Ep. 6 Replaced

September 19th, 2023

   The clock read six thirty in the morning, but Nature was wide awake. Last night was torture for her. Freedom was gone. His warm presence was gone. It seemed to her the world would end.

   Knock, knock, knock!

   "Nature, are you awake?" Rose said from the other side.

   "Yes," she sighed.

   "Okay."

   But instead of getting up, she lied there on her comforting bed. There was more on her mind than Freedom. A lingering thought about school stuck around. Don't get her wrong, she loved school. It's the students she wasn't fond of.

   She knew what would happen the moment the school came into view. Student Council would be waiting to torment her. As would the Drama Club be too. Anything that could stir up a good rumor or two for the year. Anything to try to break her down.

   Year after year after year after year she put up with it! She should be graduated by now, but she began her last year for a doctoral degree in scribing when school first began.

   One more year.

   One more one hundred eighty days.

   One more ten months of torture.

   Then, she would show them. She would show them all. Nature was no simple girl getting by. She had goals. Goals that required Queen Sun and a doctoral degree.

   She sighed and sat up. Then, she forced herself out of bed to go take a shower, brush her teeth, and change into her grey uniform. Nature didn't bother fight with her hair. It had a mind of its own. If it wanted to be curly, it was going to be curly.

   Half an hour later, she said her goodbyes to her family, faking a smile the whole way. She picked up her backpack and officially began the day.

   On the way, she argued with herself if she looked tired or not. She had maybe gotten two hours of sleep. She felt there was nothing to make the day better. However, she was wrong.

   Freedom was waiting just on the other side of the boarder line. He smiled and waved as she quickened her pace.

   His uniform was a long sleeved grey shirt and pants. The shoes were black.

   "You look terrible," he softened. "Did you sleep at all?"

   "Barely," Nature yawned. "I missed you."

   "...I missed you too. To be honest, I didn't sleep well either. It was strange."

   "We should go," she sighed.

   "Cheer up, Lady Nature. At least we have classes together."

   "Freedom, what are you doing? I thought you were going to do warmups with us," a football player said.

   "I think I'll pass for now."

   "Why?"

   "Just not feeling it," he shrugged. The football player huffed but left them alone. "Come on!" Together, they walked past the playground and into the school.

   "What was that about?" Another football player asked the other.

   "Beats me."

   Coincidentally, Nature and Freedom had ended up with lockers beside each other. Everything was just like how they had left it. They stood against their lockers in the circular hallway looking at their schedules.

   "Well, not every class is the same," Freedom pointed out.

   "You can't win them all," Nature reassured him. She looked around. "People are whispering."

   "What else is new? Hey, we have gym first! That must be why my team was warming up."

   "Hm, it's almost eight o' clock. We should head there."

   "Okay."

   They grabbed their gym bags out of their lockers and headed outside to the tracking field. Many students were already there. The two teens parted to the locker rooms to change. Then, they meant back at the bleachers by the girls' locker room.

   "The gym teachers are not here yet," Freedom stated. "What do you want to talk about?"

   "How was "returning from the trip" last night?"

   "I surprisingly got away with it."

   "Your welcome," she smiled. "I made sure no one questioned where you were."

   "I noticed. The guys were asking me how the trip was, and they wanted to know if we were dating or something."

   "Of course they did," she facepalmed. "Please tell me you said no."

   "Of course I said no. They're still suspicious though. Don't be surprised if they try to flirt."

   "Good ol' Hillville's school."

   Freedom chuckled. "You're not in a good mood today at all are you?"

   "I'm sorry, Freedom. I'm running on two hours of sleep."

   "We should've gotten you a coffee before coming here. Maybe lunch?"

   "Perhaps," she nodded.

   "Hey, Nature!" A familiar voice called. Nature turned just in time to be greeted by a hug.

   "Oh, hi, Dasher," Nature greeted.

   Dasher is team captain of football, baseball, softball, basketball, and soccer. Her hair is light blue and straight. She wore a cap backwards on her head. She also had light blue wings and green eyes.

   "How's my best friend in the whole entire Universe?"

   "Good. Dasher, have you meant Freedom?"

   "Of course I have! He's a good catcher in football. Have you guys seen Butterfly, Jewel, and Nicole?"

   "No, sorry."

   "It's fine. See you later at lunch, Nature!" Dasher exclaimed. She ran off into the girls' locker room.

   "You're friends with Dasher?"

   "I'm friends with everyone important."

   "Am I important?"

   "Yes, you are! You have a heart of gold, Sir Freedom!"

   "Why thank you, Lady Nature. How may I return the gesture?"

   "No need. Your friendship is enough. You've helped me plenty on my scribe filled journey!"

   "As you've also came to my time of needing aid, Lady Nature."

   They giggled.

   "Are we interrupting?" Jewel suddenly said with a grin.

   "No! Not at all!" Nature blushed. "Hey, guys...."

   "Hi, Nature," Butterfly waved in her sweet soft voice. Her hair was wavy and brown. She had baby blue eyes and brown wings.

   "Howdy," Nicole greeted. Nicole is the country girl. She's very strong. She has blond hair tied in low two pony tails and freckles. She also has hazel eyes.

   "I found them!" Dasher exclaimed.

   "Yeah, you sure did," Nature uneasily replied.

   "Um, I'm gonna go," Freedom said. "Bye, Nature...." He ran off to his football team.

   "Since when do you date?" Dasher asked.

   "I thought there was something odd about you two," Jewel inputted.

   "We're not dating," Nature put her foot down.

   "What else is possibly happening then?" Dasher continued.

   "It's a funny story actually. So, I was suspicious Jack had been the killer. By then, Freedom and I was already friends! We went to his house to look for clues and ran into Jack. I hid but he hit Freedom."

   "Ohhh, I found it odd the day I talked to you two he disappeared," Jewel nodded.

   "Oh, boy. What did ya do?" Nicole asked.

   "So we told Mrs. Wishes he was going on a "guard trip", when in reality, I brought him home with me."

   Dasher burst out laughing. "Hahaha! Wait, so you're telling me-you're telling me-he's been with you the entire time?"

   "Uh, yeah...."

   "Oh, that's-that's-too good!"

   While Dasher was practically dying from laughter, the other three had other questions.

