Emi’s father usually stays up late at night to finish his studies. He would often pace around on the creaky wooden panels of his study, keeping her up at night at times. It was a nuisance to be sure, but she couldn’t help but feel as if she’s gotten used to it.

Footsteps were coming down the hallway. They weren’t his.

The rhythm of their gait threw Emi’s heartbeat off, and she could feel her heart trying to burst out of her.

Back then, her father would tell her about how foreigners would often come and steal things from their village because it was easy. She never thought she would face these realities so soon.

Suddenly from behind, a bag snatches her head and yanks it hard to the floor. She gets a hit of a putrid smell, then falls into unconsciousness. As things went dark, the last thing she heard were the screams of her mother as a blade slit her voice in half.

She’s out cold, but she could still hear the screams. She could still feel her head throbbing. The noise gets louder and louder, her ears thumping with her heart beat.

Emi tries her best to open her eyes. As she goes from dreaming to consciousness, her mother’s screams slowly blend with the screams of the blonde girl she was imprisoned with. Her eyes could barely see their faces in the dim light of the room. The dank air felt heavy enough to push her insides down, pushed even further as pain-filled cries pierced her eardrums.

The poor thing had been getting beating after beating from the mister doing magic. She hadn’t stopped crying for her parents since they came here. Because of it, the mage couldn’t concentrate, pissing him off immensely.

The voices ring on the iron bars her head is leaning on.

“Stop! Screaming! You little! Shit! I can't think with all your bullshit! I have important work to do, and you start splitting my skull in half with your wailing! Should I just slit your throat now?!”

“I’m sorry! Please, I won’t be noisy anymore, I promi-!”

The mage’s foot makes a big thud against the girl’s stomach. She’s lost all of the air in her lungs, her pleas to stop are failing to come out.

“That ought to shut you up for a few hours. Whatever, I’m already done with my prep. Just need to finalize my sketches and clean my stuff up.”

The mage grabs the girl by the collar and throws her back in the cage. He dusts his hands, and gets back to work.

Scattered across his table were an assortment of tools and paraphernalia, arranged on two sides. One was filled with chisels, powders, crystals and stones that seem to have circuit-like patterns on them. The other had trays and plates filled with scalpels, knives, vials, and several organs that seem to be preserved in some sort of liquid.

Before he could go back to his work, someone knocks at the door and hollers from the top of the staircase.

“Mister Livreire, dinner will be ready soon. The master would like to see you there.”

“Tell the master I might have to pass for today, I am working on the last of my preparations.”

“Need help with anything?”

“Oh, if that’s the case, perhaps I could make it in time. Would you be so kind, Sir?”

Footsteps and clinking metal can be heard going down the steps. The man walks into the lamplight, his cobalt blue armor shining with a multicolor sheen, and his ornate sword at his hip. He looked to be in his late 40’s, while his

“Sure thing.”

The men work and chatter as they move the shelves, tables, and chairs. They re-arrange everything, leaving a big space in the center of the room.

Emi found the change of atmosphere jarring. The man who was just wailing on a child was now looking genuinely happy, making conversation with someone else as if nothing happened.

The mage thanked the guard with a big smile as he headed back up. Soon after, he started to bring out jars and vials on to the table. After a brief inspection, he seemed pleased with himself and went upstairs.

Emi always appreciated hard work. She would greet her father in the morning, who would rub the grey circles on his eyes. He would help mother with carrying the wood, the vegetables and the materials they needed for the day. He was a busy body.

For a moment, the scene of her father melded with the scene of the men working just now. As if what had transpired mere moments ago was all a nightmare. But over the scene was a feeling she couldn’t shake. The feeling of being back in her room, hearing her mother’s screams. The screams of the blond girl, and the lifeless arms she could see through the crack of her door.

The thoughts hurt. It hurt too much. It squeezed her head so much that tears leaked from her eyes. She couldn’t sob. She had no energy. It was all Emi could do.

