When the man who wants you dead knows where you are, sleeping is impossible. Arin was locked in her empty dorm again, three guards posted outside. Every few hours one would peek in to see if she was asleep. She always tricked them. On her nightstand was a cold dinner, prepared in a fancy way.

            The next morning she entertained herself by watching the Rank Seven students train. She picked up a few cool sword techniques as she studied them.

            The door opened, making her jump. She expected Mila or Coyasko but it was just her guard. He waved for her to follow, and reluctantly she did. “Mila wishes to speak with you.”

            “Of course he does, is he armed?”

            “Not at all! Sir Coyasko and Oshwa will be there as well. The three will be a little late however because they are preparing for a meeting.”

            “Obviously.”

            She refused to continue her conversation with the guard. He guided her to one of the many libraries. The hallways were empty, something definitely seemed to be wrong. Posted outside the meeting were two more Crimsons, each armed with a crossbow, sword, and spear. Arin bit her lip as she entered the empty room.

            “Take a seat at the table. The others will arrive shortly.”

            Arin shuffled across the stone, boots scrapping. It was obvious she had to sit at the back table since it was the only one with books on it. Meandering along, she passed by several shelves stuffed with Fynnian knowledge. When she sat down she pulled a book close to her. It was almost as thick as an Earthly encyclopedia. On the front it was labeled as the history of the Children of Destiny.

            She wanted to read while she waited but history about herself wasn’t her current cup of tea. She pushed it away sinking into the wooden chair restlessly.

            I regret seeing these people as my team already.

            “Inside, just like you asked,” the guard stated. Arin straightened, focusing her attention on her hands. Several doctors tended to her last night. It was very overwhelming to have so many care at once. Thankfully neither Scor nor Oshwa left her side. Even Kilin and Coyasko periodically checked up on her.

            “Good morning, Arin. How do you feel?” Mila asked taking a seat in front of her. He sounded too upbeat, his light tone frightened her.

            I regret fighting for you most of all.

            Something was placed in front of her, judging by the smell it was breakfast. Someone sat next to her, a silk cloak brushed her arm. It was Oshwa.

            She glanced at the gourmet food placed in front of her. It was tempting, but she just looked back at her bandaged hands.

            “Eat, Arin. You need your strength,” Mila encouraged, she hunched over uncomfortable.

            “She’s probably too intimidated to eat. She probably no longer trusts us. I can understand though. The pain she has went through really does a number on the soul and spirit. Wouldn’t be surprised if you broke her spirit either . . .” Mila shushed Coyasko.

            Yeah. You guys did a lot to me.

            “So then when will she eat? She has been gone for so long she must be completely empty and dehydrated! We need to take better care of her!” Her throat burned at the mention of water.

            Just eat and drink to make them happy.

            Arin pulled the plate closer to herself scarfing the scones down. Oshwa offered her a glass of milk which she reluctantly accepted. Once the scones were gone she moved to the small cubes of meat resting on her plate. She shoved several into her mouth with her fork. It almost tasted like bacon.

            Why are they treating me so well?  Nothing changed over the past twenty-four hours. Why start caring about me now? She continued to eat her Fynnian bacon, her body encouraging her to eat more.

            “So while you enjoy your meal, we should begin.” Mila exchanged nods with the two before releasing a deep breath. “As the Fire of Truth it is your destiny to help us Crimsons. I know that I have done terrible things to you and I never expect forgiveness.”

            “Point is you have a key role now in this war. The final blow of the war will be dealt by you and the other Children of Destiny. Our goal can no longer be to just win by our army alone. We need to find the other teenagers and you're going to help us. You're still the Plaque-Reader so you can still find them."

            “Why can’t I help the Others? They treat me better.”

            Mila stood at this, “I should—erm—go. Keep—um—informing her of everything.”

            Once he left she pushed the plate away, “finally I can stop eating.”

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

            “You didn’t like it? You ate it for Mila’s sake?”

            She shrugged, “I didn’t want him to yell at me . . . I don’t trust his sudden compassion.”

            “I don’t blame you,” Coyasko smirked, trying to ease away the awkwardness. “However, I’ve known Mila almost my entire life. When he screws up, and believe me he has, he always admits it and apologizes. Yesterday he was honest.”

            She folded her arms in disbelief, “I doubt it.”

            “Arin, he was,” Oshwa's voice was tight with irritation. “You can’t be mad forever. Don’t let rage blind you it only leads you to the path of destruction. I mean look at Mila!”

