As I looked up to the sky through the small window of Scarlet's room, I sat there and pondered about how it changes. Most times, it is either a calming light blue or like the deep dark sea. Nothing really unusual or special. By midnight, it often becomes full of a world of planets and twinkling stars. At least... that's what I believe.

It has become a popular topic among scholars and those that study nature, mathematics and natural philosophy. But, most commoners have not accepted this theory. Rather, they do not care much about what lies outside of what they already know. They focus on living and nothing further beyond their realm of common knowledge.

However, to me it seemed like today was a rare occasion. In the morning, the sky was merely a light shade of pink, but now as the day is nearing its end- it is almost a clear, crimson red. It was only natural that a very sinister and gloomy feeling would accompany the night.

Peering off into the distance, I thought about myself and the changes that have happened in the past couple of days. In order to avoid a grim demise, I had to do things differently. I couldn't stay the same person I was before, someone who usually kept to themselves and mostly spoke only when spoken to. That's who I used to be. I didn't take charge of my life back then, but now I have to.

After reflecting for a few minutes, I remembered something. I wonder which one it is...

A red sky at night is considered a shepherd's delight that there will be fine weather the next day. A red sky in the morning is, however, a shepherd's weather warning. I think today had a mix of both... and I don't know what that would mean either. But whether this saying is true or not, I guess I'll have to see tomorrow.

Cold air gently entered the room and my eyes started to droop down along with my face. It was probably time for me to sleep but I continued sitting by the window side and thought for a little more.

There's not much I can do at the moment except to keep thinking and waiting. Mother seems to be in better health now, but I'm not sure if she'll go to work tomorrow. Knowing her, she probably will- but if she doesn't then I should still stay by her side as long as possible. I don't want to worry her and I don't want any harm to come her way.

I don't fully know what will happen in the coming days, the future may have already changed or it may not have changed at all. There are a lot of things I don't know right now, but among the various things I do know... is the fact that I can change things.

I wouldn't have gotten this second chance for no reason.

Tomorrow, I'll visit Mr Victor a few hours before the middle of the day- as planned. Hopefully, I'll come to grips with the basics of rowing a boat... I won't be able to row on my own of course, since I'll be starting out. I'll have the old man's help though so I'm sure I'll learn quickly. He seems like he'd be a good teacher. Listen, focus, be careful, and try your best- that's what I need to do.

...

As the pure white moon in the sky slowly reached its peak, I looked back to Mother and Scarlet who were soundly sleeping. I then closed the window with the wooden shutters and went to sleep. The last thing left on my mind was hope.

Hope that tomorrow would be a peaceful day and would bring an opportunity for a new beginning. But, what I had experienced next was truly unsettling and... soul-stirring for me.

----------------------------------------------------------

My eyes flipped open to the deafening sound of an ear-piercing scream. The scent of burning was caught quickly by my nose and I stood up apprehensively as flames began to catch onto my blanket. I hastily darted my head around left and right, everywhere around me, but there was no one. Only fire surrounded me.

The storming fire was approaching fast, I was trapped in a corner, and it was clear that I had nowhere to escape. But, right when I could feel the hands of the fire touching my feet- with the next blink of an eye, I had appeared to be in the middle of the village.

I was in a state of disarray, at the reality that was distorting around me and the blurred figures that danced in my clouded vision. I couldn't catch a breath either because in the very next moment... Chaos ensued.

Trapped with fire everywhere, bodies dangling on stakes, and cries that called out my name- my eyes jumped around in confusion and my legs stayed rooted to the ground, frozen in fear. There was a brief moment of an unsettling silence before emotions went wild.

A flurry of anger, hate, jealousy- every sort of negative feeling was thrown at me. The words were blurred out yet I could feel every ounce of intensity and raw emotion behind them. I didn't know where or who they were coming from but what it felt like was...

It was like standing in a crowd of people, and all of a sudden they would turn against you.

They were overwhelming me, to such an extent that it felt like they were grabbing a hold of each part of my body. They all tugged at my clothes aggressively and tried ripping me apart- as if I were a ragdoll.

But suddenly, their bodies cracked and became deformed. In the next moment, they disintegrated into thin air. All that was left were their hands which once reached out to me for help.

And then... the hands started moving.

From toe to head, they quickly crawled all the way up my body like spiders. Wrapping around me like vines, in the next few seconds- I realised that I was caged and constricted. It was a suffocating feeling as the hands began to surround even my neck.

