Prologue
In a small arcs of land lays a village, consisting a church, farm, a small market, a school and a popular diner. Well, it’s the only diner in the whole village.
Everyone in the village has their own hobbies, jobs, interest and responsibilities. Majority of the adults either work for a farm, in the mines or work in the capital, but that’s very few of them. The fathers go out for work while the mothers take care of the children as well as the house.
However, despite many of these villagers having jobs, the village they live in is a very low income place. This is due to the fact that they live in the outermost region, which is the Foresaken realm.
Unlike the Noble and Common realm where they have better jobs, higher educations as well as protection. The Foresaken realm is the complete opposite. Instead of having better income and higher education, villagers suffer with low paying jobs, lackluster magic, lack of education, higher chances of being attacked by dangerous animals and no special kind of history.
Not a single person has a unique role or history. Just a bunch of ordinary people just trying to get by.
However, there is one individual that blended with everyone. An individual that has the same everyday task and problems like everyone else. An individual that came to terms with her life.
And that individual is…
”(Y/n)! Wake up already!”
Just when you were snoring away and drowned in a pile of books, you jumped up instantly hearing a familiar voice outside your room. You instantly bolted up as your vision slowly settled, the familiar voice that called out to you belonged to on other than your mother. Just when you were about to respond back to her, an instant throb struck your head. You winced at your surroundings, despite your vision still adjusting. You have a small, cramped room, where it only consist a bookshelf, night stand and a candle holder. You never complain about the condition of your room since you’re born from a broke family, so at the very least, you’re not sleeping outside. However, what’s really taking up space is the amount of books you had. All of them vary from biology, chemistry, and math. Lots were on your bed to the point it should be your own personal blanket, but the biggest issue was the sea of books on the ground. There was so many of them that you could barely even see the floor.
As you slowly and groggily got off your bed, while some books slide off of you, you stretch your arms and legs as you let out a long yawn.
You looked at your room, cringing how much a mess it is.
”Jesus Christ, how long did I study?”
“Pretty sure the entire night.”
You looked back at your mother, she had her arms crossed while leaning against the doorframe, a clear displeased expression.
”This rooms a mess and you’re late.”
Your brain was still processing so you gave her a confused expression. Your mother let out a frustrated sigh, “Work! Your father diners been open an hour ago!”
As if everything was crashing around you, you immediately dashed out of your room and head straight to the bathroom. Multiple swears and long tangent racing in your mind in the speed of light.
Your mother let out another sigh as she grabbed your work clothes and the appropriate books you’ll be needing later on today. After doing that she slightly opened the bathroom door and left your work clothes on the door knob.
”Hurry up! Pretty sure there’s going to be lots of customers today!”
“I know! You should’ve woke me up though!”
”(Y/n), you are fifteen now! I don’t have to wake you up all the time! Besides, maybe if you didn’t pull constant all nighters you would’ve been-“
”Okay, okay, okay! You made your point!”
Your mother shook her head as she left you alone and headed to the kitchen. Well, it’s not exactly a kitchen and more like a regular big open room that’s connected to you, your older brother and parents room, but y’all call it a kitchen anyway. Due to y’all status, you and many other houses aren’t the best of high quality. Majority of y’all houses are made out of wood due to how easy and cheap they are. The only ones that are brick buildings are your father diner and the school that you and your mother work at.
Most of the money usually go those buildings, but your parents use the money for other purposes, mainly to pay the mayor.
Y’all would pay a better house, but knowing how expensive that is while many of the people here not having experience or the time to do so, they rather take the easy option by using the wood material for they’re housing.
As you hastily and sloppy washed up and put on your work clothes, you slammed open the door and ran to the kitchen. Just when you were about to leave the house, your mother stops you. She hands you your bag, something wrapped up and a cloak.
“Before you leave, I wish to ask you something, are you having your usual headaches?”
You nodded, “Got struck with one this morning. But I’m sure it’ll go away soon.”
Your mother sigh as she rubs the bridge of her nose, “I swear, you’ve been having these headaches for years and I still don’t understand why they keep happening.“, she groans.
Throughout your entire life, you’ve been having these constant headaches that randomly come out of the blue. It always left your parents baffled because you were quite the healthy child. They feed you well, they always make sure you get a good amount of sleep and drink a good amount of water, yet no matter what they do, those annoying headaches always creep in and come back. They’re worried it could be something far worst then a headache, such as some undiagnosed chronic illness. Your mother well verse in certain medical subjects, but she is no professional doctor whatsoever. She’s hoping to take you to a doctor one day, but they tend to cost a fortune. Plus, chronic illness of itself is still something being researched so she fears that the doctors may never figure out what’s wrong with you.
“Please eat well and drink lots of water okay? Ask your father for a big meal. I wish I could make breakfast right now, but I got some studying to do.”
You nodded at her request. You soon looked at the cloak and wrapped object, “What’s the cloak for? Also, what this?“, holding the wrapped object in front of her.
“It looks like it may rain soon.”
“So, school cancel?”
she shrugs, “I gotta take a closer look, though I’m certain it will since it always rains here for some reason. Also...“, your mother bit her lip, nervous to say her next words.
You raised a brow as you unwrapped the mystery object to soon see a familiar book in your hand. It was an old, shabby book with almost rusted golden bezels on each corner with a brown velvet color. The only thing that makes this book stand out from the rest of yours or mother books was that it had a large indented golden design that looks like a spiral. Despite how unique, and perhaps intriguing, the book look, all you responded with was nothing but frustration.
“Mother, why are you giving me this?”
“Look, I know over the years you rather read my books, but please look into that one. At least when you have your break at work.”
You groan as you rubbed the side of your temples, “Mother, I’m fifteen! Which means I’m old enough to do mature things that you adults do! Not...“, you opened the book to some random page, showing you the entire landscape of your village, with some cute doodles of people and creatures here and there, “Not this stuff! This is for children!“, you showed her the page right in front of your mother. However, what your mother sees is nothing but a blank page. Your mother furrowed her brows in annoyances yet also confusions, “Dear, I think you’re showing me a blank page...”
You gritted your teeth as you quickly closed the book, “This is another reason why I’m not looking into this thing. I feel like everyone going to think I’m crazy for reading a blankness book when it’s not!”
Your mother held her chin as she begins to think, “How come you can see them, but I can’t...“, she mumbles.
You stared at your mother as you let out a sigh, knowing she may not listen to you anytime soon. You soon kissed her on the cheek and waved goodbye to her, “See you later.”
As you close the door behind you, you start heading to your destination. While watching you looked at your surroundings, adult men cutting wood with they’re magics, women and they’re daughters washing the clothes, young children chasing or playing with each other, people just talking with each other and elderly villagers sitting on rocking chairs, either mindlessly staring off to the distant or sleeping. A small smile formed on your lips, just a regular, peaceful morning.
“Well, look at that! Miss Bookworm finally out of her library? Haha!“. one of the teenage boys laughed.
“Haven’t seen her in a whole century! Ha!“, another one laugh.
