Author's Note: Hello everyone. I would love to give you a long list of reasons why I have been gone for so long, but I am fairly certain you don't care. I just hope that you guys will enjoy this next chapter and will post comments and reviews.
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A frightened little girl was sitting on the ground in a simple wooden hut. Her thoughts were disoriented, the surroundings both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. Everything around her seemed vague, as though reality would slip away at any moment. Then came the heat, fire fueled by rage and hatred. Her wooden shelter was quickly eaten up, devoured by the ravenous flames.
The little girl was screamed, begging and pleading unseen figures. She was surrounded by unknown voices that just barely conquered the fierce crackling of the flames. The voices carried fear and concern, yet there were other, more ugly voices that held a note of ferociousness. The little girl could do nothing. All that was in her power had slipped away, shut away and hidden long ago.
Unable to help and unable to fight she simply clutched her head between her knees, sobbing her eyes out as the flames consumed her too. The voices stopped. . .
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Seria lurched forward, flinging the linens away from her body. Her eyes were wide with terror, her chest heaved with each breath as she desperately took in air. It took her a moment to take in her surroundings before she could calm her nerves.
As she looked around she immediately noticed that she appeared to be in a hospital room, a far cry from the fiery storm last imprinted in her memory. The room was simplistic yet clean, she looked down to check herself and noticed that she was now adorning a clean white dress. Her fingers pressed into the fabric as she kneaded it in her hands feeling the materials as she ascertained her situation.
“A new place and new clothes. What exactly happened?” Her thoughts were confused.
“I, I should have died. . . right? The fire, and. . . the Moderator. Is this the church!?” Once she reached that terrifying conclusion, Seria started to look around the room in panic. “What can I do? There is nothing here!”
Her eyes swept over the room several times, but there was no weapons around. Then, her gaze settled on a table and chair set in the corner of the room. It took only a moment of hesitation before she jumped to her feet and grabbed the chair, dragging it as quietly as possible to beside the door, where she stood and waited.
Seria did not try the door, she did not dare. If there was a guard on the other side, she feared that the noise would alert him. In her mind, the only option was to wait until they came for her and hope that she could cause enough distraction to escape.
Time went by, slowly. Her muscles grew stiff as she stood in place, refusing to move.
*click*
Seria tensed at the sound, her grip tightened around the chair. Once the shadow of a figure cleared the door she swung, bringing the chair down as fast as she could.
The impact sound was light, far lighter than she expected. She looked and saw that the figure had caught the leg of the chair in his outstretched hand.
The man simply shoved the chair away from himself before casually looking at at his assailant. Seria was shocked stiff, his gaze carried a heavy aura that weighed down on her being. The atmosphere was so stifling she almost felt as though she could not breath.
Seeing who it was, the heavy aura from the man immediately dissipated.
“Oh? It’s just you~” The man lurched closer to Seria, golden eyes staring into hers from beneath the hood.
“That- that voice!” Seria’s blood burned as she recognized the man from the nightmarish events that just recently occurred.
The man acted idiotic as always though as he rambled on again, “You know, you had us all worried when you passed out like that! And targeting your benefactor is just rude! I mean all I did was fondle you a little~”
“Shut up, Ret. You are the rude one. And you are scaring her!” A woman entered the room as well.
This woman was a stunning beauty. Her figure was fully matured and alluring, her attitude dignified and noble, her overall aura left one feeling insignificant in her presence. From the top of her head to the base of her feet she was the image of perfection. The color of her hair was a deep shade of black reminiscent of onyx and her eyes sharply contrasted with a pale shade of blue. Her face was an adorable and narrow heart shape yet it still retained her mature and womanly appearance.
Her actions were in direct opposition to her appearance though. The new addition to the room bashed Ret from behind, forcing the his head down in the process. Seria took advantage of this and instantly reacted as well, as soon as the woman’s hand was clear she brought the chair bearing down on Ret’s head, creating a resounding smack.
“You damned bastard! Who do you think you are!? Benefactor!? More like tormentor! After years of searching. . .I finally found them! People that accepted who and what I was but you destroyed it!” Tears began streaming down her face. The stress of the situation and her overwhelming emotions hit Seria at once.
She continued her assault with the chair until her hands were full of splinters and the chair shattered from the abuse. Ret was perfectly fine, but both he and the woman were at a loss for words.
The man tried to reach out but she slapped his hand away. He pulled back his hand, clenching it tight. In a voice barely a whisper he spoke, “I was only trying to help. . .”
Seria ignored his pained words and screamed back at him, “What does it matter if you end up destroying everything!”
