Year 61

  *Reaching Serevale, the two parties look up at the Veiled Glade in joy, exhausted from their trip. Ariella and Emma head straight to Seraphina’s office to report everything.*

  Seraphina: So since you both lost. We decided on a punishment.

  *Ariella’s jaw drops.*

  Ariella: I WAS KIDNAPPED!

  Seraphina: That’s why it’s a single punishment for Emma. You’ll find him on the fifth floor. Let’s head there now, I’m sure he’s finished training for the day.

  *As the three walk the halls, Emma notices a familiar tail poking from the kitchen and sneaks away. As she grabs the tail, everyone turns to Emma, holding Sheila’s tail.*

  Sheila: Emma! That wasn’t very nice!

  *Emma smiles.*

  Seraphina: *Stern* Silvashade! Let’s go!

  Emma: I’ll find you later.

  Sheila: *Laughs* Okay, Valorin and I are staying down the street from you, Dad’s.

  *Emma runs back over, and notices the seriousness of Seraphina’s gaze. She behaves the rest of the way to the fifth floor.*

  Ariella: Why is it so hot today?

  *Ariella uses some papers she was holding for a fan. As the three walk up to the fifth floor, they see the familiar red Demon, Valorin sitting down to rest. The heat from his training heats the entire floor, making it feel like a sauna.*

  Seraphina: Emma.

  *Emma shivers at the mention of her name.*

  Seraphina: Your punishment is to have a mock battle with Valorin.

  *Valorin notices the three and waves. Emma turns to Seraphina.*

  Emma: Okay?

  Seraphina: He won’t be holding back this time. Oh and Emma.

  *Seraphina nudges Emma forward, before closing the doors. She looks at the door and notices an intense heat behind her. Seraphina’s voice rings out from the other side as Emma looks up at Valorin.*

  Seraphina: Valorin is one of those Hidden ‘S’ ranks Ginnie told you about.

  Emma: I saw Sheila on the way in.

  *Valorin slowly starts walking toward Emma.*

  Valorin: I heard the news Emma. Congrats on reaching ‘S’ rank. But.

  *Valorin starts to grow, almost double in size. His eyes turn brighter and the room begins to heat up.*

  Valorin: Seraphina told me I need to make sure you lose.

  *Emma attempts to jump over him as he charges toward her, but Valorin grabs her leg and slams her into the ground. The heat from his claws starts to burn Emma as he throws her across the fifth floor, shaking the entire tree as she crashes. Emma controls the water from a nearby fountain and shoots it at Valorin. Steam fills the room, and Emma sees a red glow in the center. Her eyes widen and she jumps to avoid a burst of flame that explodes out the balcony. Valorin's eyes glow through the smoke and Emma looks at him, she rights herself as knives spin around her.*

  Emma: So why didn’t you ever tell us about your rank?

  Valorin: Same reason your family doesn’t know about yours. I’d say this isn’t personal, but I was talking to Therion recently.

  *Emma laughs nervously as she hears a blade swing, a line of fire, flies past her as she jumps to dodge the attack. As the steam clears out through the open balcony, Valorin’s enormous figure comes into view, he wields a large red blade that looks like it was carved out of fire itself.*

  Emma thinking: He really does look like a red crab now.

  *Emma holds her mouth to stop her from laughing and Valorin glares at her as he jumps forward, leaving a trail of fire behind him. He uses his arm to slam into her and throws her back towards the edge of the balcony. Emma climbs back up and notices all her knives have begun melting.*

  Valorin: My job request stated, either you lose consciousness or I send you out of the ring.

  Emma:*Exhausted and smiling* Ring being the fifth floor I assume?

  *Valorin smiles and walks toward Emma. Emma unsheathes her usual blades and applies Ice magic to keep them from melting. Valorin dashes toward Emma and the two clash, the shockwaves from the strikes crack and parts of the walls as the two dash around. Steam follows the two as Emma tries to avoid Valorin’s direct attacks.*

  *Outside the fifth floor*

  *Ariella holds Lily next to Seraphina, the door rattles from the battle taking place. Lily fidgets around, trying to escape.*

  Ariella: Lily, calm down. Valorin won’t do anything to permanently hurt Emma.

  *Another loud explosion almost blows the door open, Ariella looks to her mom with a panicked expression.*

  Ariella: I know Emma will be fine, but what about the tree?

  Seraphina: It’ll take more than those two to take down the veiled glade.

  *Sheila walks up behind the two elves, Seraphina turns and Sheila curtsies before her.*

  Ariella: Hi Sheila. How’ve you been?

