborn, ,"Can you tell us how they ended up like this?"

Scarletborn told them their version of the story, the other injured knights pitching in missing details as well.

“Damn it,” one of them threw his sword to the ground, “To think that impostor had gotten to you too!”

“So you encountered him as well.”

“He was the one to knock us out inside the tunnels. He must have taken the knight of miracles hostage while we were-we apologize!”

They all bowed down to her, some of the maids following after.

"Had we managed to realize it sooner, none of this would have happened. We swear that we'll bring him back to you no matter what!"

As their frustrations grew, Scarletborn kept thinking things over. She doubted he was taken hostage with how everyone said he acted throughout the fight. But why would they help the imposter?

“That's really kind of you, but there's something I want to make clear first. How did he manage to defeat all of you? Clearly, you all outnumbered him.”

“We-we don’t know," their gaze was removed from hers, "Everything about is just so blurry in our minds. We recall entering the tunnel, and then waking up for the knight of miracles being gone. We must apologize again!”

“Hm, so you don’t know how they did it?”

“No, none of us have clear memories of it so-”

“Wait!” a maid bandaging a soldier called out to them. “I think I remember something.”

“What is it? The smallest details could be mean the world.”

“It’s strange, but I think before they got me, I saw something strange in one of their hands.”

“Strange? Strange how?”

“I don’t know how to describe it. All I can say is that it was… glowing blue.”

“What,” Scarletborn was shocked, “What?”

She shouted. Everyone in the room startled seeing Scarletborn grab the young woman's arms. "Glowing blue? Are you sure about that? That's what you've seen, right? Blue flames! Please tell me you aren't messing with me!"

"I," she was shaking, "Milady, you're hurting me."

Realizing what she's doing, her dialed up eyes staring at the maids hiding away behind the hurt soldiers, some of the knights preparing to draw their weapons.

“I apologize," she let's go of her, cleaning her hands, "It’s just… this has been a misfortune for all of you.”

“The prison is destroyed, the prisoners have all escaped, the knight of miracles is missing, an impostor and a dragon are on the loose. Oh, how terrifying, to think what the emperor is going to think of all of this.”

She carefully looked at everyone, their limbs shaking at the mere mention of the emperor’s threat.

“Oh, don’t worry, my darlings. I wouldn’t do such a cruel thing.”

“You-you won’t!?”

She giggled. “Today felt like months! I couldn’t forgive myself if you all go through more trouble. I'll do my best to give the emperor a report defending all of you!"

“Lady Scarletborn,” they sighed out of relief, “We don’t even know where to begin in thanking you!”

“Then don’t my dear. Tomorrow I’ll be going back to the capital, where I’ll request for trained professionals to come your way. I’m off to pack. The rest of you can rest.”

Closing in the door of the infirmary, she could overhear the others gossiping about her.

"She’s really kind, isn't she?"

"What she did to her was weird, though."

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, just startled is all."

"That poor woman, the stress of the missing prodigy, must be getting to her."

"Can you blame her? She is his guardian. We need to form a search party to find him. I only hope he's safe away from the dragon-we really messed up tonight huh,"

They laughed, not in joy, but in a shared embarrassment, "Thankfully Milady is going to defending us against the emperor. This may sound cliche, but I am too young to die in his hands."

"Says the guy who enrolled to join the army."

"As if I had the choice."

She stopped listening to them, leaving with her step getting loud and quick, "Tch. I'll still see if you're worth the trouble or not."

She walked alone in the hallways, her steps becoming quicker and smaller. Scratching her hair as her frustrations grew.

I should have realized it sooner. She must have been the impostor. Hm, if the emperor finds out, he'll definitely call for his entire army to catch her. I can't have that. And Nexus. This will all be interesting.

[aqua-loves-writing]

Chapter 4 part 2! is here!

Tensions rose. No words were uttered as their shoulder and hair were covered in small sparkles, originating from an unknown being that vanished in seconds. Lady Scarletborn, now next to the strange knight, had put her hands on his shoulder, whispering something in his ear.

“My guard,” she looked over Alice, “Watch over him.”

“Oh, alright." this won’t end well, she thought as she watched several knights clenching their fists, arguing with one another.

“How the hell did we mess up? Did the fairy mess up his chant? Was it the maids?” their arguments continued, none reaching to any conclusion.

“My friends. May I have your attention?” The Knight of Miracles raised his hand, like a small child asking their parents to buy something. “I know this may seem concerning for each one of you. But do not fret. We were able to get this far for a reason, and I am sure that with patience we will get in contact with ‘the one’ next time.”

Some people weren’t happy with that result, but they accepted it nonetheless. Others, meanwhile…

“You-you freak!”

A guard took out his sword, dropping to the ground. Removing his helmet, he revealed a furious face as he pulled his short, blonde hair. 

“This is all your fault!”

Enraged as he was, he had thrown his helmet at him.

“Look out,” Alice pushed the strange knight away, them both falling to the ground,

“My child!”

Lady Scarletborn ran over to them, the general pointing his sword at the furious soldier.

“You idiot,” he shouted, “For attempted assault, you are to be sent to prison at this moment!”

“What?”

“Guards, take him away!”

Two knights grabbed him by his arms. “How dare you, general!”

“Oh, calm down already.”

"Calm down!!! How? We were this close, and I repeat, this close, to speak to ‘the one’! And they appeared in front of our own eyes, both yours and mine! We had finally, finally, gotten the chance to see where we went wrong in our ways, a chance to get back to normal. And this… this ‘fairy’ ruined everything! He ruined everything! And he dares to respond to us saying to do it next time? Next time!!! Do you really think we can survive for this next time?”

He looked at the guys grabbing, “How am I wrong in thinking this? Tell me!”

The guards all had begun talking to each other over what he said. The knight of miracles, sitting on his knees. Alice too would have considered the things he said, had she known what was going on.

Jeez, this guy is throwing it all out for the world to see. Just what is going on in this stupid country? And who is this ‘one’ they’re talking about?”

“Look out!”

The enraged guard pushed away the guys holding him, taking away their weapons. “Perfect!”

He ran off to the knight of miracles. “Die!”