   "I am really surprised you got away with that. How did you work and watch Freedom?" Butterfly asked.

   "I didn't...See, that's the funny part. The first night I came home to my family arguing about if he could stay or not."

   "Wow. That's insane," Nicole commented. "So, are ya like best friends now?"

   "Hm, I don't know," Nature realized. "I mean like I would trust him with my life but...."

"Shiiiiip!" Jewel exclaimed.

   "Shhh! Jewel, please don't!" She begged.

   "Sorry."

   A few minutes later, their conversation was broken by the gym teachers telling the class to begin jogging around the field. Nature tried to stay focused on her friends' conversation but she couldn't. She was curious to know now how close was she becoming to Freedom?

   Princess Guardians' steps echoed throughout the castle hall. She sighed, for she had been interrupted in the middle of a good book. But she knew complaining wouldn't get her anywhere, being a princess and all. So, she had no choice but to put it down and meet her mother's request.

   Slowly, she approached her mother's office door, walked past the two guards, and knocked. It opened by one of her mother's servants. Princess Guardians stepped in and stood silently.

   Queen Sun was looking into the lit fireplace. Her arms were together behind her back. She was in a serious mood, mainly because the Guardians were in the room.

   The servant shut the door as Queen Sun slowly turned around to face her daughter.

   "What did you need, mom?" Princess Guardians asked.

   "I have an assignment for you. I want you to go to Hillville and select three students for the Magic School."

   "Why?"

   "It's part of becoming an expert in magic. You can do it, but can you find it?"

   "Um, okay...When do I go?"

   "Today, and you'll be staying for a few months. Princess Lullaby will go with you to keep you in check. If you need anything from the school, just ask your aunt."

   "Okay. Should I go pack then?"

   "Princess Crystal already handled it for you. Oh, and one more thing," Queen Sun paused and looked at the shadows to her left. "Keep an eye on Nature, would you?"

   "Nature?"

   "Yes, and I do not mean bother her. Just observe."

   "May I ask why?"

   "...You're going to be late to an assembly planned. Go on."

   "Goodbye, mother."

   "Goodbye, Guardians. I'll see you soon."

   Princess Guardians found her mother's actions strange, but she nodded and left the room. Why was she only hearing this now? She thought finding students would be simple, but what did it have to do with watching Nature?

   She shook her head and walked out of the castle. A dark purple carriage was waiting for her on the dirt path. Two white horses would be pulling it all the way down the mountain. Princess Lullaby was already in, looking impatient.

   Like Princess Moon, Princess Lullaby occasionally wore dark blue dresses and heels. She had light brown skin and wore a silver star necklace. She also had dark blue hair with purple highlights and dark blue wings. Her eyes were midnight blue, and her crown was golden with grey crystals.

   Princess Lullaby peaked her head out of the carriage window. "Come on!" She exclaimed.

   Princess Guardians hurried in and kept thinking on the way to Hillville. Princess Lullaby, her cousin, rambled on about staying with the Mayor.

   Before she knew it, they arrived in front of the Mayor's house. They stepped out as the servants unloaded their belongings and Princess Guardians' stacks of books. Then, they walked farther into Hillville.

   Getting close to Town Hall, Princess Guardians made a sound like she was disgusted.

   "What is it?" Princess Lullaby asked.

   "I promised myself I would never come back here. By the way, why are you with me? You're younger than me and I can take care of myself."

   "Yes, but you can get a little...full of yourself...at times."

   "I don't know what you're talking about," Princess Guardians looked away in a firm disagreement.

   "Come on, Guardians. You're future queen of Equality! Lighten up a bit and at least try to act like it. You do set the stage and reputation."

   "The goal is Magic students. Not a popularity course!"

   "Ooo, look at the time! We have ten minutes, so let's hurry."

   Gym was over, and everyone had changed back into their uniforms. They were also informed of an assembly happening in the auditorium. It was last minute, so teachers were struggling to understand the new schedule.

   Nature was still with Butterfly, Jewel, Nicole, and Dasher. They were standing together outside the field talking about girlish things. Jewel was insisting on who the best males to date for the year was to Dasher.

   "Jewel, how many dates are you going to go on this year?" Dasher complained.

   "I just want to find Mr. Right, Dasher darling."

   "Ya don' have ta date every guy, Jewel," Nicole rolled her eyes.

   "Oh, hush! You're only saying that because no jock here is strong enough for you!"

   "Not true!" She blushed.

   "I think you should just wait for the right one, Jewel. You'll know it when you meet them," Butterfly suggested.

   "But that could take forever! I don't want to have kids at forty!"

   "You flirt too much to get one at forty!" Dasher laughed.

   "And much too beautiful," Butterfly included.

   "Well, if you want one that bad, there's a new transfer student from Settle Sun's high school," Dasher gave in.

   "Not the Magic school?" Nicole questioned.

   "Nope, fresh from the high school."

   "Is he cute? What grade is he in? Does he like mysteries?" Jewel fluttered her eyes.

   "Sure, whatever you think. Not my type, but he is a football player."

   "Oh boy, another jock. Just what Hillville needs," Nicole teased.

   "They're more trouble than an actual decent person," Butterfly shook her head. "Not worth it."

   "Hey, Nature, you in there? You haven't said a word," Dasher poked her friend on the shoulder.

   "Yeah. Yeah, Butterfly is right," Nature looked up and kicked a stone.

   "Says the lady who's never dated before. Seriously, are you ever going to tell us your type, Nature?" Jewel pleaded.

   Nature blinked. "I don't know," she shrugged.

   "Ya'll are too wrapped up in work to notice one. That's why they always come to you," Nicole mentioned. "If ya learned to relax a bit...."

   "I do relax. I just don't need a boy to make my year complete, guys. Besides, it's the jocks that like to visit at the Bakery. And if it's not them, it's guards."

   "It's because you're so small like a whittle teddy bear," Jewel expressed making an okay symbol with her fingers.

   "And you're smart," Butterfly added.

   "Talented," Nicole continued it.

   "And one hell of a good friend!" Dasher patted her on the back.

   "Is this suppose to convince me to try it?" Nature raised an eyebrow.

   "My bets are still on Freedom~," Jewel giggled. The others joined her.

   Nature groaned. "You know what? If I accept the next male that asks, will you guys shut up about him?"