You felt the heat on your cheeks rise but brushed off they’re comments. Due to you being your mother assistant, you have been very well known in the village of your dedication to learning and being around books. You do come out of the house every week, but that’s mainly due to responsibilities that you have to take care of. Yet on days where either your mother or father work places are closed for a day or two, you are completely closed off from the world. You’re still not sure how everyone knew you’re a shut-in but that could be due to your parents bringing you up in conversations.
As you continued walking you heard a few voices calling out to you. You follow where the voices were coming from only to find it was a lady and her daughter waving at you, wanting you to go over there. As you walked over, you gave the two a smile, “Hello Ms.Canel and Lauire!”
“Good morning (Y/n)! I’m assuming your heading to work?“, Ms.Canel asked.
You nodded in responds, “Yup! Though I slept a bit too long...“, you sheepishly giggled.
“Pretty sure grading all those homework’s! Haha!“, Ms.Canel laughed.
“Did I do well on my homework (Y/n)? I study real hard this time!“, Lauire beamed, determination written all over her face.
“You gotta wait till school starts. But...“, you looked around, making sure there’s no familiar students nearby. You then lean towards her and whispered, “You got one of the highest grades out of everyone right now.“, you smiled.
Lauire eyes sparkled as her smile grew ear to ear. It looked like she wasn’t sure what to say as she stayed quiet and went back to washing clothes while having a big dumb smile on her face.
Ms. Canel smiled at y’all interactions, “So why are you running late (Y/n)?”
“Was studying over lots of chemistry terms while reading lots of biology books.”
“And you did that the whole night?! My dear, your health going to worsen if you keep doing that.“, Ms. Canel scolded.
You sheepishly rubbed the back of your neck as you glanced away. Ever since your mother morning scolding, you were hoping to avoid it.
“I know, but...I just can’t help it you know? My mother spent years studying this stuff that I believe everyone deserve to learn about it! Lots of children and and teens my age are interested being a Wizard Knight because how cool they are and the many connections you gain from them.”
“Well, of course. If any of us in this village were Wizard Knights, we would have better clothes, better food, better income, clean water and even protection! We might even get recognized by the other realms too!”
“Mhm! Mhm! I heard lots of the kids your age are going to attempt the Wizard Knights exam!”
“I really hope one of them will pass the exam. That’ll really help us out.”
“And what if none of them pass?”
The mother and daughter look at you with awe, taking your words a back.
“I know we aren’t living in the best conditions and having a Wizard Knight being born from here sounds amazing and all...but that shouldn’t be are only hope.”
“(Y/n) dear...there’s no reason to be negative...”
You simply shook your head, ” I don’t think I am. I believe there’s multiple options for us. I mean, chemistry, biology, math, all that are so interesting! The amount of stories my mother has told me when she use to be in the capital are incredible! Metal turn into gold, the process of creating glass, creating food that only royals can have and even more! Heck! There’s several different ways to treat people that aren’t just healing herbs! We won’t need to buy this stuff because we can just create it ourselves!”
“Wait...making foods that only royals can have?! Is that even possible?! So...I don’t have to eat bread all the time?! Old, moldy, dry up bread?!“, Lauire ask, eyes sparkling.
You nodded with a huge smile on your face, “With no magic whatsoever!”
Ms. Canel had an unsure expression, “Well, ok, but how is that any better than being a Wizard Knight? Wizard Knights are incredibly powerful and are highly respected. If we have someone born from here and work for the Wizard Knights, they’ll bring lots of fortunes to this villages.”
“I’m not saying it’s better, I’m saying that we kids and adults deserve more options, not just being a farmer or Wizard Knight.“, you turn your head around, looking afar at the farmers who look exhausted but continue to do they’re work, “Education is so important. We can’t have our future generation be stuck in the same loop like us. There’s so much knowledge that kids and adults deserve to learn...”
You soon noticed many young villagers attentions were staring at something that caught they’re eye. You follow they’re direction to soon noticed a couple of carriages were heading y’alls way. Mothers, fathers and older siblings were telling their relatives to get ready, telling them goodbye or handing them food for their travels.
“Oh dear...seems like most of the kids are already heading to work...”
“What work?, Lauire ask, tilting her head curiously.
“Well, most kids around your age have to work in the mines, fields or factories...despite some of them only being seven years old...“, Ms. Canel explained.
You stayed quiet, staring at the multiple carriages as they are slowly filled with young boys and girls. Their work clothes were worn out and had many stains. Some chatted with each other and joking, trying to lift up the mood, but for you, it just left a bad taste in your mouth. You came to terms that child labor has been a thing throughout your life, but you can never stand seeing it. So many of these kids that had no choice but to do this. Doing a job that takes up most of the day of they’re daily lives was tragic. Not having time for themselves, they’re family, or friends.
You weren’t sure what kind of work environment they go through but from what you learned about caves and open fields conditions, is that without the right equipment and build, working at those kinds of areas are absolutely hell, especially for children.
You hated that the reason this sort of stuff is legal is because it’s easier income. Many did consent, but it’s mainly to support their families, but you can’t help feel how wrong this is. These kids should have the free will to do what kids do, be kids. Not only that, but the amount of education that will be missing out on. They could be learning so many things that will help them on the long run. Give them so many opportunities that they want to pursue. The potential they never realize.
They deserve an education and childhood. Not this.
“I gotta go.“, you bluntly stated, not even looking back at Ms. Canel and Lauire as you head to your destination.
“Oi, (F/n)! Where’s your daughter? At home reading all those books?“, a man snicker.
A plate of a loaf of bread and scrambled eggs carefully floated towards the snickering man. The man that delivered the food, your father, sheepishly chuckled as he glanced at the window. There were still a few customers that didn’t have they’re foods yet but they looked pretty patient, mainly due to your father being the only one serving food and having food that isn’t just stale bread.
The restaurant was very small, only able to fit ten tables. Through most of the time, chairs and tables tend to break due to how low quality they are, so a lot of the time a lot of the people tend to be in lines and take they’re food to go. Nevertheless, no one really complains about how low quality the restaurant is, they get to eat better food then they usually do, so their blessed that someone will take their time to do this.
‘Jesus Christ where is she?!’, your father thought, grinning his teeth together.
Just when your father was about to have an internal break down, you finally showed up. As you father heard the entrance bell, he snapped towards you and gave you a very annoyed glare. You gulped as you quickly head to the kitchen.
As you were heading to the kitchen, many of the customers noticed you.
“Hey! It’s (Y/n) (L/n)! Finally out of your little cave?“, a young man laugh.
“Poor thing...look at those eyebags on that face...“, a mother pointed out.
“(Y/n)! Yay!“, a child chirp.
“Dang ’namit! You kids lazying around! Get a job! Always leaving the heavy lifting to us folks!“, an elderly, grumpy old man shouted.
You awkwardly smile at everyone as you continued to walk to the kitchen. Despite all the comments, the place was very lively, lots of laugh and even some people singing a little tune. You put on your apron and checked the next order.
You tried to read what the order said but it was written in a sort of scribbles and spelled poorly, as if a child had wrote this, which is most likely the case, ‘Scrambled eggs...?’
