“Froya? Could you take care of some of the flowers please? I would really appreciate it.”

“Oh! Of course Kyman! Sorry for being so slow.”

“No… no… It’s fine! Having any help here is much appreciated! Your dedication has been overwhelming! Take the time to rest once you're done with the gardening, ok?”

He left shortly afterwards. Gardening has always been nice to do on days like this. The sun, scorching down on me as the air began to dry. Ah! The flowers! They’re so beautiful. A deep claret color. Hopefully I don’t disappoint anyone with how I’m caring for these…

“There! All finished!” Wiping my forehead, clear of sweat.

Today marks the day that it’s been five years since the people of Ellmit village took me in. Apparently, Kyman and company were supposed to celebrate its anniversary! How sweet!

Kyman told me to take a break after a day’s work. There’s definitely something that I would like to check off my list before doing so however. Have to make sure that they’re done. Yes, I have to, or they’ll kick me out like the others.

Let’s see… Helping out the locals shouldn’t be too hard, starting with the furthermost left side and working my way from there.

Doing laundry, helping out with lawns, chopping wood… there’s always been a lot of work on my hands. By then, it was already beginning to turn dark. On occasions such as today, we tend to throw massive parties, accompanied with music and dances paired with drinks and food. Would they do anything of that sort for me though?

“Froya! There you are! Come!”

“Miss Mitra? W-where are you taking me?!”

A puzzled look appeared on her face. “HA! Did you forget or something? We reminded you three times already today!”

“I haven’t forgotten about it at all. Are you guys seriously hosting a party?”

The section of the village that was closed off for some time due to construction was finally opened. My expectation was that it would be a grand house for Kyman in respect of his former glory, but no… It was a… a party… for me…

“Is this for me?! You guys…”

Kyman slowly approached me, with cane in hand. “Now now Froya… I’m sure that you weren’t expecting much from us, but your cooperation here was too hard to ignore! Please. Accept this as a thank you.”

My eyes glistened as Kyman looked up to me. A testament of emotions swelled up to me with my lips quivering slightly, wiping the tears that were just beginning to trickle down my cheeks.

“I… I don’t know what to even say…” I managed to whimper. Not being able to contain myself, I embraced Kyman. Being thankful was an understatement to have such a village that I would even consider family.

The celebration was unlike anything I’ve experienced, among one of the first and only times that I belonged, I was here to stay. The musicians, strumming away at their instruments. I was free! Free from judgment here! I want things here to last for eternity!

Just then, someone was whispering to Kyman about something, and with his gentle smile, he shouts “Let them in! They’re freelancers after all!”

He’s letting in some people? Not that I mind or anything… It’s just, I’d rather be with my friends and to play freely… Kyman walked up to me shortly after, asking me for something.

“Hey.. If you don’t mind, you should greet the new guests that came in. After all, this special day is about you Froya!”

“Oh! Why sure! I’ll introduce them to the gathering.”

I still felt that warmth, leaving the large bonfire. The brisk gale didn’t even faze me. In the distance, two figures approached us from the darkness. Kyman said they were freelancers, which made me feel a bit uneasy, considering that freelancers don’t sit well with villagers.

“Are you… Kyman by any chance? That guard told me to meetcha over here somewhere.”

“Well, yes I am… You and your friend are?”

“Ency, and my friend here is Vylona!”

Their stature sure did scream mercenary work; their weapons demonstrated that. Ency had this straw in his mouth accompanied by a very odd outfit , sporting a hat of sorts atop of that scruffy hair of his. He also had a strange jacket on, one that didn’t need a cincture or any rope together, but rather some strange triangle that was fused together by interlacing metal wire…

“Sorry if we’re bothering you and your village. Me and Ency wanted to have a small break.”

His friend, on the contrary, looked extremely extravagant! Her hair was as beautiful as the moons above, along with the many pieces of what appears to be high quality equipment, such as a chestpiece and masterfully crafted robes that definitely suit her style!

“N-no it’s fine! P-please, do make yourselves comfortable..!”

I wasn’t the best at talking to new people. Talking to the Ellmit villagers and children wasn't that much of an issue though. Other than those exceptions, even uttering a single word was at times… difficult.

Kyman took them to the bonfire and showed them around, while I couldn’t help myself but indulge a little more. Going back, everyone was being greeted with some drinks. The taste of it wasn’t to my liking. The food was still taking a bit of time, so that had to wait.

Surprisingly, that Ency or whatever his name was, was on the grill? Did he offer to make dinner for all of us? That’s… awfully friendly of him! Something about the way he prepared all the meals stood out to me though. He was playing and performing with his tools and food, acting as a sort of entertainer!

“Say, your name was Froya, correct? I’ve heard a few things about you from that old man over there. It’s surprising to see an angel here of all races!”

I was taken aback by what Ency said. Normally, I’d hide my wings around others, and I never took them out at all today!

“H-how do you know..?” I ask, shuffling away from where he was.”