   "Yessssss! Absolutely!" Jewel jumped for joy.

   "This odda be good," Nicole picked up her backpack.

   "Oh, I wonder who it will be! Maybe we should keep a list," Dasher snickered.

   "I'll stop in general, Nature," Butterfly assured her.

They gathered their things until Jewel got their attention. She pointed towards the other side of the field.

   "Is that him?" She said in shock.

   "Yup. His name is James. His family moved down here for a more quiet life than up in Settle Sun. They're not too far away from the train station though, being business people," Dasher explained.

   "What do they do?" Nicole asked.

   "Uh, weaponry, I think."

   James was a tall fellow gentleman. His white hair was combed back and he had cyan eyes. Like his hair, his wings were white. You could tell he had money from the watch on his wrist. His uniform was ironed too. Definitely from a business family.

   "He's coming over herrrrre!" Jewel squeaked.

   "Sometimes I wonder how you're a detective instead of Prom Queen, Jewel," Butterfly sighed.

   "Hey, ladies," James said, finishing his walk to them. "Could one of you show me around? I got lost enough as is earlier this morning."

   "Aye, Nature, that's your job," Dasher stated.

   "Yeah, let's go. We'll have to hurry because of the assembly though," Nature agreed.

Despite her distaste in dating, it wasn't a problem to talk to the opposite gender. Besides, being a guide was her job. It's what she's always done. Therefore, she thought nothing of his tiny request. However, he stopped her before they even took two steps.

   "You know what? I feel bad actually. I don't need a tour. I just wanted to get your attention."

   "Uh, why?" Nature hesitated.

   "I wanted to ask if you wanted to go on a date."

   Nature's anxiety sky rocketed at his question. She had dug herself a hole- a really deep one too. What was she supposed to say? It's not like she's ever been in a situation where she absolutely had to agree.

   She looked over to her friends in a panic. Dasher gave her a thumbs up, Nicole grinned, Buttery nodded, and Jewel could hardly contain herself. She felt herself blushing worse and worse.

   "Okay," Nature sucked it up. "Tonight?"

   "Sure. Six tonight okay?"

   "Where?"

   "Meet me at the train station."

   He winked and walked away.

   "Sometimes I hate you guys!" Nature looked away all flustered.

   "Oh, yes. This is going to be great!" Jewel clapped her hands together.

   "Did you not hear me?" Nature snapped.

   "What are you so worried about?" Dasher asked.

   "I cannot do this!"

   "Guys," Butterfly shushed them. "You could at least listen to her."

   "Yeah, seriously," Nicole agreed.

   "Okay, okay. You have a point. We are the worst," Dasher rubbed the back of her neck.

   "Well, what am I gonna do now?" Nature crossed her arms.

   "You're in luck! I'm a professional at dating," Jewel smiled. "I'll make you look like a princess."

   "Okay, I'm just gonna go," she replied, deciding she had had enough of them.

   "Bye," Butterfly waved.

   Running to her locker, she thought for sure she was going to be sick. Nature didn't feel attracted to him. She felt attracted to no one, or at least she thought.

   She frantically put her gym bag into her locker and slammed it shut. Then, she locked it and laid the top of her head on it so that she was looking at her feet.

   "Okay, sluggish shoulders, looking depressed, slamming your locker, and seeming anxious. What happened?" Freedom said, walking to his locker.

   She looked up at him. "I didn't see you come," she sighed. "You're never gonna believe what those four meat heads did to me."

   "I'm listening."

   "Basically, I wanted them to stop thinking you and I was dating, so I said I would date the next boy that asked me out. And not a few minutes later, I'm stuck with going on a date! What am I going to do?"

   "More like what did you do? Well, the good thing is dating can be a one day thing."

   "It can?"

   "Yeah, or so my brothers and sister have told me. If you don't like him, there's no point in keeping an act up."

   "Oh, that is such a relief!" Nature exclaimed. "What would I do without you?"

   "I'm sure you'd mange in your own Naturey way," he teased.

   "I don't think you understand. I cannot date literally and physically."

   "You mean because of your dad?"

   "Yes and no. Yes, mostly because of him but it's not all. I can communicate just fine but I have zero experience about dating. All I know is all the fiction I've read."

   "So, what do you know?"

   "Um, I know there's a difference based on personalities. It could be toxic or romantic."

   "Don't you believe in good dating stories?"

   "Okay, I forgot about the ones that actually work, but authors make them seem so unrealistic! Like, what is a good date actually like? What do I say? What do I do? What if something goes wrong?"

   "You're asking the wrong person," Freedom chuckled. "Come on. We should get to the assembly."

   "Okay."

   They walked to the auditorium and took seats in the back. It was already pretty crowded in the small auditorium. The seats smelled like rubber too.

   After things settled down, a microphone was placed in the upper part of the stage. No one was told what the assembly was about, so everyone waited patiently and quietly until Princess, or Principal in this case, Moon walked onto the stage.

   Principal Moon had dark blue hair, wings, eyes, and eye shadow. She wore a professional female suit, and her skin was light brown. Her crown was golden with dark blue crystals.

   The crowd of children and teenagers applauded for her as she approached the microphone to talk.

   "Thank you! Thank you! Please, calm down now. I'm sure you're all wondering what the unexpected change is for. Well, it was a last minute surprise for me like all of you. We have a guest actually, and I welcome her to the stage."

   The crowd applauded again as Princess Guardians entered onto the stage. The older teenagers went silent when they realized who it was though.

   "Thank you, Princess Moon. I am so...happy to be here," she tried to sound convincing.

   "Yeah, she sounds thrilled," Nature whispered to Freedom.

   "I was sent by Queen Sun to search out three new students for the Magic school up in Settle Sun.

   Auditions will be held for several months. I am not aware of how long yet the amount of months will be, but it will be at least two months. That will give you plenty of time to think about it and discuss it with your families.

   I will also be observing each and every single one of you to see your magic abilities. The Magic school only wants the best of the best after all.

   You will find slips in the nurses office to fill out for the auditions. After you fill one out, auditions will be held after school hours every Tuesday and Wednesday in the gym.

   Thank you, and have a good day."

   Then, she left the stage and Principal Moon returned to the microphone.