As you light the stove by throwing a lighter in it and checking if the top is hot and ready, you grabbed some ingredients such as salt, pepper and eggs. While checking if the steam was coming out of the top stove, your father came in the kitchen with the same annoyed glare.
“What took you so long?!”
You glanced away, guilt growing inside every passing second, “I overslept and got caught up with neighbors...“, you mumbled.
Your father sigh with annoyance, “(Y/n)...you do not have to study so much every night...”
“But that’s when I have the most time to study father! Like, listen...I just learned something so cool about lighting!”
’Oh geez…here comes her rambles…’, your father sigh as he walks up next to you and began creating the next order. It’s not like your father hates when you ramble, but ever since you’ve been learning all these different subjects throughout these years, it’s impossible to stop you, unless something distracted you. So for now, your father has to wait and try to understand what you’re even talking about.
”I just started learning about it recently but apparently when a great amount of water is taken from the ocean and if the air is unstable, the warm air goes all the way up which creates a big and tall cloud which will soon turn into a thunderstorm! Imagine seeing that in person in real time!“, you beamed.
Your father sweat dropped while giving you an awkward smile, “Well, be quite nice to see that in person for sure, like someone with lighting or water magic perhaps.”
You nodded in agreement, “Sucks that none of us can produce that kind of stuff though.”
Your father glances at you, trying to stay focus on the order but it seemed liked something was on his mind, “Maybe you can perhaps? You’ve been reading those books for years yet you never bother to test it out.”
All you responded was a nonchalant hummed, “I doubt I even have magic father. And even if I don’t, I’m alright with that. Besides, I have other things that I’m more passionate about.”
“The only reason you don’t believe you have magic because you never bother to practice it.”
You rolled your eyes as you focused your attention on your father now, “Well, I have other things to practice on. Pretty sure lots of the elderly will be showing up to school today so I gotta do a quick study over the chemical elements till break.”
“Well, that’s great you wanna teach people and all, but can you pay attention on the food at least?”
You gave your father a confused look until a rough, suffocating odor enter your nostrils. Your gaze shot down to the food you were just working on was now completely burned to a crisp. You stared at the now destroyed food in disbelief as if it was some project you were working on for weeks to just crumble right before your eyes. Your father sighed as he hands you a plate of food that he just now finished.
“That’s for table nine. Let me take care of this one.”
You gave him a sheepish nod, “Thank you father.”
Your father gave you a simple nod as you headed to the dining area. You checked left and right where this destinated table was, but you weren’t sure who it was. You have a pretty good memory of who the people you’re serving, either by name or face. Maybe it could be all the rambling going on in your head, that your still sleepy, or the loud family whose voices echo the entire restaurants. You went to table after table, but none of the customers weren’t it. After a few more minutes, you were becoming impatient and anxious, knowing that your father is doing all the heavy lifting. At this point, you might as well give up this whole searching thing and do the old fashion way, “Table nine! Your order is ready! Raise your hand please!”
Lots of the customers that were enjoying they’re meals gave you annoyed glare, leaving a chill down your spine. You don’t normally do this, you never been found of drawing attention to yourself, especially when it’s negative attention. You maybe a chatterbox and your mother assistant, but you’re terribly shy. You have trouble opening up to people you’re age or people that you aren’t close to. Of course, being a shut in, you’re face glued to books and never spending anytime meeting new people, leads you having bad social skills.
Now, this does sound like you’re fault, but at some level, this constant isolation should all pay off eventually, right?
“Right here, ma’am.”
You snapped out of your trance as you saw a raised leather gloved at the far left corner of the restaurant, cast under a dark shadow that sorta made them look ominous. You walked up to the individual, getting a better visual look of them.
The way they dressed was, odd. They had their hoodie up which shadow many of their features, yet what you did noticed was how oddly extruded their hoodie was position. They weren’t leaning forward, they had their back against the chair and you assume they were looking at you. Perhaps they had some form of disfigurement, but you have no rights to question them.
Another feature you noticed was how high quality and fresh their clothing was compare to you and your fellow neighbors. They had a striking bright green and yellow almost gold color palette that made you feel you were talking to someone whose quite higher status, making you feel nervous. Hell, some of the more louder customers couldn’t help but silently stare at this individual. At first, you thought you were a bit suspicious but soon shook off, believing they could just be a traveler.
The last feature you noticed was how their back look. You weren’t sure how to describe it, but the way their back look looked bigger then their whole body, as if they were carrying a huge boulder on their shoulder. It was bulging out to the point you can see tiny bits of tears around them. It look uncomfortable, but again, you have no place to point that out as well as stare.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t notice you. Here’s your meal.”
As you gave the customer their meal, you were about to head back to the kitchen until they said something that took you off guard, “Your (Brother name) little sister, right?”
Now that you were able to hear their voice clearly, their voice was raspy and cracked, which left a chill down your spin, yet, oddly, made your head hurt. Something about this induvial was odd, ominous and uncomfortable, as if this sudden headache was trying to tell you something. Maybe you’re overthinking and it’s just your usual headache, so for now, to not make a scene, you slide this issue to the side.
You turned around, once again facing them, raising a brow, “Yes, that’s me.”
“I worked with your brother at the mines.”
Now you feel embarrassed, getting all suspicious just cause some stranger knows one of your family members or your gut not feeling right.
“Oh, I’m sorry! My brother hasn’t been home for quite awhile so I’m never sure what he’s up to. How is he?“, you sheepishly smile.
“Ah, your brother does nothing but work in the mines for days on end. Hell, when he’s not working there, he’ll just spend the rest of his time in some run down cabin and get drunk with his buds and I.”
Your eyes widen when you heard that last statement. Sleeping in a run down cabin? Getting drunk? Is he crazy?! Even though you never once slept in such condition, and you pray to god that will never happen, sleeping in a household like that is dangerous for the human health. You’re quite behind on your study when it comes to fungi, but you’re certain an unclean area that’s been left for who knows how long tend to attract some of the worst fungi you could ever imagined. Lastly, even though there isn’t a law for underage drinking, whatever kind of alcohol your brother is drinking is potentially a risk of his health as well. Your mother bashed the dangers of alcohol in both you and your brother’s brain that it’s been stuck in your head for years.
But now your baffled.
Why would your own brother do such things?
“Can’t he just come and stay our place? He doesn’t need to do all that.”
The individual shrugged as they start eating their meal, “Your brother tends to not be so open about things, you know? Let’s just say he’s just being an angsty teen and all.”
All you gave in a response was a simple nod. You weren’t agreeing the individual statement but more so just hearing them out. You were about to ask them another question until you hear your father shout, “(Y/n)! Stop slacking and get back here!”
“Ah! Sorry! Excuse me, but I must go now. Enjoy your meal!”
“Oh, wait, before you go.”
You turned around facing them once more, “Your brother told me he’ll be coming home to see you today. Plus he’ll be setting up a surprise tomorrow.”
You took a few steps back, but soon had a huge smile plastered on your face. Now, it’s strange that he couldn’t just sent y’all a letter, but it doesn’t matter at this point, your finally going to see your brother again!
