Chapter 3:

The awakening

[First Person- Mia]

We rushed outside to see what's happening when from afar we saw a giant snake made of water spiting huge bubbles which will explode by contact. It's a sea serpent!

People are desperately trying to escape from it. Leaving their houses and properties behind just to save their lives.

Without saying anything, Audely summoned a white and big bow. He aimed it into the monster and pulled it's string and an arrow made of light appeared.

"PIERCE!"

He released the string and the arrow stroke the sea serpent's head as fast as lighting. The monster stops moving and got knocked down into the ground.

"It's useless kid. It'll just regenerate." said Mr Wilson.

After a while, nothing happened. It slowly rot, turned to ash and disappeared.

Seriously? With just one hit? That's kinda awesome!

"YEAH! THE BOY DID IT!!" shouted Mr Faure.

Everyone jumped in joy. Some cried and some runs toward Audely and hugs him tightly.

While they're having fun, I slowly started to feel pain in my chest. 

I fainted.

⚫⚫⚫

When I regained consciousness, I heard people crying. I opened my eyes and became surprised of what I saw. 

What happened?

Every structures are ruined. Some people are dying. The surroundings are burning. 

I tried to approach Mr Faure to ask. He looked at me while sweating hardly and it seems that he's so frightened."Go away monster!"he shouted.

Me? Monster?

I started to look around. I saw Audely standing and holding his stomach that's full of blood. His whole body is extremely wounded.  

"So you're back to your normal self. That's good then. Goodbye." He slowly fell into the ground unconscious.

I did this?!

Everything in front of me including the peoples, suddenly incinerate. Gradually, the flame took the form of a Phoenix.

"Yes you did this using my power."

I stared at her calmly.

After a while, she growled and made the environment very hot. 

"Yes you did this but it isn't wrong. Humans and every single life deserves to be destroyed. They are sinners!! Together with me, we will utterly destroy them and cease their reign in this world."

I looked at her furiously. "You're wrong, even if they continue to commit sins, I won't even think twice when it comes to saving them because nobody's perfect! Every life deserves a chance to live and to prove themselves. You may never see one's potential just by judging them according to your own perspectives!"

"FOOLISHNESS!!! Humans are all the same. They commit sins and beg for forgiveness but soon, they'll repeat their mistakes over and over again without end! Those impudent fools doesn't deserve to be saved ! FAILURES WILL BE ALWAYS A FAILURE!"

The Phoenix made the environment hotter and hotter.

I sighed.

"They'll wage war and cause each other pain. Many will be hurt, the strong will live and the weak will perish. That alone states that humanity doesn't have any future! They're born to cause chaos. They can determine what's right and wrong yet they still chose to neglect it. They do what they want, continue to make mistakes and eventually destroy each other.  In the end, they're just a bothersome creatures!"

Mia smiled. " Of course. They'll commit slipups, suffer and mourn but not too long, they will rise and find a new path once again. They move step by step as they learn from their mistakes. One day, they will eventually become stronger.  Every life has their own role and that's what making this world alive. Everyone have infinite potential  that's why evolution exists. Mistakes are an important part of progress. Humanity still have a future."

"FOOL! You'll be killed by your own naïveté. DIE!!!!!!!"

It released a gigantic flame thrower aimed to me.

Before it strike, I whispered something." I may not managed to persuade you but someday, you'll surely understand."

I closed my eyes and calmly wait for my demise.

But after several minutes, the burning feeling disappeared. 

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I slowly opened my eyes and became astonished when I saw a small candle size fire in front of me. Everything around is black and nothing can be seen.

"Well said Mia. I'm never wrong of choosing you."

"What in the world just happened?Are you a talking flame?"

"My name is Flare and this is my sub form. I am the guardian spirit of life. You see, my master should have a burning passion and firm resolve to save lives in order for us to make a contract."

"So that was just a test?"

"Yeah and this is just a dream. Once you're awaked, you'll now be able to use my power. I have chosen you as my vessel. I hope you won't make me regret it."

I point out my fist into her. "Of course. Leave it to me."

"Bye then. Just summon me if you ever need my help."

"Yes and thanks. Bye!"I shout out loud.

The small fire disappeared and I woke up.

I looked around and saw Mr Wilson, Mr Faure and Audely rushing towards me.

Mr Wilson clenched my hands. "Are you okay Mia?"

"Yeah. Maybe I fainted because I forgot to eat breakfast"I replied reassuringly.