   "Thank you, Princess Guardians. That is all for today everyone. The new schedule is posted by the trophy hall for you to see. You are dismissed."

   Later on in Math, Nature and Freedom were doing AP Statistics quietly. Nature dropped her pencil and Freedom gave it back to her. Then, when the teacher was done explaining the example, the students began trying it for themselves and talking through it.

   "So, how did a guard like you skip classes to get to this class?" Nature asked.

   "I'm smarter than you think, Nature. Although you're probably still smarter than me," Freedom replied.

   "Gee, you're the full package. You're a guard, athlete, and a nerd," she smiled.

   "Hey!"

   They giggled and circled an answer on their own papers at the same time.

   "What did you get?" He asked.

   "About seven."

   "Same. To answer your question, I got Honors in eighth grade, but all of it seemed too easy for me."

   "Oh. Hey, do you think the murder really left Equality?"

   "I sure hope so. Are you doing anything this Saturday?"

   "Not that I know of."

   "Great! I was wondering if you like roller skating."

   "Hm, never tried it."

   "Really? How's your balance? It's easy once you get the hang of it."

   "Sounds like fun. I can stack things on my head, remember?"

   "Good point."

   "Saturday it is then!"

   After AP Statistics ended, they went to their Language class. Nature could speak Spanish, German, Japanese, and French, and Freedom could speak Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, and Russian. They could also write them too.

   Finally, after a long hour, lunch came. They got their trays and sat at the same place Nature had sat for the last eleven years. Freedom looked around. It was a little square table.

   "Do you always sit here alone?" He asked, sitting across from her.

   "No, Dasher, Nicole, Jewel, and Butterfly join me sometimes. Most of the time, I have a load of work to do with me. Looks like I got off easy today."

   "Lucky for me, huh?"

   "Yes," she nodded.

Freedom noticed she was only eating a salad. "Are you a vegetarian?"

   "Hm? Kinda."

   "Why?"

   "The Hunters-."

   "Nature, I've literally seen your family eat rabbit in front of you."

   "Oh, okay. Do you ever think of what that animal was thinking before it was killed? Would you like to be that animal? What if you had a wife and kids?"

   "Okay, this just got dark."

   "Put it in to this perspective. Imagine you can communicate with animals. So every time a head gets cut off, you can hear them screaming bloody murder for help!"

   Freedom leaned back and shoved his tray away. Her words made him loose his appetite.

   "Now, imagine if it was a Hunter instead. What would you do? What could you do? Would you even make it in time to help? They might of not been completely Human, but they were more Human than most Humans ever will be."

   "Nature-."

   "They had a family to go back to. But because a predator wanted a meal or snack, they can never go back. Their kids will forever hear the horrors of why they need to be careful and not to go easy on who to trust right away."

   "...Nature, this is a bit too specific-."

   "But that's how the world works, right? Predator vs prey, kill or be killed, what's the difference? Someone's always going to get hurt. Even if they're cruel and leave their babies to die alone in a forest, karma's gonna come for them."

   "What are you talking about-?"

   "It's not like it matters though. The world will never change if the people never change. They'll leave you to rot for days, and only luck can save you then! If you manage to survive, they may not even show up or want you back."

   "Nature, please tell me what you're talking about."

   "...And what did you ever do to deserve such a punishment? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. You were only getting played by life's stupid little game."

   "Is this about food anymore?"

   Nature stopped for a moment to clear her mind. Then, she returned to her senses.

   "Sorry, I got carried away."

   "What were you talking about?"

   "The animal's feelings," she half lied.

   "Okay...," Freedom accepted, but he wasn't convinced. "By the way, who are you, I'll quote it, "dating" anyway?"

   "The new guy, James."

   Freedom nearly choked on his water. "What?"

   "James. Dasher said he does weaponry or something."

   "Oh, please tell me you don't plan on dating long!"

   "Why? Are you gay for him?" She teased.

   "No, no! Nothing like that! I'm just saying drop him soon."

   "Why?"

   "You just need to trust me on this one, alright?"

   "The girls are going to want a better explanation than that. Plus, they'll think you're jealous."

Freedom blushed, "I'm not." He lowered his voice. "He's bad news. He's a real player, and I don't want to see you hurt."

   "Awe, Freedom, I'm sure I can handle it somehow. I appreciate your sympathy though."

   "Just be careful," he sighed.

   "I will."

   After school ended, Jewel, Dasher, Nicole, and Butterfly dragged Nature away from Freedom and to Jewel's mother's shop. They put 'closed' on the sign because they needed full focus on Nature.

   "Mom, we need extra important help!" Jewel begged her mother who was stalking the shelf.

   Ms. Linsey turned to Jewel and her friends. "What is it?"

   "We need to help Nature on her first ever date! What should she wear?"

   "Hm, red might suit her well. It always makes a girl stand out, and it will go with her pink hair."

   "What clothing for red? I was thinking about a dress," Butterfly questioned.

   "That could work. You know what? I think I know just the thing! Give me a moment."

    The five girls waited patiently as Ms. Linsey rooted through a couple of dresses. She made a sound of victory and returned to them. Then, she handed a white box containing the dress to Jewel.

   "Do not open until she's ready for it."

   "Okay, mom."

   "What now?" Nature rubbed her left arm.

   "To the salon!" Jewel pointed to the door.

   Not having a moment's time to loose, they sprinted out the door to the salon. Luckily, it was not too far away. Jewel went up to the counter, paid, and the hairstylist went straight to work on Nature's curly hair.

   The hairstylist parted her bangs to the left side of Nature's point of view. Then, she put half of her hair up into a bun. Finally, she sparingly straightened the curls to get them wavy.

   "Beautiful!" Jewel clapped.

   After they left the salon, they stopped for a break from the fast paced evening. Jewel put black mascara on Nature's eyes to make them stand out( not that they hadn't already. While that was done, Butterfly added flowers to the hair tie keeping Nature's hair in a bun.

   Back in the shop, in a changing room, Jewel helped Nature put the dress on while the others waited outside the room.

   After half an hour, Nature had finally gained enough confidence to show herself. Jewel made a 'ta-da' noise before unreeling the curtain to show off Nature.

   They jaws dropped.

   "Is it that bad?" Nature bit her lip.

   "No, it's...it's...beautiful!" Butterfly searched for words.