“Seriously?!”
“Yes, yes, so, stay alert, alright?”
“Ye-ngh!“, immediately you felt that same throbbing pain in your head. That same, painful throb that now becoming stronger and aggressive this time. Why now of all times? Are you sick or something? Despite the cloudy weather, it shown no threat to your health and you always taken care of yourself ever since you learned about medicine. But as of now, you have some responsibilities to take care, so you might as well, once again, put this to the side.
“You alright?”
“Yeah...just....this annoying headache of mine. Anyways, I really gotta go, take care!”
As you were heading back to the kitchen, you didn’t realize the customer you were speaking to longingly stared at you with a cold gaze, as if they too had a surprised for you in the undetermined future.
As you got back in the kitchen, you were immediately halted with three different plates shoved in front of you. You glanced up to see your father giving you, once again, annoyed look, “You serve. I cook. Okay?”
You sweat dropped but seeing how he’s looking right now, it’s clear as day to you.
As you head out, hands busy with plates and handing it to customers, one by one, marching through your heinous headache, there was one thing in your mind.
‘Did I ever asked who that guy name was?’
“Uh...(Y/n)?”
You jolted, snapping out of your trance, “Oh! Sorry! Here you go.“, as you handed the next customer meal, you took a peak if the individual with the gloved hands was still there. Turns out they were gone, but if you looked closely, their meal looked like it wasn’t even touched. You’re not sure why you are suddenly interested in this person that you just met. Maybe it’s the fact that they know your brother?
You and your brother relationship is...well let’s just say a bit awkward at best. Throughout your years living with each other you two struggled to get along. You always tried to be around him, but he’s either snapping at you or off to who knows where. Your mother always tells you these words that run on the back of your head, ‘No matter how imperfect your relationship is with your family members, they are still your family.’
You held that saying ever since, but sometimes you wonder, does your brother hold that belief too?
“Ah...I’m short on change...is it okay if I head to my house real quick? I promise I’ll be back.“, you heard an elderly man speaking to your father while you were cleaning the tables from a distant. Your father was very serious when it comes to handling money, especially when he has to run a restaurant as well as taking care of a family. So someone telling him they’ll get more cash should make him a quite frustrated, it would make anyone frustrated really. However, instead of your father being mad, he just lets out a sigh as he takes the man cleaned plate, “Don’t worry about it, it’s on the house.”
The elderly man took his words a back, “Ah, really? I-I wasn’t lying though! I was going to get the rest-!”
“Don’t you gotta work at the fields? Pretty sure your son gonna worry about you if you don’t show up anytime soon.”
“Ah...y-yes, but you work so hard cooking this amazing me-”
“Again, it’s alright, some missing pair of change won’t ruin this place.”
The elderly man wasn’t sure what to say, he just stared at your father in awe. He just simply nodded as he takes his leave, “Thank you for kindness, (F/n).”
After a couple of hours, it was now the afternoon. Usually, this means you should start heading out now to assistant your mother, but you wish to ask some questions.
“Father, how come you let that man go without paying you?”
Your father was wiping the floor as he gave you a curious look, “Why you ask?”
“Well, when it comes to money, it’s no joke when it comes to you.”
Your father sighed, “Money a very precious thing, keeps us living and the main reason why we ain’t living in boonies. I love this restaurant and I want it to grow, become the most famous restaurant in the Clover Kingdom, have even the Wizard King himself come here, but I gotta accept the facts of where I am right now.”
You walked up to him, taking off your apron as you sat on one of the chairs close to him.
“This whole town is only paid in a few yules as most of it either goes here or your mother school. I can’t expect every single person to have everything on them. Besides...“, he stops cleaning as he smiles to himself, “Them even liking and finishing the whole plate is way better then a couple of yules.”
You stared at your father in complete silenced. You weren’t even sure what to say, you were just, in awe. Soon, that long stare soon turn into a soft, warm gaze with a soft, loving smile. Your father loves and cherished this village as one of the most precious things in the world. He would rather sacrifice sleep just so he could make the perfect dish for everyone. He’s aware that times aren’t perfect and money is quite tight, but he accepted the reality he’s in. But if it means getting a lively restaurant, smiles across the board and get to do what he loves, he might as well keep it up.
Stuff like that is admirable to you, makes you want to keep up with your studies.
“(Y/n)?“. your father spoke up.
“Ah! Crap! I gotta head out! Go-“, just when you were about to leave, you remembered something.
“Oh yeah! (B/n) is coming home today! We should celebrate!”
Your father stopped what he was doing, his focused now on you, “What?! Today?! How did you get heard of that?”
“A friend of his came here and told me!”
Your father raised a brow, “A friend? Who?”
You hummed in response, “Uh...I didn’t get their name...plus, they had their hoodie up so I’m not sure what they even look like. All I know is that they wear bright green and yellow clothes, gloves and a disfigured back. Though they somehow knew who I was.”
“Well, most of your brother friends work at the fields nearby. Plus, they could’ve at least come up to me about it. Also...“, a dark aura surrounded your father, “If you don’t know this guy, but they do...does this mean I should get my hunting harpoon?”
You furiously waved your hands around, “H-hey! L-let’s not jump into conclusions! Maybe my brother spoked about me to them!“, you sigh as you ruffled your hair, “Anyways, I was a bit weirded out when I first met them...so I guess it just slipped my mind by introducing them to you...”
Your father sigh, “Boy doesn’t even send any letters and hasn’t come back in a whole year.”
“Well, surely he’s been working real hard!”
Your father shook his head, “That’s not what I met...“, he looked out the window, a sadden expression on his face, “It’s a scary world out there. Way scarier then where we live and much scarier where your mother use to live. That kid’s all alone out there and we have no clue what’s he even up to. He could’ve gotten lost, kidnapped, trafficked or worst, killed.”
A chill ran down your spin, you clenched your hands, “Now that you mentioned it...the person I was talking to did said that brother has been drinking and found an old abandon house that he’s been living in...”
“Huh?! That trouble maker...is he too old for this?! Why and how would he start living on his own?! No wonder he never comes here!“, your father grind his teeth furiously, but soon calmed down, “Doesn’t matter...I’ll get my group and will search for him.”
All you did was hummed in response. Your lips quiver as you furrow your brows. You haven’t seen your brother in a whole year, you should go with them. Yet, the thought of even going out of the village terrifies you. Throughout the years, you’ve had witness the many monsters and creatures that your father and friends have hunted were simply horrifying. Even the less scarier one’s would be a struggle to hunt and survive if you had to handle them. Even if you want to expand your knowledge that aren’t just your mother’s books or what you learned from your mother, going out of the village is just too much of a risk.
You just aren’t made to survive the outside world.
How you were raised. How you interact with others. How you spend your free time.
None of those are good quality’s for survival.
“You hurry up to school alright?”
“Ah...r-right.”
You quickly grabbed your things and soon left the establishment and head to your mother’s school. You stared at the ground, chest feeling heavy and legs feeling wobbly. Your mind full of agonizing screams, ‘Go back to him and look for your brother!’, ‘This could help you gain confidence!’, ‘Why are you walking away?!’
