Year 70.4

  *Emma finishes putting on her armor as Ariella walks in.*

  Ariella: You ready to go?

  Emma: Any word from your dad?

  Ariella: I mean, I still hear fighting, so they haven’t won yet.

  *Standing outside the hospital, the two look up at the barrier created by Ariella’s mother.*

  Emma: How do we get out?

  Ariella: You’re good at breaking things; you do it.

  Emma: *Cough* Ice Princess.

  *Ariella glares at Emma.*

  Emma: *Smiles* I’ll break my way out, you just repair it shut for me.

  Ariella: Okay… but what about me?

  *Emma looks Ariella in the eyes. Emma spaces out for a moment, then grins.*

  Emma: I’m making a choice. And I don’t want you to see it.

  *Ariella, stunned by Emma’s answer, notices tears in Emma’s eyes as she speaks. Ariella nods and helps Emma as she uses fire magic to carve a way out. Ariella refreezes the tunnel, as it closes, Emma looks back and nods. With the ice barrier closed again, Emma looks down at Lily.*

  Emma: Are you willing to help me stop this? Even if I told you, I have no idea if you or I will survive?

  Lily: *rolls eyes* Now you ask… *Grins* But, yes. I’ll always help you, Mama.

  Emma: Then let’s go.

  *Emma hops on Lily, and the two sneak behind the Seers' forces. As Emma hops down from Lily, she gets a headache-like vision of the nightmares she's seen in the past. She grabs hold of Lily, and she takes the form of a bow made of four white wings. As she holds the bow, she can hear the Devil's words, asking her the question over and over.*

  Devil: Can you do it?

  *Emma begins to glow, and she looks up. The bow brightens like a beacon. Everyone turns around, attempting to see where the light is coming from. She remembers her parents' words.*

  Goren: They can only kill at the cost of the spirit's life…

  *Emma grits her teeth as she points her bow at the Seers.*

  Emma thinking: I can’t lose Lily! That’s not my decision.

  *Emma thinks back, trying to think of alternatives, her mind races from thought to thought.*

  *UNTIL*

  Dryad: When the day comes, if I fall, my tears will make way for new growth

  *Emma grins as she pulls back, a golden glowing arrow begins to form.*

  Emma: You still with me, Lily?

  Lily: Always! Aim for the bastard's head!

  Emma: That’s not my target.

  Lily: Huh?

  *As the glow of the bow shines brighter, Emma looks at the Leader Seer, and she can hear her inner self scream. She drops to her knees.*

  Ariella: Emma!

  *Emma looks down to see Ariella, she looks back as the barrier begins to crumble.*

  Emma: Let me protect you this time.

  *Emma’s inner self hesitates, then lets go of her hold over Emma. Emma stands up, takes a deep breath, and steps higher up on the rubble.*

  *Emma’s entire body becomes bathed in a blindingly white and golden armor made up of spirit magic. The soft white of the fabric flows to the ground as the gold hums from her shoulders. Lily once again begins to change, but this time into The Wings of Harmony. Three pairs of white wings make up the main body of the bow, and the bowstring sounds like a harp as Emma touches it. Emma’s Left eye turns purple, and she begins to play a song. The harp's heavenly sounds hush over the battlefield as everyone turns to look at her. As the music ends, Emma once again opens her eyes. She aims at the Seers, then takes a deep breath before shooting toward the Veiled Glade. The arrow lands into the center of the tree, and the battlegrounds go silent. The sound of laughter erupts from the Seers. Emma looks at them, determined that something is to come.*

  *All sound distorts as a beam of light breaks through the sky, knocking everyone back with a shockwave. As the light fades, everyone looks up as the Veiled Glade is nothing more than a giant stump. Emma falls backward, her magical armor fades away, and Levi catches her, then looks to Ariella.*

  Levi: What happens now? I thought that they needed the tree?

  Ariella: *In shock* I-I don’t know.

  Distant voices: It came from this direction!

  Levi: I think we should run. Emma has returned to normal. And she still has Lily.

  *Ariella looks up with hope in her eyes.*

  Ariella: She does?!

  Levi: Yeah, let’s get going.

  Ariella: That’s a good idea.*Sniff* I heard they were looking for her directly. And the way she reacted just before I called out to her. She is important to them, and we need to keep her away from them.

