Project

White Rose

Prologue

A girl, around six years old, runs through the beautiful forest. She moves as if she knows every tree by name—perhaps she does. She’s dressed in a slightly oversized white shirt paired with brown trousers. Her bare feet connect with the soft grass beneath her.

Her long, black hair flows freely, framing her pale skin and striking emerald-green eyes that seem to harmonize perfectly with the nature around her.

She stops abruptly upon reaching an open field. As she steps into the sunlit expanse, the light cascades over her, illuminating the grass brimming with colorful flowers.

“Chiyo.”

A honeyed voice calls from behind, prompting the girl to spin around as if caught in the act of hiding.

Standing before her is Mizuki, a seventeen-year-old young woman with long, wavy golden-blonde hair and hazel eyes that glimmer like golden stars in the sunlight. Her beige skin shows signs of a slight sunburn. She’s dressed in trousers and a tunic, her expression soft as she raises an eyebrow. In her hand, she carries a basket filled with berries.

“Mizuki!” Chiyo exclaims with a bright smile, running up to hug her.

“Shouldn’t you be with Crimson?” Mizuki asks, wrapping one arm around the girl while carefully balancing the basket with the other.

When the hug ends, Chiyo jumps back, grinning mischievously.

“She let me play in the field! But she said if I tell you she allowed it, she’d send me to the stars,” Chiyo says excitedly, pointing upwards.

Mizuki doesn’t even glance at where Chiyo is pointing. She knows the little girl misunderstood Crimson’s threat—and perhaps it’s better that way. Still, Mizuki’s lips press into a thin smile as she mentally prepares for another argument with Crimson about her harsh words.

“Oh? So, you wanted to see me?” Mizuki asks with a small smile, beginning to stroll through the field, the grass and flowers swaying gently in the breeze.

“Mhm! It’s my mission if I want to go to the stars,” Chiyo says, running ahead, dodging flowers as if they were traps.

“I don’t think Crimson has the ability to send you to the stars,” Mizuki chuckles.

Chiyo spins around, her face forming a pout. “Why not?”

Mizuki tilts her head thoughtfully. Taking care of a child as curious as Chiyo is no easy feat. The girl’s endless questions often make it difficult for the group of women to remain entirely truthful with her. How could they explain to a child that she’s being hunted for what she is?

“The stars are very far away, don’t you think?” Mizuki finally says.

Chiyo looks up, as though searching for answers. But in the bright daylight, the stars are hidden from view.

“But what if Crimson can send me there with her powers?” Chiyo’s eyes dart back to Mizuki, filled with hope.

Mizuki shakes her head with a soft laugh.

“Crimson doesn’t have powers that can send you to the stars, Chiyo,” she says. “But that would be a pretty amazing power, wouldn’t it?”

Chiyo brightens at the thought. “That would be the most awesome power ever! Do you think my powers could take me to the stars?”

“Sadly, no. At least, not that I know of,” Mizuki hums. “Do you still remember what your powers are?” she asks, testing the girl’s memory from their lessons.

Chiyo nods eagerly.

“My first power is shadow manipulation! With it, I can control nearby shadows. My second power is mind manipulation, which lets me influence other people’s minds—even if they don’t want me to.” She pauses, then glances up at Mizuki. “But Teacher Mizuki once said I should never use this power against innocent people.”

Mizuki’s face softens into a warm smile. “That’s right. And your last power?”

“My last power is illusion! It means I can create illusions that make people see, smell, hear, touch, or taste things that aren’t real.”

Mizuki nods approvingly. “And remember, this power should only be used when absolutely necessary.”

Mizuki stops in the middle of the field, kneeling down in the grass to pluck a few poppy flowers. Chiyo runs up to her, noticing that Mizuki has stopped, and kneels beside her.

“It’s not like I can use any of them right now,” Chiyo grumbles, watching as Mizuki gently places the poppy flowers into a basket, offering her a soft smile.

“You’re young, Chiyo. Of course, you can’t fully use your powers yet,” Mizuki says, handing her a poppy flower. Chiyo accepts it, her expression turning hopeful.

“But I’m here to teach you how to harmonize with your powers. It will take time, but you’ll learn—I promise,” Mizuki reassures her.

Chiyo hums thoughtfully, wiping her forehead as beads of sweat begin to gather. “How did you learn to control your powers?”

Mizuki gazes at the horizon, leaning back on her hands and settling into the soft grass.

“My mother—” Her voice falters slightly. “My mother taught me.”

Chiyo’s eyes widen, sparkling with curiosity. “You had a mom!?”

Mizuki offers her a sad smile. “I did.”

Chiyo’s face falls, shifting from confusion to sadness. “Oh…”

Noticing Chiyo’s reaction, Mizuki decides to change the subject. She turns to the girl, sensing the sadness radiating from her and mixing with her own emotions.

