Chapter 4 - Chapter 4

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 4: "𝕺𝖒𝖊𝖓 𝖔𝖋 𝖂𝖆𝖗—𝕹𝖎𝖐"

"Alrighty! Finally got the angle just right," I whispered, a grin tugging at the corner of my lips. This would be so much easier if Kade weren't right there — but here. I sighed at the thought.

"No use whining about it now." I stuck my tongue out in fierce concentration, hoping the gesture might break a bit of their attention. The guards were sharper these days, eyes like hawks. Still, I was having fun weaving illusions like ribbons in the air—anything to keep their gazes away from the cavern exits.

They had to be safe. They had to be.

I gave Kade a quick nod—his cue. A moment later, an arrow sliced through the misty air and landed with a sharp thunk on the cliff top above. Just like we'd hoped, the guards snapped their attention upward, eyes narrowing.

Perfect.

While they were distracted, the two of them slipped beneath the edge of the restricted cave, shadows blending into the stone. From my vantage point, I caught the smallest nod from Ethan—barely a twitch—but I knew it was for her. They were in.

"Good work," I murmured to myself, a small smile forming as I appreciated Kade's aim from afar. I couldn't see him from here—he was tucked away in the bushes near the peak of the hill—but I knew he had a clear view of everything. He alwaysdid.

I should probably remember the plan… Damn,I really did have the memory of a goldfish.

"Yeah!" I finally recalled. Maple had gone to the royal advisor, likely making up some excuse to keep the higher-ups in the dark. Well… Ethan was basically dead for today—courtesy of his mother. Kitt had headed straight to the main camp to gather a few trusted soldiers, just in case things went south. And then there's Zawi...?

"That ghost…" I couldn't help but smile at the thought, knowing I'd never be able to resist his whining. I hoped he didn't cause any trouble for both of them…

Just as the thought crossed my mind, the chirping of a sparrow caught my attention—familiar, somehow. I turned, and it flitted around me, almost as if urging me to follow.

"Gale... what's wrong?" I asked, frowning. The sparrow's frantic chirping didn't seem right. It was too terrified—something was wrong, and I couldn't just ignore it. Yet, I couldn't afford to leave the mission in the middle of all this.

I trusted them—every single one of them. Even now, after everything that had happened... even after the most recent things. They'd be fine without me—wouldn't they?

I hesitated, the pull of duty at odds with the fear gnawing at me. Then, with a sharp exhale, I changed course.

Without a second thought, I followed Gale. My heartbeat quickened with each step, the anxiety building as I wondered where he was leading me.

I pushed through the underbrush, leaped over dislodged tree limbs, my focus sharp as I stayed on his tail. The air felt heavier with every movement, every branch I pushed aside.

And then, I reached it—the Ark of Death. The place where everything could end.

"Why would he bring me here?" My voice dropped to a whisper, anxiety seeping through my widened eyes.

My gaze wandered over the haunting transformation of this place. The two cliffs stood like silent sentinels, while the bridge—once a symbol of life—had become one of death. The mist clung to everything, vines creeping over the stone, moss spreading along each edge, and the very air felt thick with an eerie aura, abandoned by us long ago.

A shiver ran down my spine as something enormous stirred on the bridge, its silhouette looming in the fog. It was definitely not a horse, nor an eagle.

"What in the world is that thing?" I mumbled to myself.

My body froze as it locked eyes with me, its gaze sharp and predatory. Then, with a frantic screech, it spread its wings and lunged.

My breath hitched as I tried to run, but my legs wouldn't move—paralyzed by fear.

Desperation surged as I raised my arm, summoning a barrier—the creature sliced through it as if it were paper.

"What—?!"

A hiss escaped my lips as it closed the distance, my eyes wide in horror as its massive claws raked across my back—digging into my back's flesh splashing out gallons of blood, I let out a scream, cry of agony as I fell with a heavy thud onto my stomach. The taste of blood filled my mouth, and I could feel the brick of death unfolding unexpectedly.

Right then, a sharp horn rang in my ears. The creature was about to drive its beak into my neck when, with a sudden screech, it pulled back, its claws retracting so violently that it staggered away. The pain in my back flared again, making me cry out.

"Ari! Enough of hunting!"

I was lying on the ground, wincing as I peeked over my shoulder to see who I'd just heard.