            “Putting this aside,” Oshwa began, “we want you to know what it means to be the Fire of Truth. Your role is very crucial in the prophecy. Being the first one discovered you should lead them. Your job is to guide everyone and teaching them the right and wrongs of war. It may be hard but you can do it. You have incredible power within you, you just need to find it. People will begin to look up to you and ask about who you are. It is time you ready your fire and mind for the people of Fynne.”

            “Maybe I don’t want to find my special power. Maybe I just want to go home.”

            “You fought for us, did you not? That shows that you see us as friends.”

            As she grumbled, Oshwa enveloped her in his wings, arms tightly secured around her. Under his hood he was smiling. “I’m your friend. I heard rumors that after a few seconds of hugging both people begin to trust each other more."

            “Well while you two hug I’ll continue. Later today, Arin, we have a war council and we think it would be best if you attend.”

            “What use would I be at a ‘war council?’”

            “You are the savior everyone wishes to meet! The leaders from every Province and outpost will be there. It is perfect time for you to make your first official appearance!”

            “Do I have to say some speech?”

            “Nope, you just have to sit there and answer any question they ask you. This is another reason why we are explaining who you are."

            Oshwa pulled her closer to him, his theory was slightly working. She was relaxed now. Coyasko yawned before continuing, “I hate it when Mila wakes us up for the most pointless announcements.”

            Oshwa suppressed his yawn, “me too. Oh well, better awake early than sleeping the day away.”

            “I didn’t sleep last night either. I don't like my dorm anymore.”

            “Is it because you’re lonely?” Oshwa asked finally releasing her. She nodded. “Well maybe Coyasko can have you switch dormitories.”

            “Perhaps, but all Rank One dorms are full, I think!”

            “Not Scarlet's room.”

            “Alright, alright. I’ll arrange that while you get ready.”

            “Wait, when is this council meeting or whatever?”

            “This afternoon, I could’ve sworn I said the time. You have a few hours but you want to look . . . presentable, right?” He stood, “and by that I mean get some nice clothing and get you cleaned up. I mean you’re beautiful as it is but why not take your beauty and magnify it?”

            She couldn’t hide her blush. Coyasko and Oshwa laughed as she grinned. Her face probably as red as her fire.

            “Believe it or not every one of us have some formal attire. We hold ceremonies and other festivals. Every student receives some dress or suit when they arrive. You seem to be Wisp’s size. I know you want nothing to do with her but please. It is brand new and just this once can you wear it?”

            “Fine,” she grumbled, “but you owe me!”

***

            Arin blew her a curl of hair out of her face as a Crimson braided her hair behind her. The three had said nothing for hours.

            “Done, at last you’re ready!” the first Crimson cheered and Arin huffed dully.

            The other moved a full-body mirror in front of Arin as she stood up. Wisp’s dress was a dark red, just a little too big for her but it would do. Her long blonde hair was neatly braided and draped over her left shoulder. They had applied light makeup onto her, masking her bruises and cuts from her fights with Croun and Mila.

            The Crimson behind Arin gently tucked a red flower into the braid. Arin smiled a little. Never before had she seen her reflection like this. One thing she wish she could change was her height, she was so small.

            “You look wonderful,” the Crimson next to the mirror commented.

            “Too bad this look is only temporary.”

            “It rather suits you Arin, the Fire—”

            “You don't have to call me by my title,” she folded her arms to hide her insecurity. “I’m just Arin.”

            “I’m sorry, Arin.” They both smiled opening the door. The Crimson held it open for her as she exited. Coyasko and Mila were patiently waiting for her outside.

            “Wow . . .”

            “Told you that you’re beautiful.” Coyasko winked at her.

            “I have one last thing to add onto it,” Mila reached into his pocket searching for something. His icy eyes lit up with a new light as he pulled out her Rainbow Shard. Metal coiled around the shard keeping it in place. “I—I turned it into a necklace for you.”

            His hands shook as he handed it to her. She curled her fingers around the glass object. It was cold, the edges sharp like a knife.

            “Let me help you with that.” She handed Coyasko the necklace before he fastened it around her neck from behind.

            “Do you like it? I asked some of our best smiths to make it for you late last night.”

            She nodded, avoiding eye contact. Coyasko placed his hand on her tight shoulder. He gestured for her to follow, showing off his cheerful grin. To see these two in their canary yellow suits, glossy hair, they seemed so professional. Now they want her to become like them. Did she truly succeed in proving herself worthy?

            I finally did it. I finally proved myself.

            “C’mon, Arin! This will be fun, I promise!” His jubilance was rubbing off on her. The two raced each other to the meeting room, Coyasko obviously ahead of her. He would stop to let her catch up. Neither of them cared how immature they appeared to be. Mila ambled after them hiding his anxiety with a smile. There was no need for him to be anxious, it was just a meeting after all. What could go wrong?