“You know...” Mizuki begins, drawing Chiyo’s attention. “I’m glad I learned to control my powers.” She smiles and taps her forehead. “When I was little, I couldn’t control whose minds I read. Once, I got so overwhelmed by the emotions pouring into me from others that I stayed in my room all day.”

Chiyo leans in, intrigued. “How did you make friends if you stayed inside all day?”

Mizuki scratches her head, chuckling softly. “I didn’t. I didn’t have any friends. When my powers emerged, I became lonelier than ever before. The other kids called me weird, and honestly, I understood why.”

Chiyo frowns. “But you’re not weird. I would’ve loved to be your friend back then.”

Mizuki pats her head affectionately. “I know, and I’m grateful to know all of you now.”

Chiyo tilts her head. “How… how did you meet the others?”

Mizuki hums, her gaze drifting to the sky. She tucks a strand of golden hair behind her ear as she recalls the memory.

“One day, there was a war,” she begins cautiously, careful not to frighten the young girl. “Soldiers attacked our village. My parents and I tried to run, but... I was taken. They tried to save me, but it didn’t work...” Her voice softens, her eyes distant. “The soldiers brought me to a facility. They wanted to experiment on me because of what I am. That’s where I met Lycoris.”

A small smile forms on her face.

“Lycoris was there too? In the… uhm, facility?” Chiyo asks eagerly.

“Yes,” Mizuki replies, nodding. “I was ten at the time, and Lycoris was around your age—maybe a year younger. When I first arrived, they put me in a big, empty room filled with scared children. Some were sleeping on the floor. In the corner, I saw Lycoris sitting cross-legged, watching me curiously.”

Mizuki smiles at the memory. “I was scared and angry, but then, as if something heard my sadness, a soft melody filled the air. It was like a song played on a piano.”

Chiyo’s face lights up. “It was Lycoris!”

Mizuki chuckles. “Yes, it was. That little girl controlled her powers as if it were the easiest thing in the world. I walked toward her, and the closer I got, the louder her humming became. The melody slowly faded as I reached her. She was so young, but she seemed to know so much. We started talking, and before long, we became best friends.” Mizuki taps Chiyo’s chest gently. “Sisters.”

Chiyo hums in wonder.

“After years in that place, we met Crimson. She’d been kept in solitary confinement for trying to…” Mizuki hesitates. “...hurt a scientist.”

Chiyo’s eyes widen, but Mizuki quickly continues.

“After she was released, she tried again, but I took the blame before they could hurt her further. From then on, Crimson started spending more time with Lycoris and me. She even scolded me for being so stubborn. And although Crimson and Lycoris don’t get along very well now, I promise you, there was a time they used to hug.”

Chiyo gasps. “Really?!”

Mizuki nods with a smirk. “Really. But don’t tell them I told you that.” She winks, earning a giggle from the girl.

“And Su? How did you meet Su?” Chiyo asks.

“Suisei arrived at the facility not long after us. She was the same age as Lycoris,” Mizuki explains. “The first time we talked was because she sleepwalked.”

Chiyo giggles at that.

“Crimson and I tried to keep her safe, but it’s hard to protect someone with lightning-fast reflexes while they’re sleepwalking,” Mizuki adds with a laugh.

“What happened after she woke up?” Chiyo asks.

“She got... clingy,” Mizuki says fondly. “Suisei was so bright and playful. She kept us all... sane.” Mizuki’s voice drops to a whisper as she says the last word.

“There was a time when we finally succeeded in escaping,” Mizuki begins, her voice soft but steady. “We planned it for so many years, and our plan worked.” She smiles faintly. “But, sadly, the other children didn’t survive.” Her smile fades into a sigh. “They attacked us as soon as they discovered our plan, killing every child out of... anger when we managed to escape,” she says, spitting the words bitterly before her tone softens.

“I remember running down the halls, the four of us holding hands as our bare feet slapped against the cold floors. We ran as fast as we could—until we heard a cry.” Mizuki’s eyes land on Chiyo, whose own eyes widen gradually.

“A baby crying,” Mizuki continues. “We stopped suddenly and followed the sound into a room. There, on a table, was a small baby lying on a blanket, crying. The room was on fire, flames surrounding the newborn. We didn’t have time to act before the scientists came running at us. Crimson screamed for us to run, pushing us outside before they could catch us. We couldn’t even step further into the room before an explosion went off.”

Mizuki pauses, her gaze distant. “We made it out—hurt, but alive. And that’s when we realized Lycoris was missing. We thought...” She exhales heavily. “We thought she didn’t make it. As I turned to look back at the building—the place we had lived in for so many years—I saw something that stole my breath away.”

Chiyo leans in, clutching the flower in her hand so tightly it begins to crush. “What was it?” she whispers.

