The Temple of Hirako thrummed with life. Sunlight poured through stained-glass windows, scattering prismatic patterns across polished marble floors. Within a chamber lined with mirrors, Ari stood upon a dais, her shoulders sagging beneath the weight of exhaustion as the grandmotherly priestess scrutinized yet another gown.
"This one's worse than the last." The priestess shook her head, her wrinkled fingers dismissing the fabric with a wave. "The cloth tries to suffocate you. Bring me another."
Ari clenched her fists, swallowing her mounting frustration. Countless gowns lay scattered across the chamber like fallen soldiers, each one discarded with the same curt proclamation: Another one.
An assistant hurried forward, clutching a sky-blue dress with hopeful determination. The priestess scoffed. "Do you wish her to resemble a court jester? Next!"
The mounting pressure cracked something within Ari's chest. "If I hear 'another one' again," she snapped, her voice trembling with barely contained fury, "I'll rip every dress in this room to shreds!" Tears threatened to spill as she grasped the collar of the current gown, her chest heaving.
The assistants froze. Even the stern priestess hesitated, her lips compressing into a thin line. Finally, with a weary sigh, she stepped forward and placed a weathered hand upon Ari's shoulder. "That's enough for today, child. We'll resume when you've rested."
Ari managed a weak nod as tears finally breached her defenses. Her friend Rias rushed to her side, enfolding her in a comforting embrace. The room emptied, leaving behind only the chaos of discarded gowns and the heavy silence of Ari's unspoken fears.
The once-bustling chamber now felt eerily hollow. Ari surveyed the disheveled fabrics littering the floor and released a deep sigh, the day's weight pressing down upon her like a physical burden. The ornate chandeliers overhead cast warm, golden light, yet it did little to lift her spirits. Rias gently clasped Ari's hand, helping her to her feet.
"Would you like me to walk you home?" Rias asked, studying the bride's reddened eyes with concern.
"I'll remain here tonight. I want nothing except to lie down." Ari gripped Rias's hand and rose unsteadily. Wiping her eyes with trembling fingers, she departed the changing chamber and entered the great hall.
The vast, echoing space was dominated by a towering statue of the goddess Hirako—a majestic nine-tailed kitsune whose serene countenance offered silent comfort. Ari gazed upward at the statue, pressing her palms together in prayer before continuing to her dormitory room, her footsteps echoing softly through the sacred expanse.
Ari stumbled into her chamber, her body heavy with exhaustion. Moonlight seeped through the curtains, painting the walls in soft, ghostly hues. She collapsed onto the bed, her limbs trembling as the evening's weight compressed her chest.
Her gaze drifted toward the statue of Hirako perched upon her bedside table. The serene nine-tailed goddess offered no comfort tonight. Ari clutched her pillow against her chest, her breath hitching as tears welled anew.
"What did I do wrong?" she whispered into the stillness. "Why, Mother? Why would you sell me to him? What did Father promise you?" The questions clawed at her mind, unanswered and relentless.
Frustration surged through her. She hurled the pillow across the room, her voice rising in anguish. "Don't you care about my feelings?" The echo of her words faded into silence, leaving only the sound of her ragged breathing.
She buried her face in her hands. "Please, Hirako," she begged, her voice fracturing. "Save me… save this wretched soul, even if it means death."
The room seemed to constrict around her, shadows stretching longer as her sobs filled the air. Then, a sharp cry pierced through her despair, slicing through the darkness from the great hall.
At first, she dismissed it. But when a second cry erupted, followed by frantic footsteps and panicked voices, her head snapped upward.
"Run! Run! Save yourself—they're killers!"
Terror gripped her chest. The sounds of crashing doors and shouted orders sent her mind spinning. "Check the rooms! Check the rooms!"
Ari froze, her hand trembling as it hovered over the door handle. Her heart thundered in her ears, drowning out all logic. The world beyond her door had descended into chaos, and she sensed she would be its next target.
Then, silence. A single, commanding "Shh" descended like a heavy blanket, smothering the panic. Before she could react, a hand clamped over her mouth, dragging her to the floor.
The figure loomed above her, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered, "Quiet."