  *They carry Emma out of the city and hide in a nearby cave when Emma starts to open her eyes.*

  Ariella: Emma?! Are you feeling okay? Where is Lily?

  Emma: *Weakly* My body feels weak… But I feel her inside me still.

  *As soon as Emma finishes speaking, she winces in pain as she hears a male voice, “Where are you?” Emma forces her eyes shut.*

  Levi: We don’t have many more potions. Is she going to be okay?

  Emma: I-I think they’re able to see through my eyes.

  *The two look at her in panic.*

  Ariella: If that’s the case, let’s get a blindfold for now.

  Seer: Looks like it’s my lucky day.

  *A seer stands at the cave entrance, and Levi uses his spirit hand to throw them out before they get any closer. He turns to Ariella and helps place her atop Celestra.*

  Levi: Go!

  Ariella: What about you?!

  Levi: I’ll make them think you’re farther in the cave. That should give you two enough time.

  *Ariella hesitates.*

  Levi: GO!

  Ariella: I know we didn’t get along at first, but. You’re a good Friend, Levi.

  *The two smile at one another, and Celestra takes off.*

  *Levi sits by the fire and stirs some coals, using the tip of his Rapier, as Ifrit walks forward.*

  Ifrit: Throw me again. And I’ll make you my new torture toy. Now. Where. Are. The girls?!

  Levi: Sleeping. *Pokes coals* They both had a long day, so why don’t you and I talk until then?

  *Ifrit clenches his fist, and the coals reignite. Levi starts to stand up*

  Ifrit: *Grins* You know, I could use a warm-up.

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  *The two erupt in an explosive, fiery fight, seemingly evenly matched when the supposed leader of the Seers arrives.*

  Leader: Hot head! What’s taking so long? Don’t make me take care of it.

  *The area cools down as Ifrit’s fire cools off, Levi takes this opportunity to grab Ifrit with his spirit hand, and he throws him far off into the distance.*

  *The leader rubs his forehead.*

  Leader: *Irritated* Listen, just tell me where she is and I’ll THINK about letting you live.

  *Levi points to the collapsed cave entrance.*

  Levi: Like I told him, they’re both in back of the cave, sleep…

  *Levi notices he can no longer breathe, as if the air has been sucked from his lungs. He slowly begins to grin.*

  Levi: *Raspy* I guess you don’t want to hear about the trap?

  *As Levi takes his last breath, drops to the ground, a Seer calls out.*

  Seer: It’s empty!

  *The leader sends a ball of fire at the cave. A moment passes, then it explodes. The entire grounds “Burps” as the ground rises and lowers from the explosion, the Last seer, who left the cave, looks back as if seeing death in the face.*

  Leader: FIND HER!!!

  *Emma holds onto Ariella tightly as they continue to run. After a couple of weeks pass, they manage to make it to the southern border, a giant wall of earth stops them from getting further. *

  Ariella: Where do we go now?

  Emma: Are we near the desert?

  Ariella: Yeah, why?

  Emma: I thought I smelled sand. *Smiles* Head toward the oasis, there is a small “ No questions asked” kind of tavern. We can stay there for the night. I don’t think they’ll sell us out, and even if they do. We’ll have enough time to escape out their back.

  Ariella: Why do you know all this?

  Emma: *straight faced* Arie. I’ve killed people, you know that, right?

  Ariella: I mean, yeah, but.

  Emma: *Irritated* It’s not important, if we go now, we should make it there by the morning.

  *Ariella nods before the two run off before reaching the building, Celestra goes into hiding, and Ariella helps Emma to the bar. The old, dilapidated building looks like it could give way with every step. Ariella looks down to avoid her eyes being seen. A dwarven bartender cleans out a glass, spitting into it to wet his rag. He has an eye patch that covers his right eye.*

  Emma: *Dwarvish* Nice day to groom the sea trees.

  *Ariella looks at Emma in confusion, and the dwarf scoffs, before opening access to a hidden bar. *

  Dwarf: *Dwarvish* I don’t recommend your type staying long.

  *Emma nods*

  Emma: He said the rooms can be found downstairs.

  *As they start walking, he tosses a key to Ariella.*

  Dwarf: One night, Warden. That’s our deal.

  Emma: I know. I know.

  *Ariella looks at Emma in confusion, but stays silent. As they enter the room, Ariella helps Emma into bed.*

  Ariella: I’m going to go get a drink. You need anything?

