Serrah

"Serrahfina."

The red haired girl raises an insolent brow after hearing my name. I clench my fists so hard that they shake timidly. My anger's boiling too hot to cool, it might pop up soon. If I were you, I'd learn to watch my manners, brat. I've been waiting for an opportunity to dig her a grave, ever since the first time she pointed an arrow at Arthus.

"Put the bow down or direct it somewhere else other than him," I order firmly with a matching glare, emphasizing authority in my voice.

"Who are you? His sweetheart? But you look like an old hag with that white hair of yours." she queries in a tone that makes me and Arthus flinch. Then she transfers her aim to me, smiling annoyingly for the love of my temper.

That's it. You've crossed the line.

I can't hold it any longer. With a rapid step, I dash forward while summoning Sin, leveling it with her neck in an instant. The malicious black blade should be enough to scare her.

"Time to zip your mouth, lassie," I whisper only for her to hear. She counters back with a grin.

"Sure but not today, lady."

I hear whirring and clanging sounds behind my back. Averting to the corners of my eyes, I see arrows floating in mid-air, poking at my armor. They're engulfed in green glow. Augmentation is a random form of arcane, who knows what effect is enchanted in these? One arrow hovers beside my head, twirling some of my hair with its tip.

"Still got a trick under your sleeve? I mean, armor?" She laughs.

I sigh softly. To hell with the Elves and their bizarre arcane. But I didn't yield, not lowering Sin even just a single inch. One more word of conceited wisdom and she'll bid her neck goodbye-together with her silly persona.

"That's enough, the two of you. Serrah. . . Xandria, put down your weapons right now," Arthus's solid command springs up from behind me. His displeased tone makes me cringe.

"Who put you in charge?" Xandria inquires mockingly.

I wrestle with the overpowering desire to slice her neck. Arthus won't be too happy if I execute actions without his order.

Materializing at this moment is already a major transgression.

"Do as you're told," is his cold reply.

Letting Sin fade slowly, I take a step back as I scrutinize Xandria with extreme hostility. A triumphant chuckle leaks out from her lips. Immediately, the arrows drop, clanking noisily as they hit the ground.

"Consider yourself lucky. Had not Arthus-"

"Blah, blah, blah. You sound broken hearted already," she cuts me off. This time, I'm shaking fervently with anger while thinking of a thousand ways to torture this foul-mouthed brat.

"I said, enough," Arthus snarls as flames erupt on his right hand and snow swirling on the other.

"Chill, idiot. Funny how you love using ice but you can't keep your cool," Xandria smirks while rubbing her chin with her thumb.

"Give us a minute," Arthus mutters, grabbing my hand and hauling us several feet away Xandria.

"What are you doing here, Serrah?" he whispers, grinding his teeth; eyes boring holes as they stare at mine. That's not a good sign but Arthus really looks charming when he's angry.

"Protecting you from a peanut-minded mortal whose manners are extraordinarily obnoxious, I swear-"

"What? You don't think I can handle myself?" He snaps.

"It's not like that Arth-"

"Then what? You know I'm capable."

"Can't you see she's adverse to your every notion? What if-"

"What if you quit treating me the way you treat me years ago. I'm not a child anymore!" His voice is barely short of a yell now. "Sometimes, you must learn to-"

"She almost pierced an arrow through your chest!" I scream so loud, causing the room to quake. The small flame explodes into a burst of fire that disintegrates the lamp in a blink. Dust falls off from above; I'm afraid that the ceiling would give up and topple on us.

"Ooops, my bad," Xandria meekly butts in while caressing Vladimiria's fur. Arthus opens his mouth but he closes it quickly right after.

"I'm only worried about you. At least grow a heart and feel it!" I cry out. My body starts to crumble into black dust. Arthus becomes a blur as water starts to shroud my vision. Why do you have to be insensitive? Can't you see everything I do is only for your own good? Is it wrong to care so much about you?

'It might be,' a small voice hisses inside my head.

Becoming attached to a person is almost always a bad thing for a warrioress like me. Especially that I'm just nothing but a soul. I've lived my real life ages ago already, even if it's short-lived. At first, I consider this another chance to exist in this world a curse. You only get to live once, whether you enjoyed it to the fullest or not.

I feel like I'm a violation of the laws of life and nature. But when I met Arthus, things began to take form in a new perspective. This second chance might not be so bad after all. Is it because I see him in him?

No. What am I thinking? I immediately clear my thoughts crystal. The past belongs to the past. Bringing it back will just cause nothing but pain.

I'm almost close to returning to the astraphantasmal realm when I sense a warm feeling grasp my hand. Of course, I know whose hand is it. A steady flow of mana surges into my body, rejuvenating my faded parts, and preserving my physical form. It's Arthus.

"Ugh, Serrah," he begins, clasping my shoulders. Xandria whistles a playful tune but we both ignore her. "Hear me. I'm sorry, okay? I wasn't in the position to talk back. I just don't want you appearing recklessly in times such as this. Not that my orders are absolute because I'm your master. It's because I care about you too-so much. I won't be the Arthus today, breathing and wise... Yeah, I can be stubborn, I get that. But the point is, I'm good as dead without you. You're basically my life, Serrah. The only person I'd risk my life for. I don't want to lose you. Yes, you might be immortal but you're not invulnerable. To me, you're a person, not a soul. Honestly, I'm on the point that protecting you is becoming more important than my selfish quest for vengeance. Lazaddon might have crushed my heart to pieces but I'm growing a new one, thanks to you."