He then pointed with his spatula to the small particles surrounding my sides. “It’s ‘cause of those things over there! You have an accumulation, if you haven’t known that already.”

“Accumulation? You mean these weird sensations I’ve been getting ever since I was exiled?”

His friend, Vylona, sat beside me. She wasn’t wearing any of the accessories and clothing that she wore when we welcomed the two.

“That’s what he means, but don’t let that get to your head. He gets a bit nosy at times. Especially around new people…”

A small rock flicked at the back of her head. Ency, casually leaning back on the wall, pointing towards Vylona.

“Hey. At least I don’t berate my subordinates! Better not talk shit about me!~”

She got up, looking considerably pissed off… I put my hand on her shoulder immediately.

“Don’t fight! Please! I’d prefer it if there wasn’t an overly tense atmosphere getting in the way…”

“Yeah, listen to the girl, Vy! Better not ruin her big day!”

Vylona let out a soft, quiet chuckle. “You might want to listen to the grill instead! Hehe!”

“SHIT, I WASN’T PAYING ATTENTION! I’LL HAVE TO REDO THIS!”

Ency came with another batch, ready to fry. I never thought about what these accumulations are… Are they some sort of phenomenon in this world? Is it a bad thing to have one of these?

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“Hey, Vylona?” She turns to me with a piece of bread in her mouth

“Mhmgh? Whaf’s upf..?”

“What… are accumulations really?”

Vylona puts aside her bread and swallows. She shows me what appeared to be some sort of spirit in the palms of her hand. It was unlike anything I’ve seen before! It twisted and turned into her hand.

“Well, it’s something that's bestowed upon special individuals like yourself. Then, you have to show that you deserve to have an accumulation.”

“Deserve? By that you mean…”

“Practice of course! Practice practice practice. Hell, even Ency’s been practicing pretty hard for most of his skills, and look at him!”

She had a point! Ency’s cooking, when he’s focused, looks almost like the dancing here. The smile on his face; he was doing something he truly enjoyed!

“Alright everyone! Food is ready y’all! Come and get it!”

That first bite. It was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted before! The greens, the grilled meat and the use of seasonings here!

“Wow! This is amazing! How’d you make this?!” Expressing myself with my eyes gleaming in awe. Even the surroundings around me began to glitter a bit!

“Well, since this party IS about you, I don’t mind handing the recipe over to ya! After all, it makes me happy seeing that my cooking makes others feel the same way I do!”

“Really?! Thank you so much!!”

The party was even brighter than before with Ency and Vylona’s company. They performed all sorts of tricks with what I would assume to be their accumulations. Their control, their creativity. Would it be selfish to say that I wanted what they had..?

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

Everyone left after a night’s worth of fun, and I was walking with Kyman again. The villagers were asleep, Ency and Vylona parted shortly after.

“Kyman?”

“Hmm… yes Froya..?”

“Today was fun! I’ll keep working even harder-”

Kyman put his palm on my mouth. “Froya… You really don’t need to overwork yourself like this… Even everyone else is worried about your health…”

“Are… you sure..?”

He patted my back as he went to his room. “Well, that doesn’t mean you get to slack off there! Goodnight, Froya..!”

“Goodnight Kyman!!” Waving to him.

The place where I sleep is more than enough, and even though it wasn’t a luxury of a bed compared to before I came here. The people make up for it by a lot. I opened the door and fell to my bed. Today was pretty exhausting of a day to say the least. But! That was a lot of fun! I’ll make sure to get up early in the morning tomorrow!

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

Middle of the night, I woke up. Some strange noises were coming from outside. Unfortunately, there weren’t any windows in my room to see what was going on, but I heard some shouting. I better take a look at what's going on. Maybe Mr. Rein got an injury from chopping wood. While he would begin his work early, this early seems rather… abnormal…

Putting on my usual clothes, taking that first step, there was this overwhelming, blistering heat coming from the square… It was… fire… A huge fire at that. The village square, once alive with laughter and songs, now turned into a nightmare. Flames… swallowed our homes whole. The smoke stung my eyes, each breath a desperate struggle against the acrid air. Panic surged through me. No… no… NO! THIS CAN’T BE HAPPENING! I HAVE TO WARN EVERYONE!

“EVERYONE! THE VILLAGE IS ON FIRE! WAKE UP!” I hollered, hoping that the others would hear me.

Just then, an arrow flew next to the side of my cheek. I was frozen, unable to move. As I slowly turned my head around, there were an excessive amount of shadows appearing from the smoke. To my horror, they were people. A large group of people at that, carrying weapons of all sorts, each of them wearing the same outfit as the last. They were all clad in dark robes and a mask of sorts…

“Well, if it isn’t another one? Should we kill this one too, Disciple Arman?”

“It should come as no surprise that we want Cisneros alive. Putting our priorities into killing isn’t what the Pacifists are about.”

Disciple? Pacifists? They’re out for Kyman?! I can’t let them-

“However, if one does get in our way…”

A large flail appeared from his sleeve as it slammed into the floor on my right. That was terrifying. A few more steps in the same direction would’ve killed me.

