Silver and White

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March 6th 2035 Azrael family mansion

With excitement in her voice the blonde girl asked.

“Your mom and dad won’t get mad if we do this right! Right! Right!”

Her tone showing off an unusual level of excitement.

“Yeah. They aren’t the type to care.” Her eyes shifted to the floor as she spoke.

Another girl added, “Is it okay if I take a nap then?”

On a bright sunny morning two girls were painting the back of the Azrael family mansion pink, while a third girl slept under the shade of a tall tree on the grassy lawn of said mansion.

The pair had been painting for at least five minutes.

The silver haired girl—Frey Azrael—heaved a great sigh.

“Hey Elea is there a reason we’re painting the back of my house pink? I mean this is supposed to be a crucial chapter in the story that ties everything up, is it really okay to start it out like this?”

Plus this is the first new chapter  we`ve released in two months we don’t want to upset anyone reading…

“Huh?” Elea paused for a second, and then smirked.

“Hehe-hehe-What are you talking about Frey? Painting your house is the most crucial part in all this.”

She struck the wall with a paint brush SWOOSH!

Frey’s frustration was reaching its limit.

“You aren’t making any sense Lea. Let’s just get to the actual story before the readers get mad!

Elea smirked. Heh!

“No. You’re the one who isn’t making any sense. City of stories doesn’t even have any devout readers to begin with; most people just randomly jump into any chapter that comes out.

She disclosed information that she shouldn’t have. 

“You…You don’t have to say it Lea!” Even if it’s true! You just shouldn’t say it dummy.

Elea continued. "On the weekly ranking we rank lowest on honeyfeed...True story"

After having said that, Elea grabbed a paint brush and declared. “All that’s left for us is to paint the back of your house pink!”

Frey exclaimed at her incomprehensible thought process. “What!? My house and our popularity are completely unrelated right?

“Why’re you acting like it’s okay for us to be painting my house when the novel is flopping ?! We need to do something!”

“That’s why I’m painting your house pink.”

“I don’t follow your logic at all?”

The girl under the tree could no longer ignore the situation, now was the perfect chance to ask the question that had been plaguing her; Marine had to speak at once—she had to ask.

“Guys! There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask, it’s something that’s been bothering me for a while now…”

Frey tilted her head to the side. Please don’t be a stupid question.

“Ah? Sure ask away Marine.”

Could this be a plot heavy question or just another bad joke? Elea thought trying to hide her excitement. “What is it Marine?”

Marine’s jet black hair was stretched back by a fast breeze, it hit all three of them as if perfectly planned by the gods to appear at that exact moment.

Marine glared at both of them with an unusual level of seriousness in her eyes.

“What exactly is the plot?” She said. “I forgot.”

This was no joke but a genuine question she had.

Frey and Elea let out a collective sigh, “Huh?”

Early January Two months ago

Where do I start?

“AhaaaGAAAAAAHHGAHHAAH!— Ahaaaaaaa! GAaa-aah! ”

A painful scream.

My life was flashing before my eyes. I was dying I was beyond saving.

It was over for me.

Several memories flooded my mind. The day I got a little sister, conversations I`d had with several people and the feeling of my own death.

It all came crashing down in her mind, as if searching for a way to escape death itself.

What am I seeing?

It was a memory she treasured.

Asteria Azrael got a little sister at the age of six.

The feeling of carrying her—the sensation of holding her, it was something I could vividly remember even now in this moment, as I lay here.

Her life-force was escaping her body.

More memories of her life flooded her mind.

Once such memory, happened a long time ago when Asteria was fifteen or sixteen.

The two silver haired sisters were having supper as a family, just the two of them, because just the two of them were family in that house.

Asteria was sitting beside her, beside Frey—in this large dining room meant for many, it was just the two of them.

A family without mother or father that’s what we are.

The younger sister had been meaning to ask something but couldn’t. To be more precise at the time it was something she thought she shouldn’t ask. I shouldn’t!

I shouldn’t ask.

I shouldn’t ask…

I shouldn’t right? But…If it’s Asteria—if it`s big sister it should be okay to ask?

“Umm…Sis?”