You rapidly shook your head, clenching your teeth, “No...it’ll go just fine...father and his group can handle this...there’s no point in me getting involved...”
You walked alone in complete silence. The gray clouds completely covering the once pure blue sky makes your mood even more depressing. You glanced at your surroundings, workers minding their own business, same ol’ elderly people staring mindlessly and children now getting ready for school. Just like this morning, it was nice, yet now it just feels miserable to you.
“Ms. (Y/n)!”
“Hey (Y/n)!”
You jumped as you turned around to see a few boys running up to you, “Ah, hello, how are you two this afternoon?“, you smiled, though a bit forcefully.
“We just wanna say hi!”
“Were ready for our next lesson!”
Just when you believe your day may not go so well, your small, forced smile grew into a now genuine, warm one. How can you forget? Going to school and teaching these children so many subjects that they personally enjoy brightens your day a hundred percent. Not just children, but all ages. It helps them believe that they have a chance in life then what they have right now.
“I’m pretty sure my old man at the school already. Let’s see who can get there first!”
“Haha! Wait for me! Come on Ms. (Y/n)!”
As the two bundles of joy race towards the school, you couldn’t help but giggled to yourself. You noticed more and more people walking towards the same direction as you.
You smiled more from the sight, but soon those dreadful thoughts started crawling back in your head in your head making you shake them away.
’There’s no need to worry...father and the others will take care of this...”
As you finally got inside the school, you noticed everyone was already in they’re respectable seats. Majority of the students were children but there were some adults and elders. The school lack a cafeteria, playground and multiple classrooms. So the entire, single classroom is all what it has, but a singular room doesn’t mean it’s less of a school.
You noticed your mother was sitting at her desk, setting out her supplies with the help of her spatial magic. You wanted to take a closer look, but decided to do the most important thing for the class.
“Hello class!”
In an instant, the once bundle of voices instantly stopped and turned around, now facing you. Each one of them smiling ear to ear, which made you smile even more.
“Hello class! I’m so excited for today lesson!“, you beamed.
“I hope it’ll be math this time. It’s been awhile since we did that!”
“No way! Let’s learn about about history! I wanna learn more about the different realms!”
“You kids quit it! What we should really learn is science! You kids haven’t been to the fields yet so this is a great start for you!”
You laughed at all the students bickering. You would tell them to stop, but you couldn’t help but find it so heartwarming.
‘This...this is what we villagers should have, especially these kids...I hope it’ll be like this till I start running this school...’
“Forget all that! I wanna learn why (Y/n) doesn’t look like Ms. (M/n) and Mr. (F/n)!“, one kid blurt out.
The whole class immediately shut down the child question, one of them telling, “Keep that to yourself! Geez, why does everyone ask that?”
Yes, it’s true, you don’t look anywhere a like to your whole family. You have completely different skin complexion and hair texture. To many in the village, they believe you were adopted, cheating scandal, or worst, odd birth defect. There wasn’t an adoption center, you were very healthy, and both your parents were very faithful to each other, so you were quite the mystery to the villagers. Your father and mother never told you where you came from as well the villagers, aside your father friends and your brother. You sometimes wonder why they have to keep it such a big secret, but over the years, you moved on.
Nevertheless, you were lovingly raised by two amazing people that you accepted to be your parents, so it doesn’t matter if you don’t have the same flesh and blood as them.
As you got to your mother desk, you greeted her, “Hello mother, what are we teaching today?”
“Hello dear. Well, today I thought we would do something a bit different today.”
You sat down next to her, giving her a curious look while your mother took out one last book through her spatial magic. Unlike your father who has ice magic, your mother has an amazing grasp on spatial magic, which from you’re understanding, is a very rare type of magic. However, you only seen her use her spatial magic in bits and pieces, but you never brother her to show it off.
“You noticed how the clouds look?“, she asked.
You nodded with a hummed as a response.
“Well, since it’s going to rain, I wanna show all the cool things about the relationship between fire and lighting!“, she beamed.
Your face light up, “Seriously?! I was just talking about lighting to father earlier!”
“(Y/n)...how many times do I have to tell you? Don’t geek out during work!”
You sheepishly smiled as you rubbed the back of your neck, “Sorry...”
“Okay class, settle down! Today, I decided will do something different! Today will be going outside! So put on your cloaks and get ready!”
The whole class awed at this as they instantly got ready. To no one surprise, the children and teens were the fastest unlike the older students who took they’re time. This made you hold a snicker as you grabbed your things.
Before you could think what you wish to teach, you should tell your mother the news about your brother, “Oh yeah! Mother, after this, I wish to tell you something.”
“Hm? Why not now?”
“Well...I feel like it’s a lot to take in...I just want you to know it may leave you pretty shocked...”
Your mother stared at you with a confused look, but soon shrug it off, “Whatever you say.”
After a couple more minutes have passed, everyone has showed up outside, all shivering and shaking simultaneously.
“W-we better not be out here for long!“, one of the students yelled.
“Y-yeah we might get sick Ms. (M/n)!”
Just like everyone else, you were just as much shaking and shivering, but of course for your love of anything education, you had your notebook and pen ready to go.
It seems your mother drowned out all the complaints as she had her hands out, most likely focusing on her spatial magic. Remembering, your mother rarely uses her spatial magic, it seems some of the students were settling down, excitement building up in each of them.
As time passes, a bright, blinding light portal appeared on the ground, growing instantly. Another bit of bright light with a hue of orange, yellow and red. With this mixture of brightness it was straight up blinding to most. It was so bright that even the villagers far away soon noticed.
As soon the second pair of light grew bigger, the air around you became quickly thin, having you cover your nose. You felt sweat building up as your breathing became inconsistent. Whatever your mother was summoning felt like she was summoning some demonic creature.
“What the hell she bringing?! And why is it so damn hot?!”
“Ms. (M/n)! You know were not Magic Knights!”
“I know that!”
As the lights grew bigger and bigger as the heat grew more aggressive, you struggle to keep your eyes plead open.
“This will be your greatest assignment yet! You all maybe more impressed with my magic, but you haven’t seen anything this amazing!”
Blink before you know it, a tower of raging flames comes bursting from the ground and into the sky. The sudden bursting of flames was so great that you had to retract your whole body.
“Everyone, I want each one of you to listen closely for today lesson. Every results needs an reaction. This kind of result is called ‘Pyrocumulonimbus.’ This kind of process start off where a huge amount hot air gets absorbed to the sky, cools it down, and soon the water vaper gains energy forming cumulus clouds and soon...it creates...”
The once loud music of flames was soon shortly cut off as a loud explosion came from above. Your body temperature started to cool down as wet droplets were touching your skin and clothes. You looked up to see bright flashing lights popping up from the sky. Your eyes widen as mouth gap, you soon came to realize what this was.
“Lightning.”
Everyone, aside you and your mother, quickly ran inside. You couldn’t help but stare at both the tower of flames touching the sky as it creates those lighting strikes. Everything about it was just so fascinating. You can stare at this beauty for hours on end, even it means getting sick.