Though fear surged through her veins, something in his presence stilled her racing heart. She dared to glance toward him, but his face remained hidden in darkness. His calm, steady demeanor felt like the only solid thing in a world collapsing around her.
Ari and the mysterious figure turned their attention toward the door, where someone stood on the opposite side. With minimal effort and a series of intricate hand movements, the unknown figure conjured rock pillars that barricaded the entrance. The room filled with the grinding sound of stone against stone as the pillars formed a solid barrier, shielding them from the intruders.
The air thickened with tension, the only sounds being Ari's rapid breathing and the muffled voices beyond. The mysterious savior held her close, his presence a paradox of calm amidst the chaos. The chamber, now a sanctuary within danger, seemed to shrink around them as reality settled in.
Ari's heart hammered against her ribs, adrenaline coursing through her veins. She glanced upward at the figure, attempting to discern his features, but darkness obscured them. Who was he? Why was he helping her? These questions swirled through her mind, but for now, she simply felt grateful to be safe. She clung to that feeling, praying it would sustain her through whatever came next.
"This one won't open. What now?" one of the thugs demanded, frustration evident in his voice.
"You don't know how to open a door?" another scoffed, just before the barricade shattered with a single kick and two slashing strikes, reducing the door to splinters.
"There are two more!" The thugs forced their way through the rock pillars, their heavy boots crunching on debris. The Savior moved with predatory grace, seizing Ari by the waist and hurling her into a corner of the chamber. He then pivoted, his cloak billowing as he faced the intruders with cold, deadly precision in his eyes.
The first thug lunged with a wild thrust. The Savior sidestepped—his movements a blur—and retaliated with a swift punch that left the thug staggering, blood spraying from a deep gash across his face. The second thug swung his sword in a wide arc, aiming for the Savior's neck. With lightning reflexes, the Savior ducked and delivered a powerful kick to the thug's knee. A sickening crack echoed through the chamber as the man crumpled to the ground.
The fight became a deadly dance, the Savior weaving between the two remaining thugs with lethal elegance. His black cloak flowed like a shadow around him, his fists striking with pinpoint accuracy. He parried a thrust, spinning to disarm one thug before kicking him into the rock pillars. The other charged, but the Savior anticipated the move, sidestepping and delivering a devastating elbow strike to the man's face, sending him crashing to the floor.
Amidst the chaos, Ari found herself hoisted onto the Savior's shoulder once more. She clung to him, her heart pounding as he fought off the attackers with her in tow. The chamber became a whirlwind of slashing blades and kicked shins, the Savior's movements so swift that the thugs appeared to move in slow motion. The clang of metal against metal, the grunts of pain, and the attackers' shouts filled the air, creating a symphony of battle.
One thug managed to close the distance, his blade descending toward Ari. She raised her head just in time to witness the sword's approach. With a heavy palm, the Savior forced her down, narrowly avoiding the blade that severed some of her hair. His focus never wavered, his eyes locked on the enemies surrounding them.
Once again lifted by the waist, the Savior carried her on his shoulder, striking, dodging, and leaping with almost supernatural agility. For Ari, it felt like a twisted amusement park ride that blended terror with deadly seriousness. She watched in awe and fear as the Savior fought, his every move calculated and precise.
In a moment that seemed to slow, Ari's eyes fixated on a scene: two brutes standing with swords drawn before her, and beyond them, an open window.
With a powerful thrust, the Savior propelled Ari forward. She sailed between the two thugs and through the window. The drop wasn't severe—the fight had unfolded on the second floor. Opening her eyes, Ari glimpsed the grass and bushes growing behind the temple. She didn't cry out, merely closed her eyes and instinctively attempted to cushion her fall with her arms.
As she braced for impact, she felt a strong male arm wrap around her waist, catching her and preventing her from striking the ground. The action was both oddly comforting and unsettling, especially considering it was the same arm that had thrown her into danger moments before.
The Savior set her down gently in the bushes, his face still concealed by his hood. He performed another series of intricate hand movements, causing rock pillars to cover and seal the window through which they had escaped. His mastery over the elements was awe-inspiring, a reminder of the ancient and powerful magic he wielded.
