Ｃｈａｐｔｅｒ ６ -​𝓨𝓸𝓾'𝓻𝓮 𝓜𝔂 𝓜𝓸𝓽𝓲𝓿𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷

​

​3 years ago...

​Flora: “I… I can do this! I'll study for the entrance exams and go to trials, and go to the Red Moon Academy. I'll be a great mage like Mom. “

​Autumn looks in at her little sister with a proud expression. She claps her hands.

​Autumn: “I'm so proud of you. You can do it! I'll cheer you all the way. “

​Flora sheepishly smiles.

​Flora: Aha ha… Thank you, Autumn. I… um, are you sure you don't want to study magic with me to become… a mage?”

​Autumn shook her head, still smiling.

​Autumn: “I decided a long time ago. The class I want to pursue is Beast Tamer. There's…“

​ She pauses to pet a bird that landed on her fingers before it flew out the window.

​“There's something about animals that calms me down,” she chuckles. She looks back at Flora.

​“ You seem in a happier mood, Flora. Did something good happen lately” she asks curiously.

​Flora looks a bit flustered and scratches her cheeks.

​Flora: “Oh, I, um…made a new friend recently. He, um… also wants to pursue Red Moon Academy.“

​Autumn looks in awe, slowly clapping.

​Autumn: “I'm so happy for you. I know it's sometimes hard to make friends. So… I'm happy my baby sister is growing up!”

​The comment only makes Flora feel more embarrassed. She put her hands up.

​Flora: “Autumn… I'm not a little kid, you know… I can make friends… if I try.“ She pouts, making her sister laugh.

​Autumn: “I know you can. So, what's his name?”

​Flora: “His name is Indigo. He's actually one year older than me, but he's really nice, and he knows so many cool spells! He can use fire spells, water spells…and and…”

​Autumn looks in awe.

​Autumn: ”That's so cool! Is he a mage?” Flora shook her head.

​Flora: “He doesn't have a class yet, but he must have a lot of mana. So I think he's going for mage too.“

​Autumn chuckles.

​Autumn: “Your friend sounds lovely. And a friend of yours is also a friend of mine. I would love to meet him one day.“ Flora nods.

​“Of course, Autumn. I can introduce you guys one day.”

​

​She wishes she didn't introduce her sister to Indigo. There were so many things that Flora would open up to Autumn, yet she left out many details. Such as the extent of how much she admired Indigo was more than friendship.

​She watches as Autumn puts the armor on Mochi, who stays still for her, and Indigo laughs beside her. Flora realizes how much she envies the older girl.

​She knows it wasn't her sister's fault. After all, she never communicated how she felt after all these years. There were things she would rather take to her grave. And yet, at this moment, it hurts to compare herself again. But this time it was to her sister.

​From the moment her sister was born, Flora felt that her sister was always the more fortunate one. Her sister was praised often for being sweet and helpful; animals adore her, and she has many friends and admirers.

​And now she has her beloved Indigo. Her main reason, Flora, wanted to be a great mage like her mom.

​Looking back, she realizes there were so many hints that they were getting closer. She remembers Indigo asking how her sister was at school.

​And how, at times, Indigo and Autumn would spend time together in her room. Flora thought it was a friendly thing, but it's so obvious now. Even the way they look at each other from time to time.

​Flora grips her hand, remembering something bitter. There was a time Indigo asked Autumn if she could help with shopping. Flora was there and asked if there was anything she could do to help them. She mainly just wanted to spend more time with them. But that day, Indigo gave some excuse that it would be too crowded. Thinking back, Flora guessed they went on a date. It was as if the moment Indigo met Autumn, her friendship with Indigo kept drifting away.

​Flora, sitting on the floor, watches the other three interact and starts reminiscing.

​‘Why do I like Indigo…again?’

​Rewinding her events, she starts remembering the first day they met.