"If that's the case then have a meal in here with Audely. I'll prepare something for the two of you to eat" said Mr Faure and left.

Mr Wilson waved his hands to me while quickly departing. "I also need to go home. My farm needs me"he said while smiling.

"Guess it's just the two if us now. Audely."

He sighed. "Yeah."

"You owe me some explaining. I never read anything about the magic weapon you just used" I said eagerly.

"The weapon's name is smoke. My mentor gave it to me. It has the ability to disable passive skills. I can also use sword" he retorted.

"If I remembered correctly, passive skills activates automatically right?" I asked.

"Yeah" he answered.

"Oh... Then why are lying down unconscious in the river?" I asked curiously.

"I told Mr Wilson and the others that I'm an adventurer who lost its way and fainted because of starvation. But, I'm actually a dove. A tragedy happened, most of my powers disappeared, I fell into the earth and become unable to go home. Being in the river is completely coincidental" he said.

I stared from his face down to his foot. "Huh? You're a celestial being?"

"I can't prove it now but one day for sure. More importantly, what are you doing here. You're from the snow city aren't you?" he asked.

"What are you talking about? It's been a year since I came here."

He looked at me in a curious manner."What? But just this morning, I just saw you eating a bread."

I made an angry expression."So you're gazing at my beautiful face that day? You creep!"

"Gazing? You've got it wrong. You just happen to pique my attention."

I punched his stomach. "Foolishness."

He slowly slouched in the floor while holding his tummy. "Ouch! What was that for?!"

"Something that a stalker deserves" I said angrily.

Audely pointed himself. "Me? Stalker? I told you right? You've got the wrong idea!"

I sighed and looked away. "Anyway,there's so many questions that I'm seeking for answers. I'll go into the ruins of the white Raven even if it's par with a great danger."

Audely slowly ascended with his feet trembling. "Darn it. Your punch's pretty powerful. Are you a boxer or something?" He exclaimed. "Guess we're on the same boat. But even so, Mr Faure won't let us. Let's convince him together." 

"Agreed" I retorted.

⚫⚫⚫

[First Person-Audely]

We rushed outside to see what's happening when from afar we saw a giant snake made of water spiting huge bubbles which will explode by contact. 

A sea serpent? 

No. No. No. No. Who cares? I must do something about this.

I summoned my bow named smoke and charge up an attack. This way, even if that serpent has regenerating ability, it'll be useless since smoke can nullify passive skills.

"PIERCE"

The arrow that I launched struck the sea serpent's head as fast as lightning. It knocked it down into the ground.

That should do it.

"It's useless kid. It'll just regenerate." said Mr Wilson.

After a while, nothing happened. It slowly rot, turned to ash and disappeared. Everyone seems to be amazed. 

"YEAH! THE BOY DID IT!!" shouted Mr Faure.

Everyone jumped in joy. Some cried and some runs towards and hugs me tightly.

Now I'm embarrassed. 

Why did I do that? 

It's good to help people and I just did the right thing....

But...

This is so embarrassing!!!! I hate it when everyone's attention is in me-"

"Mia...something's happened to Mia!!" shouted someone.

Huh? Mia? The girl from before??

Everyone hasten towards her. Mr Faure hastily carried Mia into his home and let her rest. After a little while, a doctor came. Maybe someone called him. It did some check up to her for some minutes.

"How is she doc?" asked Mr Faure worriedly.

"She's fine. She just fainted" answered the doctor reassuringly.

"Whew. Thank goodness" said Mr Wilson loudly.

The doctor started sorting his things."Well then, I'm leaving"he said.

"Thanks for your help doc" said Mr Faure while smiling.

The doctor left.

"For now, let's just wait for her to wake up" said Mr Wilson. "More importantly, would you mind telling us what kind of weapon you just used earlier?"

I smiled. "That weapon can nullify passive skills. My mentor gave it to me."

"I see. That's why the sea serpent didn't regenerate. So, who is that mentor of yours?" asked Mr Faure.

"His name is Frey. He took care and became my guardian from when I was still a child" I replied.

"What about your parents? Where are they?" asked Mr Wilson worriedly.

"When I was a kid, my parents are murdered by some unknown identity. Me and my sister Bianca are the only ones left. We live together happily despite of difficult life. Until one day, she disappeared and never returned. It's been 5 years since she's gone. I missed her so much."

"Poor child..." said Mr Wilson sadly.