   "I don' think we've ever seen ya more pretty," Nicole smiled.

   "You are sooooo gonna knock his socks off. He has no idea what he's getting himself into," Dasher giggled.

   "Are you guys sure this is the right shade of red? Is the red choker too much or the red shoes?" Nature blushed.

   "It's perfect! You look perfect, Nature," Jewel held her friend's hands. "What time is it?"

   "Five forty five," Nicole answered.

   "Ah, shoot! I have fifteen minutes! We better get a move on!" Nature hurried them.

   "Well, then let's roll!" Dasher exclaimed.

Because of it only being September, the Moon was not yet in the sky. Though an early sunset was starting to peak its way over the mountains. For once in her life, Nature surprisingly felt anxious to see what awaited her. Did it ever cross her mind she should back out of taking a date with someone she spoke to maybe once?

No, not really.

Her friends convinced her this would be a good experience. Therefore, all the worries of what could go wrong drifted away. She even forgot about what Freedom had warned her of. Her mind was clear and open to a new horizon. Would it be a huge mistake? Only time could tell.

At the train station, Nature waited patiently. The temperature outside was a calming fifty degrees Fahrenheit, so she did not mind the wait. Dasher, Nicole, Jewel, and Butterfly were watching from afar, just in case Nature needed guidance. Now all the teens had to do was wait.

And wait.

And wait.

And wait.

She waited until her patience was ticking away with the clock above her that read, '6:45p.m.' Forty-five minutes was wasted away and no sign of the rich boy seemed in atmosphere. But instead of feeling bent over about it, she felt a twinge of relief. Nature was not into the richy type. She would much rather date a country boy, but she would never admit it to her friends.

Unfortunately, at seven pm, just as the girls were going to tell Nature to give up, James came flying down from the sky in such a rush, he knocked over a couple who were minding their own business. He pranced to poor Nature and began his apologies.

Nature, being the inexperienced dating yet daring person she was, decided to tap her right foot against the ground and act annoyed of his actions. She decided if she was going to be rid of him tomorrow, might as well play hard to get. Perhaps it would push him away beforehand!

"I am so sorry!" James caught his breath.

"Yeah? You're late enough! I've been waiting for at least an hour!" She exaggerated.

"Please, forgive me!"

"And why should I do anything of the such?"

"My family needed my help with business matters. I'm begging for another chance here!"

"Calm your horses," she held a hand up to silence him. "I didn't say I wasn't going to forgive you. Family is family. Besides, I'm not one of those girls who are going to judge you in a snap of the fingers."

"How did you know that?"

"Because I know what Settle Sun rich girls are like. They think everything has to go exactly as planned- no exceptions! Well, that's just not how life works. Just because you have your own personal life does not mean the world evolves around you. Now, if you still want to do this, I have until eight thirty."

"Thank you...," he trailed off.

"What do you want to do? I've never done this before so...have at it!"

"Well, I was thinking about going to a restaurant."

"Any other ideas?" She requested, thinking about cheesy novels she had read that involved restaurants.

"A movie?" James suggested, now confused about her motives.

"Have you been to the park here in Hillville yet? It's a wonderful, calming, and quiet place."

"Not yet.... Do you want to go?"

"Yes! To park we go!" She exclaimed, grabbing his wrist and pulling him along.

The park was next to Town Hall and not far from the forest and Flower Hill. It was a small park, so there was nothing special about it. A few groups of swings were here and there beside spring bouncers and slides. A fountain stood in the center and benches were sprinkled amongst the oak and birch trees. Around the fountain, someone had planted a red rose bed. A dirt path went into the shielded by shadows forest. Beside a fellan oak log was a pond big enough a bridge was built over it.

The Moon was just beginning to show itself, so the Sun was slowly disappearing. The crickets, frogs, and owls were making their nightly round abouts in the park. One by one, fire flies flashed and flickered their enchanting light.

Yes, the two were soothed by the scenery and sounds as a park should do. However, Nature couldn't help but think to herself Freedom would love this. In fact, she was sure he would.

"Why did you want to go out with me anyway?" She gently asked.

"I've seen you around Settle Sun. You know, I don't think there's a single person in this land who doesn't know you. You're the queen's scribe."

"That doesn't answer my question."

"There's just something drawing me to you. Maybe it's fate?"

'Or popularity,' Nature thought.

"What is your favorite color?" He asked.

"Hm, it'd have to be every color. They are all so different yet unique."

"Even the dark colors?"

"Especially the dark colors. They remind us where light can be, but they also remind us there is such a thing as happy medium. I call them the "grey" colors."

"You truly are a wonder, Ms. Nature."

Nature looked away and blushed. She did not like him as much as Freedom but he seemed decent. "Do you have a preference of a favorite color?"

"I personally admire white."

"Oh, that's a good color. Do you do anything other than weaponry?"

"I like bird watching."

"What kind of birds do you look for?"

"Blue jays, sparrows, robins, that sort of thing."

"I see...."

"I know you like to bake and probably record things."

"I do."

"Why did you ever decide to start working to be a scribe?"

"I thought I could help my family. You know, the Hunters? It was never for me. I wanted them to be happy. I would have done anything to get them more freedom- less fear of Humans. The price I was willing to pay was expensive."

"Why would you waste all your options for them?"

"They are...important to me. I don't expect you to understand."

"Hm, it's okay. I'm not judging. I gave my life away too. I gave it up a long time ago."

"How old are you?"

"I'm eighteen."

"Oh, so you're in your Senior year? When did you start weaponry?"

"Five years ago, and I hate every second of it. But I'm the only son in the family so I have to keep the business going. The rest of my siblings are girls."

"I know. You're forgetting who I am."

"Oh, yeah."

"What would you rather be doing then?"

"Studying magic."

"Oh? For what reason?"

"I've always wondered why there were so many different types, and where did it all come from? Why is Equality so rich in it?"

"Huh, those are pretty good questions. You should ask Princess Guardians. I'm sure she has some sort of theories."

"I heard from a bunch of students you are not very fond of her."

"Yeah.... We made an alliance. It's okay now. I mean like, I'd still dig her six feet hole in the ground myself."

"Yes, I heard plenty of stories."