“The broken stones, the walls, everything—it was floating in the air, suspended as if time itself had frozen. From the ruins of the building, where everything should have crumbled, Lycoris emerged, stumbling. And in her arms, she was holding you.”

Mizuki gives Chiyo a gentle smile.

“The air shifted as Lycoris came closer. Suddenly, all the broken parts of the building—the entire facility—collapsed into rubble. We ran to her. Suisei was crying with happiness as she flung herself onto Lycoris, being careful not to hurt you. Even Crimson ran over and wrapped her arms around her. And then I joined, pulling us all into a hug as we cried together—finally free.”

Mizuki looks down, her voice tinged with emotion. “After that, we traveled. We kept running because we knew it wasn’t over. Not when we saw papers with our faces drawn on them plastered across the streets. They called us dangerous. Monsters. We knew we couldn’t live in freedom... but at least we had each other.” She smiles warmly. “And we had you.”

Reaching over, Mizuki tucks a strand of Chiyo’s hair behind her ear. “We decided that ‘Chiyo’ suited you,” she chuckles softly. “Do you know what your name means?”

Chiyo shakes her head.

“It has many meanings,” Mizuki explains. “A thousand generations. A thousand worlds. A thousand nights.” She taps Chiyo’s chest gently. “Whatever happens, remember this: in any world, in any generation, even if it takes a thousand nights, we will always be here for you.”

Chiyo looks up at the woman as if staring at stars, her eyes wide with admiration, before nodding with a small smile on her lips.

“And don’t forget,” Mizuki says, trailing a finger along her neck where a black tattoo coils like a serpent. The intricate design wraps around her neck and flows down both arms, forming black roses that bloom across her skin.

“Hide your marking around strangers, and never tell anyone what you are.” Her gaze hardens.

“Never tell anyone that you’re a Black Rose.”

“Chiyo! I told you not to stay too long before Mizuki—”

The voice cuts off as both of them turn to see a fifteen-year-old girl walking through the tall grass, her expression one of clear annoyance. Her long, messy hair is a dark shade of red, and her skin is deep brown, complementing her honey-brown eyes. She wears an outfit nearly identical to Mizuki’s, except for a tank top in place of a tunic. On her shoulder, a red rose tattoo is inked, vivid and unmistakable.

“Shit,” the girl mutters under her breath as she locks eyes with Mizuki, who arches an eyebrow.

“Language,” Mizuki reprimands, rising to her feet with a basket in hand.

Chiyo scrambles to follow, attempting to glare at the newcomer. However, her effort looks more like a puppy begging for food than a menacing glare.

“You can’t bring me to the stars! Mizu told me you can’t!” Chiyo exclaims.

The red-haired girl—Crimson—crosses her arms and stares down at Chiyo, her expression puzzled. “What’s your problem now? What did I do?”

“Maybe you should think before threatening a child by saying you’ll ‘bring her to the stars’ if she snitches on you,” Mizuki interjects, her smile sharp and anything but friendly.

Crimson frowns and groans, throwing her hand up to gesture at Chiyo, who has distanced herself and is now chasing a butterfly through the grass. “She didn’t even understand it!”

“That doesn’t give you a free pass to threaten a child,” Mizuki replies with a sigh. Her tone is calm but carries an edge of authority. “I left you in charge of Chiyo, not so she could run around the forest unsupervised. Think about what could have happened.” Her piercing gaze lands on Crimson, making her shift uncomfortably under the weight of it.

“Alright! Fine! I’m sorry!” Crimson snaps, grabbing her hair with one hand before looking away in frustration.

“Did I just hear the grumpy one say sorry?! Damn, Mizuki, what did you do to her?” A playful, young voice chimes in from behind Crimson.

Suisei steps out from behind the taller girl, looking up at her with a mischievous grin. At twelve years old, Suisei has shoulder-length wavy hair tied into a bun, its dark blue color shimmering like the night sky. Her olive-toned skin is slightly sunburned, and her light blue eyes gleam with sharp focus, as though she can see things others can’t from miles away. She wears practical trousers and a black shirt tucked neatly into them—an ideal outfit for summer travel.

Her dark blue rose tattoo is inked on her back, making it much easier for her to conceal compared to the others, who are forced to wear hoods and heavy clothing to hide their markings, even in the scorching heat.

Crimson pushes the shorter girl away with one hand, scoffing. “Shut up.”

“Language,” Mizuki reprimands again, earning a fit of giggles from Suisei. The younger girl’s laughter makes Crimson take a step back with a disgusted growl.

“How was your hunt?” Mizuki asks Suisei, shifting the subject.

With her lightning-fast reflexes, sharp eyesight, and night vision, Suisei is the group’s primary hunter, often tasked with finding food when their supplies run low during their travels.

“Successful, but I didn’t catch anything big,” Suisei replies with a shrug. “I swear, the only animals I ever see in this forest are rabbits.”