What did she do wrong? Why did she deserve this? She always listened to her mother, tended to the younger kids, never sought to harm someone, shared her meals, kept her promises…

She always was a kind person, just like her parents wanted her to be. So why was she about to meet her end, treated worse than the lamb off to be slaughtered?

The air was like honey, hard to breathe in. It was warm, and her sweat covered her in rust from the cage.

Emi tried to cry. Her body wouldn’t let her.

There was nothing she could do. Nothing.

Nothing but whisper for help.

“I don't wanna die. Someone. Anyone. Please help me.”

“I’m right here. Just a little longer, Emi.”

“W-what?”

The voice sounded like it came from all around. But the lamps were out, and it was dark with only the light from the top of the staircase leaking in.

“I’ll get you and the girl out of here, so stay calm and be quiet. We don’t want them hearing you.”

“W-wait, who are you?”

“Oh, uuuuuh…. Alexa. Think of me as your little helper. But I can’t do much, so you need to be strong, okay?”

For a moment, the terrifying visions in her head fade away.

All she can think of now is how she can get out of here.

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

I tried reading the book, but it’s hard to call it reading at all. Instead of words, memories flew into my head. Memories of a life that I could relate to. It all flashed before me in a yellow-tinted world. Hard-working parents, a curious mind, friends I cherish. Pages and pages whizzed by, showing me a lifetime.

Then the more recent memories surfaced, and the emotions hit me like a truck. These weren’t mine, but all I could feel was what she felt that night, cowering behind the door as the horrors took place.

This sucks. Kids these young shouldn’t have to face things like this. But from what it looks like from her memories of her village, this is still a pretty underdeveloped world. If it is, there might be plenty more kids suffering just as much.

Well, I can’t let that happen. If I can change things here, that’s all that matters.

As the visualization of the memories came to an end, the world started to turn transparent, every object being replaced by a wireframe of light. Just like how I came out of the dark, the world started shattering into a kaleidoscope of colors.

The book stopped flipping as the memories faded into the present, and when I look up, I see the man who has taken Emi prisoner, beating another kid up. As if things couldn’t get any worse. This just makes me feel sick..

Alright, I need to do this quickly and get the girls out of here. And from what I heard from the man, it looks like they’ll need to get out soon.

First things first, we need to check out what we can do. Historia said I was a spirit, so I’m probably incorporeal. Let’s try moving around.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

I glide across the various tables of the room, scoping out what could be useful. There are a bunch of books, jars, equipment, and papers strewn about every tabletop. Looks like a pretty science-y place, though the place doesn’t seem conducive for proper research. The ceiling is filled with cobwebs and dust, with some of the shelves having broken boards and such. Everything seemed pretty old, except for the table the mage went back to, and the shelf next to it.

In regards to movement, the controls aren’t as bad as I thought. It’s sorta like leaning to the direction I want to go. I don’t exactly have legs, so it’s definitely weird for me.

I learn a few more things while I mess around for a bit. I can phase through objects and no-clip* through walls, but if my head is fully inside something that’s not hollow, I can’t see anything, though I can still hear things near me.

I also can possess things like a ghost. I tried grabbing a cup from behind a shelf, and my viewpoint shifted. I tried moving around, and it looks like the book can float mid-air just like I do. I floated back down on the table just a little bit off the top. As soon as I loosened my grip on the object, I popped up on top of it, back to normal. The cup gently dropped, and thankfully didn't make any noise. I’d like to test the weight limits, but now’s not the time.

I tried grabbing a book off the shelf to try and see if I could read it somehow, but before that could happen, a magical-looking circle appeared in front of my hand. I reached out and see if I could interact with it. As soon as I tap the circle, it looked as if words poured out of the book and into something to the left of my vision. The words organized themselves in a sort of scrolling screen formation, and I could swipe up or down. Once I lose focus of the window, it disappears and doesn't impede my vision. It looks like the language was English, but I’m not sure if it’s being translated in real time or something like that. Either way, this is a pretty handy skill, especially in a very alien world.

It looks like the guys are done. I’ll have to see what I can do to get these kids out of here.

So they’re gonna get dinner, and it looks like they’ll also be talking about important stuff. Maybe we can expect around 30 minutes of leeway at the very least.