Alice shielded the knight, taking out her sword. Meanwhile, Lady Scarletborn held him tightly. He lacked any reaction to any of this.

“That’s enough!”

Between the guard and Alice, suddenly a long row of fire was between them. They looked to their side to see the old general, breathing heavily as he held in his hand the dragon’s muzzle.

“Good boy,” the dragon didn’t respond to the compliment.

Alice looks at the dragon, the strange knight poking her arm. “My good sir, you’re holding your sword wrong.”

“Don’t worry child,” Lady Scarletborn brushed of dust on his hair, “You’ll be safe now-”

“Argh!”

The small dragon yelled and hissed. The general struggled to put the muzzle back on. “Oh, get back here you freak-”

He lost his grip on the dragon.

The guards all drew out their weapons, it hissing at anyone coming close to him.

“Oh no,” Lady Scarletborn put her hands to her mouth, “My child, we need to-”

The strange knight gets up, slowly approaching the small dragon. “Are you alright scaly friend?”

It had only hissed at him, puking out the flames at him, which he quickly dodged, looking back at the flames in curiosity it seemed like.

“Oh! That was a great one!”

The dragon growling, he ran past the knight. With its quick steps, none of the knights could get a hit on it.

“What is it doing-oh no,” the general came to a realization, “Everyone, grab that sword before it gets to it-”

Looking at the ground, they all saw the sword the enraged guard had dropped earlier. They all tried to take it away, but the dragon used it’s tail to push them away. It picked up the sword, and with just one cut, his wings were set free.

“Crap,” the general’s legs began to shake. “Stand back! Who knows what it’s going to do?”

“Don’t let it get away.”

They were unable to attack with how high it was, so all they could do is keep the entrance shut.

“Grrrr…”

The dragon had begun spinning its body around as it flew, and it lightning speeds crashed right through the thick wooden doors. It began crashing down. The guards had tried their best to escape. Many of them fall to the ground, only perceiving the echoes of the dragon’s echoes.

“General,” Lady Scarletborn said, “This is getting bad. It could burn the whole place down, or even worse, escape! What are we to do?”

They had discussed matters quietly and as they did, the strange knight didn’t move an inch away from the disguised girl.

He tried stirring up a conversation, “My, I can’t say that the general is trustworthy, but any plan to keep people safe should be fine.”

“Tch, see if it actually is anyone.”

“Hm?”

“We devised a quick plan.” they all came over to listen, the knight of miracles now holding onto the frustrated girl’s arm.

“Are top most priority is going to be to catch the dragon, however we must also keep the vassal safe from it. So we will divide into two groups.”

He pointed towards the nearby door, “Over there is a six entrance for evacuation purposes. Six knights are going to keep him and the maids safe as they traverse through it.”

Alice happened to be one of them. Unfortunately or not, time will tell.

“The rest will accompany us to find the dragon. We will first go to the weapon storage to look for bows and arrows to use against it. Then we’ll split into squadrons to go and look for it. Once we’re done with, we’ll meet all of you outside and see if anyone is injured. We’ll need to hurry or-”

“Ahem.”

Alice coughed. Everyone was paying attention to her.

“What is it? Are you sick or something?”

“Oh? Me? I’ll be fine. Can’t say for the others.”

“Others?”

“Good sir,” a bitter taste in mouth appeared as she said those words, “What are we to do with the prisoners?”

As she asked this, the guards and maids laughed under their breath. The lady was quiet, looking away while the strange knight looked up at her.

“What about them?”

“You do recognize the danger they’re in, right? The dragon could be anywhere, spouting out fires, assaulting people, and who knows what else? Shouldn’t another squadron be sent to protect them or maybe we should evacuate them too-”

“Pfft.”

“Huh?”

She was confused seeing the old man chuckling out of nowhere, bursting into sheer laughter. The lady next to him stayed silent.

“Oh, that was a good one. Young lad, how should I best put this…”

Utter disgust felled up inside her as he actually said this:

“We are going to let them die here.”

She stepped back, unable to believe what she was hearing, “Excuse me?”

“Please, I know you’re still young, but think about it for a moment. Most of these people were given a life sentence, they were going to die here one way or other.”

“What… what of those who didn’t?!”

“Their bad luck, I guess.”

“How,” with each word he spoke out, her anger had reached its limit, “How could you say something like that?”

The general got annoyed. “You’re being rude, don’t you think so?”

“I’m being rude?! You are literally leaving people to die! To die! You have all the power to help them! Hundreds of soldiers! Millions of weapons! So, why? So why won’t you save them, you son of a-”

“Soldier!”

Other knights came in, their sword against their neck.

“First of all,” he walked towards her, “How dare you speak to your own general like that! After I was the one to give you this position. One more word like that and I’ll get you arrested.”

She grit her teeth as he looked straight ahead at her.

“And second of all, to answer your annoying question, those peasants are not worth saving. Am I being understood?”

“Ugh,” the swords got closer to her neck.

“I said, am I being understood?”

There’s no way out of this, huh?

“Yes, Sir,” she gave in, this time.

“Good. Now let’s not waste anymore time with nonsense like that.”

The general and the lady left alongside the guards, who were completely quiet during this argument. Those who stay had gossiped with the maids over what just had happened, and the weird knight kept looking up at her.

All the same. All the same. All the same. Their live aren’t worth saving, who are you to decide? I’ve had it. I’ve had it. I’ve-

“Young sir,”

“Agh!” the strange knight had held her arm, startling her, “What-what is it?”

“I must apologize.”

“Uh,” she wasn’t quite sure how to respond, “For-for what?”

“For not saying anything.”

He began prancing around the room, “You were correct in saying that we should consider the safe for the imprisoned as well. But considering my position has nothing to do with the state of the imprisoned, I doubt anything I could have said would have mattered. Still, I feel absolutely embarrassed about my state of silence, so I must apologize.”

“Ah, I see… well it’s fine, I guess. There’s nothing we can do now, anyway.”

“You sure about that?” his face was barely an inch away from hers.

“Ugh! What are you-”

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he clapped his hands, “While we’re evacuating, let’s go and pay a visit for the prisoners!”

What?

Everyone was shocked hearing that from him.