Seria collapsed on the floor. The flood of tears ran down her cheeks and her sobs of sorrow echoed in the room.
Ret looked as if he wanted to say something, he made several attempts to reach for her, but he held back. Those few seconds stretched out into an eternity until he finally came to a decision. He started to exit, before leaving the room he turned to his female companion, “Claire, take care of her.”
The woman nodded in understanding, “It’s not the first time someone came here in such a state. She’ll be fine.”
Ret hesitated at the door, “I hope so. . .” With that his figure vanished beyond the doorframe and a slight click was heard and the door closed behind him.
With Ret out of the way, Claire turned her attention to Seria and let out a sigh. With graceful movements she went to the bed and grabbed the blanket before walking back over to Seria and draping the blanket over her shoulders. Then she sat across from her and held her hand, lightly cooing words of comfort.
Seria and Claire stayed like that for several minutes until Seria calmed down.
Sniffling, Seria spoke, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you miss. . .”
Claire smiled gently, “Heh, I’m too old to be a miss, just call me Claire, and I am sorry to ask this, but I still don’t know your name.”
“Oh, I’m Seria Stonewell.” Seria paused, “I hate to ask, but where am I?”
Claire jerked a bit, her smile stiff and awkwardly frozen on her face, “Well Seria, it is a pleasure to meet you. As for where we are, I am afraid that I can not divulge that information at this time. I would like to ask that you be patient for now, but be rest assured that no harm will come to you while you are here.”
“Ah,” Seria looked down again, “I see. . .”
Claire carefully watched her expressions, “I am curious, what is a dark elf doing living in a human town? Especially one that houses a temple for the Legendary Heroes Church.”
Seria looked Claire in the eyes, “Look at me, what do you see?”
Claire observed Seria, taking in her entire appearance. “Mixed blood is not that uncommon, I don’t see why you had to live there of all places.”
Claire was genuinely confused. People with mixed blood often blended in with others unnoticed. It was often difficult to distinguish those of multiple bloodlines from those of pure ones.
“Look closer, at my eyes, and what do you see.” Seria pressed harder, staring intently at Claire.
Claire looked again, trying to take in every detail of Seria’s appearance. Then it suddenly came to her, a look of understanding appeared on Claire’s face, “Your eyes, are not red.”
Seria scoffed, “Precisely. A dark elf is not born with red eyes, it is a side effect that only appears in our race when the accumulation of energy in our bodies reach a certain point. I can’t wield energy. Whether both of my parents were elven kin doesn’t matter, no dark elf wants a useless child like me. Without the overaccumulation of energy slowing down my aging I age about the same as a normal human, so I might as well live with them. At least then I would age and die at the same rate as those around me”
Seria paused before snapping at Claire, “So you tell me, why would I live in a human town?”
Apologising, Claire spoke, “I-I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”
Seria turned away, burying herself further into the blanket, “It doesn’t matter. That idiot ruined everything anyway. . .”
The two girls awkwardly sat in silence, Claire was uncomfortably fidgeting where she sat. Eventually Seria spoke again, “So what are you?”
“Hm? What do you mean.” Claire couldn’t help but ask, her eyebrows raised slightly in surprise.
“You may look human, but it is pretty rare for a human to hold a normal conversation with a dark elf.” Seria spoke resolutely, years of persecution had taught her that humans, like her benefactor Holly, were few and far between.
“Hoh? Well, though that may be true, not all humans hate the nightosphere. Why would you say I am not human?” Claire was intrigued, this little girl was quite keen for someone in such a state of emotional distress.
“That man, the one you call Ret, is a monster. A verifiable freak of nature that fought toe to toe with a Moderator. You hit him and actually made him stumble. Assuming he wasn’t faking it, you are much stronger than you look.” A glint of cunning flashed across Seria’s eyes.
Claire’s eyes widened, then a beautiful smile stretched across her face as she joyously laughed. Originally she was worried about how she was going to take care of Seria, but her worries appeared to be unfounded. Sure, Seria was hurt and lost, but she did not let that rule her emotions.
Claire smirked. She looked at Seria with a suspecting gaze. “That is quite the mind you are hiding, I notice you are not crying anymore. You calmed down very fast for a person in your situation.”
“And you haven’t told me what you are, quite good at redirecting conversations, aren’t you?” Seria wasn’t going to let up. The uproar of emotions that were prevalent earlier were now nowhere to be seen on her face. To be accurate, the rage, confusion and fear still dominated her, but years of running and fending for herself gave her the ability to hide these emotions.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Claire crossed her arms as she leaned back, staring at Seria all the while. “Hmmm, I am a vampire. Satisfied?”