I have to scout out an escape route as fast as I can. Hopefully I can go far enough to see where we are.

Just as I’m about to float to the door, I hear the girl for the first time.

“Someone. Anyone. Please help me.”

She's whispering, but I can hear it clearly. It looks like I can hear her from a good distance. Maybe I can read her mind, too.

But god, listening to her voice is crushing me. Emi sounds like she’s low on gas, and right about to give out. I have to make sure she stays calm so she can get out of here without issue.

“I’m right here. Just a little longer, Emi.”

“W-what?”

“I’ll get you and the other girl out of here, so stay calm and be quiet. We don’t want them hearing you.”

“Wait, who are you?”

Hm… I’ve always wanted to change my name. Guess now’s a better time than ever. How about a rename to commemorate my new life?

“Oh, uuuuuh…. Alexa. Think of me as your little helper. But I can’t do much, so you need to be strong, okay?”

Definitely not a reference to a relatively common smart appliance. Copyright can’t reach me here.

Emi shifts around and sits on her knees.

“…Okay.”

Alright, looks like she’ll be cooperative. Best I make this quick.

“I’ll go around and find a way out. I’ll pick your locks, after which we’ll be headed out for a fun little trip and some good ol’ camping. Go grab some food, water, clothes or cloth, and at least one thing for cutting.”

Emi nods.

I saw a video before of a man rescuing some children lost in the forest. He made it seem like an adventure so that they wouldn't panic as much. I'll try and lighten the mood as much as I can.

“Get the girl to help you. Ask if she can move, tell her the plan and above all else, do NOT make any noise. Don’t try too hard grabbing stuff, and watch your step. You got this, champ.”

I try ruffling her hair, but my hand goes through. Was worth a shot.

After giving instructions, I take my first good look at her. Emi looks to be a fair-skinned person with pointy ears. Elves are a thing here apparently. Light brown hair, dark brown eyes, and wearing a nice brown dress, though it looks to be a little roughed up.

What stands out is the black splotches on her body, particularly her cheeks, arms, hands, and even spots on her hair have turned black. In roughly the center of each of these splotches was a scar or a scratch, sometimes a bruise. The splotches follow along her veins up to a point.

Next to her was the blonde girl. She looks a little more tan, with emerald eyes, one of them with a black eye, probably from all the abuse. Her clothes have seen better days, rolled up sleeves, a pair of pants and some woven sandals. Some scratches, but no huge wounds visible.

I possessed the locks, and just as I suspected, they were extremely simple locks, no pins or some level of security. Once I took control, I could tell what the structure of the lock was. I pulled back a sliver of spring steel inside, and the lock is free.

From seeing the blondie get beaten up, I noticed that the doors were also creaky. I set down the lock gently, and this time possessed the gate. I lift it up in a way that it has the least friction with the hinges. A little squeak from the gate, but nothing that we should be worried about.

“…Huh?”

Blondie gets up after seeing Emi’s cage open.

“Can you move? Are you too hurt?”

As Emi stands up and moves towards the cage, I open the girl’s cage as well.

“Wait, what’s going on?” Blondie’s a little too loud.

Emi cusps the girl’s mouth.

“Be quiet. We’re getting out of here. Can you move?”

“Y-yeah, I think so.”

Emi helps her up.

“You go get the water and food. After that, g-gather some cloth and things we might need to get out. I’ll look in the back for useful things in the back.”

"O-okay okay…"

The girls are definitely out of it a bit. Emi’s trying her best to sound reliable, but her voice has gone shaky, either from shock or from the fatigue. Even Blondie's shivering. I’d help if we only had so much time, but I’ll just have to trust them.

I float as fast I can to the door and phase through. The room was inside another dark room filled with goods like carpets, pots, painting frames, crates and other stuff. Looks to be a store room of some sort, out of sight of the main area.

I float out the second door and see it open into a hall, next to a walled courtyard. The place is filled with the lights of the setting sun. Mixed into it were the blue glows of the crystal lamps that sit by the sides of the corridors. Makes sneaking around harder, but we could probably get by. I head into the courtyard and fly up to try and get an aerial view.