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

“Su-su!” Chiyo’s voice rings out as she dashes toward the blue-haired girl. Suisei turns just in time to catch the sprinting Chiyo, lifting her into the air with ease. Spinning her around, Suisei giggles along with the younger girl, then shoots a smug smirk at Crimson.

“I’m her favorite,” she whispers playfully.

Crimson rolls her eyes but chooses to remain silent, her expression unreadable.

Mizuki holds up her basket, brimming with berries. “Think this will be enough until we reach the next town?”

“Hmmm,” Suisei hums thoughtfully, balancing Chiyo with one arm. Before Mizuki can swat her hand away, Suisei snatches a berry from the basket and pops it into her mouth.

“Definitely,” Suisei says with a satisfied moan, earning a giggle from Chiyo.

Mizuki sighs in exasperation while Crimson stands farther off, arms crossed, staring at the landscape with a deep frown.

“You should learn some manners, Su,” Mizuki scolds.

“I didn’t do anything! And the first one who should learn about manners is our grumpy over there,” Suisei retorts with a smirk.

“You—”

“Where is Lycoris?” Crimson cuts in, her tone sharp and serious.

“Look at that! Did you finally decide to worry about her instead of planning to cut her head off?” Suisei teases, laughing as she sets Chiyo down.

Crimson glares at her. “What if one of those bastards caught her? They’d find us in no time,” she growls.

Mizuki glances toward the river, where Lycoris had gone to fetch water for their journey. Leaving Lycoris alone is always a gamble—her insatiable curiosity often leads to trouble. The last time they left her unsupervised, she wandered into a tavern party. Naturally, the twelve-year-old was thrown out shortly after.

“Maybe one of us should go get her before it gets dark,” Mizuki says, her brow furrowing with worry.

“As if,” Crimson mutters, turning away. “I’m staying here.”

Mizuki sighs in resignation. “Suisei, stay with Crimson and Chiyo. I’ll go.”

Suisei nods, her usual playful expression replaced by a rare seriousness. Taking Chiyo’s hand, she leads her and Crimson back toward their camp, leaving Mizuki to head for the river.

Heading into the forest, Mizuki walks carefully, mindful not to stumble. The thick canopy above makes the forest darker, shielding the sun’s rays. Despite the dimness, the scene retains a surreal beauty. She follows the small river, watching as rabbits dart into nearby bushes or as stray sunbeams break through the darkness, casting an otherworldly glow over her surroundings.

“...” Mizuki glances around, lost in thought. It feels as though it was just yesterday that they all escaped. But in truth, six years have passed—six long years of traveling, searching for peace, and trying to understand the reasons behind everything that happened. Mizuki has done her best to teach the girls useful skills for their futures, even when she herself had so much to learn.

Every town they visited, Mizuki made it a point to buy books. She loved reading, discovering how the world works, how the human body functions, or simply learning something new. They’ve seen mountains, deserts, bustling towns, and grand cities, yet they never stayed in one place for too long.

They would always find them eventually.

Mizuki suddenly stops in her tracks. Her eyes land on a familiar figure standing against a tree, seemingly watching something in the distance.

The girl’s bone-white, messy hair gleams faintly in the dim light, like a beacon in the darkness. Her pale skin glows almost ethereally as she turns her head at the sound of Mizuki’s approach. She moves with lightning speed, green eyes locking onto Mizuki’s.

Hair nearly covers her eyes, but she brushes the strands aside and waves Mizuki over.

Lycoris, a twelve-year-old girl, is dressed in trousers, a simple shirt, and a hooded cape.

Mizuki approaches, a frown forming on her face.

“What are you—”

“Shhh.” Lycoris silences Mizuki by slapping a hand over her mouth, her expression serious. Mizuki’s frown deepens as the younger girl pushes her further behind the tree, motioning for her to take a look.

Cautiously, Mizuki peeks around the tree, her head moving slowly to avoid detection. Her eyes fall on two figures.

Two grown men, clad in armor unlike anything she’s seen from the scientists.

The armor is golden, adorned with intricate red markings. One marking in particular catches Mizuki’s attention—a royal symbol.

“Royal—!” Mizuki’s whisper is cut short as a hand covers firmly over her mouth.

She turns to meet Lycoris’s piercing green eyes in the dimness. The younger girl nods slowly and leans in to whisper, her voice barely audible.

“Royal Guards.”

“What are they doing here?” Mizuki whispers as Lycoris removes her hand. “In the middle of nowhere?”

“I don’t know,” Lycoris replies, her gaze fixed on the two men, who seem deep in conversation. Weapons hang at their waists, their postures tense.

“Do you think you can read their minds from here?” Lycoris asks, turning to Mizuki.

Mizuki gives her an uncertain side-eye.

“Just to make sure they’re not here for... well, for us,” Lycoris adds, her voice quieter.