...

Light quietly shone for one last time, escaping through the fingers of a grey hand that mysteriously suspended in the stifling air above my face. As the hand slowly descended, I took one last gasp before I disappeared into the abyss.

[The child trapped within the night, stopped breathing without an expression.]

- The Librarian

Walking around in complete darkness, a sense of unease overcame me. I was lost, confused, and didn't know what to do. Splish, splash- unusual as it was, I heard the distinct sound of water. Crashing and bashing, the water had seemingly turned into waves. It was as if I were a huge rock in the middle of the turbulent, raging sea.

I looked downwards at the puddle of cold water which I could feel with my small feet as I unwillingly stood inside it.

[Stagnation, the unmoving water reflected only myself.]

The bitter taste of rain fell on my lips and my nose began to twitch- I noticed the striking smell of death which hung in the air. A red pool of blood emerged beneath me and battled with the water, before finally fully taking over.

In the pool of blood, I stared at the morphed and disfigured being. Was this... me? My question was soon answered as I watched the reflection approaching slowly... almost as if it were falling.

For some reason, I could feel myself losing my own body as if exhaustion had overcome me. I looked towards my side at a grisly wound which could not be staunched, and then dropped head first into the puddle of deep, dark red.

I wonder why it is... that I feel like I've experienced this many times before.

[Even if not everything is set in stone, I'm drowning in a world that ultimately cannot be changed.]

----------------------------------------------------------

That was the end of it. I never realised that it was all just a vivid dream, until I actually woke up. Maybe I shouldn't have slept at such a late time, I always have a bad dream whenever I do. The dream I had experienced was an ominous, foreboding one.

The only thing that was left on my mind was the feeling that something clearly was not right. I was sweating profusely and my heart was pulsating rapidly, the dream- no, everything I felt in that 'nightmare' somehow felt real.

"Sebastian, what's wrong?"

I looked to the left and there, right by my side, was Scarlet. Oddly enough, she was on her knees with her hands on her lap- her posture was so perfect that she looked sort of suspicious.

Come to think of it... when I opened my eyes, wasn't her face quite close to mine or was that just me seeing things? Was she playing around with my hair again... I couldn't tell since my vision was a bit blurry and I sat up so quickly.

"Oh, ah... Nothing much, Scarlet. It was just a nightmare."

"Umm, are you okay then?"

"..."

"...You scared? D- Do you need me to... sleep by you at night?"

"Haaah?"

"Oh, nevermind! Forget what I said!!"

Scarlet's face went red like a tomato after my disbelief at her suggestion.

"I'm not..."

I'm not a child anymore is what I wanted to say. I certainly don't feel like one anymore. However, there's no doubt that I still behave like one at times.

It's just... I'm starting to feel like I've already grown into an adult. Maybe not physically, but mentally for sure. But logically speaking, don't you have to be both mentally and physically an adult to be regarded as one?

"I won't be scared easily by something like a nightmare, Scarlet. If anything, you're probably the one who needs me to sleep by you at night if you begin to have nightmares."

"Wha- No way! I- I don't get frightened that easily either!"

"Uhuh, sure. Keep telling yourself that... Just don't come crying to me the next time you have a nightmare."

"Wha! I... I'll show you!!"

Putting the jokes aside, we both started our day early in the morning and began having breakfast. Scarlet's mother, Amelia, prepared our meal and ate with us. She seemed to be in good spirits today as a bright smile shone on her face while she spoke to us.

Scarlet kept trying to convince me of how she wouldn't be afraid of a mere dream and tried convincing me of how mighty, strong, and amazing she was... but I just replied to her each time with-

"Mhm."

And a wonderfully deployed, tactical nod. That was enough to convince her that I was in complete agreement.

After finishing breakfast, Amelia went off to work. She told me that she was going to help my mother with farm work, this was mainly so that she could check on her health, but also for that extra bit of money of course.

Planting crops and taking care of animals, huh. Don't think I'd be able to do that everyday, not gonna lie.

Even though women put just as much effort and time as men in their jobs, they get paid less anyway. Such an odd thing, but I guess they can't do anything if we're living in a male dominated world. Such is the reality for women of the human race. I don't know what it is like for other races like elves, beastmen, and dwarves- but for most... it's probably the same.