“Now my darlings, before you say ‘but the general said this and that’ it will only take a couple of minutes to see each one of them!”

As if! What are you thinking?!

“Plus, we won’t upset him if he never finds out, hehe!”

The maids were clearly concerned over what he said. Frowns on their face, whispers unclear. They all came over and bowed down.

“Of course, my liege.”

They all bowed down and decided to follow his orders.

“Perfect now, let’s go!”

"..."

Alice followed them, waiting for whatever comes next.

One of the maids managed to find the entrance, “Um, you first, sir.”

As they found the hidden entrance leading to another stony and uneven pathway, the strange knight began humming a song of sorts. Not fitting the situation, they are were stuck in the slightest.

He began kicking small pebbles on the ground. “You know, despite how much of a popular and beloved knight I am, I couldn’t really properly attend any classes. My body is not in the best of conditions at times, you see. So I had a ton of home tutors teach me the basics.”

He sprinted, “They taught me a ton of things! Especially sword fighting! I have had a ton of fun learning the different kinds of weapons and how to use them! Especially the good old small swords this region uses! I can even remember the first thing I learned is to hold it with only one hand!”

He kept walking ahead, ignoring the sudden sounds behind him, “I am pretty sure that they also teach that first in the academy too, so it’s pretty, shall we say, embarrassing to use a short sword with two hands. But many people don’t tend to notice it, except for the experts.”

A piece of armor rolled next to him. “Heh, that kind of rhymed. In a way, that mistake is not the end of the world by all means, though it does say things about you. Either A, you are a fairly new recruit, and B, you aren’t an actual knight.”

He turned around, seeing the guards and maids knocked out on the ground, only one of them standing with all of their weapons in their hands.

He looked around, a smile on his face out of all things, “So it’s the latter! Very well! Just one more thing…”

He reached out his hand. “May I know your face?”

[aqua-loves-writing]

Chapter 6 part 1 is up!

“So here you are once again.”

"Huh?"

A voice came through her ears, an echoing sensation in the midst of an empty white room devoid of light.

“The dead, the ones whose sorrows you cannot cure. All you can do is bring back that locket. Will it bring comfort or disarray to your life? And for how long can you live this lie? All I can say is, I’ll watch, until we truly meet again.”

“Who are you?"

“You’re waking up? I must take my leave then. Let me tell you one last thing, though. You can run, but the damage is already done.”

“What do you mean by that?”

The empty room began to disperse, but she managed to take a glimpse of a tall figure.

"Hold on!"

As she woke up, she froze. Her white dress was all sweaty and her breaths were heavy. Her hand was reaching out, Nexus backing his face off it.

“Good morning, miss," he didn't mind it at all ,"You seem to be doing better!”

“Ah, it’s-you.”

“It’s me indeed, and you are awake! I was getting worried, you know.”

Not paying attention to what he’s saying, she looks around the room. Simple white walls, with a small painting to make it stand out. Old wooden furniture next to her bed, a window behind the knight’s weird face.

“Where are we? And what happened while I was-”

“Asleep? Nothing much happened. I think the prison collapsed, but I didn’t pay much attention when I carried you here!”

“You did?”

“Yes. Why are you asking?”

Looking at his skinny physique, she highly doubted that.

“After a while, I found this small village for me to check up on you. And don’t you worry, miss. The innkeeper’s wife was the one to lend you the white dress you’re wearing!”

“I see,” she pulls up her sleeves, barely seeing any bandages or any wounds either, “Wait, how did you pay for this place?”

“When they saw how injured you were, they let us use a room for free, but I still gave them the armor you wore, otherwise I’d feel like I exploited their kindness.”

“The armor.” Her eyes shifted away from him thinking about it.

“Oh, I promise, it wasn’t me who took it off, it was the innkeeper's wife and-”

“No, it’s not that. It’s just. Why?”

“Huh?”

“Why did you do all of this? Why did you lock me up inside the cell when you had the chance? You’re going this far, for what? Some stranger who threatened you.”

He simply smiled when she asked, “Don’t worry too much about it, miss. I simply help people who need it. Besides, if what you’ve said is true about being kidnapped, I couldn’t possibly capture you again. I’d never forgive myself for it!”

“You-”

“Though I guess you did commit a few crimes yesterday, including assaulting a government official, damage of public property, threatening a government official, identity theft, and arson if we’re counting your magic.”

She flinched as he listed all of that.

“But escaping prison is one I think is justified enough.”

His smile stayed on his face, Alice simply looking at it with disbelief.

“Why are you so-wait?”

She taps her body all over the place, jumping off the bed, “The necklace, where-”

“Here," the pulled the necklace off his sleeve, dangling on his fingers.

“I kept it safe for you-”

She immediately grabbed it, putting it close to her chest.

“I,” she couldn’t really look into his eyes, simply opening up the locket finding the small pictures unscathed, “I see.”

“No need to thank me! I’m just doing my job as a knight!”

He had the same smile the entire time they talked. Smiles were meant to ease others, but she couldn’t help but feel unnerved looking at it. It’s big, but it never reached his eyes. And she couldn’t forget what he said about the emperor.

“Nexus,” she looked at him holding the necklace to her chest, “I am grateful. That’s you have done all of this, for me all the people, even though there’s no way I deserved any of it, but I need you to know this.”

He simply tilted his head.

“I can’t trust you, not yet, that is. After all, you still work for those guys who kidnapped me, and I don’t know whether what you said last night was true or not. Still, I am indebted to you for keeping the necklace safe. So for now, I want to return the favor. And don’t say any ‘because I’m a knight’ junk. I want to do one for you, otherwise I’d feel guilty in a way.”

“Miss,” he clapped his hand, “I know just the thing!”

“You do? What is it-”

“Accompany me to the fire capital!”

She had stepped back after hearing that. “What now?!”

“Oh, sorry, I mean Ashenwood, though it did change names quite a ton the last few years, so-”

“That’s now what I meant! Accompany you? You’ve got to be joking, right? I’d get immediately caught and who knows what they’d do to you next to some runaway! Who knows what could happen to the two of us?”

“That’s true, but do not worry, the worst is only going to come if we get caught!”

“How reassuring,” she slapped her own face.