  *The ground shakes again and Sheila smiles*

  Sheila: He’s been wanting to blow off some steam for a while. He almost attacked a customer back at home.

  Ariella: Yeah, and I’m sure Emma is making fun of him by now.

  *the ground shakes and Ariella nods her head.*

  Ariella: Probably said something about his missing scale again.

  Seraphina: Her one requirement from me to hire her was to find something to help her train. So I got her one day with the strongest person I know.

  Ariella: So how long has he been an ‘S’ rank?

  Sheila: He told me he got it about eighty years ago. His final big quest was taking down a greater dragon.

  Ariella: But why didn’t he tell Emma or me?

  Seraphina: Because he never wanted the promotion. I’m sure you’ve met plenty of others like that.

  Ariella: I guess.

  Sheila: He only told me because I found his real ID while cleaning. He said only Queen Seraphina knows. In return for her keeping his secret, he owed her a deal. That’s the original reason he went with you two when you first left. Although, I’m sure given the choice he would’ve offered himself. He really sees you two as his own kids.

  *Ariella smiles and looks at Lily who smiles with a concerned look on her face.*

  Ariella: See, that big mean lizard won’t hurt your mom.

  *Lily lets out a big sigh and hops into Sheila’s arms and rubs her head against her.*

  Ariella: You are so much like your mother. You abandoned me for beastkin fur.

  *Back in the room*

  *Emma holds one of her blades with her right arm. Her left arm, broken and bleeding. Valorin stands still, barely able to keep his sword off the ground. He waits for Emma to make a move.*

  Emma: Before I go to sleep, my instructor once said something that always confused me.

  Valorin: *Grin* What’s that?

  Emma: You look more like an angry turtle than a crus…

  *Emma wakes up with Lily on her chest, she looks around the room before a short female elf with purple hair and blue eyes approaches her. She throws her head back into the pillow and smiles*

  Emma: Good morning Victoria.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  Victoria: Morning Miis Silvashade. Another Valorin special I see?

  *Emma laughs and Isabelle walks in.*

  Isabella: Good to see you’re awake.

  Emma: Hi.

  *Emma sits up again with the help of Victoria. Her body still sore from the fight.*

  Emma: I planned on visiting after I got back, but I got into some trouble as you can see.

  Isabelle: *Laughs* I’ll say. He punched you into the second floor.

  Emma: Is that why my head hurts still?

  Isabelle: What did you call him anyway?

  Emma: An angry turtle.

  *The two burst into laughter.*

  Isabelle: Well, it’s late. I’m headed home, are you staying with us?

  Emma: Is it late?

  *Emma looks out the window to see the sunset.*

  Emma: I assume Dad and Keya know?

  Isabelle: Well, Keya is gone on a quest so her room is free. Your dad told me about the hole, so I know he knows.

  *Emma looks to Victoria.*

  Victoria: Actually, Queen Seraphina and Lord Giovanni have made it clear she needs to stay at the Veiled Glade until they’ve had time to talk to her.

  *Isabelle starts walking toward the door.*

  Isabella: Oh well. I’ll tell your Dad you’re home safe.

  Emma: Thank you.

  *Isabelle leaves and Emma starts to get out of bed.*

  Victoria: If you’re hungry, I can go to the kitchen for you, but they both made it clear you can’t leave this room.

  Emma: Until I talk to them, yes, I heard. Ugh. Fine. Can you get something for Lily and me?

  Victoria: For Lily? She eats?

  Emma: More than she probably should.*Smiles*

  *Lily glares at Emma.*

  Victoria: I’ve heard of other spirits eating, but I’ve never seen it.

  *Victoria heads out and Emma attempts to sneak out, but finds guards stationed all over the room's exits.*

  *The next day Emma and Ariella are brought before Seraphina and Giovanni. The two parties sit across from each other at a table in an empty room.*

  Seraphina: *Irritated* So can either of you explain why we’ve received countless reports of seer activity in DeepDock?

  Ariella: It’s not Emma’s fault

  Giovanni: *Angry* We don’t care! Because now Emma is going to make an official speech explaining herself.

  Emma: Again?

  Seraphina: Oh no. We mean as a seer. People have already started to panic in some areas. The number of people who’ve moved out of the territories is double it was last year.

  Emma: That part isn’t the worst thing. The seers won’t leave Sylvndor.

  Seraphina: Yes, but that also means fewer people to be here to protect the tree.

  Ariella: Those who leave now wouldn’t have helped us anyway.