"I guess we should go out now, staying inside isn't really fun is it?"

"Ah, sure. Let's take a walk outside."

"Mhm! We'll go to Yggdrasil again today... and maybe you can clear your mind there?"

"I suppose we haven't been to that wonderfully big tree in a while... Yeah, that does seem like a good idea."

"Oh! And I have a bit of money saved up so we can eat something afterwards if we want to!"

"Oho, someone's well prepared~"

"Wha- I- I just saved up some money that Father gave me. You're lucky that I'm willing to spend some of it for you!"

"Mhm, oh yes your majesty. I am so grateful for your kindness and generosity~ Please treat me well."

"Humph, that's more like it." Scarlet said proudly, with a big smirk on her face.

I don't mind hanging out with Scarlet and spending time with her, but I do have things I must do today. I have some time anyway, so I don't see why I can't rest my mind a bit. Though, that's if she'll allow me to...

Scarlet grabbed my hand and the two of us went out on a leisurely walk in the village. We bumped into a few acquaintances as we made our way to the centre of the village. We greeted them and engaged in small talk, before carrying on with our regular stroll.

In the more quiet and isolated areas, Scarlet would hum along to the chirping of the birds and sometimes walk with a little bounce to her steps. She even took a hold of my hand and started skipping...

I decided to give in to her wishes and began to skip along with her- but nonetheless, it was a bit embarrassing. Even more so when a random person would spot us, it was awkward dancing past them and I could feel my face getting warmer as if in shame. Scarlet didn't seem to mind much and just kept smiling.

We found ourselves taking a short break by a small, sky-blue lake. We sat down for a while to take in the fresh air and tranquil atmosphere in the environment. It made me feel relaxed and helped me to refresh my mind.

As energetic as ever, Scarlet stood up with even more vigour once she was done resting. We then continued on our way to the mighty tree known as 'Yggdrasil'. Though, the size of it obviously pales in comparison to the one in stories- but I won't mention this to Scarlet because she'll smack my face like last time...

As we finally reached our destination, both of us slowly dropped to the ground and sat against the tree to let our bodies rest. Scarlet and I talked for a while, but soon there was silence between us.

It wasn't uncomfortable nor was it awkward, rather we both just accepted it and let our minds wander. Taking in the peaceful atmosphere every time we visited here was a must.

Wind bustled through the branches of the trees, making the leaves howl in their symphony. Flowers bloomed nicely and the grass stood tall, protecting them from the breeze.

I looked off into the distance and stopped thinking. I tried my best to let my mind unwind and meditate, but at the end of it- I let out a long sigh as I was somewhat unsuccessful. After a short while, I took a glance at Scarlet who sat next to me.

I assumed that she was doing the same as I, trying to relax, because she had closed her eyes for a while now. The expression on her face was very calm and peaceful, almost like she was asleep.

"..."

For some reason, I held back something I was meaning to tell Scarlet for a long time. My chest slightly tightened and my mouth trembled a little. This feeling... It was the same feeling as the last time I came here.

Was I still tired? Was I emotionally exhausted? Maybe, I don't want to leave this place... For whatever reason, I could only feel unhappy and dejected. I didn't know why, I didn't know exactly what this feeling meant... but it showed on my face and Scarlet noticed.

"Sebastian, are you really alright?"

"Hmm?"

"You seem to be... thinking about something, I was just wondering what was going on inside your mind."

"Oh, I- uhh... I'm thinking about the future. Nothing else really, that's it."

"Oh, I see..."

Scarlet unusually picked up on how I was behaving. It was unusual since she wasn't the type of person to easily guess how someone was feeling. Scarlet was usually caught up in her own world and didn't care much about what others thought of her.

She's beginning to change once again and grow as a person... I suppose this was something positive because even she had noticed how I was worried about something. I haven't really been behaving normally the past few days, have I? Since Scarlet has s spent the most time with me recently, it's only natural that she'd also begin to notice that something was up.

"But anyway, about the future..."

"S-Sebastian!"

"Huh?"

"Do you want to eat something now? Are you hungry? We can go and buy something in the village."

"Oh, umm... I'll be visiting Mr Godwin soon. I don't think I should make him wait either, so... I'll be going now too."

"Oh, but! I..."

"I'm sorry Scarlet, maybe you can treat me to something next time I guess..."

"Oh... Okay."