“Now hear me out, miss. Both you and I have reasons for going to the capital, but it’s a rough journey there! So we should cover up each other’s strengths. You have the magic and strength that I lack in battling against foes, and I can use my influence to get you money for your travels, unless you happen to have some, which I doubt.”

Her eyes rolled awkwardly, unable to deny that.

“So what do you,” he reached out his hand, “Ready for this journey my friend?”

His closed off eyes annoyed her a bit, she simply flung his hand away.

“I wouldn’t call you a friend yet, but I can work with that.”

“Yay,” he really enjoys clapping his hands.

“Though, do you really have that big of an influence as you say you do? "

"That I do. I am the knight of miracles, you know?"

"Miracles," she rolled her eyes, "If making fancy light shows is a miracle, then so be it. Though I doubt that alone makes you popular."

“Well.”

He walked off to open the window. The two looked through as several villagers simply lived their lives. Several men were trying to fix up a wall of a nearby house, as small kids began playing tag with one another. Everything being surrounded by a large brick wall.

“Good morning, everyone,” he got the townsfolk’s attention. “How is your day so far?”

“Is that the knight of miracles?” 

“It is!”

Like a storm crashing on the roof, all the townsfolk left all of their responsibilities, making a large crowd in front of the inn.

“We need your help!”

“My son injured his knee!”

“My back has been hurting for days!”

“My cousin has sleeping issues.”

“Grow back my teeth!”

The requests kept piling up. There never seems to be an end to them.

“Shoot, all of you,” the innkeeper came out hearing that ruckus, his bulky arms pushing away the growing crowd, “Don’t you all have jobs? I swear-Sir, I am so sorry you had to see all of that!"

“It’s fine, my friend! And to all of you, I’ll be sure to attend to your requests once I get the time, though I can’t grow back teeth!”

The crowd sighed, but they left him be returning to their old business once more.

“Well,” Alice scratched her head, seeing all of this, “you sure are-something to these people”

“I’m glad that they can count on me!”

“I still don’t see why you’re so-divine to these people!”

“Oh, so that we can focus later. First of all, how are you feeling? Can you walk?”

“Uh, I guess I can,” she put her shoes next to her bed, “Why? Do we need to go somewhere-”

Nexus quickly grabbed her arm, dragging her across the inn until they reached the streets.

“Hey,” Alice said, her head dizzy, “Where are we-”

“Hm, where was it again? Excuse me sir?”

He called out to a man wearing a beige hat, “Do you know where the clothing store is?”

“Pass that street over there, and you’ll see it. It has a red roof on top!”

“Thank you very much,” he bowed down, “Now off we go.”

“Wait, clothes?”

“Why miss, we can’t have you cross the terrain in a dress like that,” he said, running around in a black dress with frills of all things.

“Here we are,” he entered the store, an older lady waving at him,

“Ah, I was waiting for you, my knight.”

“It’s good to see you too, my lady. This is my friend that I’ve been talking about yesterday.”

“I see, just give me a minute,” she took out measuring tape out of her pocket, “Now let’s see her.”

Alice wasn’t sure how to respond to this. As the lady kept measuring her waist and arms, she simply froze.

“Oh, you can breathe, darling.”

“Wait, I wasn’t?”

“And done! That will be enough. Now let’s see what type of fabric you prefer!”

She brought over different types of fabric with varying types and colors. Her eyes simply looked at the varying shades of purple, feeling their soothing texture.

“Do you like purple, miss?”

“I do, but it’s expensive so-”

“Oh, there’s no need to pay!”

“The knight of miracles has helped us enough last time he came here. I couldn’t possibly make him pay after everything!”

“Ma’am, you’re too kind. We’ll gladly accept the offer,” he nudged Alice’s shoulder.

“S-sure. Thank you very much!”

“It will be done in a couple of days. Can’t wait for you all to see the final result!”

The two exited the shop. “Couple of days. Hm, well, that should be just enough time for you to fully rest.”

“Yeah, without you dragging me to some place I’ve never been before.”

He chuckled, not doing anything in response to the people watching him.

“Say, what did you do last time for you to get everything for free? Did you throw bricks of gold through their windows or-”

“A charming idea, but no. I did send in a letter to the emperor to send supplies for them to fix up their houses and weapons. And I’m glad to see they arrived early.”

“Huh,” her stomach clenched thinking about the emperor, “Heh, you're popular and know the big shot, you family must have been quite rich-”

Nexus stopped in his tracks, “Quite the opposite actually, I never had any gold or land to my name. I was just a normal kid like any other. Had it not been for my blessing and my teacher finding me, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”

“Blessing?”

“Argh!”

A sudden roar made everyone go quiet.

“Help,” a man shouted, “Beasts! They broke through!”

[aqua-loves-writing]

The end of chapter 3 is here!

Hearing that, Alice felt as if someone was grabbing her by the neck, choking her until her very last breath. Lady Scarletborn next to her, barely an inch away from her face, had a large smile on her face, overwhelming her to the point where her hands began to shake. She clenched them, breathing through her nose quietly.

“What do you mean by that?” she stepped back. “What I think of her?”

“Yes, that’s exactly what I just asked,” she crossed her arms, tilting her head in confusion “Can’t people make small talk anymore? You’re being really rude, you know!”

“I,” she struggled, unable to see a way to get out of this, “Well, she’s just another brat. I don’t see any reason why we’ve kept her here for so long. Letting her go already wouldn’t change anything.

“... Really?”

“Y-yes!”

The lady looked back at the dragon, still trying to break its way out, “Can’t say I disagree with you there. I would have gone through it differently myself, but we are after following the orders given by the emperor. So, what can you do?”

Alice was confused. “The emperor decided this?”

“I wasn’t expecting you to know. When the council got the report that she appeared in front of the prison unconscious. While the council suggested bringing her over to us, he decided that General Benedict and his guard should watch over her for an indefinite amount of time.

“I see.”

This doesn’t make any sense. Rue brought me there. Why? And why was I separated from mom? There’s something missing, but what? Maybe… hope this doesn't cause any suspicions.

“That’s all very confusing. Was she really brought here all alone?”