This is why you love this subject the most. It can lead to so many unexpected results that it could either hurt you or change the trajectory of your life forever. But that’s the best part about science, the unexpected, unknow, the surprised. You bet your mom had to go through multiple experiments to get this right. Those previous experiment costed her hours of sleepless nights. Nevertheless, it was worth it, cause now she gotten to create this spectacle of a scenery. Even if you don’t have magic, you are one-hundred percent sure you could create something this amazing with just your two hands.
“I knew you would be the last one to stay out here.“, your mother giggled.
You giggled back in response, “Thank you so much showing this mother. You always blessing us with something so extraordinary despite all of us living in realm where we don’t get this kind of chance.”
Your mother smiled, “Status, wealth or where we were born from doesn’t matter. Everyone deserve to witness this level of spectacularness.”
“What about the people at the capital though? Surely you’ve shown them something like this too.”
Your mother stayed quiet for minute until she answered your question, “They also count too, but over the years and realizing how selfish and closed minded that realm is, I couldn’t stand living over there. I miss my students over there dearly, but I believe I made the right choice. I want everyone in this realm to expand they’re knowledge and prove to themselves that they are more than peasants. That everyone has the potential to reach higher heights and have greater opportunities. Do you agree, dear?”
As if she read your mind, you nodded vigorously, “Couldn’t say it any better mother.”
“Now let’s head inside or will catch a-“, a loud sneeze was soon heard, making you blushed, “...cold...”
You both stayed quiet but soon busted out laughing.
The rest of the school day went normal as ever. Your mother teaching more about ‘Pyrocumulonimbus’ as you tried your best to give your own knowledge about lighting, but really, you were listening just as closely like all the other students. Most of the older students left the school building while the children stayed.
“Okay kids! What story should we read today?“, you announced.
All the kids circled you around as you you sat on a stool.
“Read about the founding’s of Hanglestone village!”
“You’re only saying that cause you haven’t study.”
“Let’s read about spirits!”
“No way! The story about the first Wizard King!”
“Oh yeah! Wizard King!”
“Wizard King!”
All the children cheered simultaneously, which made you giggled. You followed they’re demands as you took out an old, shabby book with the title, ‘The Legend of the First Wizard King.’
You noticed how all the children around you had clear excitement and joy on they’re faces.
You giggled at the sight, “Jeez, you kids are never going to get bored of this book, huh?”
As if all of them were sharing a braincell, they all nod they’re heads in unison, which made you struggle to hold in a laugh, “Okay! Okay! You guys are hurting my lungs! Haha!”
After calming down, you opened the book and began reading, “Centuries ago, there was a terrifying demon that was about to end all life. The humans, wizards and all walks of life believed there was no hope left...“, you pause for a second to glanced down at all the children, as if they’re excitement wasn’t clear enough, the excitement on they’re little faces grew ten times more. “Until, a bright, overwhelming, pure of light appeared up in the skies, as if the heavens answered the poor soul’s calls. Soon, beautiful pairs of swords came blasting out of the sky as they impaled the ferocious demon. It was a gruesome and heart wrenching battle but soon, everything settled. The poor souls came out to witness whoever caused this. A young man, some mistaking as a child, stands on top of the demon head. He stares at the crowd till he spoke, ‘Do not fear everyone. For now on, I shall protect you. There be no fear, destruction and blood, because I’ll be the one to prevent all of that. Today on forward, we shall flourished for future generations.’ As he finished his speech, the crowd cheered for him and soon claimed him as the ‘Wizard King.’”
As you closed the book, an instant amount of cheering was heard around you.
“You guys never get bored with this story.“, you chuckled.
“Cause the Wizard King is so cool!”
“I bet he’s dreamy...”
“When I get older, I’m going to work really hard to become just like that!”
“Me too! I wanna turn this village into a famous kingdom!”
“Me too! Wish I had a lot of magic though...”
“I can only do bits of water magic...”
“I still struggle to summon bits of fire magic...”
The once lively atmosphere of brightly, hopeful children now replaced with hopelessness and despair. Your mother noticed this too. Throughout the years of her living here, many villagers, young and old, begged her to train them to improve on they’re magic. However, due to her being a teacher and how there’s no safe area for said training, she feels terrible that she can’t put more favor to this village, but when money so tight, any future of this village flourishing is a far away goal.
“I believe it’s still possible.“, everyone focus darted on you, catching they’re attention.
“Really?!“, they all said unison.
“Well maybe not the Wizard King, but I see each one of you becoming something great. Perhaps even better than the Wizard King.”
“Better than the Wizard king? That’s impossible.“, one of the kid’s pout.
You shook your head, “I may lack any amount of magic, but from the magic I witness from my mom, I’m sure that took her days, week or even decades to figure out. Perhaps even those holy swords that the First Wizard King summon took him years to master. It took me years to understand most of the stuff my mom teaches and I still have a long way to go.”
“So you’re saying it’ll take forever to be just as good as him?!”
“Well the book say he was a young man. Maybe with the right amount of training and patient, you can be just as amazing as him, or again, better.“, you smiled. “But remember, even if you all becoming the Wizard King maybe impossible, there’s a whole wide of fields that you kids are capable of being, you just need to find it.”
Everyone stared at you in awe, but each one smiling ear to ear.
“Yeah! Maybe...maybe I’ll be Wizard King second in command!”
“I wanna lead my own Wizard Knight squad!”
“I wanna work at the capital!”
“I’ll work really hard to be best hunter in the world!”
“Well I’m going to be teaching a whole new generation of magic students!”
You gave everyone a warm gaze. They’re high spirit warms your heart. This future generation, a generation full of so much potential despite they’re circumstances. You pray that they’ll flourished and accomplished many things. You must teach them and guide them so they can become something extraordinary.
After that little session, you waved all the children a goodbye.
“Despite you being quite the shut in and bookworm, you’re great with kids dear. Maybe...a great mom~“, you felt the heat on your cheeks, making you snapped your direction at your mother.
“What are you talking about?”
“Oh you know what I’m talking about (Y/n). You’re great talking to children!”
“Cause I learned that from you...besides, I don’t even have someone that’s even into me...“, you mumbled the last part.
“And it’s going to stay that way till you bother interacting with people your age.”
You rolled your eyes as you packed your things, “So...about earlier...it’s about (B/n) coming back today.”
Just when your mother was about to use her spatial magic, she abruptly stopped, “Seriously?”
You nodded, “Some person that claims to be (B/n) friend visited father restaurant and told me about it.”
“...Can you tell me what they look like?”
“Uh...their face was completely covered, they wore gloves, had bright green and yellow clothes and I think they had a disfigured back. Their voice was raspy too which send shivers down my spine.”
The way your mother looked at you was a mix of confusion and suspicion. She thought deeply, trying to think if this person was familiar to her.
“I...never seen such a person like that here.”
“I think they were a traveler, the way their clothes looked look pretty high quality, like some noble or something.”
Your mother raised a brow, “If they were a noble, why would a noble befriend (B/n)? Even if nobles aren’t as powerful as royales, their personalities are just as bad as theirs, just because were commoners. I don’t like the sound of whoever this person is...you sure what they said is completely true? Did they even gave you a letter to you from your brother?”
