Carelessness

“Give me a better challenge!” Mari bragged as the kids stared at the split boulder. 

“G-geez, Sissy!” Sori’s jaw was on the ground. The crowd of children were in various stages of shock and glee at her demonstration of supernatural strength.

It had been three days since she had come to Teatris and she was already popular! Mari’s first full day there had been fun for her, but chaos for Azreal. She'd wanted to explore every inch of the town, and he’d had been stuck as her reluctant guide. Everyone was surprised and intrigued at the presence of a unicorn, of course, but they’d taken it in stride and been nothing but kind.

Having to deal with all the attention seemed stressful to Azreal, though. He was busy around the village, so she was doing her best to keep herself occupied. She didn’t want him to feel like she needed constant attention.

Yesterday, Sori had taken her around and introduced her to his friends. Today, when they went out to play, it seemed like every child in the village was there!

She’d never imagined having so many little friends to play with; it was a dream come true! Today, the kids were using her as their personal circus animal by challenging her powers.

Basically, she was allowed to show off for once. She’d just split a rock in two with a single punch.

“H-how? You don’t look strong at all!”

Mari laughed and flexed her arm. “Unicorns have unnatural strength and endurance! We’re holy creatures after all! If I can fight armies in my unicorn form, why would I be weak in my human one?”

She winked at the kids. “Here’s your lesson for the day, kiddos. Never underestimate something just ‘cause it looks pretty. The most beautiful creatures can be the deadliest.”

“My turn! MY TURN!” a young boy with messy hair and freckles screamed, aggressively shoving his way to the front. “My turn to pick a challenge!”

‘Kishel, chill.” Sori rolled his eyes at his friend. “It’s not that serious.”

“Yes, it is! I’m the fastest in the village! Your sister will FINALLY give me decent competition”

“I challenge you to a race!” Kishel dramatically pointed at Mari.

“I wanna run!”

“Me too!”

“Why don’t we all race?” A girl with dark blue hair and glasses suggested.

“Yeah, that’s our Rimea, coming up with great ideas!” The excited kids all chattered at once, turning the challenge into a group event.

“No!” Kishel whined, stomping his foot. “Just me and Mari!”

Mari smiled calmly. ‘Cheeky little brat!’

“I thought you were the fastest? What are you so scared of?” Kishel turned beet red as Sori snicked.

“F-fine! I’ll destroy you all!’

“Okay! I’ll draw a starting line!” Called Rimea. She pushed her glasses up on her nose as she dragged a stick through the dust. “Those pine trees over there?” She pointed to a hill just barely visible in the distance. “That’s the finish. Everyone line up!”

Mari’s heart started pumping in excitement. She knew it was just a silly children’s game, but still! She walked to the line and attempted to take her position, only to nearly fall over.

“Ugh, stupid skirt!” She moaned.

The dress that Nanny Tenka had given her was gorgeous. A mint-colored thing with puffy sleeves and a long skirt. The bodice had beautiful pink and gold flowers embroidered on it. 

Nanny couldn’t stop gushing over how pretty she was and was clearly happy to have her wearing it. Mari did appreciate the old woman’s consideration, and the dress was pretty, but it restricted her from crouching and bending her legs properly. How was she supposed to run in this?

“Are you going to be able to run?” Rimea asked in concern.

“Hey, if you’re gonna be a wussy girl who’s held back by her clothes, then I’m out!” Kishel whined. “If you’re not gonna actually be competition, then what’s the point?”

A flash of inspiration hit Mari. ‘It is just fabric, after all!’

“I’ll be fine! Just give me a minute to fix this.” She stepped out of lined gripped her skirt.

**Riipppp!**

With one swift yank, Mari tore her dress.

“Mari!” Sori exclaimed in shock as she stood triumphantly.

The new diagonal slit kept everything covered, but exposed her legs. “Better!” She nodded in approval as she returned to the line.

Sori shook his head but couldn’t help smiling as everyone took their places. “You’re so strange, sissy!”

Mari grinned back at him as Rimea counted down. “On your marks, get set, go!"

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“Bee-le-le!” Mari stuck her tongue out and made faces at the kids as she hung upside down by her legs from a tree branch. The kids roared with laughter.