After a moment’s hesitation, Mizuki nods. She leans back against the tree, closing her eyes to focus. Lycoris keeps watch, her attention flicking between the men to ensure they haven’t moved.

Mizuki has done this countless times—reading minds, sensing emotions. But it never feels right. It always leaves her feeling... sick, as though she’s invading someone’s privacy. Entering their minds without their knowledge feels wrong, yet she knows it’s necessary. Their safety depends on it.

Evie... I hope you’re safe.

The first thought of the brown-haired man with the mustache filters into Mizuki’s mind. It’s vague—just a fleeting worry. Not enough to piece together their purpose here.

She pushes further.

I hope His Majesty can understand... if he ever finds out about this. Evie...

Mizuki sighs softly and shifts her focus to the other man, the one with bronze skin and a thick beard.

Hope this bastard pays me right. All we have to do is find the roses.

At those words, Mizuki abruptly pulls back, forcing herself out of his thoughts. Her head spins as the flood of emotions and thoughts fades away. She gasps, her eyes snapping open.

Lycoris is kneeling in front of her, concern etched across her pale face.

“What is it? What did you read?” Lycoris whispers, her pale hand resting on Mizuki’s shoulder, green eyes locked on the older woman with concern.

Mizuki’s gaze shifts to the two men, who appear to have ended their conversation and are now heading in the direction of their camp.

“We need to go,” Mizuki says, trying to stand quickly, but she stumbles against the tree as dizziness overtakes her. It always happens when she pulls back too fast from mind reading.

“What? Why?” Lycoris’s young voice trembles slightly as she notices the pale color draining from Mizuki’s face. She steadies the older woman, helping her to stand.

“They’re here for us,” Mizuki replies, her voice urgent. She starts to move, grabbing Lycoris by the elbow. “I don’t know why, but I think the guards aren’t acting under Her Majesty’s orders.”

Lycoris stares at her in shock but doesn’t argue as Mizuki pulls her deeper into the forest, taking a faster route that runs parallel to the guards’ path. Mizuki’s only thought is to reach the others before the guards do.

“How did they find us...?” Lycoris mumbles, her steps quickening to match Mizuki’s pace.

Mizuki doesn’t answer. They break into a run, but her thoughts are consumed with worry.

How far must they go to find peace?

“Can we buy sweets when we get to town?” Chiyo asks, holding Suisei’s hand as the three of them stop by the campfire, still burning faintly. Crimson, ignoring them, walks past to rummage through her backpack.

“We’ll have to convince Mizu to let us,” Suisei hums before glancing down at Chiyo with a playful grin. “Think you can use your puppy eyes on her?”

Chiyo brightens instantly, nodding enthusiastically with a big grin.

“Good,” Suisei says, patting her head.

A few feet away, Crimson scoffs. “Do we even have enough coins for something like candy?” she mutters, her back still turned to them.

“I don’t know about you, but you don’t always have to pay for things,” Suisei sing-songs, sitting down on the ground with Chiyo beside her.

That makes Crimson glance over her shoulder, giving the younger girl a flat, unimpressed look. “So, you’re planning to steal? Is that it? Another reason for you to get caught and drag us into even more trouble?”

Suisei shrugs, her grin widening. “Says the one who let Chiyo run around the forest alone.”

Crimson glares for a moment before muttering, “Shut up,” and turning back to her backpack, pulling out a water bottle to take a long drink.

“Maybe Lycoris would like some candy too,” Chiyo says, her hands carefully stacking small stones into a tiny tower on the ground.

Suisei joins her, starting her own stone tower. Leaning her free hand on her knee, she chuckles. “Knowing Ly, she’ll probably want to crash a town festival or two.”

“She’s got a damn talent for stirring up trouble,” Crimson mutters.

Suisei snickers and adds, “You two are no better. Remember when you and Lycoris fought in the middle of the street? A whole crowd was watching, and Mizu and I had to pull you two apart before you killed each other.”

It’s true. Lycoris and Crimson have never gotten along. Their relationship has always been like putting a cat and a dog in the same room—constant tension and clashes.

As Suisei adds another stone to her tower, it suddenly collapses. A moment later, a stone levitates off the ground. Suisei’s eyes widen in realization.

“Oh no,” she squeaks, scrambling to her feet just as the stone hurls toward her, narrowly missing.

“Crimson!” she shouts, turning to see Crimson smirking, arms crossed.

“Meanie,” Suisei pouts, crossing her arms too.

Chiyo watches the whole thing unfold with wide eyes and bursts into giggles, her smile lighting up the scene.

Suddenly, a sound like heavy footsteps approaching makes all of them turn around.

“Oh, looks like Mizu found Ly,” Suisei says, but something about the sound unsettles Crimson. Her frown deepens.

Her eyes catch the glint of shining armor emerging from behind the trees, a sword drawn.