Ari struggled to catch her breath, her mouth filled with saliva, the taste of bile rising in her throat. Clenching her fists, she attempted to speak, but the unknown figure departed, disappearing into the darkness with the same silent grace with which he had arrived.
Ari sat in the bushes outside the ruined temple, trembling as the city guards arrived. The sound of their heavy boots crunching against the gravel mingled with the faint cries of survivors being discovered.
"There's someone here!" a guard called, rushing toward her. Ari glanced upward, her tear-streaked face illuminated by torchlight.
The guard knelt, his voice steady yet kind. "Are you alright, miss?"
Before she could respond, a familiar voice cut through the chaos. "Ari!"
Astra ran toward her, crimson hair catching the flickering light like blazing fire. She dropped to her knees, pulling Ari into a fierce embrace. The strength of her grip was almost painful, but Ari didn't care. She clung to her sister, the weight of her fear and grief finally breaking free.
"I thought I lost you," Astra murmured, her voice trembling. "I thought you were gone too."
"I'm here," Ari whispered, her voice choked with sobs. "I'm still here."
Astra pulled back just enough to cup Ari's face, her thumbs wiping away tears. "Did they hurt you?"
Ari shook her head, though her body ached from the chaos. "I'm okay… just scratches."
Astra's jaw tightened, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I swear, whoever did this will pay. I'll find them, Ari. I'll make them pay."
Ari nodded, but the words felt distant. She was too drained to contemplate vengeance. All she wanted was to feel safe.
"Let's get you home," Astra said, standing and pulling Ari to her feet. Her armor clinked softly as she adjusted her grip to steady her sister. "I'll send someone to escort you. Frost, Samuel, come here!" the Captain called out.
One of the guards approached. "They're inside, sir."
"Then go fetch them!" the Captain ordered. "Yes, sir!" the guard responded, hastening away.
Shortly after, two young guards emerged from the building—one taller with crimson-brown hair, the other shorter with sky-blue hair, both clad in leather guard cuirasses.
"You called?" the taller one inquired.
"Escort Ari home. When you meet the High Priestess, inform her of what transpired here and tell her I'll provide a full report tomorrow morning," the Captain instructed.
"Aye, Captain," they replied in unison.
As they proceeded, Ari grew increasingly weary, her grief overwhelming her as she wept for her lost friends. She swayed between Samuel and Frost, who supported her as she stumbled. At one point, she nearly collapsed, but Frost caught her just in time. From then on, she clung tightly to his arm as they made their way toward her mansion.
Ari's mansion was situated in the highest tier of the capital city of Kar-Ah. Among the eight buildings comprising this tier—including the cathedral and the six cardinals' mansions—Ari's home stood apart, constructed primarily of intricately carved wood, with lush gardens surrounding it.
As they approached the entrance, Samuel knocked while Frost supported Ari to prevent her from collapsing. After a moment, the door swung open, revealing a maid whose expression shifted immediately to concern.
"Who's there?" the maid inquired, but upon glimpsing Ari, she swept her into her arms. "You scoundrels! Do you know what will happen to those who get her into trouble?"
"No, no, no!" Frost protested, waving his hands defensively. "We would never do such a thing."
"Why are you here at this hour?" The matriarch of the household appeared at the top of the stairs, dressed in a light nightgown draped with a crimson cloak. Samuel flushed upon seeing her in such attire, his cheeks burning crimson.
The matriarch descended the stairs gracefully, her movements causing Samuel's imagination to spiral. Overwhelmed by his feelings, he excused himself to Frost, who remained composed. Meanwhile, Ari, upon seeing her mother, left the maid's embrace and approached her.
"What happened?" the Matriarch asked, fixing Frost with her cold gaze.
Frost hesitated slightly before answering. "The temple was attacked. Lady Ari is the sole survivor. The city guards are investigating the incident on-site. The Captain will provide a full report to the High Priestess tomorrow morning."
"I see," the matriarch said, embracing her daughter tightly. "Is that all?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Dismissed," the High Priestess commanded, and the maid closed the door in Frost's face.
Frost sighed as he turned to depart.