“Not really, what is that man?” Seria needed a clear understanding of her situation, and she would much rather deal with this woman than the idiot from before.
Claire looked at Seria with a scrutinizing gaze, “Mmmmm, I don’t feel like saying.”
“. . .Is there a reason why not?” Seria was not prepared to let go.
Claire held her chin while making a thoughtful look. Feeling a bit mischievous, she smiled villainously as she gave her answer, “Well, if I tell you, then I would have to kill you~” Smiling cheerfully the vampire said tragic words.
Seria sighed, she felt a headache coming on, all of the people she had been dealing with since she met Ret were completely irrational. That nonsensical little girl from the storm of flames; the crazy, bloodthirsty Moderator, Char Verdant; and now, a vampire named Claire with a flare for the mischevious.
“At least tell me you are being serious.” Seria did not know why she said this, but for some reason she felt the need to ask.
“Hohoho! Of course not!” Claire laughed in an over exaggerated manner.
“Then the reason why you won’t tell me?” Seria was irritated now.
“Well, that’s because you will freak out if I do tell you.” Claire smiled playfully while saying this.
“. . . Is he a dragon?” Seria probed.
“Nope~”
“Uggg, a changling?” She tried a little lower this time.
“Bzzzz!” Claire made a buzzing sound while holding her arms to form an X.
“. . . The demon lord? Maybe?” Seria was uncertain, there were only so many races or people that would warrant panic.
“Wrong again!” Claire was simply enjoying herself.
Seria gave claire an apathetic look, “I give up then.”
“Eh? But that would ruin all the fun!” Claire pouted a little.
“Are you sure you are older than me? Or are you so old you went crazy?” Seria was a little miffed at this point.
“Heh!” Claire retorted, “I’ll have you know that I am still fairly young for a member of my race!”
“And you are old compared to others. Now just tell me the answer.” Seria stopped, an idea dawned on her, “Actually, don’t I don’t see how this information will be of use, you can keep it to yourself.”
“What!? Why would you change your mind!?” Claire was surprised by her sudden lack of interest.
“I don’t see what use knowing his race will do me. I would prefer we just move on.” Seria did her best not to act interested.
“Eh?! You sure?! You will be really surprised! No! I bet you won’t even believe it!” Claire was really confused by Seria’s sudden lack of interest. On the inside she was a little disappointed, she wanted to tease Seria a bit more.
“Well, since you won’t tell me I don't know. I can only assume you are lying so you can tease me.” Seria acted as though she didn’t care, then pushed further by indirectly calling Claire a liar.
“Wha-?! No! It’s really unbelievable! Amazing actually! I swear!” Claire was a bit flustered now, leaning in close to Seria, as if bridging the distance between them would make Seria suddenly believe the sincerity in her words.
Seria smirked, “Heh, then prove it.”
Although her eyes were still puffy from crying, Seria managed to perfectly pull off a condescending look that pushed Claire over the edge.
“Ugh! You don’t believe me?! Alright! Tell me, what race has blue skin but has neither scales nor feathers?” Claire was pouting now.
“Oh? Riddles now? I don’t see how this matters.” Seria continued to gaze down on Claire.
“Muh! Just answer the question!” Claire’s face was now tinged red from anger. Essentially, she was throwing a tantrum.
“Hmmm,” Seria cast her gaze down as she put on a thoughtful look. Then a look of terror appeared on her face as her memory drifted back to the myths of her childhood. The stories that parents often told their children when they misbehaved, or the words of the Elders when they warned of monsters, “You can’t mean. . .”
“Bingo! The ancient supposedly extinct race!” Claire made a sinister face, “The monsters that nearly destroyed the world! The Demionoli!”
Seria began to shiver uncontrollably, whether Claire was speaking truth or not did not matter. Just mention of that race of monsters was enough to strike terror in her heart.
“Y-you are lying, right? You’re just trying to tease me. That’s not possible, not possible. . .not possible. . .” Seria was panicking, far worse than before.
Claire saw this and started to panic herself, “Wait, are you alright?”
Seria didn’t hear her, she was thoroughly locked in her tumultuous state of mind.
The door slammed open and the man they were just discussing strode into the room, his gait wide and his footsteps heavy. Anger emanated off of him as he approached Claire.
“Are you stupid?! Did you forget what a Demionoli represents?” He grabbed Claire by the collar and pulled her face to his.
“The kid already hates me enough without you making it worse!” Ret was unconscious of the fact that his actions frightened Seria further.
The little dark elf girl was huddled up, her eyes glued on Ret, absolute terror evident in her eyes.