"Huff, well... I'll be off then."

As I stood up and readied myself, Scarlet watched in silence. She also slowly rose to her feet but still didn't say anything. I would've thought she wanted to say goodbye like she always would, but I guess not.

"S-Sebastian."

Just as I turned around to leave, Scarlet called out to me and stopped me. She tugged on the back of my ragged shirt and looked downwards so I couldn't see her face when I tried to look at her.

"Huh? What's wrong, Scarlet?"

"Don't lea... me"

"...What did you say? I couldn't hear you properly."

"..."

"Scarlet?"

...

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"Don't worry, Sebastian. I'm sure you'll be alright."

"Uhm... Where's this coming from?"

"...There's no need to worry too much, you can do anything if you put in the effort and wish everyday."

"..."

"Now then, why don't you head off. You don't want the crabby old man to be grumpy when you're late! Hahaha~"

"Yeah... Goodbye then, Scarlet."

Scarlet waved farewell to Sebastian as he sprinted off to his next objective. After a short while, Sebastian turned his head around once but couldn't see Scarlet's face very clearly. He slowed down, tried to concentrate very hard with his eyes, but then suddenly came to an abrupt halt.

Sebastian could've sworn that Scarlet had a gloomy expression on her face. Downcast eyes, lowered lip corners, there were a few signs which he instinctively picked up on.

"Maybe I should go ba-"

No, she's fine. I'll carry on.

Sebastian oddly changed his mind and decided to ignore his worries. He also then realised that his pointless concerns were for naught as Scarlet began happily jumping around in bursts of energy.

The girl had noticed that Sebastian had stopped and was looking at her... So she put on a big, bright, cheerful smile and enthusiastically waved goodbye to him.

When the small figure of Sebastian disappeared off into the distance, Scarlet stopped waving goodbye. The girl slowly retraced her hands and her arms gradually came back down to her sides.

Scarlet was confused as her lips began to quiver, and she could feel a slight pain in her chest. But, just as she placed a hand above her heart, she grasped what exactly she was feeling. Then finally, a small tear had run down the little girl's face.

[I guess... In the end, I couldn't use the money I saved up to buy something nice to eat for Sebastian.]

----------------------------------------------------------

I... I wanted to say something to Sebastian. Such a simple thing, it shouldn't have been difficult to say... But, I also didn't want to seem needy or selfish, and cause any trouble for him. I wanted to be strong and confident, but as days passed by, I was failing to keep up with this goal.

I realised that I had now become afraid to be alone, it's funny because I had thought the complete opposite in the past...

From the past few days, I began to understand Sebastian a bit more... I knew there was something wrong with Sebastian, there was something that he was hiding. He wasn't the type to lie, but he was also avoiding to speak out some of the truth.

Was I untrustworthy? Was that how he saw me? Am I really his friend then? What did I mean to him? How could I ever get closer to him? Why am I upset? Why am I even worrying about all this?

I... just what do I want?

...Oh, I see. So, it was as simple as that. Today, I finally understood myself. A moment of realisation had hit me and I now knew what I wanted.

I wanted to stay by his side. I wanted to see him make different faces, I wanted to experience different things with him. I wanted to see Sebastian happy. I think... that's when I could truly enjoy myself and be happy too.

So this is what it means...

["Don't leave me."]

- Scarlet Amaryllis

----------------------------------------------------------

Sebastian luckily arrived right on time near the beach. There waiting for him, on a boat, was Victor Godwin. The boat, although small, seemed long and looked like it could fit at least three people. Sebastian wasn't sure about its durability but knowing how the old man was like, he knew that he wouldn't give away things which were of bad quality.

"Get on already, we don't have all day."

"Yes, yes..."

I was eager to learn and all, but there was one thing that was in the way of me concentrating properly. I couldn't erase it easily either. The fear of deep water. It didn't help that a sense of unease grew on me as I stepped on the boat...

I first sat down backwards behind Mr Godwin, then stretched out my legs and put my feet comfortably in front of me. To row with power you need to make sure you have your feet firmly braced against something solid enough to take your full weight.

Next, I grasped one oar with each hand with an overhand grip. I fitted both my hands to the end of each oar and placed my thumbs at the tip of the oars. From what I learnt, the rowing motion involves using your legs first by straightening them, then your core by pulling your upper body back, and next your arms by pulling the handles to your chest.