She’d won the race, of course. Kishel had been so butt-hurt over losing that he’d challenged her to a game of tag to prove that he could outrun her. He obviously failed at that, too, but it had turned into an hours long game of tag that only ended when even the oldest kids were out of breath.

The sun was slowly beginning to set. ‘I should take Sori home soon. Nanny’s probably making dinner.’ She reflected.

She knew that they could play again tomorrow but, even so, she was enjoying herself so much that she didn’t want the day to end. 

“Hey, sissy? I’m getting hungry.” Sori complained. “Could we go home soon?” Mari swung herself up to a sitting position. “I was just thinking that.” Some of the kids groaned.

“Do we really have to go?" Kishel whined

Mari smiled. “How about one final challenge? Then we can all head back together?”

Rimea’s hand immediately shot up. “I have one! Look above you.” 

At the tip of the massive Pine tree was a bird’s nest. “That’s a sapphire falcon's nest. Climb up and get a feather- without breaking any branches.”

‘Cunning girlie.’ Mari thought. ‘Those branches are extremely thin. She’s a competitive one herself, isn’t she?’

“Sure! Not a problem!” Mari stood and contemplated the branches above her before jumping up. “Hup!” She grabbed a branch and swung herself upwards, grabbing onto the next branch as lightly as she could. 

She continued doing this until the branches weren't strong enough for the impact. Then she crouched down and carefully crawled up the arboreal staircase. She could hear the kids cheering her on down below. Even with her superior vision, they looked like mice down there!

Mari paused momentarily and sat down on a branch.‘If I want to make it up there and not break anything, I need to be systematic. It’s only ten feet to the nest, but there’s no way those little twigs can support me.’

She eyed the trunk. It was rough, but surprisingly sap-free. 

Forming a plan, she carefully swung her legs around the trunk and grabbed onto the branches above her. Digging her bare heals into the trunk, she focused all her strength and weight onto her core and legs, only using the branches as handles when needed.

She could hear the kids below her gasping and smirked. She was agile and her feet were as tough as leather; climbing this was a breeze!

As she shimmied her way up, Mari heard it. ‘That voice-!’ She hadn’t comprehended what it had said, but she was sure of whose it was. Looking down behind her, her heart soared. ‘Azreal!’

Sure enough, staring up in awe along with the children was the mercenary! Mari had no clue where he had come from, but knowing he was watching renewed her determination to win. ‘I want to show him how strong and cool I am! I can’t mess this up!’

Slowly, carefully, Mari inched her way up and finally groped around in the nest, withdrawing what she had come for.

Clasping her jeweled prize tightly, Mari slid down the tree like it was a pole, before swinging her body over to sit on the first strong branch she saw. Everyone gasped as she triumphantly held up the feather.

As the children broke into applause, Mari quickly plucked out some of her hairs and twined them tightly together before tying them around the feather. ‘Perfect!’

No longer needing to be careful, Mari jumped down from the tree. As graceful as a professional dancer, she landed on the ground in front of a crowed of tiny, awed faces. 

“I did it!” She sang, holding up the feather as she approached a stunned Rimea.

“That was a good one! That was the first time today that I really had to think! Here, you earned it.” Mari put the homemade necklace around the girl’s neck and Rimea gasped in protest.

“I-I can’t possibly have something this valuable! These feathers are rare and would go for half the price of a sapphire stone at the minimum!”

 Mari smiled and patted her on the head. “It was your challenge, wasn’t it? Either way, this belongs to you.”

Rimea cradled the feather in appreciative wonder as her friends crowded around for a look. Mari turned to see Azreal and Sori looking at her. 

Sori jumped up and cheered as she approached them. “Sissy! That was so cool! You looked so majestic!”

Azreal’s face was seemingly frozen into its shocked expression. “Y-you can...? I didn’t realize... So, the stories about unicorns are true?” Mari giggled, happy to have him at a loss for words.

‘Yes, success! Praise my awesomeness!’

“We’re blessed with the strength and speed of angels! If I wanted to, I probably could take out more people at once than you ever could hope to in your entire lifetime!” Mari bragged, unaware of the uncomfortable expression that crossed Azreal’s face.