. “Yes.” Asteria replied

The memory was unfolding before Asteria`s eyes.

Frey stammered as she spoke unsure of her big sisters reaction. “Do m-m-ommy and d-d-daddy love us!?”

In the darkness of a large dining room, Frey questioned her older sister with a trembling voice.

I asked.

The sight of other children and their parents, the conversations at school about all the things their parents did for them.

All those day to day interactions, made the Frey question herself.

Do I have a family?

Other families were different from there’s and Frey was finally starting to notice.

“Sorry I shouldn’t have as—

Her voice was calm and gentle like a breeze—no more like the waves at sea, on a warm sunny day; she spoke in a slow kind tone.

—I can’t speak for them so I won’t. All I can tell you is this, I certainly love you.”

Her eyes widened. Reflected in them was the warm smile of the person she called big sister.

I love you to. In that moment those words failed to escape Frey’s lips even so. The certainty of the joy she felt was undeniable.

“Wha..wha..what!? What are you saying big sis!? You sound like the protagonist of some trashy harem rom com!”

Then putting her arms around Frey and squeezing gently, Asteria whispered.

“I’m sure you know, unlike some harem protagonist, when I say I love you, I really mean it.”

Frey was being squeezed between her chest. “Gwuh!” Frey muttered.

“Um…We’re related by blood so…I…I…I can’t! It’d be incestuous.” She blushed.

“That so…? Then I’ll settle for this...” She pressed Frey’s head against herself. “Even if no one will love you, I’ll love you. And should the whole world turn against you I’ll always be on your side. So don’t worry too much about family, because you’ll always have me.”

The only blood relationships they could count on were each other; the only family they could count on was each other.

As for a mother figure, Lillian in particular was a sort of mother figure to them.

Lillian the head maid of the Azrael mansion, held a parental position in both Frey and Asteria’s lives. The mansion where they lived was far removed from what a normal home should be that’s for sure.

Another odd memory revealed itself, now of all times she thought. It was a conversation she had a week before her death.

“Your weakness, Silver witch, is that you are too nice, far too nice. I’m saying this to you as a fellow candidate so heed my words and take care.”

At age twenty four Asteria recognised as a great mage, nicknamed the silver witch was nominated to be one of the twelve candidates.

Asteria could tell the person spoke those words out of genuine concern for her well-being.

She smiled.

“Nonsense not when compared to you Merlin. Even now, you worry more about me than yourself.”

Turning away from her he said. “It’s Just a warning between peers.”

“Your Tsundere personality is showing.”

“Don’t get the wrong idea!”

“It’s just…I told you I’m not worried about you at ALL.”

She smiled softly at him.

He stared back at her.

“Jokes aside take my advice seriously Asteria.”

For some reason the last conversation she had, and the last words she spoke—were playing before her eyes.

“No need to worry I certainly won’t die that easily—at least not in a fight.”

“You say that but knowing you... and your soft spot for—actually never mind.”

“….Okay? I won’t?”

Maybe this was what he meant, she pondered as her breathing became heavy and her vision became blurry.

I can’t breathe!

The image of her eventually leaving her families mansion, and renting her own apartment in the city followed.

I left that home and started living on my own.

The killer, the only relative aware of her stay in the apartment and the only person with a spare key.

She would be lonely without me so I gave her a key.

She was aware of the killers identity.

The day she died, the first thing she became aware of was a warm hand pressing against her back—Asteria’s back—she knew the hand well, a small and gentle hand.

She didn’t need to turn back to see who it was that, Asteria could identify those small fragile hands by touch alone.

Someone I trust, someone I love and someone I treasure.

Gold as she would describe it.

She smiled gently and said, “Fre—

Before she could say a word to her sister, the area of her back where the hand rested, became hot, burning hot; the flesh began to sizzle, the back muscles shrank and contracted from the heat emitted by the hand.

Advanced Fire magic.

An incantation.

It happened in an instant. Her eyes widened. Without warning Bang!! Fragments of her lower half scattered about the room.

She had been blown to smithereens.