“Ret, calm down.” Claire looked into his eyes with intent, her gaze serious. “She was to learn sooner or later, best to work out the kinks now while we still can.” Her voice seemed older than it was moments earlier, her attitude changed drastically from the mischievous character.
Ret glanced at Seria before casting his golden eyes on Claire once more. “You better hope you made the right choice.” He let go of Claire while pushing her away.
Ret turned his attention towards Seria. Facing her, he slowly lifted his hand to his head. Seria watched as the hood dropped, revealing the man underneath. Unlike the first time she saw him, there was no gaudy makeup, no idiotic grin, and definitely no sense of equality.
Though she sensed his monstrosity before, now he did not seem humane. The aura he released left her feeling weak, insignificant in his eyes.
Ret’s eyes flashed with pain, “It looks like it will be difficult to talk to her.”
“This, this is nonsense! This can’t be real!” Seria suddenly screamed, covering her head as though to shut out reality.
Ret winced at her words.
“It’s just like the tales! The Demionoli destroyed everything in their wake! You ruined everything!” Seria shouted words of accusation at Ret, fear and anger mixed together. Her thoughts were no longer clear. Every shred of rationality and logic she had shown before was gone.
Ret looked away. Guilt was prevalent in his expression.
Suddenly, Seria felt someone grab her arms, pulling them away from her face. It was Claire, looking at her with an angry expression, “Wake up you stupid little girl!” She shouted these words in Seria’s face.
“We are all members of the nightosphere, yet you have a deep rooted fear of him alone? What do you know about him? Saying that he is a monster because he is Demionoli is like saying that you or I are monsters too!” Claire was furious. Sure, she lacked tact during the big reveal, but Seria’s reaction was too much for her.
Ret reached out and tried to calm her, “Claire that’s not-”
“Shut up! How is she anything like Abigail said? She’s just like all the others! She doesn’t deserve your effort!” She immediately snapped back at Ret, refusing to listen to his words.
She turned her attention back to Seria, “Has he tried to kill you yet? Sure he is an idiot, but do you think he was trying to hurt you?”
Seria was sniffling as she tried to stop crying, “S-so? Hic, if he hadn’t come I could still be there! They wouldn’t hate me! Holly and the others wouldn’t be in trouble either. . .They might have been captured or killed for this. . .”
Seria fell silent, but Claire wasn’t done yet, “You naive little thing. Do you honestly believe that things would continue on as they were? You! A dark elf in a town of humans! You had no hope since the start. So my friend here was the trigger this time. Are you saying some other person wasn’t going to come along and find out?”
Seria bit her lip and shook her head. Claire’s words struck true, but she did not want to accept it. “I-if he never showed up I might have been able to live for years like that! They might have accepted me!”
Claire scoffed, “Such childish idealism. Do you truly believe that? Those people that cared for you, how were you helping them by being there? Your choice to stay was actually what endangered them. It was not Ret or I who willingly chose to endanger those people, but you! All those people that you call friends and loved ones will undergo harsh treatment from the church and their former friends and neighbors because you couldn’t make up your mind to leave sooner!”
“. . .Why. . .” Seria’s gripped her hands tighter and clenched her teeth, “WHY! Tell me! Why is it so wrong of me to live a normal life! To be accepted by others! Why is that so wrong!?”
Claire was taken aback, she couldn’t answer that question. The room was engulfed in heavy silence.
“Who ever said it was?” Ret suddenly spoke up. “You were just looking in the wrong place.”
He stretched out his hand with confidence this time, his smile radiant and his expression kind.
“Why don’t you try here? We could always use pretty girls around here.”
Seria looked up at him, she didn’t even notice that her tears had stopped. Ret’s smile was both gentle and reassuring, he seemed less like a monster and more like a person. For some reason, when she saw his smile, she didn’t feel he was that scary anymore.
Seria chuckled. Her mind floated back to what Claire had said. She truly was naive. When she looked at Ret, his grin was goofy and lopsided, 100% idiotic. It was so stupid it made one laugh.
“Maybe,” Seria made a cocky smile as she roughly wiped the tears from her face, “If you can stop being an idiot.”
Ret just laughed foolishly while rubbing the back of his head, “That’s a pretty tall order! Claire’s been trying to smarten me up for years!”
Watching the interaction with an appraising gaze, Claire let out a sigh. She had to give the young girl credit. Though she didn’t start accepting Ret right away, her adaptability and acceptance was a lot higher than that of others. She wasn’t exactly content, but as she saw the two interact somewhat normally she made a wry smile and accepted the situation.
The vampire stood up and clapped her hands together, “Alright you two, if you are done hating each other, we need to meet up with the others now.”
Seria was befuddled, “Others?”