Mr Faure opened the window and fresh air started to get inside."By the way, why are you lying in the river?"he asked.

"I lost my way. Maybe I fainted because of starvation. Tehee..."

"Youths these days-"

We heard a soft moan coming from Mia so Mr Faure checked her."Mia is awaking!" he said.

⚫⚫⚫

[First Person- Mia]

"By the way, we forgot to formally introduce each other. My full name is Mia Adeline Phoebe Aigner. Nice to meet you."

"My name is Audely. Nice to meet you too Mia" he said while gazing outside the window happily.

After a while,

I smashed my hands into the bed. "Ugh. This is so awkward. You're the boy here. Can't you bring out some topic?!"

He continued to gaze outside. "Mother nature is so gorgeous..."said him.

I stared in him with a slight anger on my face." What's so beautiful in a meadow?Are you stupid?"

He became flustered. "What can I do?! I'm no good at conversations!" he exclaimed.

"Forget it. Anyway, what kind of tragedy is it that happened to you?" I asked curiously.

He looked at the sky. "Now that you mention it, I wonder if everyone survived...."

"Survived? What do you mean?"

"Nah. Impossible. They survived for sure..."

I pinched his ears. "Are you listening to me?!"

"Please stop that!"he shouted.

Audely grabbed my hands and tried to put it away. I resisted so we continued to flounder for some minutes until we both slipped on the floor and tumbled. I closed my eyes because of surprise.

"Ouch! That hurts!" I exclaimed.

⚫⚫⚫

[First Person-Audely]

Mia pinched my ears. "Are you listening to me?!"she shouted.

"Please stop that!"I retorted loudly.

I grabbed her hands and tried to put it away. She resisted so we continued to flounder for some minutes until we both slipped on the floor and tumbled. She closed her eyes maybe because of surprise while I, witness every moment that passed.

She didn't realize it yet but,

she's prostrated on top of me.

Our faces got really close to each other so I it made me blush intensely!!

"Ouch! That hurts!" She exclaimed.

Mia opened her eyes and quickly became aware of what's happening. She rapidly arises and breathlessly kicked my stomach.

"P-please s-stop i-it!" I stuttered.

Without saying anything, she continued what she's doing with a little embarrassment on her face while blushing a little.

Then so suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching and someone opened the door. It's Mr Faure. 

"The food's rea-, Hey! what are you doing Mia?!"

Mia did a last one powerful kick before she stop. It made me feel really dizzy.

Mr Faure sighed while Mia frighteningly glared at me.

"What happened here?" asked Mr Faure.

I told him everything that happened while Mia continued to stay silent.

"I see. So that's how it is" he said and looked at her. "I understand what you're feeling because you're a girl. But since it's just an accident, going that far is completely unnecessary."

"Sorry..." muttered Mia in a sad manner while gazing on the floor.

Mr Faure smiled. "Ahem."

Mia gaped and eventually looked at me. "Sorry Audely..."she said timidly.

I became flustered. "Its fine. I'm the one who should be apologizing now!" I replied.

Anyway...

Wow! She's super cute! Especially when she's feeling down! She's got a ruthless attitude but who cares!!! Waaaaaaaa! HOW GORGEOUS!!!

Mia suddenly glared at me."I sensed dirty thoughts"she said in a soft but threatening voice.

It made me very frightened.

"Anyway, the meal's ready. Come with me" said Mr Faure while alternately looking at us.

Mia sighed deeply and looked at me in a happy face. "Sorry again Audely."

I became shocked and flustered once again. She's such an angel of cuteness!

"...sorry too Mia. For being stupid and an idiot"I said timidly while scratching my head.

"Let's reconcile Audely. There's no point on fighting with each other right?" she said with a genuine smile.

"You're the one who started all of this this in the first place. Sigh. This is the very reason of why I don't want to mess with girls"I muttered.

"What is it Audely?"

"It's nothing. Sorry again Mia"I retorted.

" *cough* *cough* The meal is ready..." interrupted Mr Faure. "You can start eating anytime you want."

Me and Mia replied him with a happy face and raced into the kitchen. After eating, we tried to convinced Mr Faure once again. Maybe as a result of seeing Audely's power, he allowed us. I immediately went home to inform my foster parents together with Audely. We managed to persuade them by showing off his power. He doesn't wanna do it at first but forced in the end due to father's words. 

We prepared everything needed and brace ourselves to what might happen in tomorrow's exploration.