  Emma: *Laughs* No. I can move a little, but I still feel very weak and tired. I’m going to sleep if you don’t mind.

  Ariella: Okay.

  *Emma rolls over and listens for the door to close.*

  Emma(TL): Lily?

  Lily: Yeah, Mama?

  Emma(TL): *Exhale* Thank goodness. I was worried.

  Lily: Mama. I feel. Stuck.

  Emma(TL): *Panic* What?

  *The sound of the door creaks open, she pretends to be asleep, assuming it’s Ariella.*

  Male: *Softly* Yeah, she’s in here.

  *Emma goes to roll over, but whoever is in the room covers her face before she can react. She attempts to struggle, but is still too weak. She feels the hard wooden floor of a cart as she is taken away. After an hour, they stop somewhere, and she hears another male voice.*

  Male 2: You moron! You haven’t collared her yet? If she starts casting spells, we’re all dead.

  *Emma feels the cold metallic collar as it closes around her neck. She feels as though all her Magic is drained from her body, and she falls unconscious again. Then next time she wakes up, she can tell her armor and items have been removed as the burlap clothing scratches her skin. Her legs and arms left completely bare.*

  Emma(TL): … Good morning Lily

  Lily: Good morning, Mama.

  Emma(TL): *Shock* You’re okay?! Where are you?

  Lily: I don’t know, I think the collar is keeping me stuck inside your soul when I went to recover.

  Emma(TL): Okay, but you’re safe?

  Lily: I think so. What about you? I can’t feel your magic anymore.

  Emma(TL): That would be the collar as well… Lily.

  Lily(TL): Yeah?

  Emma(TL): *Angry* Did Ariella sell me out?

  —-------------------------------

  *As the journey goes on, Emma starts each day by greeting Lily and making sure she can still reach her. As the nights begin to freeze, they reach their destination. They remove the bag from Emma’s head before throwing her into the cell. Outside the cell, the two humans sit across from one another, playing cards.*

  Slaver1: I don’t know why they upped security. It’s rare to find an elf that isn’t already a slave.

  Slaver2: They’re getting ready for Argon.

  Slaver1: Argon?! Is that who the new one is for?

  Slaver2: I mean, yeah, she’s clearly a talented fighter, look at her muscles.

  Emma(TL): Good morning, Lily.

  Lily: Morning, Mama! How’d you sleep?

  Emma(TL): *Smiles* As good as I could, I guess.

  *Another female elf walks over to Emma and whispers.*

  Elf: Don’t smile. They’ll break it out of you.

  Emma: *Quietly* It wasn’t a happy smile.

  *Emma looks at the younger-looking elf.*

  Emma: How long have you been here?

  Elf: I can’t remember.

  Emma: And what do they do with your spirits?

  Elf: The collars keep them from changing size, and they’re put into cages. They threaten us if they try attacking at all. I’m sure wherever your spirit is, she is safe. Justin tells me they mostly ignore them since most spirits won’t put their elf in danger.

  Emma: What’s your name?

  Chloe: I’m Chloe… Just stay quiet, and they won’t even notice you.

  *Emma nods.*

  *The next morning, Emma wakes up to the sound of the slavers banging on the bars.*

  Slaver: Wake up! Where’s the new one at?

  *Chloe backs up and points to Emma, and they grab her by the wrist. They pull her into another room with an angry-looking Human male. He sits in a thronelike sofa while a slave fills his goblet, his other hand strokes his goatee in thought. His eyes are a sparkling Hazel, giving the appearance of gold in the right lighting. The room holds a stage in the center and a skylight to put them on display. A couple of young adult males mumble to themselves behind the other man, the bodyguards. The slave is a female elf; she stands against the wall holding the pitcher of wine after pouring. The slavers pull Emma along, then place her onto the stage and cut off her clothes.*

  *Another male walks in. Emma’s learned his name from their voices, Kyle.*

  Kyle: Argon. You’re earlier than expected. But as promised in the letter, I found you a strong-looking elf. It wasn’t easy; she killed three of my men.

  Argon: I don’t give a shit Kyle. Just tell me I’m not going to be expecting some damn Ficus up my ass by the end of the week.

  Kyle: No, no. She was.

  *Kyle makes physical air quotes.*

  Kyle: “Given” To us. Yeah, her. Her friend told us the direction to go and everything.