“Still, that was amazing...like some sort of acrobat or fairy...” Mari beamed at the soft look of wonder on his face.

She wanted Azreal to like her; to think that she was amazing. Not just because she was a rare creature, but because of her powers and the things she could do. She wanted him to acknowledge her.

Mari gave a twirl and flexed her arms playfully. “Yep, that’s me! The grace and beauty of angels and the strength of entire armies! Nothing can beat me!” Azreal let out an amused chuckle before freezing.

“What?”

His eyes locked on to the bare leg exposed by the slit in her dress. As if a switch had been flipped, Azreal’s demeanor changed.

“What the hell happened to your dress?”

Mari could feel his sudden displeasure and it made her uncomfortable. “Oh, it was getting in my way. Looks good, right?”

In an instant Azreal was in front of her gripping her arm. Anger flashed across his face like a flame. “You did that to my grandmother’s dress on purpose?” He demanded. When she nodded affirmatively, Azreal gritted his teeth and squeezed her arm.

“We’re going home. Now."

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The uncomfortable silence was deafening as Azreal marched Mari and Sori back home. He’d dragged them off, not even letting them say goodbye to their friends. Mari was so embarrassed but also pissed.

‘What the hell is his problem? Why’s he getting so mad over a dress, of all things?’

She had repeatedly opened her mouth with the intent of questioning him but had been unable to form the words. Even though she knew his true nature, the seething rage and frustration that radiated off him terrified her.

‘No wonder he’s so feared...I’m sure this aura alone would paralyze any enemy.’

What had she done to make him so angry? Just minutes ago, he had been looking at her like she was the most amazing thing in the world. Then it was like she was scum on his boot. 

Judging by how awkward Sori clearly felt, this sort of outburst wasn’t normal for Azreal.

The three entered the outdoor kitchen and Azreal turned around. “Sori” Azreal said curtly. “Go tell Nanny about the dress. She’ll need to fix it.” Sori zoomed into the house, glad to get away from his siblings.

Azreal locked his eyes on Mari. The hardened, intimidating look in them made her heart wither.

As soon as Sori was out of earshot, Azreal’s anger came out like a flood. “What’s wrong with you? Why the hell would you do something so disrespectful? After everything my grandmother has done for you, this is how you treat her?”

Azreal was loud and intimidated, but Mari knew that this was nowhere the angriest he could be. Defiant and annoyed, she stood up strait and glared right back at him.

“I don’t appreciate you yelling at me! Of course I love Nanny! What’s wrong with you that you’re acting like a fool in public over a dress? It’s just a piece of fabric that's easy to replace!”

Azreal narrowed his eyes. “A stupid dress?” He said in a low voice. “A stupid dress?” He sounded offended, but Mari hadn’t the slightest idea why.

“It’s not the end of the world! God!” Mari exclaimed, digging her heals in deeper. “Yeah, Nanny specifically selected this outfit for me and was excited to see me wear it. So what?”

Azreal’s mouth fell wide open “So what?!” He said so quietly that Mari’s blood seemed like it would turn to ice. “...You disgust me.”

Mari’s eyes stung at those words; the last thing she ever expected to hear from him. The kind of words she had hoped she'd never hear from him.

“That ‘stupid dress’ was the first one Nanny made for herself after she came to live here. At the age of 55, it was the first thing she ever owned for herself in her life. It's her most precious sentimental item. She couldn’t wear it anymore and trusted you with something irreplaceable, but you didn’t even have enough respect for her to treat it well. You just ripped it for your convivence like it was nothing.”

At his judging tone Mari’s heart froze and tears started dripping out of her eyes. ‘Oh no! What did I do? I-I-! I was paying so little attention that I really didn’t know what she was giving me? Nanny! I’m so sorry!’

A flash of pain shot across Azreal’s face at her tears. “Ah, sorry.” Mari quickly rubbed them away. “I didn’t-I didn’t realize...”

Azreal sighed. “You might not have intended to be rude, but you’re selfish. You’re so carefree that you don’t stop to consider the feelings of anyone else. You really shouldn’t get to wear any of Nanny’s clothes.” He said softly, brushing past her and walking out into the town without even a goodbye.

His words were like a thousand needles to Mari’s heart.