“Suisei! Crimson!” Mizuki’s voice cuts through the tension as she runs toward them from farther away, panic clear in her tone. “Take Chiyo and run!”

Suisei freezes, panic overtaking her as she spots the guards stepping into view, their intent unmistakable. She rushes to Chiyo, grabbing her hand tightly, then glances back to find Crimson already close behind her.

One of the guards notices their retreat and starts running toward them. He draws a strange, oddly designed pistol. The weapon fires, and a net hurtles through the air toward them. Suisei reacts in time, shoving Crimson out of the way before the net can entangle her.

“Keep moving!” Suisei shouts, and they continue running through the dense trees.

Chiyo stumbles and cries out, causing them both to stop. Crimson quickly kneels, scooping Chiyo into her arms as the little girl buries her face in Crimson’s shoulder, sobbing.

The guards are closing in fast. Crimson turns to Suisei with a mix of panic and fury. Suisei’s face mirrors her fear; her usual teasing expression is gone, replaced with sheer determination.

“We need to split up,” Suisei says, her voice trembling. “Go! I’ll lead him away.”

“What?!” Crimson hisses, her eyes blazing. “Are you out of your mind?!”

“You have Chiyo!” Suisei snaps back, her tone urgent. “I’ll be fine—I’ll come back. Just run! Now!”

Crimson hesitates, torn between anger and the crushing weight of the situation. She looks back and sees the guard charging toward them. With a curse, she clenches her jaw.

“Shit,” Crimson growls. She locks eyes with Suisei, her expression fierce. “Promise me.”

“Promise. Now go!” Suisei shouts.

With a final glare, Crimson turns and bolts, Chiyo clinging tightly to her as tears stream down the little girl’s face. Over her shoulder, Chiyo looks back at Suisei, her tear-filled eyes wide with fear.

“Hey!” Suisei yells, drawing the guard’s attention to her. He focuses on her and breaks into a sprint. Suisei pivots and runs, glancing back to ensure he’s following her.

A gunshot rings out. Suisei flinches as a sharp, searing pain tears through her arm. Blood splatters onto the ground, and she screams in pain. But she doesn’t stop—her feet keep moving, fueled by determination and desperation.

Mizuki spots Crimson and Suisei bolting into the forest with Chiyo in tow. Relief washes over her—they heard her. But the feeling is short-lived as her eyes catch one of the guards chasing after them.

“No,” she breathes, panic fueling her legs as she sprints toward him.

In her desperation, she doesn’t notice the second guard lying in wait. His sword slashes across her waist, drawing blood and sending her stumbling to the ground. Her eyes widen as the pain surges through her, her hands trembling against the dirt.

Lycoris, only a few feet away, freezes mid-run when she sees Mizuki collapse. Her green eyes dart to the guard now standing over Mizuki, his weapon still dripping. Slowly, Lycoris backs into the shadows of a nearby tree, her heart pounding louder with every second.

“Look at this,” the man says, his voice calm yet dripping with menace. His brown hair is streaked with gray, and a thick mustache frames his cruel smirk. Mizuki’s stomach drops—she remembers him from the thoughts she read earlier. Her eyes flicker to Lycoris, barely visible in the shadows. Good. She’s hidden.

“You know,” the man continues, “someone’s been looking for you for six years.” He steps closer, his sword tip resting against Mizuki’s neck. The cold steel makes her freeze.

“They say you’re the reason for the explosion,” he sneers, his voice darkening. “Responsible for the deaths of so many children.”

“No—” Mizuki’s voice escapes in a desperate whisper, but her words falter as her gaze locks onto his piercing eyes. There’s something in them—something that steals the air from her lungs and leaves her words unfinished.

“You know it wasn’t us,” Mizuki says in a dark tone, her voice trembling but steady with anger. “You’re doing this for the money, aren’t you? Behind his majesty’s back—”

Her words are cut short as his fist connects with her face, sending her sprawling to the ground. She coughs, the taste of blood on her tongue, but she can still feel his emotions—anger, confusion, and sadness swirling within him. Deep down, he knows what he’s doing is wrong.

“You’re bringing us back...” Mizuki says weakly, blood dripping from her lips. “Bringing children back to that place, and you don’t even know what they do there—”

“I know enough!” he spits, his voice rising. “You’re not human! What are you, huh? Should you be running around with powers or... or whatever the hell it is you have, completely unchecked?!”

His eyes land on her collarbone, where a small part of the golden rose tattoo is visible.

“A yellow rose,” Mizuki whispers. She tries to stand but collapses again. “That’s what I am. That’s what people fear. That’s what he makes people fear.” She coughs, her body trembling with pain. “But we’re nothing more than humans... humans with curses.”

Her broken eyes meet his, locking him in place.

“Humans who’ve been taught that what they are isn’t okay.”