“Well, except for a letter signed anonymously, there was none else but her unconscious body covered in snow, although…”

“Hisss!”

Before she was able to finish, the dragon growled. Several steps were overheard by the entrance. The two women stood still as they watched several guards enter the place, and an elderly man wearing silver armor and a cape made of bright red fur, looking at them with a stern expression.

“Ah, General Benedict,” she bowed down, “We have been waiting for you!”

“My lady, where have you been? I told you to stay with the knight of-”

“Oh, don’t worry, he’s fine. I just needed to be sure that everything was well and ready before the ceremony started! I brought this young sir to watch over me, so I was in safe hands!”

“Graham? This is where you have been?”

“O-f course! Where did you think I was? Locked in a cell snoring through the entire day? Heh…”

They were all quiet to this attempt at a joke.

“Well, whatever the case. Soldier, don’t do tasks like this unprompted without permission from higher officials. As for this…”

They all look at the dragon, clenching it's teeth upon seeing the elderly man.

"Sir, I am astounded," Lady Scarletborn said, "That you have captured an actual dragon."

"It's still unbelievable. I couldn't believe it my eyes when I first saw it. I wish I was like the general." the guards gossiped amongst themselves.

"Oh please, it's just another military pet, nothing jaw dropping. He'll be back in that cage when we're finished with this. So don't pay it much attention."

I can't believe I've never seen it before for all the years I've been here. And all these guys knew about it too??? Since when was it here? And for how long...is it going to stay here?

The more he steps closer, the more enraged the dragon gets. It tried to shout through its tied down mouth, clawing through the sharp bars. Just as the elderly men appeared right in front of the cell, it had jump out, trying to claw through the man's face. Everyone else flinched, but he stood still.

“Oh, calm down, you pest,” he pulled out a small bottle, a gray substance inside it, “You should have gotten used to this already!”

As he opened it, a weird aroma began flowing through the air. Despite having no sort of smell to the people inside this large room, the same could not be said for the dragon. One sniff alone caused the small creature to change. Its eyes were half open as he suddenly dropped to the ground, almost fainting.

“That should be enough,” he opened the cell, immediately putting the leash on this now exhausted being.

“Good boy,” the general dragged it outside, “With this, we should now be able to start the ceremony! You may call upon the young lad Lady Scarletborn.”

“Of course, sir,” Lady Scarletborn clapped her hands, a cheery smile just like before, “I shall tell him to get ready fast! See you all there!”

“Good, soldiers! Come with me! We already wasted enough time as is with that one man, so get to it.”

“Yes sir!”

“...”

“All of you,” he looks at Alice in disguise, stunned by what she had just saw.

“Of course, sir” Alice followed along, her eyes unable to look away from the dragon as she felt like puking.

***

They arrive inside a large and elegant ballroom. The difference between it and the rest of the prison was so stark, it almost felt they entered a completely new place. The walls were covered in gold, windows showing off the shining sun and tall trees, were covered in all sorts of jewels. Despite the place’s grandeur, Alice, standing alongside other guards, only looked at the small now husk of a dragon.

“Stopping messing with me, pet!”

The general’s shout echoed through the entire room as he carried a wooden torch in his hand.

“Have you become deaf?” he pulled the leash so tightly the dragon whined, “Shoot out your flames this instant!”

The dragon, squeamish in his steps, split out the smallest of sparks, leading the torch to begin burning

“Finally, it wasn't so hard, was it?”

He proceeded to kick the dragon’s in its stomach, wincing without and strength to fight back.

Seeing all of that, Alice tightly gripped her own arms to restrain herself.

That guy… what’s wrong with him? It did just as you asked him to do and you still treat him like that! No, Alice, calm down. You can’t disclose your disguise at this moment. Be patient. Just wait till the ceremony ends, find Mister Miroslav and then… I’ll deal with him.

“Not that this is done with,” the general appeared before a group of maids, their pure white clothes covering everything other than their faces, “Spread this.”

The maids with torches in their hands all picked off the first’s flames, spreading across the walls of the room, holding the torches tightly against their chest

“Now,” he pointed out his sword towards his hive mind of guards, “It shall begin!”

One of the guards pulled out a trumpet, as they all began forming two straight rows in front of the golden entrance. Slowly opening, Lady Scarletborn reappeared, her hair now tied in a bun.

“It is my pleasure to announce that the time of the sunblaze ceremony has arrived,” she reached her hands to the sky, “And now, without further ado, come on in, Knight of Miracles!”

[aqua-loves-writing]

Chapter 10 part 2 is out (I know I forgot to share the first part psst)

[aqua-loves-writing]

Chapter 3 part 4 is here!

Told ya they were coming back!

I can’t believe this is happening.

“Good day!”

I am actually doing this.

“Hello!”

I am finally escaping!

Hours have passed since the incident in the hallway. Being able to hide the knocked out guard in her old cell, she now walks ahead, among the pathways of her prisoner, none of the knights having suspicions as she’s disguised as one of their own.

This is real! This is real. This is real.

She repeatedly touches the different parts of her armor, unable to find words to describe this feeling of a long-lost freedom soon to reappear in her grasp.

It’s been so many years since I was able to use my flames! Without them, I felt as if my entire body was tied up to the ground, everyone walking over my body as I was unable to do anything about it. And now they’re here. All thanks to him. I can’t believe he managed to find the keys! Was that what he was up to the last few days? I can’t even begin to describe how grateful I am! I need to make it up to him! But how…oh!

A small jump flowed into her steps.

I can help him find his family again! Yes! That’d be amazing! Just imagine, every one of them coming to embrace him after so many years, all the while I stare from far away… with Mom next to me. 

She stops walking, an image of her mother, smiling in the midst of a large field on a sunny day. In a blink of an eye, it’s gone.

Please be alive! You have to be alive! It’s all I-

“Soldier!”

“Yikes!”

Ah yes, she is definitely alive and I’m still here. What do they say again?

She turns around to see the guard shouting at her, the feather tied to her helmet slapping her face as she does, it “Good day, sir! Did you call me sir? How can I help, sir? Don’t need me, sir? Good, sir! Bye, sir!”

I am never saying sir again.