  Seraphina: And how am I supposed to support us if everyone leaves?

  *Emma and Ariella look down apologetically.*

  Giovanni: We’ve already written the speech. You’ll.

  Emma: *Irritated* I told you two before, I won’t lie.

  Ariella: Emma, wait.

  *Emma turns to Ariella.*

  Ariella: Dad’s right.

  Seraphina: The seers attacked one of the borders.

  Emma: Wait what?!

  Giovanni: As I was saying. You’ll be telling the truth of everything except your connection to Ratha and Sylvar.

  Ariella, what connection?

  *Everyone turns to Ariella.*

  Giovanni: *Sigh* In all the problems going on. Sorry Emma, I forgot.

  *Ariella looks at Emma, confused. Emma explains the journal to Ariella.*

  Ariella: So she knows of Darain?

  Emma: Your mom’s spirit? Of course I know of him.

  *Ariella notices her mom’s glare.*

  Ariella: Wait. Sorry, stupid question. *Laughs nervously.* But Emma is a princess too technically?

  Emma: No more than you are at this point.

  Ariella: Ouch.

  *Emma smiles and turns back to Giovanni.*

  Emma: But why me?

  Giovanni: People have seen you before, they know you brought down a Leawk and some think it was to save the city. And you’re one of them.

  Emma: I’ll do your speech but I want the freedom to tell some of my stories.

  Giovanni: You’ll do it even if we tell you no.

  Emma: And I want Ariella with me.

  Giovanni: Fine!

  *The next day, Emma and Ariella stand atop a stage in front of the Veiled Glade. Magic is used to amplify Emma and Ariella’s voices while they speak about the origin of the elves and Spirit Walkers. And what the Seer's true intentions are.*

  Emma: I know, like me, many of you are questioning what is the truth. I’m here today because. Again, like you I want the truth and only the truth. They asked me to speak and I told them. “Only if I may speak the truth and tell some of my stories.”

  Elf: Why should I believe you?

  *Emma looks down to an elf, she looks at them.*

  Emma: Because. I can already tell that you work for the seers by looking at you.

  *The crowd turns to the elf and starts attacking him. Ariella steps forward.*

  Ariella: Stop! This is why we’re here. We need to work together. The two of us are working on teams to help protect the public. Just attacking them makes us no better than them.

  *Isabelle stops the fighting and one of the elves turns back to the stage.*

  Elf: But isn’t she one of them?

  *The elf points to Emma. Emma hops down and approaches the elf. The crowd steps back to stay away from Emma.*

  Emma: I’m the only one willing to fight alongside you.

  *Emma calls out all of her blades and knives. She lays them down and kneels, and bears her head.*

  Emma: But if you think you can fight them alone, be my guest.

  *The elf hesitantly picks up one of the blades and a female elf calls out.*

  Female: Did you beat the Leawk with your team or not?

  *Emma looks up to the elf, Zabrina stands between the crowd and the elf.*

  Emma: They were busy auditioning for my team. The only help I had was the barrier for stopping the branches from crushing the city. I even made sure to compensate any who were affected by the fight anonymously.

  *A mother and two young elves step forward. The mother steps in front of the elf with Emma’s blade. Tears in her eyes as she looks at the threat before her.*

  Mother: If it wasn’t for those extra funds on top of what the Capitol sent us, we would’ve still lost everything. That money is why my children will still be able to have a home since their father passed.

  *The elf with the blade angrily throws Emma’s blade to the ground. The mother approaches Emma and helps her stand up. Emma looks at a mix of expressions amongst the people. *

  Lily: You okay?

  *Emma smiles and calls out Lily in her medium form, the crowd gasps as Lily’s scales shine through her fur. Emma playfully grabs her tail and Lily playfully rolls over on her back and plays with Emma’s hand. As the crowd calms down, she stands back up. Lily shrinks down and rests on Emma’s head while she continues to speak.*

  Emma: I have an adopted half elf daughter named Kimmy. If it wasn’t for her I don’t know where I would be. BUT I CAN’T SEE HER BECAUSE THOSE BASTARDS TRIED TO HUNT HER DOWN WHILE I TRIED TO TRAIN TO PROTECT YOU ALL!!

  *Faces of guilt start to form on some of the faces who were previously filled with bloodlust.*

  Emma: They then attacked my friends' child and sold him into slavery.*Points to Ariella* MY FINAL TIPPING POINT WAS WHEN THEY ATTEMPTED TO SELL THE PERSON I CARE FOR MOST TO VALORIA!!