They stopped talking for a little while to take a walk through the forest. In the distance, a 'hoot' 'hoot' could be heard by an owl. The only light that came in through the trees was moonlight. Although many shadows clouded the forest, it was surprisingly still warm.

After a little while, they stopped on a bridge that went over a stream. They grew kind of bored, so they headed back into the main part of the park. When they returned, James went to the fountain and picked a red rose. Then, he strode back to Nature's side and gave it to her. She blushed and accepted it.

James asked Nature if she wanted to play a game, specifically 'Hide and Seek'. She thought it could be fun, so she agreed. They played a few harmless rounds and shared laughs. Nature eventually reassured her friends she had everything under control so could leave. They were tired, so they did leave. For the last round before eight thirty, it was Nature's turn to find James.

She searched under the slides, under the bridge, up in trees, within bushes, and many other places. But no matter where she looked, James was nowhere to be found. She felt defeated, so she took a break by the fountain.

Nature turned around and looked into the fountain. Many copper and silver coins were left on the bottom. She figured people were making wishes earlier. If only they knew where all of it ended up.

'Do wishes ever come true?' She thought. 'Or is it to make people believe in a better world?'

Whatever the answer may have been, she felt bad for people being tricked. She may not of thought wishes come true, but she knew miracles were real. Dreams were debatable though. Then, she wondered why people say 'the sky is the limit'. Rockets are sent into the solar system beyond the planet quite often. The sky is nowhere near the limit, so why do people say it is?

Nature sighed and looked up at the sky. The stars were twinkling like normal and the galaxy could be seen in shaded in violets, whites, browns, and golds. Well, she was sure James did not want to hide in the dark the whole night, so she took one more glance at the fountain.

But before she could turn around, her head was plunged into the water. A sudden wave of shock took over her. She tried to lift her head but she couldn't. The water was too much. It felt like a terrible headache was making her head feel so heavy, and every moment she tried to breath, more water would fill her lungs.

Then, she realized it.

She was being drowned and there was no stopping it.

This is how she would die.

This is how the story ended.

It was over.

Everything she had ever known or done was for nothing.

It was at that moment she realized she should have believed Freedom. Freedom was right. All she could think of was, 'Freedom was right. Freedom was right. Freedom was right!'

Then, unexpectedly, the pain stopped. She couldn't feel anything. There was only a numbing sensation. If it was true what everyone was told that they see their life flash before their eyes, then she was seeing it. But it was so quick, and her head too filled, she couldn't acknowledge any of it.

In a moment's time, only a bit more weight was added, but she hardly felt it. She was too unconscious to realize her head had been removed from the water. It took several minutes before enough pressure and water was washed out of her to gain at least a blurry vision and some state of conscious.

Her head was still throbbing, yet she knew she was on her back. She slowly shifted her head to her left side. It was too blurred to tell, but two figures were fighting and punching each other. They must have been yelling too because some loud noise was making her ears ring in pain.

She blinked a few times and fell asleep.

'10:23p.m.'

Nature slowly opened her eyes, realizing she was alive. The throbbing had gone away and she could correctly breathe. She shook her head and looked around her. James was beside her, looking at her in another innocent apologetic way. She sat up.

"Thank goodness you awoke," he smiled gently.

"Uh, what happened?" She asked, but it hurt. Her throat was aching terribly.

"We were finishing our last round of 'Hide and Seek', but you were taking a while. I got worried and went to go look for you. Only when I did find you, someone was trying to drown you. I got into a fight with them, did cpr on you, and forced them to back off."

"Oh...thank you...," she managed to say. "Please...who was it?"

"It was that Freedom kid. You know him, right?"

"Wha...what? Freedom would never do-!"

"He has blond hair, blue eyes, and grey wings I believe. Am I correct?"

Tears began rolling out of her eyes. She shook her head, refusing to believe it. James was out of his mind! Freedom would never- would he? Would he? Would he?

"I...I have to go!" She pushed him away, leaped up, and ran towards home.

'Oh, Freedom, tell me it isn't true!' She thought. 'All your kind gestures, our closeness, our time together, your reassurance! Tell me it isn't true!'

She wasn't sure what to believe anymore. The only one she had ever let so close stabbed her in the back. Who could she turn to now? What will she come up with when her parents question why she is home incredibly late. Not to mention why her hair was soaked.

Luckily for her, everyone was asleep when she slipped in the door. Still, she wasn't thinking clearly. She felt so portrayed- so heartbroken. There was no controlling her emotions now. She went to her bedroom and wept and wept and wept and wept. She couldn't sleep. Finally, her mind made a terrible decision.

She was convinced it was Freedom.

She wanted the pain to fade away.

Nature pulled the knife out of her hair she had used before. 'Just once,' she thought. 'One more time.'

Something inside her said, 'You know it won't be once.'

She ignored the thought though. She didn't care. She only wanted to be pierced.

A bit too ruffly, she stabbed her arm and drug it down. It wasn't slashes like last time. It was one straight and lengthened stab. She bit her tongue so no one would hear her want to cry her heart out. She went too far.

It wasn't relief. It was adding to the pain already there.

The pain over crowded any ability to cry or yell or move. She dropped the knife and fell unconscious, unknowing if she would wake up.

                 September 20th, 2023

An angel must have been watching her because she woke up early in the morning and realized what she had done. Nature felt weak. She had lost so much blood; her arm was covered in it.

She thought over the night while repairing her arm in the bathroom. So, Freedom tried to kill her. Why? She could not find a reason. Then, an odd thought came to her. Why was she so upset? What would make her go to such extreme levels?

The whole time, she hadn't noticed she was in love with him.

She was in love with Freedom.

Nature looked into the mirror. She was blushing. It was true. She was in love with Freedom, but he tried to kill her. Anger took over and she clenched her fists.

'I fell and didn't even realize it! I loved him, but he tricked me!' She thought. 'It's all my fault. I let him in, and now I will never be the same again.'

Since she had come to her senses, she avoided her family the whole morning so they wouldn't see how miserable she looked. But as she neared the school, she wondered if she could handle the day knowing it was him. Then, she had a sickening thought.

Did Freedom murder Tyler? Had she been with the killer the whole time?

"Nature, dear, you look like you've seen a ghost. Are you alright?" Jewel asked in front of her. Nicole, Butterfly, and Dasher were with her.

"I'm fine," she lied.