​

​It was a hot summer day, and cicadas were crying. A young version of Flora struggles to get her wand back. Many kids surrounded her and laughed.

​Flora:” Give it back! Please! It's important!”

​An older boy grinned and taunted her.

​“ Or what? Are you really going to use magic on me?” That earns a whistle from another, who sneers at her.

​“ She can't even use proper magic.“

​They laugh as they toss the wand like tossing a ball to each other. Flora tries to grab, but one of them trips her, making her cry.

​One of them crouches down to her level.

​“ You should stick to a knife or sword. Maybe better luck with those.”

​“ No!” Flora shouted and struggled to get up.

​“ I don't want to… I like magic… I want to be a mage like my mom.”

​She nearly screams when one of the boys spits close to her hand on the ground.

​The older boy pulled her hair and pointed the wand at her.

​“ You want to be like the legendary mage hero? That's funny. Because last time I checked, everyone in the village said you are a wannabe who can't even cast a single spell right. And you know what?”

​She felt a sense of dread as he hovered over her with her wand.

​“ I think I can do a better job than you. I may not have that much mana in comparison, but I can make it hurt.” The boy grins as she hears some incantations. The wand starts to glow-

​

“ Hey! Leave her alone!” Suddenly, a vine springs up to grab the wand and slap the bullies away. The bully fell on his butt, gritting his teeth in pain.

​“ Hey! Who the hell are you?” the older boy demands.

​The newcomer emerges with vines hovering over him. A wand was pointed at the bullies, while the vine handed him Flora's wand.

​“ I'm Indigo, and only the weak people attack the innocent. You guys should feel shame.”

​The bullies look at the vine and slowly back away. The older one glares.

​“ I will remember this, Indigo. Just you wait,” but as he turned around, he saw his friends had left him

​“ Hey, you cowards! Wait up!” He chases after them.

​Indigo crouches to Flora and holds up his hand.

​Indigo: Are you okay… did they hurt you?”

​Flora slowly shook her head before taking his hand. He pulls her up now and notices her height.

​Indigo: “Aw… you're short. That's adorable. “

​Flora looks baffled.

​“ Who are you calling short?!” She whines.

​Indigo laughs.

​“ Sorry, sorry. I got carried away. But here's your wand. I don't think that was right of them to bully innocent girls. I was worried they would get violent.“ He scratches his cheek.

​Flora looks down.

​Flora: “Why did you help me…you could have looked the other way…now they'll remember you.” she mutters.

​Indigo frowns.

​Indigo: “Of course, I wouldn't ignore it. That would be unforgivable.“

​Flora looks down.

​Flora: “I'm thankful, but…it's easier to ignore it. Everyone else did. And they don't get hurt because of it. “ She suddenly felt him grab her shoulders.

​Indigo: “That is not what a great mage will do!”

​Flora widens her eyes. He continues.

​“ Even if that might make my life easier, it doesn't mean it's right. A hero should answer the cries of others. Because those are the exact proof that I am strong. I will be strong.“

​Flora could feel the determination in his eyes.

​“Wow…” She had never met anyone like him before. He suddenly retracted his hands on her shoulders.

​Indigo: “Ah, sorry… I hope I didn't come off as intense.” She shook her head.

​“No, you're fine… I'm Flora Fall. You are… Indigo right?” She hoped she heard his name right from earlier.

​Indigo: “Yes, you are right. I am Indigo Blues. And Fall, huh? Like the Great April Fall? I have heard of your mother. She is a great inspiration of mine,” he smiles as he hands back her wand.

​He walks to the side.

​“They say great mage craft is based on the bloodline and gift of the parents, but…” He smiles.

​“That is something I don't agree with. Mage craft doesn't need to be based on those or talent. I believe, if we really want something, we should work hard for it. So tell me, Flora. What exactly do you wish for?”

​“I…”

​That day, Flora's eyes opened to a new perspective. A way to reach a goal is through her determination and motivation.