  *Emma looks among the crowd and notices some of the spies leaving, scared of Emma’s wrath.*

  Emma: And to those who are regretting joining the seers… They’ll kill you if you leave. While I’ll attempt to carve a way out for you. Even if it means putting my life on the line.

  *As Ariella begins speaking the crowd turns back to her.*

  Ariella: We’re aware of the attacks on the borders. We’re working with one of our neighbors for help so that we can begin evacuating until things are over. But with everyone leaving, this means we’re going to need more volunteers for military power. As well as we will be getting in contact with certain businesses for necessities in life.

  *While Ariella goes over how to keep the peace, Emma talks with Isabelle.*

  Emma: I can see three. But they’re all ones I’ve never met.

  *Emma focuses on three elves in the crowd.*

  Isabelle: Can we take them on?

  Emma: No. But I can grab one of them. We’ve essentially declared war on them.

  *Emma looks at an elf who watches Ariella, upon making eye contact they try to run. A large earth pillar shoots up and a scream is heard as the seer is shot up into the sky. As they crash into the ground, Emma stands before them. She looks at their vessel and it’s only an eighth of the way full. Emma notices the other two elves have disappeared, she grabs the elf, and Isabelle puts handcuffs on them. *

  Seer: *Laughs* Just wait until he hears about this.

  *Emma raises her eyebrows in confusion.*

  Emma: He, so you’re from Ifrit’s crew?

  *The seer smiles as Monica and Eugene take them away. The seer tries to pull away but looks confused as they struggle.*

  Emma: Magic cuffs. We just developed them for blocking the Seer's powers.

  *Emma turns to the crowd, holding another pair of the cuffs.*

  Ariella: As you all saw, the cuffs can take away the prisoners' ability to cast any and all magic. With these, and the help of all of you by reporting anything strange. We can make it through this. Together!

  *The crowd cheers.*

  *At Isabella and Goren’s house, Emma sits down on the couch exhausted.*

  Goren: You did good.

  Emma: I mean no one died. So it’s already better than planned.

  Keya: Wait, you can live through decapitation?

  *Everyone looks at Keya in confusion.*

  Emma: Nooo. I planned on capturing a seer, but I thought the other two would’ve attempted to fight.

  Isabelle: I’ve read about this Ifrit character on reports. Is he as bad as they say?

  Emma: Probably worse. The others keep him from killing the other seers.

  Keya: So do any pureblooded elves or spirit walkers still live?

  Emma: Yes, spirit walkers are just labeled as a rare family curse, rarely spoken of, that prevents you from casting magic. Elves can gain immortality through spirit bonds, but they struggle to make strong connections like sightshare.

  *Goren stands up and taps Emma on the shoulder.*

  Goren: Hey Emma. Follow me.

  Emma: Do I have to?

  *Emma makes defiant noises while she follows her father into a workshop built into the back of the house.*

  Emma: When did you build this?

  Goren: It was so you could have the guest room while you’re home. We started construction a month after you and Ariella left.

  *Goren puts down an old, aged envelope.*

  Goren: This was a letter your mother gave me the night before we got married. I’d let you read it but she gets.

  *Emma throws her hands up.*

  Emma: Ew gross. No.

  Goren: *Laughs* The important part is this.

  *Goren pulls out a blindingly white feather. *

  Emma: Is that?

  Goren: It’s a feather left after Grace passed.

  *Goren smiles and tears start to form. He sniffs and wipes his tears away.*

  Goren: I want you to have it.

  Emma: WHAT why?

  *Goren hands the feather to Emma, its weightlessness allows it to almost float in Emma’s hands.*

  Goren: She told me it was the last thing her mother gave her.

  *Emma watches the feather, smiling.*

  Goren: I had a dream recently about her. It was while you were exploring those old ruins with your team. She came to me and handed me the feather. She told me. “Help guide our children to happiness.”

  Emma: What about Keya?

  Goren: She also gave me something for her. There was a book with this. It was a journal from our adventures. I gave it to her in hopes she would learn from our mistakes.

  *Lily hops out and sniffs the feather, as her nose touches the feather, a bright light shines, and a white star forms on her forehead. Goren stumbles back and Isabelle runs into the room. Isabelle looks over and tears form in her eyes.*

  Isabelle: That’s Grace’s “Birthmark.” She didn’t have it when we saw her last, but I know that mark anywhere.

  *Emma and Lily look at each other.*

  Goren: She always said it was proof of her mother. But she never told us what she meant by it.

  Emma: The wings.

  Lily: Of Harmony.