“What did you just-ugh, I don’t have time for this,” the guard sighed, grabbing her by the shoulder, “Didn’t you see what time it is?!? Just-stand still!”

“...”

“..."

“... Uh.”

“Yes?”

“By standing still, you mean I should just… stand still?”

“No, I mean you can go out and frolic in a field of pink flowers-Of course I mean you stand still, dumbass! Kids these days, I swear…”

“Okay…”

She looks around to see several guards standing against the wall. Their posture was weird. They all looked in one direction of the hall, bending their backs and even jumping in excitement for whatever reason.

“Ah, I can’t believe I get see her in person,” they began chatting with one another.

“Me neither! Do you think she’s as beautiful as they say she is?”

“I once had a glimpse of her during my duties back at the capital and have become a changed man since then.”

“Psst, keep it down you fools!” the shouting guard shouted, “We have to keep it professional! We can’t let the master of the imperial vassals think of us as shameless peasants! Our reputation and pay grade are on the line!”

They all made a sad sigh, “Yes sir…”

“...One another note, do you think I should take off my helmet or-”

Welp, I have no idea what is happening nor do I want to know.

“Everyone,” a knight suddenly slides through the pathway, “She’s coming!!!”

“She’s coming!”

“She’s coming?!”

Who’s coming?

“Yes, yes! Don’t make it seem like you’re looking at her-”

“Something the matter, my dear?”

Hearing a gentle voice, all the guards went back to their stoic positions, Alice copying them despite her never-ending confusion.

“N-nothing ma’am! Please, don’t mind me!”

“You sure? You just ran off when I appeared. Are you sick? I have some medication with me…”

Footsteps echoed through the entire hallways, heels. This person seems to be wearing. All the knights began to shake from head to toe.

Who is this woman? What the heck did she do to make them all act like this-oh.

She didn’t know what to say, seeing who came in. A beautiful purple gown, its silk sliding through the rowdy ground. She moved away her strawberry blonde hair as she greeted smiles to everyone in the room.

“Good day everyone! Thanks for helping us in the short notice,” she bowed down, lifting her dress like a princess, “I am Victoria Scarletborn! And I am here on the behalf of the Knight of Miracles!”

The guards all began clapping at the same time, sighing in unison somehow. Alice just tilted her head.

Who… is she?

Alice felt weird. Things didn’t line up in her head.

She’s here because of that knight guy? Is she his mother or what? I don’t think I’ve seen her before, but…she looks familiar for some reason.

“Now young men,” the lady spoke out, “As much as I wish to learn more about you all! I must get going! Can one of you come and help!"

The guards raised their arms, all shouting to help her.

“Oh, I appreciate everyone’s enthusiasm. But I only need one of you. So, how about…Oh.”

She caught the glance of Alice, who tried her best to sneak out of this situation.

“You!”

Shoot.

“Pardon me, but are you busy, by any chance?”

“Well,” she awkwardly said, “Not anymore…”

“Splendid,” Lady Scarletborn clapped her hands, “Come with me then! Everyone else, please inform the others that the ceremony is starting soon!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

They all left the area, giving Alice a thumbs up as they did, saying things in line with “Sweet my friend! Get her! Nice!”

Please don’t ever say those things to me again.

“Come now! We can’t be late!”

“Oh-of course,” she followed along, “Just one question, ma’am. Where are we going?#

“Hm? Oh, I forgot, my apologies!

She walked towards a nearby wall, pressing one of the bricks, which cause a sudden pathway to form there!”

“Uh-”

“We just need to grab something!”

—

The two struggled to make their way as they entered an underground tunnel. The uneven path and lack of any light made it almost impossible to walk through. And a strange thick fog made Alice cough several times, and it’s barely been an hour.

Great, just great. What even is this place? I can’t see anything in here. I can’t use my flames or else that lady will see. And where the heck is that fog coming from? Is it from some nearby torch? It can’t be, it's too thick. I just hope Mister Miroslav is still alright. Is he still with that general? I hope not. Please be alright. Please!

“Sir,” the lady suddenly grabbed her arm, “is everything well! I noticed you clenching your fists!

“I’m-I’m fine! It’s just really hard going through this dump, you know what I mean?”

“I guess that’s true! They would have renovated this place had the government sent them more money…but oh well! Prisoners are not their priority!”

“You could say that again…”

“What was that?”

“N-nothing. We should be reaching the end point soon, right?”

“Why yes! You’re really observant! We should be getting there… Now!”

Lady Scarletborn stopped in her tracks as they both reached a giant empty room, with nothing but a small bent cage placed inside. An animal's silhouette was noticeable in the midst of the gray fog forming around it.

What the heck? Is that some dog or…

Her mind went blank. Inside the cage, biting through many weapons, smoke formed from the fire flowing through its sharp teeth. Eyes staring into nothingness as its wings were tied by chains. What could one do? Seeing with their own eyes, a rampaging dragon

That can’t be… they aren’t-

“Hisss!”

It bumped its entire body against the cage, unable to get out. Nor did the flames melt the cage. It kept biting and jumping at the bars for nothing to change. How long was it doing this for?

“Poor thing. At this point, it should just accept its reality. But we can’t bring it out at this rate. Guess General Benedict was right. We should wait for him then. What do you say, Sir?”

“...”

“Sir?”

She is unable to keep her eyes off the dragon. Unbridled rage, shouts and tears. Wound all over his blue scales, blood flowing through its purple fur. Again and again, injuring itself to get out. Alice couldn’t help but to see herself in it.

“... Can I ask you a question?”

Lady Scarletborn whispered in her ear, “What do you think of Zvezdoprah?”

[aqua-loves-writing]

I'M BACK BABEY!

[aqua-loves-writing]

No reflame update today but here's a preview for next week!

"Choose the perfect words and no one can say you lied."

:]

[aqua-loves-writing]

Chapter 16 started

[aqua-loves-writing]

Very late Chapter 15 part 2 is here!

[aqua-loves-writing]

Chapter 14 ended!

[aqua-loves-writing]

Chapter 4 part 1 is here!

The doors had slowly opened up. Small steps echoed through the room as a small figure, face covered with a hood, entered the room. A knight like no other, because they didn’t look like a knight at all. A black dress followed up with the simplest of ballet shoes. Many were bewildered. 