I struggled a bit in the beginning but Mr Godwin made sure to give me advice and even let me rest when I was tired.

Although the waters were calm, the boat did occasionally shake as well. I could feel my heart jump right out of my chest at such an instance, I would also stop rowing when I wasn't used to the shaking. I firmly clenched the oars whilst tightly holding onto each side of the boat with worry and fear.

The old man didn't look back once at what I was doing after he deemed that I was doing fine and could manage myself on my own. He still, of course, kept instructing me and expected me to do the bare minimum.

Victor Godwin was a genuine person, and under that cold exterior- he was also kind. It's a shame really, what's happened to him and his family... I've heard from Scarlet's father that Mr Godwin's family had 'mysteriously' disappeared, for 10 years now as well. He didn't tell me the situation behind it and the events that lead up to it, but I'm sure they didn't leave on their own.

To have one's family taken away from you... such a feeling would most definitely be heartbreaking. Worry would constantly plague your mind, and you just wouldn't know what to do...

If possible, I would like to help him in anyway- but I don't think I can. I'm assuming the old man tried everything he could, but all his efforts weren't rewarded in the end. Why else would he be living all the way out here by himself?

Old age is catching up to him and realistically speaking, the chances of him finding his family alive again were very slim. Spending the rest of his life wallowing in self-pity, that's all he could do now. He was out of options. He was out of hope. He had given up. That's what it seemed like to everyone.

Even so, I want to believe... just like how I believe that my father is still alive. Unless I confirm things with my own eyes, I won't believe that the worst has happened. If there were any way to know if the old man's family were still alive... maybe an option the old man didn't try? Well, I don't have anything and I can't possibly...

Wait, I suppose there is one 'option' at least. Though, it really depends on-

"Sebastian, I think my eyes must be failing me- but that's not smoke is it?" Victor squinted and blinked many times as he looked down and back up again.

"What? Where?"

"Hey- don't look there, you won't be able to see anything like that. Look a bit more upwards... Surely there isn't a big fire that's happening in the village?"

"..."

"Sebastian, are you alright?"

"No. No. No. Please... This just can't be happening right now..."

Mother should be back from work around now, she usually comes back a few hours past the middle of the day. A lot of the stronger or more level-headed men are probably still out hunting as well... Things aren't looking good.

But, thirteen days... Weren't there thirteen days until Mother's death? I should have another day or two left, but could it be possible? Did I actually forget and miscount the days left!? Could the 12th day have actually been our last?!?

"Sebastian!"

"Oh, ah... Old man, we- we need to start rowing back now!!"

"..."

"Your eyes haven't betrayed you! I see it clearly, a big fire! A fire has started in the village..."

...

"Shit, not again. No matter where I go, this always..."

"Old man?"

"Aghh, damn it!! God, please tell me it won't happen again- I've had enough of this life already. Please spare... -e fr.."

Mr Godwin started mumbling under his breath and I could only catch a few words at the beginning. It didn't matter anyway. I needed to get back to the village as soon as possible and confirm things myself.

It's possible the future has changed only slightly, my mother's death could be brought forwards or backwards depending on the choices I make.

There's also the possibility of the past colliding with the present, so although I may do things differently now- there may be some events which cannot be changed.

I honestly don't know what else to think. But, hopefully everything is fine. I just wouldn't know what to do if... everything was already over.

Please tell me, that Mother is safe...

------------------------------------------------------------

Once I got off the boat, I glanced back at Mr Godwin who went silent.

"I- I'll be back if everything is okay. Can you please stay here?"

"... Mhm"

As soon as I heard the old man's reply, I sprinted off to the village as fast as I could. My legs were moving at such an unbelievable speed that soon, steps became leaps and even my upper body was struggling to keep up.

All of a sudden, I lost my balance and then stumbled. My eyes slowly shut as I braced myself for the impact and fell to the ground.

"Aghh!"

...I have no time for this.

"Damn it, it hurts..."

There is no room for failure now, Sebastian. Get up.

"Fuck..."

I need to carry on... because that's all I can do. Yes, I can make it in time.

[Believe, and I'll be fine.]

As I steadily pushed myself up, I could feel a small tinge of pain in my elbows and knees. I tried to shake off and ignore it as I carried on walking and trudging back to the centre of the village. That was where the fire seemed to be coming from, just like in the past...