“I won’t allow it…”

He wasn’t hesitating to kill anyone. I didn’t want to move, but my gut was telling me to get out of here as soon as possible. Nothing good was going to come from this guy. I quickly look in the area for a way to escape. The dust on the floor was a tempting option. Hopefully, this’ll work. I scooped a handful and threw the powder in their direction. It worked! Using the time I was given, I made my escape.

“COUGH! COUGH! AFTER HER!” the disciple shouted, pointing his flail in my direction.

Never have I ever sprinted as fast as I did that day. Jumping over the rubble that was covering my path, I made my way into the village hall, where Kyman slept. Betting everything on if Kyman could even fight back, especially at his age now. Slamming the doors shut, the furniture served as a good barricade to hopefully stall them for a bit longer.

“Hopefully… that will keep them from coming in… I have to find Kyman.”

The hall was big. I had no idea where to even begin… Starting with the stairs at the center, perhaps this might be where Kyman’s quarters were…

A loud bang came from the bottom floor. Shoot! I have to hurry! I can’t let them see me! I tried to scurry to the left of the building, hoping I could cover more ground until they arrived.

“THERE!”

AH DAMMIT! THEY SAW ME! I have to find Kyman. It’s now or never. A multitude of weapons came in my direction. I wish I could just fly right about now… The halls were too squished, and this cursed third wing made my flight unstable…

I finally found the resting quarters of the place. Immediately, I slammed on Kymans door, begging for him to wake up.

“KYMAN! KYMAN! HELP! THERE ARE PEOPLE WIPING OUT ELLMIT!”

Nothing came back from him. I can’t believe he’s this much of a heavy sleeper. Without a choice, I slammed the door down and shook him.

“Mmhm? Froya? What is it?” rubbing his eyes with his frail arms.

“KYMAN! SOME GROUP IS KILLING EVERYONE IN THE VILLAGE! WE NEED YOUR HELP!” I shout.

“This is your trump card? Some senior? That’s hilarious.”

I froze mid-breath. I don’t believe it… My pupils dilated, with sweat and hands shaking to my core. I shift my gaze to the disciple.

Kyman whispered into my ear. Instantly, I was prepared for what was about to come. Hopefully this should take care of him, and the only thing I have to do is stall for a bit.

“Why do you want Kyman? What did he ever do to you people?” In a frightened, quivering tone.

“It’s not about what he’s done, rather, what he has. Ylva the Sovereign desires his possessions. Our god is absolute.”

Ylva..? The sovereign? God? Is that their leader of sorts?

“Ylva, you say..? What does she want from the chief? Why do you need to take his life for it?”

“It’s an order. I have no obligation to tell you anything. Now then, I will give you the gift of paradise. Ylnek, Kyman.”

“How about you have a taste of paradise yourself then?”

Crouched down, Kyman stretched his palm towards the disciple. A single point of pure white light shone into his hand.

“CADON!” Kyman shouts, as that single point became a beam, shooting through the back of the town hall.

Did he do it?! I peaked the large gaping hole in the building. Where was he?! Was Kyman’s blast that powerful? Is that the potential of accumulations?!

“That did a number on me… It’s a shame that so much of Kyman’s vigor left his body.”

“KYMAN! KYMAN! NO! HOW COULD YOU!” Shrieking in anger.

Two… large swords… through his… chest… no… this can’t be happening again… I can’t breathe… Kyman…

“Hm. It isn’t here…”

He threw his body to the floor. Grasping the floorboards underneath me, I crawled towards Kyman in desperation, refusing to believe what I just saw.

“STAY WITH ME! PLEASE! I-I don’t want to leave… I want things to stay… Please…” He was still alive… But I wouldn’t estimate for very long…

The disciple kicked me out the hole that Kyman made, making me plummet to the floor, weak and frail. I felt almost as powerless as that day… No… I can’t sit here and do nothing. Kyman’s work, his honor, his kindness…

“Well, you don’t seem to understand when to leave don’t you?”

“No. I don’t, you fucker. You destroyed the very thing I swore to protect. I can’t let you-”

The disciple dashed in front of me almost instantaneously, delivering a punch to the gut that nearly winded me. I stumbled on the floor, just barely able to move. That bastard readied a myriad of swords from his sleeves.

“I commemorate your fighting spirit. I’ll give you a chance to at least introduce yourself before you see paradise.”

I had no hope. There’s no chance I could ever fathom to survive this… I lost, along with the rest of the villagers… I… can’t believe it… This is my last day alive?!… My hands were slamming into the floor, frustrated…

“F-froya… Froya… Falst…”

“Arman. Arman of the 4th Stake.”

He raised his weapon. I wasn’t prepared for anything. I wanted to see the world. I wanted to be accepted…

I wanted to be loved…

…

The blade… stopped? Wha?! What’s going on?!

“Heya Froya! Looks like something happened here while we were gone!”

“Shut it Ency. We’re sorry we were late, Froya. We’ll take care of things from here.”