“Uh,” the knights gossiped with one another, “Who… is that nun?”

“I have no idea. Maybe that’s his maid or something?”

“My child,” Lady Scarletborn stepped in, putting her hand on his shoulder, “Won’t you show everyone your face?”

The knight chuckled, “Of course…”

Strange. A young face, barely older than Alice, alongside dark gray hair more fitting to an elder. A smile on their face, impossible to tell its true nature. As he walked on, he greeted every knight standing by bowing down and lifting his dress. A bounce to their step as he moved from one knight to the other.

That’s the guy everyone’s talking about?

Alice was unable to keep her eyes off him.

H-how?? In what way is that, a knight? No sword, no armor, no anything??? The heck is happening with Unia?! Everything I learn about this country be against my will...ugh. I have had it today. I’ll try to sneak out when no one’s watching during the ceremony or whatever. I need to be quick. Let’s see where I can-

“Good day my sir!”

“Uh!”

She was startled seeing the knight suddenly bow before her. His vibrant widened turquoise eyes were hard to look away from. His giant smile unnerving her.

“Good-good day to you too, oh...one and only imperial vassal! I am grateful that you have...come to greet me! I shall, uh, treasure this forever.”

He chuckled as she was screaming in the inside.

“Oh please, I am nothing that special, but I appreciate it anyway. I too shall treasure our meeting forever too!”

“Um,” a young maid tapped his shoulder, avoiding eye contact, “Young sir, may I take your cape away during the ceremony?”

“Oh,” they turned around, bowing down as they grabbed the maid’s hand to kiss it, “Why, of course! I couldn’t say no to a face like that if I tried!”

"Oh," she was flustered "My knight-I-"

"It's fine my lady," he closed in on her, "You presence alone makes my day! I could treasure nothing more than to know you better!"

Flustered, she walked away, forgetting to take the cape with her.

He chuckled, “Cute, wasn’t she?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“What can I say? I always loved a dash of romance! What about you?”

“M-me? Well, sir," she stepped back a bit, "I never really put much though on that."

“Interesting," he stood on his toes, his face only a few inches away to hers, "Many men only become knights to gain the hands of maids (can't say I judge them) so this is surprising! What's your reason then?

None. I hate it here.

"Go on..."

“Ahem,” the strange knight stepped back when the general came in, still holding onto the leash of the dragon,

“My friend Benedict,” he had grabbed the old guy's hand, shaking it in extreme speeds, “I must say it’s a pleasure to see you!”

“Uh, yes, you too. But-”

“And I can’t believe my eyes,” he crouched down, his eyes staring at the dragon, it walking away from the overwhelming gaze.

“An actual dragon! These haven’t been seen in ages! And back at the castle everyone was saying you were bluffing!"

"Heh, as if," the old man chuckled, “Only a year ago I alone was able to catch it, and have been taming it ever since. I had caught so many vicious criminals thanks to this tool since. I may even be transported back to the castle at this rate…”

As the old man kept boasting about himself, the dragon had looked at the ground, avoiding eye contact with others. His legs were noticeably shaking. Any moment it could fall to the ground, and who knows if it’d be able to get up. Heck, if it wanted to.

A tool? Tch...

The knight didn’t pay much attention to the general, turning his head left and right as he gazed at the dragon. “You seem tired, don’t you? Say what? After all of this is over, I can bring you some food to ear, plus, if you need any help, you know who to call!”

He winked, the dragon not paying much attention to it.

“Ahem,” Lady Scarletborn appeared before them, a vase in her hands, “Sorry to interrupt but we have work to do, don’t we my child?”

“Oh, I apologize teacher,” he quickly got up, “I got excited is all. Bye little dragon! Bye new friend! Don’t forget about me!”

“Oh stop kidding around,” she handed over the vase to them, filled with clean water, “General, we’re ready.”

“And just as I was about to cut through its-oh,” he straightened his back, faking coughs, “Of course! Just walk on ahead, young knight. We’ll watch from here.”

Excuse me?!

As the strange knight left, the lady and the general stood just next to her. They could have stood next to another knight, next to the entrance, next to the knight, next to a traveling merchant scamming his employees with fake potions. However, they chose to stand next to her, to further her suffering accidentally.

Mister Miroslav… I am sorry. I guess I have to wait for this to be over. Can't be too long. I mean, it's just some water, what could he even do with that?

With the vase in their hands, the knight had approached the statues of animals. The first one, a mighty hawk, rising its wings to the sky. He poured water onto the statue, now glowing in a burning red.

The heck?

The light had spread across the entire ballroom, the ceiling now resembling a sunset sky. In it, a form of a hawk flying across at a moment’s notice. ‘Ignia!’ everyone cheered.

What the heck? How is this possible?

Next one, a statue of a butterfly landing on a flower. the touch of water had brought upon a green light. the light had shattered into small flowing spectacles, flowing through the air in the shapes of butterflies

“Woah,” Alice had reached her hand to one, only for it to disperse by her contact

“Heh, I apologize for disappointing you,” Lady Scarletborn chuckled, “I do so much for him and this is all he can give out…”

Huh?

“Oh well, guess we just have to see if the rest pays off well!”

That was… weirdly judgemental. Oh forget about it Alice, while they’re distracted I can get out of this.

She had slowly walked away backwards as he poured water onto the next statue. A horse, an orange light spread throughout. Illusion of trees had appeared covering the walls. The entrance had disappeared within these illusions, just as Alice was about to reach them.

You have got to be kidding me…

“Something wrong?” another knight noticed her. “Were you trying to leave? Did you get sick or something?”

“...Yes."

"Oh, do you need-"

Ignoring him, she got back to her spot, hunching her back forward as hope is slowly shattering in front of her.

“Put your head up darling,” the lady said, “Now comes the last part!”

“Finally…”

The final statue, a dolphin jumping from the sea. a blue light had not spread across the ground, an image of a lake. Fishes were seen swimming through the pure and clean water. A strange feeling seeing this, as everyone stood on it casually.

“Hm, decent enough, wouldn’t you think? 

“Ugh-”

“Well, either way, now comes the important part…”

There’s more. Of course there’s more.