As soon as Sebastian got used to the throbbing pain, he gradually began to pick up the pace. Keeping his breathing steady, once again- he pushed harder and went faster. At such a great speed, he could barely even see the path ahead of him.

The concept of logic and time flew right over Sebastian's head. He wasn't able to notice... the distortion of the world around him. The boy blocked off his mind as the world warped around him effortlessly.

Like a marionette, a puppet controlled from above using strings, Sebastian kept moving unknown to the one who was watching and commanding him. He was under a spell, the only thing in his mind was to keep moving faster and faster- all so that he could see his mother as soon as possible.

Sebastian felt his whole body working; his leg muscles running warm, fresh air entered his lungs and blood flowed into all his limbs. He dashed past people, buildings and trees- like the whispering wind. He pumped his legs, gaining momentum/speed with each push.

Yet, Sebastian suddenly broke from the spell and began to wonder...

“How is it possible to move this fast?”

The child was running so quickly that he thought his legs could explode. The ground blurred below and everything in the corners of his eyes did too. His steps pounding in time with his heartbeat, and the wind which whipped his hair back from his face- everything felt surreal.

Yet, he brushed of the thought. Whatever was happening, it didn't matter.

[The only thing that could hinder my mother from surviving were 'my' physical limits and 'my' doubt.]

As long as Sebastian could keep up this incredible pace, he would get to the mother as soon as possible. And that's what he did.

"Mother!?"

Sebastian called out to his mother just as he reached the centre of the village. He kept searching and calling out to her within the crowds of people, but there was no reply.

"Mother, where are you!?!"

But then ahead of him, past the crowds of people- he heard it. The deafening sound of an ear-piercing scream.

"Aahhhhh!!"

I recognised that voice, it was Mother...

Dodging and weaving through the crowd, the boy hastily darted towards the front as his head began to fill with distress, worry, and fear that the worst had already happened.

As he reached to the front, Sebastian went wide-eyed at the horrifying sight before him. The boy was blocked by the people in front of him but he could see clearly through a gap. His mother was on her knees, crying in excruciating pain. Her face... half of it was red, blistered, and looked swollen.

Did they... burn her face?

"Kehahaha! Look at her now- doesn't she look hideous? Just like the witch she is, ugly and filthy!"

A villainous man stood there, laughing and ridiculing Sebastian's mother. He was wearing black gloves and was hesitant to directly touch her. The mother was treated as if she were utter 'filth'.

"Does it hurt? Well, guess what? I'll make it better for you~"

That bastard... he had a strong hand around Mother's neck and forced her face down into a small wooden bucket. She gasped for breath after each time her face was doused in water... I tried to push through the front row of people but they stopped me from proceeding.

Maybe, they at least didn't want me to get hurt, but that was only 'for now'. The past has already revealed their true faces.

Suddenly, the cruel man who was hurting Mother- stopped as if thinking. He walked away to grab a torch out of the hand of one of his accomplices, and then returned back to Mother...

He... He brought my Mother's face to it and shoved the fire right at her!

"Hey!! You... What are you doing with my mother!?! Get your hands off her!!"

Just like any child who would rush to their mother's side, Sebastian desperately pushed through the crowd and dashed forwards to set his mother free.

"S-Sebastian... run away!"

"Oh, what do we have here~ A stupid little runt!!"

The rogue man turned around, loosened his grip on Sebastian's mother, then swiftly kicked the oncoming child in the stomach.

"NOOO!!" The mother cried as she watched her son fall back and hit his head on the ground.

Even though Sebastian had eyed the leg which swung out in front of him, he was unable to react fast enough and the foot perfectly connected to his stomach. Then with a flash of pain, he was suddenly on his back, bewildered. The unruly man stood above him, cackling like a maniac. His hand was curled in a fist, and in the next moment, Sebastian blacked out.

...

"Huh? What..."

"Oh, awake are we? Well perfect timing, you can enjoy the show that is about to unfold!~"

Sebastian's mother was brutally punched in the stomach, thrown to the ground with force, and had been kicked repeatedly. Her clothes were ripped apart, and everyone's eyes were looking at her in disgust.

"Hey... Stop... Stop it!!"

Anger rushed through the boy's body but just as he began to move forwards in retaliation, his face was pummelled and smeared into the ground by the foot of another man. The boy noticed that he was already tied up... just like last time.