"Man, what was that! Did you see them?" Samuel flopped onto Frost's shoulder as they walked away.
"Yes, I saw Ari and Ma'am Fiora. What about it?" Frost replied. Samuel raised an eyebrow.
"No, you did not. You need serious help, man. Visit a brothel or find some other way to relieve your urges. I'm not accompanying you anywhere anymore."
Samuel laughed and attempted to catch Frost, who broke into a run back toward the temple. "I'll report to the Captain that you're drooling over her mother!" he called after him, their banter echoing through the quiet, moonlit streets of Kar-Ah.
After the guards departed, the hallway grew quiet, the only sound being Ari's soft, muffled sobs. The maid, Mia, observed mother and daughter embrace tenderly. While hugging Ari posed no issue—they had always treated each other like friends—Fiora was different. A maid embracing her employer felt too intimate, crossing an invisible line of decorum.
Mia approached them cautiously, her steps light upon the polished wooden floor. "Would Miss like some tea, or should I prepare a bath?" she asked softly, not wanting to intrude but eager to provide comfort.
Ari shook her head, sniffling. "No, I just want to rest."
Mia nodded with understanding. Fiora clasped Ari's hand, leading her down the corridor toward her bedchamber. The maid followed quietly, her presence a silent offer of support. The house felt somber, the shadows longer and the air heavier with the night's events.
In Ari's bedchamber, Fiora helped her daughter undress, folding the clothes neatly upon a chair. She tucked Ari into bed, drawing the duvet up to her chin. Leaning down, Fiora kissed her forehead and whispered goodnight. "Sleep now, my dear. You're safe."
As she turned to leave, Ari's voice—small and fragile—broke the silence. "Mother, will everything be alright?"
Fiora paused at the doorway, glancing back at her daughter with a mixture of sorrow and determination. "Yes, everything will be alright. I promise," she said, hoping to infuse her words with the strength Ari needed.
Fiora gently closed Ari's bedroom door behind her, her composed demeanor faltering momentarily as she met Mia's concerned gaze in the dimly lit hallway. She approached and clasped the maid's shoulder.
"Go get some rest too."
Mia bowed deeply and departed for her own chamber.
Later that night, an unsettling feeling kept Fiora awake. She rose to fetch a drink of water and visit the bathroom. Her motherly instinct led her to check on Ari. She opened the door quietly. Ari sat upon the bed, covered in the duvet.
"Did you rest at all?"
"No," Ari sighed. "It's too much for me. I'm so frightened." A tear rolled down her cheek.
Once more, her mother embraced her tightly. "I know it's difficult, but try not to dwell on it excessively."
"I was brutalized, thrown from side to side. I was paralyzed and utterly helpless."
"I'm certain Astra will find those brutes. We'll bring them to justice. You are safe here, and I'm with you."
"There was another one. He gave me these scratches... but he saved me."
Ari buried her head in her mother's chest, seeking comfort and safety. The chamber was dimly lit by moonlight filtering through the window, casting a soft glow over the wooden furniture and the small statue of Hirako. The scent of lavender from sachets tucked beneath Ari's pillow filled the air, providing a semblance of calm amidst the chaos.
Fiora gently rocked Ari, whispering soothing words. "You are strong, Ari. Stronger than you know. And we will endure this together."
Ari clung to her mother, her sobs gradually quieting as exhaustion claimed her. "Thank you, Mother. I don't know what I would do without you."
Fiora kissed the crown of her daughter's head. "You'll never have to discover that. Now, try to sleep. Tomorrow is a new day, and we will face it together."
Ari nodded, finally lying back down. Fiora tucked the duvet around her, ensuring she was warm and secure. "Goodnight, my brave girl."
"Goodnight, Mother," Ari murmured, already drifting into restless sleep.
Fiora quietly exited the chamber, closing the door softly behind her. In Fiora's hand, the violet magic rune shattered into enigmatic fragments, leaving a faint, lingering glow. As she returned to her own chamber, she couldn't shake the feeling of dread that lingered. The night remained still, the only sounds the soft rustling of leaves outside and the distant murmur of the city. She knew challenges lay ahead, but for now, she took solace in the fact that Ari was safe beneath her roof.