“No...but father and his group will be going out and getting him.”
“...That boy hasn’t sent one letter to us. Why is he coming now?”
You shrug, “Maybe he constantly forgotten but was defiantly feeling homesick perhaps?”
“Tch! No way you can forget to write one letter to you’re own family...it’s been over a year since he came to the village. I know he’s growing and all, but working out there...the danger of the forsaken realm...I can’t help but worry. Makes me wonder if things were different...”
You raised a brow from that last statement. Just when you were about to ask, your mother already open a portal, leading to the insides of y’all house. She left the room without elaborating what she meant as you follow behind her.
You stayed quiet until you bumped behind her. Your mother was staying ominously still, as if there was something in front of her. You peeked from the side and your jaw immediately dropped.
“(B/n)?!“, your mother shouted.
“Lovely night were having?”
Pure silence, your father was cooking a meal as your brother was sitting at the table, a kind smile plastered on his face, which you were not used to seeing.
Your mother snapped out of whatever trance she was in, “Son? I-I can’t believe you’re here!“, tears emerging from her eyes as she run’s up to your brother and give him a big hug. You, however, was still processing everything. Aside his sudden kind attitude, the way he was dressing was the only thing on your mind. Your eyes travel down, staring at his attire, a very familiar attire.
Bright green robe with almost yellow stripes. Matching with bright green pants.
He dressed exactly like that one strange, gloved individual back in father’s restaurant.
Maybe it’s a coincidence and you’re just looking into things way too much, nevertheless, something deep in your gut doesn’t feel right.
Your mother pulled away as she took a good look at your brother, “Wow...quite the fashion you got there! Oh yeah! (Y/n) told me you had a friend that came to (F/n) restaurant. It’s funny because your sister mention about your friend wearing the exact same clothing as you.“, she giggled, “Let me guess...it’s a girl and you two love to match.”
Now that you mention, you never stated the exact gender of that person. They could be a man, but there are women out there with deep voices.
“Oh really?“, your brother stayed silent, ominously so, his once pure smile soon turn into small frown, but soon smiled again, “Not really. Lots have happen this past year. I wouldn’t say whoever this guy was a ‘friend’ and more like an acquaintance. They helped me get a house and helped me improve my magic.”
“Really? (B/n)! You should’ve told us this!”
“I know, I know. Growing up leads to a quite busy life, you know?”
“Well glad you realized that! Took me forever to jog that in your brain.“, your mother and brother both laugh.
“Is it the house that you randomly found in the forest?“, you spoke up.
Both your mother and brother stopped laughing as both of them stared at you. Your mother giving you a curious look while your brother gave you an emotionless, uninterested one.
You walked up to your brother, “You didn’t caught anything right? Living in a place that possibly hasn’t been properly cleaned, will be a huge threat to your health. Let me try and check you o-“, just when you were about to hold your brother’s hand, your brother shoved your hands away from him, a bit roughly so.
“I’m completely fine. I learned how to heal myself and bought many healing items that prevent any illness.“, your brother stated, a bit coldly. “What? You figured out some healing magic? Or are you still studying medicine?“, he frowned.
You pursed your lips as you give him imitated glare, you were about to response back until your mother interrupted you, “Now don’t be teasing your sister! Didn’t even bother saying hi or hugging her! It’s been a year for crying out loud!”
Your bother sheepishly smiled as he rubbed the back of his head, “Sorry, sorry.”
The atmosphere was going back to being strangely wholesome and warm, the same kind of feeling back at the school. Maybe you really were overthinking this whole time. Maybe your brother improved for the better, just in his own odd way. He just needed to experience the world a lot more.
“Why are you just standing there (B/n)?! Go and hug (Y/n)!”
You jolted when your mother brought you up. Your brother glanced at you as you gave him an awkward but friendly smile. To be fair, you were expecting to be hugged right after your mother, but what you get from him was a simple hello.
A simple, monotone, hello.
All the loving, warm aura he was giving off instantly vanished when you two locked eyes once more. Perhaps this is due to you two never once being close, but a part of you feels different to that answer.
Your mother nudge your brother’s arm, “I said hug her, not that!“, she growled.
You would argue that this isn’t necessary, but seeing how happy your mother was earlier, arguing with her would be selfish.
You took a deep breath and soon exhaled, you and your brother walked up to one another and embrace each other. On your end, you wrapped your arms around him, tightening your grip on his torso as you rest your cheek on his shoulder. On the other hand, he just placed one of his arms around you.
Despite feeling warmth against his chest, it was cold and contempt.
Your mother didn’t noticed this since she was setting the dishes down.
You two backed off from each other, not saying a single word as you both sat on opposite sides of the table.
Your mother sat down, noticing the awkward silence, she decided to speak up, “So, (Y/n)! Tell us what you’ve been studying! Your brother’s been gone for so long that you must’ve jogged lot of stuff from my books!“, she beams.
“Oh! Y-yeah! Mother showed us how fire could cause a whole rainstorm! She told me how everything needs an reaction to lead to a conclusion which reminds me there’s this amazing powder called thermite! It’s mixed with aluminum, magnesium and iron. Apparently, when it’s ignited, it can burn metal! However, it’s impossible to get rid of due to it’s own ch-”
“(Y/n). Have you ever tried leaving this village while I was gone? Or even trained your magic? Anything that can help this village.“, your brother spoke up.
“Ah...what do you mean?”
Your mother gave your brother annoyed glare, “Hey! Let your sister speak!”
Your father stayed quiet, giving each and everyone their meals, though giving a harsh glare to your brother.
“Mother, it’s okay. To answer your question (B/n)...no, I haven’t...but does that matter? I work at our father restaurant and assist mother at her school. I don’t need to leave the village when there’s so many people I need to teach. All the books mother handed me over the years will help me solve all the problems in this village and help it flourish.“, you smile kindly.
“What a damn waste.”
Instantly, the room went quiet.
“W-what?”
“You spent your whole fifteen years coped in your room reading those books and not experiencing the outside world. What? You think having two simple jobs is enough? Does mother and father even pay you?”
“(B/n) what is going on with you?”
“Why not used that damn brain of yours and study magic instead? Not once, when I lived here, have you train your magic. Why? Don’t you see magic is the reason why we barely thrive here?”
“...I...I don’t need to rely on magic. I can barely even do magic for that matter. Besides, what I’ve been learning could give us so much more then just magic! I just need more time! Magic shouldn’t be our last resort to keep on surviving after all and the future generation needs to learn th-”
“We are a poor village, (Y/n)! This village sends so much damn money to that school that house barely many people!”
“(B/n)! Stop right now!”
“Not only is that school taking away money, but it’s a complete waste of time! It takes years and whole decades to understand some damn subject! Do you understand how awful it was to work in the mines? In those, cold, damp, barely breathable mines? I witness so many bodies passed out and even die due to overworking or that the conditions are not meant for no humans.”
“I do! From the books I-!”