For a moment, he’s silent, staring at her with something unreadable in his expression.

“We’re nothing but children,” she continues, her voice heavy with sadness. “Evie... she’s your daughter, isn’t she?”

His eyes widen, and he takes a threatening step forward. “Don’t you dare speak her name, monster.”

“A father killing children,” Mizuki whispers. “A father with a daughter. Do you—”

A sudden scream cuts through the tense air, and both of them turn.

The other guard emerges, dragging Crimson and Suisei with him.

Crimson looks battered, her face bruised and bloodied, while Suisei is limp and unmoving, her arm soaked in blood. Both of them wear large, glowing blue cuffs that emit an otherworldly light. The guard shoves them to the ground with no mercy.

“One escaped,” he grunts.

Lycoris, hiding behind a tree, gasps. “Chiyo...” she whispers, her heart racing. She glances at her companions—broken, defeated, and lying on the ground. Crimson’s chest rises and falls heavily, her bloodshot eyes locked on Suisei’s unmoving body. Mizuki stares at them, tears brimming in her eyes.

Lycoris takes a step back, then another, her movements slow and deliberate. With one last look at her companions, she turns and runs, her mind racing.

I’ll find Chiyo. And then I’m coming back for you. I promise, she thinks, her feet pounding against the forest floor.

Mizuki notices Lycoris is gone and feels a pang of despair. Before she can process it, the mustached man steps forward and clasps the same glowing blue cuffs onto her wrists. A wave of weakness washes over her, and she feels her powers drain away until there’s nothing left. The cuffs seal her magic completely.

They are all forced to their feet. The long-haired guard throws Suisei’s limp body over his shoulder, then presses a gun to Crimson’s back, shoving her forward.

Mizuki stumbles as she tries to walk, her body weak and her steps unsteady as blood continues to seep from her wound. Her gaze locks with Crimson’s, who frowns at her, silently asking with her eyes, Where is Lycoris?

Mizuki can’t bring herself to answer. Instead, she looks away, her own frown deepening.

Lycoris doesn’t know what she’s doing. Her vision blurs as tears stream down her face. She shouldn’t have left them behind. She shouldn’t have. But it’s too late now. She needs to find Chiyo. At least her. To make sure she’s safe.

She raises her hand, and something akin to fire ignites in her fingers. It looks like fire but isn’t. Lycoris’s light magic is useful for illumination, but not for fighting.

The forest grows darker as the sun disappears completely. She uses her magic to light the way, her steps cautious, until she stumbles onto a stony path. That’s when she hears it—a soft voice, crying.

Chiyo sits on the ground, sniffling and weeping in the shadows. Her black hair hides her face, the strands wild and messy in the wind.

“Chiyo,” Lycoris calls softly.

The girl turns, revealing her puffy red eyes. At the sight of Lycoris, she bursts into fresh tears.

“Ly...” she says weakly, her voice breaking.

Lycoris rushes to her, falling to her knees and pulling the girl into her arms.

“Where are the others?” Chiyo whispers against Lycoris’s chest, her face buried in her clothes.

Lycoris hesitates. “I...” She stammers, her voice cracking. “The guards got them.”

Chiyo chokes on her sobs, her small hands clutching at Lycoris’s shirt.

“It’s okay,” Lycoris whispers, her voice trembling as her own tears threaten to fall. “We’ll find them. I’ll find them. I promise.”

“I don’t want them to die,” Chiyo cries, her voice breaking with desperation. “I want them here. Why do they hurt us?”

Lycoris doesn’t have an answer.

The silence stretches between them, heavy and suffocating. Lycoris never knew why. Even though she was the only one born in the facility, they never told her anything. All she ever learned was that what she was... was wrong.

Her pale hand rises to gently stroke Chiyo’s hair, trying to comfort her. She starts humming a song, one she’s known all her life but never understood where it came from.

The air shifts. Music fills the darkness, a soft piano melody flowing through the air. Chiyo’s cries begin to quiet. Lycoris’s green eyes glow faintly as she hums.

How does it feel to have a peaceful life? How does it feel to be free?

Suddenly, Chiyo screams.

A black-gloved hand shoves her away from Lycoris. Two dark figures emerge, grabbing the girl. A syringe plunges into her neck.

“Chiyo!” Lycoris cries, scrambling to her feet.

She lunges forward, but an unseen force knocks her back, slamming her into the ground.

Chiyo’s wide eyes meet Lycoris’s glowing green ones before they slowly flutter closed.

“No!” Lycoris shouts, tears streaming down her face. She summons her light magic, pushing against the invisible force with all her might. But the harder she tries, the more the magic fights back, blinding her momentarily as it rebounds against her.

“Look at you,” a deep voice mocks, calm and cruel. “Still trying to save her, even when you know you can’t.”

Lycoris freezes. She knows that voice.