"You sure?" Dasher questioned, now worried.

"You know you can tell us anything, right?" Butterfly saddened.

"Yeah, I know...."

"Did somethin' happen last night?" Nicole continued.

"No."

Eyeing Freedom not far away, she shoved herself past her confused friends. They knew she was lying but why? They looked at one another, wondering if it was something they did. They watched Nature go into the school before discussing it in a whisper.

But from afar, Freedom had seen the whole thing himself. Nature had made eye contact with him. Then, shoved past the girls to escape. Not to mention she seemed to be in worse condition than yesterday. He hoped and prayed James had not done anything to her and went to his locker.

Thankfully, Nature was still there.

"Heya, how was last night?" He asked curiously.

But instead of answering though, she shut her locker and walked away. Freedom was left standing speechless. Why did she do that? What did he do wrong? Wanting answers, he quickly caught up to her.

"Nature, what did I do?" He pleaded. Every time he asked, the quicker her pace got. "Please, tell me!" Finally, they stopped on the path behind the school. "Nature?"

She felt petrified to turn around. Why did he wait so long to kill her? Why did it have to be yesterday? What was his goal? She began to shake and hug herself.

"Why?" She began, turning around and feeling tears form. "I trusted you."

"Huh?"

"How could you toy with me like this? I thought you were different!"

"Nature, what in the world are you talking about?"

"Just go away!" She turned on her heels away from him yelling. "You've done enough!"

Unfortunality, Dasher, Jewel, Nicole, and Butterfly were right around the corner taking a walk. They bad timingly heard the commotion and listened in.

"I don't understand! What did I do? Where is this coming from?"

"You know exactly where, so go away! Leave me alone!"

Something seemed to shatter in Freedom at those words. Nature was one of the most precious things to him, and he mysteriously lost her. He thought he was a good friend. Did he misplace a pencil or something? His heart started racing at the thought of her being so bitter like this. Was this the same Nature?

She began to walk away again.

"No... please," he whispered, feeling a tear tumble down his cheek. He fell to his knees. "I... can't. I can't lose you. What did I do? What did I do?"

"You know what you did," James said, standing behind him. "Freedom."

He felt the blood boiling to his head when he realized what was happening. Freedom snapped up, ready to knock this rich boy into place. Nature was long gone up the path, so it was just James and Freedom standing face to face. James had a nasty grin of victory and Freedom wanted to smear it right off.

"What. Did. You. Do," he started off straight forward and demanding.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"WHAT DID YOU DO, JAMES?" Freedom yelled, losing his patience.

"I did nothing, but you did something."

"I'M NOT LOSING WHATEVER GAME YOU'RE PLAYING! WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?"

"You exaggerate, my friend. All I did was convince her you tried to drown her, but I stopped you. You are the monster here, and you've already lost."

"I want to hurt you so bad right now but we're on school grounds. I'm watching you, James. Lay another finger. I dare you. It'll be the last thing you ever do," Freedom threatened.

Jaws wide open in disbelief, the four teenagers looked at one another. James snickered.

"Yeah, add more suspicion to your family. Your father would be so proud."

"Do not bring him into this!"

"Why not? Afraid you'll let lose your demons? Afraid you'll hurt someone and little Ms. Nature won't ever forgive you? What are you going to do? Report me? Who are they gonna believe? The guy with money or the boy who cried wolf?"

"Stay away from her."

"Not a chance, buddy. You've been replaced."

Nature and Freedom stayed separate all day, but each time James would interact with Nature, Freedom would be watching. For example, in ELA they were talking and Freedom held back his urges by crumbling papers into tiny balls. He missed her terribly, and seeing them talking was crushing him.

At some point, he caught a glimpse of bandage under Nature's one uniform sleeve. He noticed she seemed drained all day. Could it be from blood loss? He knew what she had done and it was because of what James told her. He turned away, forcing himself not to interfere.

How could he prove to her it was not him?

At his locker, he rearranged a few books due to frustration. Why was an answer difficult to come by? He knew Nature probably better than her own friends at this point. What makes her decide to trust someone? Why did she jump to conclusions James was not lying?

There was no time to find an answer though because it was the end of the school day, and he needed to go to guard practice. Still, it worried him Nature hadn't shown up at her locker yet. He took a big breath and let it out.

'She'll be okay, right?' He thought as he exited the school. 'She has to be okay.'

September 21st, 2023

Just like yesterday, they didn't talk or anything. It was as if they had never even meant. But the memories were still lingering, and Freedom was still searching for an answer. It was not doing much good though.

On a bright side, Nature had dropped James, but they were still friends. She was afraid of letting another person too close. In fact, she was so afraid, she pushed Dasher, Nicole, Jewel, and Butterfly aside too yesterday. Now, it was just Nature by herself.

Alone.

She had always feared being alone, but this time was different. She had no idea what was what anymore. Everything seemed fake. Her mind was in no condition to function properly. But because she pushed everyone and everything away, there was no one to know it. No one to see her pain. And so, she sat alone in the library all day. She had no way of knowing Dasher, Butterfly, Jewel, and Nicole had been reported missing in the morning.

The library was silent as one should be, and it was barely occupied. The end of the day was nearing about an hour away. Nature noticed none of it though. She only sat at a table in a corner, staring at the surface and biting her nails.

Princess Guardians was in there looking at magic books, wondering if there was anything she had not read about. As she suspected, there was nothing she had not read when she went there. Therefore, she was just passing the time by walking around. When she turned a corner, there was Nature.

"What are you doing here?" She asked curiously.

"Go away," Nature mumbled.

"Well, that's no way to talk to a princess," Princess Guardians sat down next to her. "What's wrong?"

"Why do you care?"

"I don't, but I have to. So?"

"...I thought I knew people."

"Don't we all? You can never fully know someone. We all have secrets."

"You don't understand."

"Then make me."

"Someone tried to drown me. James told me it was Freedom, but it doesn't make sense. Then, Freedom seemed to not know what I was talking about...."

"Yeah, I don't think he would do that actually because he's the tame one in his family. He's not stupid enough to try to drown the queen's scribe, and I doubt James would be able to take down Freedom. Freedom is a guard while James is a noodle."

"You know James?"

"It's my job to know people. By the way, your friends are missing. Just thought you should know."

