Arc 1 Finale: Event Horizon

“Everyone who spends a long period of time with her ends up having their memory altered?”

“That’s the way I see it, she and Stahn arrived in town when she was eight. Due to me spending most of my time trying to survive I barely registered with them, but even I remember who’s lived here for the longest and shortest.”

So because a vast majority of the town interacted with them, a vast majority ended up getting false memories?

“Not only that, but for some reason, Lena seems drawn to those who know the truth. All the missing girls, just so happened to know the truth that she wasn’t a native. Although they didn’t care that much about it.”

She was drawn to those who knew-Wait, did she become my friend because I possibly knew the truth? Was our friendship a lie? Whitney told me to keep my wits about myself, as for me I walked back to the Inn in a daze.

****

I can’t believe I did something so stupid, I threatened such a kind girl. However, now things will be different. I’ll protect the princess, my friend with my life!

“There you are, where were you Matilda?”

Hmmm? I looked behind me to see the vice captain panting, in his hands was a diary. I know I shouldn’t judge, but that’s a little out of character for someone like the vice captain.

“Nice diary Vice Cap-”

“It’s not mine, it’s Kesandra’s. Her will specified that she wanted you to have it.”

I froze, Kesandra’ diary, in other words a memoir of her experiences with the squad and me. I took the diary with trembling hands, the vice captain nodded at me and left. I wanted to tear the diary open right there and read what Kesandra wrote, but I felt unworthy. First I’ll survive this battle, and then after that I’ll read Kesandra’s will and testament.

Kesandra, I know I messed up badly, but please watch me. This time I really will make things right, I will be strong, so please…

“Please watch me, I promise I’ll keep my face cute like you wanted.”

I walked towards the makeshift quarters we were granted, with my vigor renewed and resolve steeled.

****

Why? Why why why why why why why, Why!

“Opera, why did you betray me? Why did you have my Dad arrested?”

It must be some cruel joke, my father would never do those things . It’s a lie, I know it is. So why does everyone believe her? Why do they trust Opera over me? Even though I spent my entire life here. I swam in the pond with my friends, ate sweet potato pie at the festival, I even had a secret club with the village girls for braided hair. We’ve been the best folks living in [ ] so why would…

…Huh? Wait, where in the world did that come from. I’ve lived in Pewter my whole life…right?

“What’s going on, why does my head hurt like this? Dad, Mom, I’m scared.”

It felt like my head was being torn apart, I cried for my parents but no one came. Images flashed into my head, images of a humble mountain town. The people were so nice, there were so many friendly children, and their potatoes were so sweet. Oh yeah, I remember that village was Bl-

“Uhhh, my head. Gaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!”

I fainted due to the pain from my head, when I came to I didn’t feel as stressed as I did before. Wait, what was I thinking about again?

****

“Finally, an actual bed to sleep on!”

I bounced on my bed, preparing to enjoy a good night’s sleep. Although, I’d be lying if I said there were somethings that didn’t bug me. Why do the villagers here have altered memories? What’s Lord Twigo planning? Then the most important question, how does Lena tie into all this? I wanted to respect her father’s wishes and not involve her, but there’s something wrong here. Oh well, all I could do now is slee-

“Ye-owch! Really, now of all times!”

I felt a stinging sensation race through my head, almost like someone was trying to warn me about something. I fought my urge to sigh, realizing what this was about. I looked at the ceiling in defiance, or should I say I’m looking at you in defiance.

“I’ve been kidnapped, faced existence erasure, fell off a cliff, almost got murdered by goblins, and almost got lynched by angry townsfolk. I’ve survived everything you’ve thrown at me, so if you got anymore where that came from, bring it on my dear author! Just know that you’ll never get that pie I promised.”

I laid on my bed with a smirk, then immediately began dreading. You know I don’t mean that right, please don’t bring the hammer down on me. I barely scraped by as is, please don’t try to kill me! I’ll try to back you that pie, or would you rather something else. I’ll be a good little princess, so please don’t kill me!

****

The night was cold and somber for the townsfolk of Pewter, but for a certain man, that was the contrary.

“Hohohoho! Look at all these beautiful gems! I must say, that man has outdone himself. A shame I’ll need to cut him loose.”

As the curly man gazed at a collection of gems, a figure cloaked in shadows appears behind him.

“Lord Twigo.”

“Let me guess, the people are stirring in town?”

“Worse, the knights and even the Princess herself are getting involved.”

“What!?!”

He swiped the box of mana stones off his desk and stared at his spy in bewilderment. If royalty was starting to get involved, then that changes things. Lord Twigo stood up and walked to a candle sitting on a wall. After pulling it, the wall in front of him began to move.

“Then I can no longer wait, tonight I’ll add the finishing touches to my creation. Then tomorrow, my revolution shall begin!”

Lord Twigo caressed his mustache and laughed maniacally into the night. Who’s to say what this man was planning, but one thing was certain. The battle tomorrow would go down in the nation's history.

Arc 1: Tutorial- Completed

Thank you for reading, I’ll see you all in The Battle for Pewter Arc.