The entire room was stained red with Asteria’s blood and innards— the assailant a silver haired little girl in middle school—Asteria’s sister—she was covered in red, from head to toe.

For a second or two Frey stood in the centre of the blood stained room, grinning eerily with blank eyes in the reflection of the blood on the floor.

Her reflection was a terrifying image to behold.

Long silver hair dyed red, a usually reserved expression replaced with a twisted grin and blank lifeless eyes stared back at her.

A painful scream filled the room.

Tears welled up in Frey’s eyes now crouched down on the floor, she screamed, in agony. “AHHHHHHAAAAHAAA!”

Crying who’s crying? Whose tears are these? Are they for me or someone else?

Asteria was in tremendous pain, her vision was blurry, blood was gushing out from everywhere, air escaped her lungs…And she couldn’t feel her lower half.

It was agony, and yet Asteria didn’t scream, rather she couldn’t scream, not when her sister was on the floor crying right in front of her.

Using the last of her strength she raised an arm shakily—she spoke—a voiceless incantation was cast.

The girl—no the entire room was glowing a bright purple glow.

“I…hope…you can find…gold.” Asteria muttered, smiling at her sister Frey.

No sooner had she finished her sentence than Frey teleported instantaneously.

To a place both thought fondly of by them.

March 5th 2035

Present day

The Central Police Station.

Lunch break in the mess hall.

Lesley decided to explain it to Beverly as simply as she could.

"So…Um dude she committed suicide like a month ago, and she was basically this really Op mage okay.”

“….Okay I think I get it.” Beverly said nodding her head, she hadn’t really gotten anything.

Lesley slurped some orange juice she got with Beverly’s money. “She was so powerful that among the twelve candidates, only two of them could beat her in a fair fight.” Lesley added.

Beverly thought to herself. The way Lesley speaks about the silver witch lady, she doesn’t sound like the type to…

Beverly couldn’t understand why such a person would want to die. “She sounds amazing.”

“She is amazing! Kind, smart, hardworking, powerful and just the opposite of you.” Lesley laughed.

“Sounds like you prefer her to me?” Beverly said, sounding somewhat fatigued. “Ah—was she that great as me these past three days?”

Lesley grinned. “Yes! It was objectively the best three days this stations ever seen.”

I wonder if she could possess me and work while I got more sleep! The idea found itself in Beverly ko’s mind.

Lesley continued.

“She made the station, you and especially the chief look good by catching the marata family you know…And she’s not stingy with her money like a certain someone.”

Lesley pointed an index finger at Beverly.

Beverly quickly checked her wallet realizing that some money was missing, “Huh!?” she gasped.

“My-ma-ma-ma-money.”

“And if you’re asking who I prefer obviously…Its you! You’re my Bestie so of course I prefer you.” Lesley added. “I still think she’s more useful though.”

“You guys spent my money!”

“In truth I think of you as my younger sister Ko.”

“Don’t ignore me and don’t change the topic Les! Do you know how much sleep I’ll lose working off the money I lost!”

Her priorities are messed up! “That’s what you’re upset about!?”

Beverly continued. “And I’m older than you.”

It’s a very rare sight to see Beverly genuinely worked up; March 5th was one of those rare times. Lesley made a mental note to mark the day.

March 5th noted!

Beverly having calmed down said, “So she helped the chief, and the station, without taking any credit? She really does sound like a nice person, hard to believe she killed herself?”

Lesley grinned.

“Figures, you doubt it too don’t you, you cheeky little lazy bum, you might actually be a decent cop one day.” Lesley poked her cheek.

“Am I right?”

Beverly stared back wordlessly for a moment, she wouldn’t take credit or praise for any work she didn’t do herself, she was a lazy bum, but she was principled.

“Actually the way you described her tipped me off, from what you said, she doesn’t sound like the type to take her own life.

“Also no one uses the word cheeky in this day and age are you Emilia.” Beverly said with a posed look.

Beverly poked Lesley’s left cheek, Lesley was poking her right.

“If I’m Emilia then are you my gallant night here to help me win the royal selection.” Lesley said, poking Beverly’s other cheek with her other hand. “I’d be honoured to have you Ko-baru.”