"Why?"

"I don't know. Rumors are the murder isn't gone yet but what does anyone know yet? But all jokes aside, I don't think Freedom would do that. I'm surprised you haven't noticed he's been watching you like a hawk and that he looks like he wants to strangle James."

"He does?"

"How oblivious are you? I know we don't always get along, but I promise you it's the truth. Come on, you really should be in class. I would hate to see your attendance grade for the day."

Princess Guardians rose and pushed in her chair. Nature hesitated at first but she decided to listen. Curiosity killed the cat. They left the library, and Nature checked which class she had. Lucky for her, music would begin in a few minutes. She could make it without embarrassing herself.

The two both entered the music room and went their separate ways. Nature sat down in her seat and tried to relax as the other students did the same as her. Princess Guardians was in a corner observing the room quietly. At last, Freedom entered the room and took his seat, which was next to Nature's.

Class began and the teacher told everyone to get a guitar and select a partner. Nature and Freedom ended up last and had to work with each other. They went back to their seats and sat there, not daring a word. They were both nervous about what the other had to say.

"...So, it...wasn't...you, was it?" Nature blushed.

The start caught Freedom by surprise. He wasn't expecting that so quick. "No, Nature, I would never hurt you like that. You're too important to me."

"Wow, I... I'm so sorry. I feel terrible for accusing you. I should have known," she silently cried.

"It's okay. I'm just glad you realized it," he sighed in relief. "Friends?"

"Best friends," she smiled sadly.

Freedom blushed. "Yeah, best friends."

"You two are so cute," Princess Guardians teased. They jumped from her sudden appearance. "You can thank me, Freedom. I convinced her you were innocent."

"Uh, thank you, Princess Guardians..."

"You're welcome."

"Well, have any requests for guitar, Princess Guardians?" Nature offered.

"Hm, I don't think you'd know it since it's private to my family," she shook her head.

"When I was younger, my father played me some sort of song. I think I remember it," Freedom began. He started to strum the guitar.

"Yes, please do," Nature smiled.

"'Within the shadows of the Universe

There stands a tree longing to be free.

It's years are grand and it's laid out land

Is twinkling in the mind tonight,

Searching for a sight for sore eyes.

And the souls dance and play, dreaming of today.

But they'll say:

"The North wind is cold;

The South can be the same,

But East and West are yet to be explained.

In between the reigns of four lies four more lands to explore.

Two are long gone; one still remains; the last had been cast away.

But in the center of the eight a kingdom is recalled,

And around it's walls is a forgotten story

Yet it will rise above them all.'"

"Okay, that's really similar to what I meant," Princess Guardians said astonished.

"Yeah, I've heard something like that too," Nature confessed.

"Mine goes like this:

"'The time of glory increases the pace

They learn many more colors are not to be erased.

The black and white world is changing into something amazing.

You'll find twelve customs to trace,

For there is no longer any empty space.

But they remember who they were,

And what was sacrificed to come so far.

The North wind is cold;

The South can be the same,

But East and West are yet to be explained.

In between the reigns of four lies four more lands to explore.

Two are long gone; one still remains; the last had been cast away.

But in the center of the eight a kingdom is recalled,

And around it's walls is a forgotten story

Yet it will rise above them all.'"

"Mine goes a little differently," Nature said. "It starts with:

"'Monsters string into action.

They're running out of time.

Dying feels like the new fasion, and their hopes were a crime.

Protect the younger generations, Chaos issued a mark.

In the kingdom where stories unfold, it was a mess,

Yet the Compass stayed bold.

But the story would remain untold, across the stars in the land of play.

If you're lucky, you'll find them in the day

Thinking about how the story will end

With their history of silence.

Death is cold; Life can be the same,

But Trust and Kindness are yet to be explained.

In between the reigns of four lies four more lands to explore.

Intelligence and Hesitance are long gone; Bravery still remains; Memories was cast

Away.

But in the center of the eight, a kingdom is recalled.

Around it's walls is a Psithurism story,

Yet it will rise above them all

Once again.'"

"Huh, it's almost like we each had one part of it," Freedom pointed out.

"Yeah," Princess Guardians started. "It's almost too good to be called a coincidence."

"Maybe it's not. Call it crazy talk, but maybe we were supposed to meet. Maybe there's something dragging us to each other," Nature stated.

"And something else trying to keep us apart," Freedom included.

"Hm, you two might be on to something. Keep me informed," Princess Guardians said. Then, she left the music room to go find a book about soul connections.

"Coincidence or not, I'm just glad we're good now," Freedom continued.

"Freedom, that night I went on a date with James something must have saved me. If it wasn't you, who or what was it?"

"I have no idea, but between you and me, I think there's something going on. I truly do think the three of us were supposed to meet. I don't know whose game we're playing but I don't want to play along."

"I don't think we have a choice. In my opinion, the murderer is not gone. Princess Guardians had told me my friends were missing."

"Yeah, that's true. We were hearing about it this morning. What does it have to do with the murderer?"

"When Jewel and I were searching for more clues, we interviewed everyone with purple wings, anyone who could have been in contact with Tyler, and looked at the information we already had. Now think about it. Not too much later, the murderer was reported as not being in Equality anymore. We go back to school, I, a bit too quickly, get set up on a date, Princess Guardians randomly shows up, James is late to the date, I almost get drowned, he tells me it was you, I... hurt myself farther, we fight, and my friends go missing."

"I know what you did," he saddened. "I figured it out earlier, but I'm still confused."

"James is a distraction."

"Oh.... Yeah, that makes sense. Yesterday, after you left me, he showed up. I kind of lost my cool and threatened him. Then, he said he replaced me."

"See? You told me to drop him as soon as possible, but I didn't listen. But it was Princess Guardians who brought me back to you, and nothing has really affected her yet."

"Yeah, yet. We need to figure this out! No more distractions. Oh, and I will not hesitate to drill James into the ground if he does anything else to you."

"I'm still puzzled on one thing though. If he's not to be trusted, why am I still alive?"

"Because he's a distraction, Nature. His job was to force us apart. Whoever is doing this, they forgot about Princess Guardians."

"Or maybe that's what we're supposed to believe. The worst to come hasn't happened yet. We really need to watch our backs," Nature said, lowering her voice. "It could be anyone."