From behind a tree, a tall man steps into view. His pale blonde hair gleams unnaturally under the faint moonlight, his skin sickly pale. His crimson eyes—cold and unnatural—lock onto hers with an unsettling smile. He wears a long black coat and gloves, and though his face is familiar, he looks older than the last time she saw him.

“Hello again,” he says, waving mockingly with a chuckle.

Lycoris stumbles to her feet, her eyes darting to Chiyo, who now hangs limp in the arms of a masked figure.

“I see you’re the one who stole my black rose,” the man continues.

Lycoris doesn’t know his name. She never has. She’s only ever called him Shadow—a name that fits him too well.

“You know,” he drawls, taking a step closer, his hands clasped behind his back, “I thought you were all dead. I didn’t expect to find you like this.”

Lycoris says nothing, her green eyes blazing with hatred, though tears continue to fall.

“How does it feel to be free, white rose?” he asks, his smile sharp and taunting. “Isn’t that what you wanted? What your... friends wanted, too?”

Lycoris’s hands tremble.

“You were always a curious one,” he says, his tone condescending. “Do you even know what you stole from me back then?” He gestures toward Chiyo, who remains unconscious in the masked figure’s arms.

Lycoris narrows her eyes.

“Do you have any idea what she’s capable of?” he asks, kneeling a few meters away from her, his movements slow and deliberate.

“She...” His head tilts as if studying her. “What did you call her?”

Lycoris glares at him. “Chiyo,” she spits.

“Chiyo,” he repeats, as though tasting the name.

He smiles again, sharp and cold. “Chiyo’s powers are... special. Stronger, more efficient, more... deadly. You all have magic flowing through your veins, don’t you? That’s why you have your names—your colors. Roses.”

His crimson eyes gleam with cruel amusement as he begins to list them.

“Yellow rose,” he says, his voice slow and deliberate. “A color tied to emotions. Soft and bright, capable of reading thoughts, feelings, and worries. A mirror to human nature.”

Lycoris stiffens.

“Red rose,” he continues. “A fierce and fiery one. Uncontrolled anger, boundless strength, emotional vulnerability... but a will that won’t break, even if it draws blood.”

His gloved hand brushes a strand of pale hair from his face.

“Blue rose. Regal, isn’t it? Quick reflexes, sharp eyes. Playful, yet deadly when needed. A perfect balance of dark and light.”

Then his gaze locks onto Lycoris, his smile twisting cruelly.

“And white rose,” he says softly. “A color of purity, beauty... and illusion. A silent force, offering people what they desire most—until they realize it’s not real. A ghostly melody, haunting but never tangible.”

Lycoris eyes dart away, refusing to meet his.

“And finally...” His voice drops to a near whisper. “Black rose. The color of death. Of darkness. A black rose is... haunted. Uncontrolled. Dangerous. And, most importantly...”

He pauses; his red eyes boring into her.

“A weapon.”

“No...” Lycoris chokes, her voice breaking as she steps back “Why are you doing this?”

The man chuckles. “Why are we all fighting for power?” He stands, stepping closer until he towers over Lycoris, staring down at her. “To finally be seen. To finally be worth something. Sometimes, violence is a necessity. Humans are cowards—souls so weak, clinging to the illusion of peace. But tell me, what is peace in the end?”

His hand rests on her head, and the white rose crumbles, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks. “Peace is nothing more than death.”

“It’s... it’s not death,” she snaps, her voice trembling with anger. The sudden defiance startles him, and his red eyes widen as she looks up at him. Her glowing green eyes blaze with raw, uncontrolled power.

“It’s freedom.”

She shoves him with all her strength, and a violent surge of magic erupts from her, colliding with his as he raises his hand to defend himself. The forces crash together, creating a massive explosion that shakes the ground.

The blast sends Lycoris hurtling backward. She flies through the air until she feels herself falling, tumbling off the edge of a cliff. The last thing she feels is the icy sting of water as it consumes her.

Shadow staggers to his feet, blood dripping from one side of his head, staining his pale hair a dark red. The masked figures nearby had managed to shield themselves from the blast, still clutching Chiyo’s unconscious body. One of them, however, bears a noticeable wound.

Shadow stumbles to the cliff’s edge, peering down into the raging waters below. The torrent churns angrily, but there’s no sign of her.

“Shit,” he mutters under his breath, wiping blood from his face with the back of his gloved hand.

He’s never seen her unleash power like that before. The sheer force of it nearly makes him smile. He sinks to the ground, staring out into the violent river.

“She’s alive,” he murmurs to himself, a certainty in his voice.

After all, he knows she’ll come back. She has to. If she has a heart.

He rises, his crimson eyes hardening as he turns to the masked figures. “Take the black rose. We’re going back.”

As he begins to walk away, a quiet thought lingers in his mind, curling into a mocking smile on his lips.

What is a world without us, white rose?