  *Emma’s eye twitches with anger, and Argon leans forward a little.*

  Argon: I think someone’s still a little angry. *Looks to Kyle.* If you can promise me she’s not Spirit Loss. I’ll take her. I don’t need another assassin dieing because of their damn pet dieing. And if I find out you're keeping more information from me. I’ll gut you in front of your family.

  *Kyle pauses, struggling to find the words.*

  Emma: My Spirit is fine.

  *Kyle glares at Emma for a moment, then looks back at Argon nervously.*

  Kyle: Oh. *Clears throat* It’s just we were never able to find them, so we.

  Emma: May I?

  *Argon stands up and approaches the stage. He stands before Emma, finishes his goblet, and drops it for the slave to pick up.*

  Argon: Go on. *Squints*

  Emma: When a spirit is weakened, they hibernates in an elf's “soul.”

  Kyle: *Nods* I have heard that.

  *Argon squints suspiciously at Emma.*

  Argon: She has a magic collar on?

  Kyle: Yes, of course! The morons almost forgot on travel.

  Argon: *Strokes facial hair* Okay.

  *Argon snaps his fingers, and one of the men behind him places a bag of gold on the table.*

  Argon: That should cover the costs.

  Kyle: *Smiles and bows* Yes! Of course! I’ll get her ready straight away!

  *Kyle whistles, and two female elven slaves enter the room. They grab Emma and head to a room. They dress her up in very basic clothing.*

  Elf1: I’m surprised you didn’t get hit when you spoke.

  Elf2: Probably because she gave helpful information, but why the Hells would you do that?

  Emma: I need to find someone. And I get the feeling that if I go with that man, I’ll have better odds. Do you know anything about him?

  Elf2: Mr. Argon?

  Emma: Yes.

  Elf1: He doesn’t know much about elves and only recently found out Kyle was selling him elves who have spirit loss.

  Elf2: Well. I heard Kyle was doing it because they get sent on suicide missions. But last time, Argon came in fuming. I thought he was going to burn the building to the ground.

  Emma: Well, it beats rotting in a cell. And it’s not like I lied. My spirit is still alive and well, but this damned collar is keeping her locked inside.

  *The door opens, and the elves stand aside. Argon walks in front of Emma and hands her a bag.*

  Argon: Kyle said these were yours.

  *Emma pulls out her old armor, some of it ruined. She changes into her clothes, and Argon snaps his fingers again. Emma turns to Argon, and he nods.*

  Argon: We’ll have to change a few things. But she’ll do. The scars?

  *Kyle speaks from outside the room.*

  Kyle: All from before the capture.

  *Emma is escorted into a cart where a heavier-looking man sits. He looks at Emma lustfully.*

  Human: Are you sure I can’t have a go with her?

  Argon: Sorry, Lord Gus. This one is being trained as my personal assassin. I can’t risk losing her to childbirth.

  Gus: How will you make sure she doesn’t turn on you?

  Argon: *Scoffs* You sound like it’s my first time breaking an elf. By the time I’m done, I’ll have her crawl on all fours across the hall. Does that sound good?

  Gus: *Grin* I look forward to it.

  *Gus raises Emma’s chin. He presses his thumb against her lips. She closes her eyes in disgust.*

  *SMACK!*

  *Argon chuckles as Emma sits still after being struck across the face. Gus begins to turn red, until Argon stops him.*

  Argon: If you want me to keep our deal, she needs to be able to see.

  Gus: *Clears throat* Yes, of course. I’ve just never met an elf who could take a hit. At least not a female one.

  Argon: *Grin* That just means she’ll be fun to break.

  Gus: Oh! What kind of spirit does she have?

  Argon: Don’t know. *Shrugs* It’s locked inside her because of the collar.

  *Gus gets distracted by a thought.*

  Argon: They have to exhaust all their magic, apparently. At least that’s what she said.

  *Gus speaks in Human, Emma makes out the words. Trust and elf.*

  Argon: We’ll check with a spirit bracelet. The ones we got from those elves just after the borders blocked up.

  Gus: Those ones for locking away a spirit? Why would I waste the one we have on your slave?

  *Argon’s smile turns to a scowl.*

  Argon: *Irritated* Because. I’m the one responsible for your cleanup.

  Gus: *Sigh* Fine. Just tell me how it works. They wanted to know, so they left me an address.