“Enough about the books! Till you go out there and what it’s actually like, you don’t know a damn thing! Ever since you appear in this village, you were nothing but a leech! This family was perfect until you came along! You good for nothing anomaly!”
A rough, sound was heard in the room. (B/n) right cheek was red as a tomato. He took a few steps back away from the table as he rubs the stingy sensation, taking a minute to process of what just happened. Your father glared harshly at your brother. Your mother staring at him in pure bewilderment. For you, a lost for words. You have so many questions running in your head, but the biggest one was repeating the most.
‘Anomaly?’
“Were going to have a talk. Privately.“, your father demanded. (B/n) stood silent as he heads to his room with your father behind him.
As the two left, your mother gave you a concern look, “(Y/n), don’t listen to h-”
“Ngh!“, you held your head, your nails digging on your scalp that could potentially lead to bleeding. Your mother instantly got off her chair as she runs up to you, worry and fear written on her face.
“Is it your headache acting up again?! Let me get you ice! Honey! (Y/n) headache is acting up real bad this time!“, despite your mother loud wails and footsteps, they were nothing but white noise to you. There was this aggressive, rough, loud ringing in your head, as if it’s trying to get your attention. This never happen before through out your life where you’ll either get a slight headache or a big one. However, those kinds of headaches only last a couple seconds or a few minutes at best, but this one feels like it’s going on more then a few minutes. As if this strange headache couldn’t get any worst, there was this small voice echoing in your head.
‘...!...! Kill...the...!...’
You fell off your chair, tears flowing down your eyes as you roll around on the floor, your body hitting the table making some of the food crash on the floor.
“Stop! Stop! Kill what?! Stop!“, you wailed out loud.
Thankfully, your mother finally came back, holding a bag of ice, “It’s okay honey! I’m here!” Your mother stare in horror at your state, baffled as to what’s having you act this way. To her, it can’t be no headache, maybe you’re running a fever? Either way, she can’t theories right now when you’re in this distressful state. Your father soon comes out of the room, leaving your brother inside, not looking back at how furious he is. He picks you up bridal style and carries you to your room, you mother following behind.
He lays you on your bed as your mother soon places the bag of ice on your head. Your father held your arms down as your mother held your legs so you don’t possibly fall off the bed.
After a couple of minutes passed by, after the rough thrashing, crying, wailing and awful headache, it really took a tool on your body, leading you to pass out.
You father eye’s widen as he shook you aggressively, “(Y/n)?! (Y/n)?!”
Your mother placed her hand on her husband shoulder, “Dear, let me see her.“, your father pursed his lips but stepped to the side. Your mother pressed the side of your neck with her finger, trying to check your vitals.
“She’s fine. She just passed out.”
Your father sigh in relief, “Thank goodness...“, your father soon glanced at your mother, “Honey...I need to talk to you. It’s about our son...”
“...I wish to talk to him directly to be honest.”
Your father nodded, placed his hand on your mother’s shoulder as they soon leave your room.
‘...Mir...!...Do you...Mira...a!...’
You felt your headache coming, but it was less aggressive this time.
‘...!...my child!...Do...’
“Ngh...”
‘My child! Do you hear me?!’
Your eyes busted open as you let out a gasped. Your vision was slowly coming together but you soon realize you were in your room still, laying on your bed.
You slowly raised up as you rubbed your eyes, “Jesus...what was that...?”
You were about to lay back down to get more sleep but something heavy and rough came to your nostrils.
Soon, screams of agony.
You bolted out of your bed and took a peek through your window. The only thing you can see is a wall of flames in front of you. Blazing flames that engulfed the whole village.
You stared in pure horror. Without a second thought, you bolted out of your room and checked each and every room.
No one was in the house. Millions of worrying thoughts rushed through your mind.
‘They have to be somewhere outside!’
As you ran outside you noticed multiple villagers on the ground or running for they’re lives. Your whole body was shaking, breath inconsistent and sweating profusely. You try to do some breathing exercises to calm down, but the horrors in front you make it a challenge.
’There’s no way I’m going to find them...s-surely mother finding everyone...it be best for me to get somewhere safe...I’ll be dead if I stay here an-”
“(Y/n)...! Help!“, a familiar voice was heard from the distant. You snapped your focus to the voice that leads to Lauire on the ground next to a burning building.
As if your body had a mind of it’s own, you instantly rushed to her aid.
“Lauire! W-what are y-“, the screaming, sizzling fire, the cold rain, all soon tune out as you stare at what was in front.
Her left leg, covered in oozing red, skin damage so visible that piece of bone marrow could be seen. With this amount of damage, it be a miracle if she survives.
“(Y/n)! Do you hear me?!“, you snapped out of your trance as you looked back at Lauire. Her tears flow down like a waterfall. The once cheery, bubbly Lauire you see every morning, was now replaced with a horrified one.
“Please save my mommy!”
“W-w-where is she?”
She points at the same burning building next to y’all, “She’s in our house but I can’t get her out! She wanted me to run but I can’t just leave her be! She’s all I have left!“, you looked back at her house. It was in complete, fiery rubble. No screams, no cries, and no wails. There could be a small chance that she’s alive, but you doubt your strength can save her. Even if you want to save her, you won’t make it in time.
On the other hand, you look at the pain in Lauire’s eyes, if you ran from this situation, you might as well go to hell.
And you might as well go to hell.
Before you could do anything, you tore off a piece of clothe from your dress, and wrap it around Lauire’s leg, hoping to prevent much bleeding.
After that, you picked up Lauire and make a run for it.
Lauire eyes widen as she stares mindlessly, “W-what are you doing...? Why are you not running to mommy...?”
You bit your lip till it started to bleed, holding in tears, you stayed silent as you continue on running, not knowing where you’re going.
Lauire clenched her teeth, “Let me go...let me go...let me go...! If you’re too cowardly to save mommy than let me do it!“, she started bashing your head multiple times. Despite the pain and your head now bleeding, you kept on running.
But now, that same aggressive, obnoxious ringing came back.
You fell down, dropping Lauire in the process. Lauire stare at you in pure confusion but also fear, seeing you thrash and scream as if you were possessed.
‘K...ll...h...K...!...’
Lauire crawls up to you, struggling through the process, “(Y/n)! What’s wrong?!”
“This ringing! Make it stop! Make it stop!“, you wail, tears flowing down like a waterfall.
‘Kill...the...!...child...!...K...!’
“Stop!”
’...the child...! Kill the...! Kill the-!”
Lauire was shaking in absolute fear as she starts backing away from you, “(Y-Y/n)...?”
’Kill the...! Kill the ch-!”
"Shut u-!”
A fiery ball of blaze crash landed to Lauire house.
All of a sudden, that one aggressive ringing in your head instantly stopped. You couldn’t have enough time to process as you hear someone manically laughing above you. You follow the voice as your eyes widen in pure horror.
It had a human figure yet, body covered in red scales and a long noticeable tail, large bat like wings and sharp claws. However, the most noticeable feature of all was that it had a reptile for a head.
“That’s her! There she is! Kill the child!”
Millions of question ran through your mind as you stare in pure horror, the only thing that came out your mouth was, “What...?”