"No! No! No! Please... STOP IT!!!"

"Ugh, stop crying already!"

"Ahahahah~ no, no, no. That won't do. You can cry all you want but nothing will change."

"Please..."

"Hey, your mother is a witch! Don't you get it already!? She will die- just like all the damn witches in this world!!"

"No, you're wrong... You're lying!!" Sebastian furiously exclaimed.

"Huuh?"

"Please! Anyone, help us!! I beg you, please!"

Sebastian called out to the people around him, yet none of them stepped forward. Every single one of them couldn't have cared any less about what was going to happen.

"Oi, oi~ If any of you dare to help this child and the witch, then you know what will happen, don't you?"

"..."

"I'll toss each and every one of you into the fire behind me, heck I might even burn this whole place down!! Kehahaaha!!~"

Everyone could see it clearly. Red and yellow ribbons of scalding heat which intertwined while sparks jumped and danced. The overwhelming fire snapped and crackled, looked alive but was not, it whirled and swayed in the wind- as it continued to expand.

Sebastian had given up on receiving help from the villagers, the friendly faces he once knew had once again turned cold, angry, and repulsive. Even the most good-natured people went along with the crowd in fear, they decided to protect themselves, and ultimately turned against Sebastian's mother and him.

Sebastian looked back to his mother who had seemingly passed out. Whether it was the pain she was experiencing, the accumulation of various emotions experienced from the circumstance she was in, or the situation which continued to heighten- Sebastian knew that she needed to be treated quickly. They needed to escape to somewhere safe.

The boy looked back to the crowd and eyed each and every person, that's when he noticed. For a moment, he could've sworn that he saw the image of Scarlet and her mother, but his view was quickly blocked off by the bustling, growing crowd.

Even though they were uncomfortable and scared, the children were forced to watch by their parents. Sebastian's eyes carefully examined the crowd around him. He realised that the children were held by their shoulders and were locked in place. They weren't allowed to avert their eyes from what was going to happen.

In front of them, there was a witch and her child- both who deserved to die in the menacing, raging yet enticing fire.

Tensions were high in the village after the war. The people were looking for something to blame... for the injured and for those that did not come back.

That's what the villagers had all thought and wanted... A witch, a sacrifice.

[Is this it? Have I failed to protect Mother again? I... Is there nothing I can do?]

Sebastian kept thinking deeply, time was not on his side anymore. He needed solutions, he needed answers. Soon, an idea had lit up in his mind.

Wait... What about 'you'?

"Are you there? No, I know you're there! You've been watching me, haven't you!?!" Sebastian called out to the one who was lurking deep from within him.

...

There was a small pause but then, without notice, Sebastian's mind filled with all the intentions of his 'other self'.

"-Ah!! Wait, no... This doesn't make sense! Why would you..."

He couldn't comprehend the reason for why he was given a specific... inhumane order.

"You- You can't possibly be... No. No. No. You... You planned all this, didn't you?"

...

"Everything I've done with this second life... Every instruction I had followed, every moment you helped me. Everything was for this?"

"You've got to be kidding me!!! Tell me already!! Damn it!!!"

...

"Why... Why! Why!? Just Why!?!"

The boy continued to ask desperately but not a single reply came from his 'other self'. He was silent just like he had been for the whole time.

Sebastian kept running through every possible solution he could think of but he could find nothing in his mind. His other self had given him one choice, and one choice only- but Sebastian knew it wasn't what he should do. It was something unthinkable even for him. He never wanted to do such a thing, he was only a child.

"Ah~ I... I just don't know what to think anymore."

Sebastian was beginning to break down mentally from the sheer influx of information flowing through his mind and the elevating situation he was in. And like a madman- he bashed his head against the earth repeatedly. Everyone watched in confusion but did nothing, they left the feeble boy alone- as he died on the inside...

----------------------------------------------------------

Synchronising With Host...

[Synchronisation Successful]

System Starting Up...

[Loading Existing Data]

Current Assimilation Status...

[Assimilation Progress: 0.5%]

Estimated Time Of Completion...

[Unknown]

Reporting Host's Condition...

[Host's Condition: 'Unstable' ]

Necessary requirements have not been met. Host's 'awakening' will be temporarily disabled.

[Continue Assimilation]

Access denied.

Necessary requirements have not been met for Host's awakening. Please wait until the Host's condition improves.