Beverly grinned and poked Lesley’s right cheek, “If I was the said knight, I’d help anybody but you, win the royal selection.”

Beverly poked both Lesley’s right and left cheeks and Lesley did the same vice versa.

Lesley whispered, in the middle of their poking battle. “You won’t believe who she said killed her.”

“You mean the witch,” Beverly dropped her hands signalling her withdrawal from the battle, Lesley let out a loud victory cry, the crowd of co-workers that formed around them went wild.

After things settled down Beverly asked, “Who was it that killed her?”

Lesley grinned, “You know she wasn’t willing to tell me anything at first, once she opened up to me though, she finally told me who it was that killed her...It took a lot of work you know, convincing her to talk, but she finally broke—

--Lesley, you’re dragging this out, it’s eating into the word limit.”

“Oh-ho-ho I’ve dragged this reveal out long enough,” Lesley said with a hand on her hip and another pointing to the sky, “The Silver witch’s exact words were.”

‘I was killed by—

Present Day. March 5th

—Frey!

We should go see her! Elea parker thought.

Cigma High school for magic and fine arts.

S.S.C Club room

On the floor of the S.S.C clubroom, were two girls, cradled next to each other bosom to bosom.

“Hey Marine.”

“What is it Lea?”

“I just had a great idea!”

“I love it when you have great ideas!” Marine trilled with a ditzy smile.

“So what is it?”

“We should go see Frey!”

“That’s a marvellous idea Lea!”

She smiled.

“I know right! Before that…You’ve been calling me Lea why`s that?” Elea asked scratching her head.

Marine smiled. “I just like the sound of Lea.”

“It does have a nice ring to it!”

“I know right!”

“Ahaha-ha-Ahaha-ha!” They both laughed.

Elea paused to think. “Mm…Problem is, how do we find out where she lives.”

“I know where everyone in school lives! So live it to me!” Marine said with a wide smile.

“REALLY!?” Elea said.

“REALLY!” Marine replied.

“Great!” Elea cheered.

“Ahaha-ha-Ahaha-ha!” They both laughed.

“Wait What?!” Elea yelled, taken aback by the surprising information her close friend shared. “That’s super creepy Marine!” Marine can be weird…So weird sometimes.

“…..? Huh?” Marine tilted her head and smiled. Did I say something strange?

March 1st

Three days ago.

Sometime in the morning

In the dark somewhere—contrast to the brightness of the morning was a man seated on a chair—in what seemed to be his office.

Another man was opposite the man in the chair.

“I want you to go trade with the Marata`s.” The man in the chair said, with a commanding voice. “Should they prove useless dispose of them immediately…Mitchell do you understand?”

“I do but, I don’t know Boss; trade isn’t really ma specialty, ya know. Wouldn’t someone like Cherry be more suited for a job like this, ya know?”

“The job is perfect for you…”He smiled eerily. “…Besides, Cherry is handling a private job for us elsewhere, so it can’t be helped.”

“That so. Guess it can’t be helped ya know.”

He exited the room; the man named Mitchell exited the room, through the only door in the room he left and no one else entered after him…

Leaving the “Boss” alone.

The “Boss” was alone in that room this was the truth.

The “Boss” and only the “Boss” was in that room, this was a fact, an undeniable truth, even more so now that his subordinate had departed.

And yet—

“Kha! Ha Ha Haa! Kha Ha Ha!”

— a laugh that was certainly not the “Boss” was heard.

“Kahaaaaa! Kha kha kha! Ku-ku!”

“ Kyaahaaa! Kahaaaaa! Kha kha kha! Ku-ku! Kyaahaaa!” A hysterical laugh—a maddening laugh.

The man was not the least bit frightened.

“Young lady is that you?”

Rose petals fell from who knows where and a petit young looking, little girl in a white gown appeared from thin air. Her long luscious white hair dazzling, shining, radiant, illuminating, lit the entire room.

Her eyes completely blank, lifeless and empty

The girl grinned.

“Euphoria Euphorosyne Euphoria Euphorosyne Euphoria Euphorosyne, sing it loud sing it proud,” She sang at the top of her voice.