That... whoever it was, moved with startling precision, swiftly throwing and wrapping a harness around the creature's beak—beak?

I froze on the spot in utter disbelief. I just witnessed...? They're... existing with it?

It's a freakin' Gryphon.

There's a veiled figure—someone controlling that vast, wild creature with such skill, such ease. One pull of the harness, and it fell silent, calm... almost gentle.

I couldn't keep my eyes open much longer.

"Nikolaii! Are you alright?!" the veiled person shouted with a shaky voice, rushing to my side.

It's familiar. So familiar.

It's... her?

.

.

.

Maple stepped quietly off the palace's drawbridge, her footsteps barely audible on the polished black stone of the porch. She moved deliberately, careful not to draw attention. At last, she had secured the Royal Advisor's support. Together with Kitt—who had already stationed his men at every known exit of the cave—they were ready to proceed.

Suddenly, a figure rushed toward them. It was Kade, his face tense and panicked. He came to a breathless halt, doubling over with his hands on his knees.

"Pals… Nikolaii… were they with you two?" he gasped.

"Wasn't she with you?"Maple asked softly, frowning.

"Well, she's not now,"Kade said, exhaling sharply. "Gale… he came to me—terrified."

"It was your responsibility to watch her, not ours,"Kitt sneered.

"Enough, Kitt,"Maple interrupted. "She's sensible. She has to be nearby."

"Right, she's not a toddler who just wanders off,"Kitt added dryly.

Kade shot Kitt an angry look. "Unless you're not telling us everything."

"You seriously think I had something to do with this?"Kitt scoffed.

"You've never been trustworthy,"Kade said, straightening up. "Who knows—maybe you did."

"Oh, really now? And what if I did, to that wimp?"Kitt shot back, bristling as he stepped closer.

Kade grabbed him by the collar, eyes flashing with anger. "Don't. You. Ever. Dare. Call her that again. And I'll be sure to keep the scissors handy."

"As if you have the audacity to do that, you shrimp!"Kitt jerked free, igniting his ability in an instant.

Kade stumbled back, swiftly pulling out his bow. His eyes burned with fury as the string drew tight, the arrow's blade aimed directly at him. "I do," he muttered.

"Pals, control your urges. You can settle this later."Kade lowered his bow slowly once Kitt calmed down.

"We'll find her,"Maple assured me, "but first, we need to check on Ethan and Lee. Make sure they're okay."

"Zawi's with them,"Kade said.

"That doesn't matter,"Kitt replied. "Don't you realize how chaotic he is? We still need to make sure they get out of that hell."

"Then—"Maple started, but stopped abruptly as the sound of rushing footsteps filled the air. A crowd surged toward the village entrance, hushed whispers spreading like wildfire. Suspicion prickled in the air.

"Let's go,"Maple urged, taking the lead.

We ran after her, the murmurs growing louder as we approached. Gasps of wonder rippled through the crowd. A veiled figure stepped into the courtyard—beside it, a gryphon.

"Clementine?"Kitt murmured.

The griffin hovered, its massive frame carrying a blood-covered figure draped across its back.

Kade's eyes widened in horror. He recognized—

"Nikolaii!"

Panic surged through him as he shoved his way through the crowd. His heart hammered in his chest as he reached the creature's side. Carefully, yet urgently, he pulled the wounded form into his arms, adjusting his grip to support the limp weight. His breath came in shaky gasps as he started toward the barn house—but he halted.

Kade turned back to the veiled figure, his gaze cutting through the layers of cloth as if they didn't matter.

"Clem..." He barely whispered the name.

There wasn't time to linger. A nod of gratitude was all he could offer before he hurried away.

Kitt and Maple turned their attention back to her.

"What are you doing here?"Kitt asked in a hushed voice.

The villagers cheered at the stranger for her heroic deed—unaware of who she truly was.

"It's not the time for this,"Maple said to Kitt.

"I... I can help her," the stranger interjected, her tone oddly pleased.

Both Maple and Kitt exchanged stunned glances.

"Kitt, something's wrong. It's almost sunset, and there's no sign of either of them. You should check the outlets too,"Maple urged. "I'll deal with this mess."

Kitt didn't hesitate. He gave a sharp nod before sprinting off.

Maple let out a breath. "Alright. Come on."

She led the stranger toward the barn house, the creature trailing close behind. Without slowing, Maple shoved the door open.