[Continue Assimilation]

Access de-

[Continue Assimilation]

Error- Detecting System Malfunctioning.

[Continue Assimilation]

Error. Error. Error. Error. Error. Error. Error. Error. Error. Error. Error. Error.

Overriding systems. Transferring full access and control to the owner of the Host's body.

...

Instructions received. Proceed with Host's 'awakening'.

[CONTINUE ASSIMILATION]

----------------------------------------------------------

An uncontrollable desire burned deep within Sebastian's soul. He knew it was dangerous so he tried to hold it back... but he couldn't. There was no way he could... because after all this time, 'he' finally spoke to him. It was his other self...

"DO IT."

...That's the first thing you say to me?

...

You can't be serious!!

...

Please tell me it isn't true!!!

Sebastian became withdrawn and introspective. He began to question his other self. Yet, he also subconsciously answered each one of these questions himself.

Is there really nothing to be done?

[That's absurd.]

"KILL."

Until when will I keep saying that?

[I don't know.]

Then, the boy had answered one last question for himself and made a decision. It was a crucial decision which would change the very course of his fate.

How much do I have to give up until we're finally at peace?

...

[I'll answer.]

Finally, he and his other self had come to the same conclusion...

"EVERYTHING."

"EVERYTHING."

---------------------------------------------------------

The strong-willed boy with a newfound resolution, clenches tightly to a hidden dagger of revolution. He fervently cuts through the ropes binding him with ease and breaks free... from the shackles of fate.

Then, he rushes forwards.

The man who was holding him down and the crowd who watched in pure shock, stay rooted to the ground with unshakeable fear. The weapon in the child's hand was all that was needed to instil it in them.

With each step the boy takes, the next seems to last longer than the previous...

For a few seconds, time distorts around Sebastian as if the world is bending to someone's will. Everything within Sebastian's eyes moves slowly- the crowds of wide-eyed people, the flying birds in the sky, and even his bewildered enemy in front of him.

Yet he could feel it, only he was slightly faster. It seemed that time had given him just the right edge...

And with his final step, Sebastian leaps into the air with an unbridled impulse. An uncontainable desire. His body arches backwards in the air like the shape of a crescent moon and his jet black hair flings back in the rushing wind. With his feeble hands, he clenches tightly to his dagger... And fiercely brings it down onto his prey in one powerful motion.

"Argghhhh!!!"

With the roar of a beast, the shining dagger plunges deeply into the rogue man's throat. Blood bursts out from his mouth, his body shakes and the man stumbles awkwardly- but within a few seconds, he was devoid of life.

The blood encoated dagger slowly leaves its victim, and a few drops of red splatter on the child's clothes, almost like paint.

The last thing which the foolish man who dared to harm the child's mother saw, was the light of a glinting dagger and the eyes of a young child with murderous intent.

Disbelief and a brief silence overcomes the crowd, followed by the inevitable faces full of horror. Countless cries of terror and fear fill the air- like swarms of sheep, they all disperse and flee from the murderer.

Some trip and fall over, then struggle to get back on their feet and scream in despair. A few even plead to the child to have mercy and let them go. Yet to the relief of those left behind, the child does not bother with them. He gently picks up and carries his mother, then quickly departs from the village.

That day, the unforgettable, haunting image of a bloodied child and his victim, another human- was ingrained deep within the minds of the villagers. That day, was something that they could surely never forget.

----------------------------------------------------------

[This is all I can do for you. I've given you what you've needed. The will to 'fight'. You must keep hold of this desire and carry on living in this world. I'm entrusting everything to you now. Do your best, 'me'. Find the truth that the world is holding from you.]

----------------------------------------------------------

From here on, 'he' never once spoke to Sebastian ever again. The two souls had fully merged together, and as a result, Sebastian's other self was locked away into the deepest corners of Sebastian's mind. The boy would have to rely on only himself and his 'power' in the future.

In the end... On that day, an innocent child had died, and instead, a dangerous being was born and let out into the cruel, unjust world. If his instincts were to run loose, then what awaited those who dared to oppose Sebastian, was an unforeseeable future.

[Assimilation Progress: 1%]

----------------------------------------------------------

[That's right. Right now, it's do or die. Kill or be killed. In this world, sacrifices are necessary. As long as we're still living in the end...That's all that matters.]

- Sebastian Quent