Silence invades the room. Even Xandria's not saying a word but her eyes ripples with empathy. Vladimiria is only sitting with her tongue hanging out, as if she understands the scene.

My feelings become singular. Happiness. I feel only happiness. I'm aware that I shouldn't display weakness but my tears just keep falling. Oh my gods, I must look ugly right now. Arthus could be lying or not but who cares? It's one of the most wonderful things that I've heard in all of my life. His deep voice continues to echo in my head. It's a ringing that can't be stopped.

"So much for the drama, let's get back to business." Xandria intercepts as she stands up and brushes her hands against each other.

"Sure but try to be nice. We're not your enemies," Arthus faces her. "At least, not for now."

"Fine with me."

"So, tell us your real motives. Try not to be vague or we won't get along."

"I will tell you if you answer my question first," Her grip on the bow tightens. "Are you human?"

Arthus inhales a deep breath and mutters. "Guess there's no hiding it now. Yes.

Xandria's eyes blazes with intense hate. Her breathing becomes shallow and fast as she trembles with anger. Suddenly, a snapping sound cracks out of nowhere. Pieces of a broken arrow drop on the floor. "What about her? She looks human but she's clearly not one. Her whole being is made up of mana itself."

"I'm a physical manifestation of an astral entity."

The confused look spreading across her face explains she doesn't understand. "Okay, I'll keep it simple for a pea-brain like you. Think about Arthus as a conjurer and I'm his summon. Except that I have my own consciousness and freewill, unlike that of a summon. Get it now?"

I catch a glare and a scoff from her. "Thick-headed chunk of metal. I get it," she spits.

I grit my teeth. You're really trying to get into my nerves.

"What about you?" Arthus asks, causing the tension to go down. "How come you're half-human, half-elf? That's a taboo."

Xandria grimaces to the question and doesn't respond. It seems to me she's fighting a bitter truth.

"True, I'm the only Aquieux with human blood. A knight raped my Elven mother."

Nobody makes a sound in the next few minutes. Arthus puts a hand around his mouth, exhales deeply and gapes at the empty wall, trying to avoid my gaze and Xandria's. She turns around, obviously trying to muffle her sobs while wiping away tears. Vladi's sympathetically rubbing her neck at Xandria's leather boots.

"Okay, we all have our share of bad experiences," Arthus finally speaks. "Best not talk about it."

"Agreed," Xandria adds, widening her eyes at me. "How come I didn't notice you coming with us all the way here?"

Arthus steps forward and is about to say something when I bar him with my arms. If he's planning to spill it to a stranger like her, it might cause her to become more hostile at us. I should think of something to cover this up.

"I have alteration magic. I stayed invisible the whole time but your actions forced me to blow my cover."

"Alteration, uh-huh. That's nice," she replies. It seems to me she's not buying it. "How did you stay invisible for so long? That must have cost a lot of mana."

"Well-"

"She is a lot more than she looks. Xandria, she's my mentor. I suggest you stop questioning her affinities," Arthus intercepts.

She nods slowly with her lips pouted and eyes sparking with suspicion. But I guess she's considering what Arthus has said.

"Every commotion we encounter is waste of time," I mutter. "Arthus isn't safe anywhere so Xandria, it's about time you tell us your real motive so we can come to a decision."

"Fine," she rolls her eyes. "Arthus is joining the Circle, so, I want to come with him."

"What?" Arthus and I yell in unison.

"You heard me."

"Why would you want to come with us?" I ask with my suspicion steadily building up.

"Let's just say I have something to do with the Circle. Oh, and please don't ask. You'll know when we get there."

"How do I know this isn't a trap?"

"I promise," she utters softly. "Elves are true to their words."

"But you're half-human too," I state the obvious fact. "And we all know most humans are treacherous."

Xandria swings her hands up in the air in frustration. "Gods, I grew up here in Calum, in Elven territory surrounded by Elven culture. I don't bother with the human blood running within my veins!"

"That's reassuring to hear," I remark.

"How does tagging you along help us?" Arthus asks.

"Well, you take me with you to meet the Circle then I'll hook you up with someone who can get you to them. Someone who knows their whereabouts. Lagrisme is a mystery, Arthus. Besides, I know Calum better than you do. Lots of dangers on the way. Seymour wouldn't want a recruit dead before it could reach him. And I won't be a burden since I can kick both of your asses easy.

I smirk, cracking my knuckles and tilting my head from side to side. "Don't get too full of yourself, youngling."

"Fine," Arthus mumbles and heaves out a sigh. "As long as you two keep away from each other's throats.

"So, who's this person who knows Lagrisme's location?" I ask.

"Queen Isabel," she answers, her voice coated with hatred.

This is not good. The woman who we've been running away from since we got here is the same person Arthus needs to be a step closer in achieving his goals. What do we do? It's not for me to decide. This is your call, Arthus.

| ~ |

Hello! So, what do you think of this chapter? Is the story getting better? Or are some things bothering you? Please, don't hesitate to voice out your thoughts! I love reading them J Thanks for sticking up to this point!

All regards from Serrah and Arthus.

-J

Also, check out the prologue for the schedule of the next update!