Inside, Kade was tearing a strip of cloth, ready to wrap it around Nikolaii's back.

"Kade, don't be too hard—careful!" the stranger cautioned.

She yanked off her bandana, the black cloth slipping from her fingers as she stepped forward, rifling through her satchel.

"Let me do something."

He tensed at the thought of messing up. "Why are you still helping us?"

"Because that's what friends do," the girl said, her expression weary. "I... I couldn't bring myself to just... leave." She hesitated before adding, "You should leave the room."

"But—"

"Leave,"Maple cut in before he could argue.

With his head hanging, he made his way to the door. His hand lingered on the doorknob as he spoke.

"I trust you'll heal her… Clemmy."

A faint smile flickered across his face before he stepped out, closing the door with a soft thud. He leaned against it, shoulders heavy with the weight of the situation.

Inside, Maple used her ability to create an eerie silence, allowing her to concentrate. Clementine pulled out a handful of herbs from her satchel and carefully placed them onto Nikolaii's back, channeling her own ability as well.

Moments passed. The bleeding stopped. The torn skin slowly knit itself back together, until even the scar faded—as if the wound had never existed.

"That should do it,"Clementine murmured.

Maple nodded, releasing her hold on the quiet. She turned Nikolaii's body, adjusting her so she could rest properly.

After a brief pause, thick with unspoken tension, Clementine was the first to break the silence.

"Can I ask you something, Maple?"

She turned, determination sparking in her eyes.

Maple met her gaze, already knowing what was coming. "Ask away."

"Where is Ethan?"Clementine frowned.

Maple hesitated. "He—" Then, with a sigh, she admitted, "We're trying to find the culprit… again. They went into the cavern."

Clementine's frown deepened. She turned fully to Maple.

"He'll never give up, will he?" A beat passed before she added, "If it's about Abel, I'm in too—"

"No. You can't. Ethan will never allow it,"Maple said, shaking her head.

Clementine arched an eyebrow. "Did I stutter?"

She stepped forward, her expression softening.

"Listen to me. I'm certain of it—the culprit is the one who blames others for their sins. And if we don't stop them, how many more innocent lives will suffer for crimes they never committed? Including me…"

Her voice steadied with conviction.

"I'll prove it. I'll prove to Ethan that he's wrong about me."

With a gentle touch, she brushed her fingers through Maple's hair, flicking her forehead playfully.

"I'll talk to Ethan myself. And I'm determined to find that killer," she vowed with a faint smile.

Maple returned the smile, as light as autumn leaves drifting in the wind, and nodded.

"Sure. And honestly, I don't care anymore if we'll ever be called rebels."

As the moment softened, tension hanging by a thread, the sound of corruption rang out once more—the sirens, calling upon the reapers to reach the pit immediately.

Clementine's frown deepened in alarm as she exchanged a glance with Maple, who looked just as confused. Without hesitation, they called for Kade to watch over the unconscious figure while they went to investigate the new trial opponent.

The two pushed through the crowd, heading toward the arena. Clem quickly pulled her bandana up over her nose as they approached. The roar of the spectators filled the air, their voices rising with unrelenting force, deafening everything else.

Dust swirled in thick clouds, engulfing the pit. Through the haze, a lone figure stood—halberd dug into the ground.

Both Maple and Clem exhaled sharply, disgust curling through them.

"Disgusting. Just... the kind of thing I despise,"Clem muttered.

"Hey! I was hoping for submission, not a challenge."

The figure turned, a sly smirk stretching across her face.

"Looks like the young souls need another dose of prison, right? Dear filthy Crimson Reapers."

A bitter laugh escaped her lips, reverberating through the pit.

"Get to the point—!"Maple stammered as a sudden strike cut through the air. Her katana slipped from her grip, clattering onto the ground. She hissed in pain, clutching her wrist.

"Ow—"

"Daichi! Stop!"Clem shouted. "Nobody's betraying anyone!"

"I demand to know—where is that Ethan Hathquill? Bring him here. And the other traitors—now!" Eva's voice howled.

Clem had had enough. Fury ignited in her chest.

Without a second thought, she pulled out her glaive and charged straight at Eva.Maple steadied herself, grabbed her scabbard, and unsheathed her katana.

The fierce brawl erupted between them, neither hesitating—despite knowing Eva surpassed them both in strength by a wide margin.