This place is only a story tall, but it does pass as a mansion. It’s a fairly large complex, but luckily we aren’t a ways off from the gate.

Over at the gate, there’s a guard standing watch. Only two, so distracting them should be doable. There’s greenery around here, and it looks to be around autumn this time of year, seeing all the dead leaves. Should be flammable. Breaking glass? No, that’ll alert the house. I guess I’ll have to wait until I go back to the cellar before I make a decision here.

Floating up, I can see lights and hear music, with what looks like a dining/guest hall where the people are eating, including the mage and the guard with the blue armor. I look at the guards stationed at every door, and see that their armor is a bunch of bright white metal plates attached to what looks like black stained leather. Smells like danger. He’s probably a knight with a great standing since his armor looks way better than everyone else's.

I’d love to eavesdrop on whatever they’re talking about and get some dirt on them, but there’s no time. I drop back down and float as fast as I can around the corridors, seeing where the guards are headed. I take note of the patrols and how often other people walk the halls, then head back to where the girls are to check up on their progress.

I think I can hear Emi wherever she is, so hopefully she’s okay.

I phase in, and see the girls laying out their loot.

“Good job, guys. Let’s see what you got. Anyone have a bag?”

The blondie gets up and empties out a satchel hanging from a coat rack.

“This is all we could find.” Emi’s shaking a bit more. I have to get them out quick.

Alright, inventory time.

4 pieces of stale bread 1 flask 2 folded pieces of cloth A stick with a jewel A pouch of coins A butcher's knife

This isn’t much, but it’ll have to do for now. Anymore weight for the kids would tire them out in this state.

“What’s the stick for?”

Jewel on a stick, don’t tell me……

“This wand? I think he had it for lighting fires.” Emi responds.

Wands. If that’s the case, then all of this is pretty much a coin flip. I can’t account for anything that’s just straight up magic. Alarms, traps… yeah. Not like I can do much about it. I'll just have to go with the flow with this one.

“Can you use it?”

“Let me try. Uhhhh…”

Emi points it at a table leg and breathes in. As her chest rises, the jewel grows brighter. She exhales, and the jewel becomes a bright ball of light and singes some of the loose fibers.

A lighter is definitely a plus for survival. It also looked like autumn outside with all the dry leaves, so maybe a bit of arson for distraction is in order.

Now, time to prepare for our getaway. I ask Emi to put some cloth in the coin pouch to muffle the clinking, and have her hold the knife. The blondie grabs everything else and stuffs it into the bag.

Emi turns to the other girl and asks,

“What’s your name?”

“Akeelo.”

‘Welcome to the party, Akeelo.’

“M-Miss Alexa?”

Emi swings around as if she’s trying to face me. Akeelo looks confused and understandably on edge, though it doesn’t seem like she can hear me.

‘Oh, do you hear me, Emi?’

“Yeah, I do.”

Miss Alexa? I can't really tell if I sound like a man or a woman, but that clears out some things.

'Alright, let’s go. Tell Akeelo to put her sandals in the bag. We can’t afford to make any noise. Then go upstairs, we’re leaving now.'

Emi relays the instruction to Akeelo, and they make their way up the stairs and through the cellar. Then, before they open the door, I check the corridors for signs of life.

‘Looks like it’s clear, guys. Open the door gently.’

The girls try to open the door, but before it could swing open, it lets out a squeak.

‘Make it quick. Can’t do anything about it.’

They make it through and close the door. Once they were out in the corridor, I gave Emi the directions that led out to the front gate. They tiptoe across the halls, look at both sides of the road before crossing, taking any precaution to not get caught.

Yet no matter how careful we were, we could never prepare ourselves for the unexpected.

I could have sworn I checked the corner.

He had full plate armor on, and as his greaves came into view, they clinked just as they should. But for whatever reason, I could not for the life of me hear or see him coming.

His cobalt blue armor sparkled with a glitter under the cool light of the corridor lamps.

“Hm?”

Shit.