The knight of miracles, sitting down on the ground, closing his eyes as he held in hands in a prayer. The maids, torches in their hands, had risen them high up as they started to chant-

Watcher of fire and wind, we call you!

Watcher of water and earth, we need you!

Oh, may you grace us with your presence!

So we can earn our existence!

A glowing aura had formed around the strange knight.

“Oh protectors of the very earth we were born upon.. Those who brought us life and death. For many years, our voices did not reach you, for we have sinned in ways one can redeem thyself! Trial and tribulations had met these lands that you have given us oh so long ago! And now…”

They stand up, raising their arms “Here we are, pleading our flesh and blood to you! All for the sake of regaining that which was once lost! So please, take this life and everything that we owe you to come back!”

A giant white light had manifested high up, an ever looming star. Just looking at this one would feel like they’re choking as its presence overshadows everything and everyone around it.

“... It can’t be,” the knight said, falling back to the ground, the ground beneath him shattering, the illusion turning into speckles of dust. The giant star vanished, and the room had returned to it's original taste. No words were spoken.

[aqua-loves-writing]

Rebellious Flame chapter 3 part 1 is here!

cw for threats of violence

Part 1: Chained

Inside of an underground cave, water dripping from the ceiling and rats crawling around the ground, people all over the place mined, their clothes all ripped and their hands covered in wounds. A guard, clad in red and black armor, yelled at them for the smallest of things. The lamp he carried was the only thing giving off light in the mines. While they did light the way, it made everyone exhausted, as it reminded them that they are unable to escape.

“What did I say about slacking off,” a guard yelled at an old man who fell to the ground, “Get back to work this second!”

The old man slowly tried to get up. He checked his pocket and immediately went back on the floor, seemingly looking for something.

“The hell?” the guard said, “Get up!”

The elder kept looking at the ground ignoring too focused to hear anything that the guard said.

“Oh, is this how it is then,” he pulled out a whip, “You had this coming you piece of-”

“Enough.”

Right as the guard was about to hit the man with his whip, someone grabbed it behind him and pulled it. The guard fell to the ground, everyone chuckled seeing that.

“Who in the world-tch you again,” he got up, now covered in mud shouting at the girl wearing ripped clothing, “Why doesn’t this surprise me? Do you have a death wish Zvezdoprah?”

She silently looked at the man who ruffled his short blonde hair, looking at her with condescension as he rubbed his chin.

“Well, if you won’t answer, I’ll take that as a yes-”

“I’ll take over.”

“Now you'll-What?”

“I finished for today,” she threw a giant sack into the ground, “I still have the rest of the day to work, so let me do his fill for today while he’s resting. Is that too much to ask for?”

“Finished you say, “ he grabbed the sack and opened up to see several black rocks inside, dark like a starless sky. He looked back at Alice and smirked.

“Fine, my shift is over anyway,” he walks away from the scene, leaving the old man still on the ground, “But because of what you pulled just now, you’ll have to fill 4 sacks.”

“Four,” she yelled out, “That will take me the entire night-”

“Ahem,” he hit the ground with his whip, “Did I not make myself clear? You’ll fill four sacks even if you lose your arms and legs, got it?”

“Tch,” she rolled her eyes.

“What was that?”

“Nothing. I’ll do it.”

“Good.”

When he left, Alice grew furious, almost sparking some flames, “No,” she puts her hand now looking at the shackles on her feet, “Agh.”

Again today? You’d barely call these flames! These stupid-

“Teodora.”

“Huh?”

“Teodora.” The elderly man kept repeating himself as he crawled on the ground, “Where are you?”

“Mister,” she crouched down to his level, “Are you alright?”

He ignored her as he kept searching.

“Mister-”

“Agh,” when she touched his shoulder, he panicked, keeping his eyes shut, “Please don’t hurt them, they’ve done nothing…wrong.”

He opened his eyes, seeing everyone around him startled and even annoyed,

“Uh,” she gives out her hand, “Mister? Are you alright?”

“Little one? Oh. Oh, Ignia,” he slapped his face, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to!”

“Oh, I’m fine, don’t worry,” she helped him get back up on his feet, “I’m more concerned about you.”

“Ah,” he looked back at the ground, squinting his eyes. “It’s…nothing.”

“You sure? You suddenly fell to the ground and began searching for something. What is it? Need help?”

“Please,” he looked away, his scarred lips forming a fake smile, “There’s no helping me.”

While the prisoners looked at him with concern, they decided to keep working instead. Alice noticed quickly how the others were too scared to try and help him, so she sighed.

“Welp, here I go,” she grabbed his arm and put it over her shoulder, 

“Uh?”

“Let’s see?”

“Little one? What are you doing?”

“Aha! Over there!”

She brought him over to a flat rock, “Sit here and rest! Hope it’s comfortable! Oh, also this,” out of her pocket she pulled out some bread.

“What next,” she picked up his pick-axe and sack, and walked away, “I’ll finish this in no time! So rest until then!”

“But-”

Before he was able to say anything, she already walked away and began working, the people around her giving her weird looks.

“Tch, what’s her problem,” they gossiped, “Constantly causing trouble with the other knights. How the hell did she even get here anyway.”

“That’s the thing, she's been here for over three years now and no one knows what she did to get here. There have even been rumors that she’s not even from Unia.”

“Huh? An immigrant? That’d explain the magic resistance shackles around her legs..”

“Eh, either way, she’ll get herself into trouble if she keeps this up.”

“What the hell are you standing around for?” a new guard came up, “Get back to work!”

They all did as they were told, and Alice just blankly looked into the ground.

Has it really been three years? That long since I’ve been here? Since that day? Mom, everyone, where are you? Are you even alive? 

[aqua-loves-writing]

Week recap 13th April to 19th April

This week went well. I did feel a bit tired out because the bus I usually use to get to college won't come for a while because of some road work

So I get exhausted from walking a lot (yes I'm that type of artist)

Also, I finally managed to make up a schedule for posting art on social media, which will be three times a week, excluding weekends, which I hope won't be a problem because I basically draw everyday

Also I finished the first draft of nwnm's outline and a new update for reflame will be out in Monday! Yippie!!!