The battlefield was a dance of death and power, a whirlwind of chaos and destiny. She weaved through the combatants, her dagger slicing through the air with a deadly precision that belied her frail frame. The Burning Amber, momentarily caught off guard by her sudden appearance, stumbled, giving the fugitive the opening they needed.
Together, the unlikely allies fought back-to-back, their movements in perfect harmony despite their initial meeting. Flora felt the power of the amulet surge through her, her body responding to the ancient rhythms of combat that seemed to be etched in her very soul. The night air was alive with the electricity of their combined might, the very essence of the prophecy coursing through her veins like liquid fire.
The tide of the battle began to turn, the Burning Amber faltering before the unyielding determination of the two outcasts. The woman in the fox mask fought with a fierce grace that was almost mesmerizing, their eyes never leaving hers as they moved together. For a moment, it seemed as though they had become one, a single force of will and power standing against the world.
But the leader of the Burning Amber was not one to be bested so easily. She broke through the line, her blade alight with the fire of the sun. Flora felt the heat on her face, the smell of burning grass a stark reminder of her mortality. She raised her dagger, the antlered cloak fluttering around her like a battle standard. The woman in the fox mask gave her a nod, a silent acknowledgment of the bond that had formed between them in the heat of battle.
The leader's blade arced downward, aiming for the fugitive's heart. Flora leaped in front, the dagger in her hand glinting in the moonlight. With a swiftness that surprised even herself, she parried the blow, the clang of steel echoing through the clearing. The woman with the fiery eyes paused, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. Then she laughed, a sound that was both beautiful and terrifying.
"Who are you to stand in my way, woman?" she taunted, her voice a melody that could charm the stars from the sky.
Flora's eyes flashed with defiance. " Who I am is none of your business," she said, her voice steady and strong. "But there's one thing I would make clear to you , and you will not stand in my way."
The leader's eyes narrowed, the flames in her irises growing brighter, her red hair packed in a bun had a few strands out. She stepped back, her blade still pointed at Flora's chest. The other Burning Amber, their comrades now safe, circled around the clearing, their eyes gleaming with malice. The fugitive took the opportunity to slip away, their footsteps fading into the night like a ghost.
The leader studied Flora for a long moment, then sheathed her sword. "Your courage is commendable," she said, her tone now one of respect. "But you are not ready to face the harsh reality of the world. You have much to learn before you can stand against the darkness within."
With those parting words, the Burning Amber disappeared into the night, leaving Flora alone .
" Okay….. So.. That was unexpected." Flora reeled in the aftermath of the battle. This was her first fight against humans. And it was kind of too easy. The Burning ambers had been spoken of highly, but their skills proved otherwise.
Flora sighed, and looked towards a huge tree. " How long do you plan to sit there ?"
Seeing no movement, Flora walked to the tree. She bent to the fugitive, offering a hand. "We must get you to safety," she said, her voice gentle. "You are hurt, and we have much to discuss."
The woman in the fox mask took her hand, a hint of a smile playing at her lips. "Thank you," she murmured, the first words she had spoken since their alliance.
Together, they made their way back to a nearby cave, the unspoken bond between them growing stronger with each step. The whispers of the prophecy grew louder in Flora's head, the amulet a constant reminder of the path she had chosen.
In the sanctuary of the cave, she tended to the fugitive's wounds, her hands deft and sure. The woman's eyes never left hers, the trust in them unmistakable. As the night deepened and the stars above held their silent vigil, Flora knew that she had found not just a companion, but a fellow traveler .
The fugitive's injuries were severe, but not fatal. As she worked, Flora could feel the power of the hydra scale humming in her pocket, offering her strength and healing. With each bandage applied and each drop of potion administered, the woman grew stronger.
When dawn broke, the fugitive sat up, the last vestiges of pain etched on her face. She removed the mask, revealing features that were both fierce and beautiful. She had light blue eyes, and long magenta coloured hair. "Thank you," she said again, her voice clear and strong. "My name is Elphaba , and I am in your debt."
Flora breathed deeply as she saw her appearance. She handed her the last of the healing potion. "We are all bound by fate," she said, her eyes meeting Elphaba's. "Now, tell me your story, for I believe our destinies are intertwined."
Elphaba took the potion, her gaze never leaving Flora's. "As you wish," she said, her voice filled with a weariness that spoke of battles untold. "But know that the path we walk is fraught with danger and betrayal. The ancients and mysterious beings play a fickle game, and their pawns often pay the highest price."
The two women sat in silence, the amulet in Flora's head pulsing with an urgency that grew with each passing moment. The prophecy had led her to this place, to this time, and now she had to choose her next move. With Elphaba by her side, she knew she had a chance. The trials ahead were great, but so too was the power within her.
The fire in the center of the cave crackled and spat, casting flickering shadows across their faces. The air was thick with the promise of adventure, the scent of the herbs and the fur of the cloak a testament to the battles Flora had already won.
Elphaba the once-fugitive, lay before her, the crimson stain of her wounds stark against the pristine fur. The woman's breaths were shallow and ragged, but her eyes, when they flickered open, were filled with a fierce determination that mirrored Flora's own.
"We must move quickly," Elphaba rasped, pushing herself up onto her elbows. "They will not rest until they have captured me. They had been hunting me for months, and hadn't had a good rest, that was how we got the upper hand."
Flora nodded, her heart heavy with the knowledge that her quiet life in the village was over. The prophecy had drawn her into this whirlwind of fate, and now she had a comrade who needed her help. She wrapped the woman in the warm embrace of her enchanted cloak, the power of the scale humming through her as she offered her shoulder for support.
They moved through the forest with the stealth of shadows, the amulet in Flora's head guiding her steps. Each rustle of leaves, each snap of a twig, sent a jolt of adrenaline through her veins. The prophecy had not prepared her for this moment, but she felt a strange comfort in the chaos. It was as though she had been born for this, to stand against the ancients themselves and fight for the future of the world. At some point Elphaba couldn't hold on any longer, and fainted. Flora had to carry her on her back .
The trail grew colder as the sun climbed higher in the sky, the heat of the day making the blood on the ground dry and sticky. But Flora's instincts, honed by her newfound strength and the whispers of the prophecy, led them unerringly through the dense underbrush. The men of the Burning Amber were relentless in their pursuit, their power leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
Flora knew there was something about the cave she dwelled in , and that was her safe sanctuary.
As they approached the cave, Flora could feel the pull of the prophecy growing stronger. The labyrinth of the sea waited, the beast of despair ready to challenge her. But she knew she could not face it alone, not now. Not with Elphaba's life hanging by a thread .
Flora gritted her teeth, drawing on the power of the cloak to bolster her own dwindling strength. They had come so far together, two outcasts forged by destiny into a formidable team. The prophecy had led her to this moment, but it was her own will that would determine their next move.
With a final burst of speed, they reached the cave mouth, the cool darkness swallowing them up like a welcoming embrace. Inside, Flora laid Elphaba down gently on the soft furs she had collected, her eyes never leaving the unconscious woman's face. The time had come to confront her own demons, to delve into the labyrinth and claim the power that was rightfully hers. But first, she had to ensure her newfound friend was safe.
The amulet grew warm against her skin, the whispers of the ancients guiding her hand as she mixed a potion from the herbs she had collected. It was a risk, using her own power to heal another, but it was one she was willing to take. She had faced the beasts of despair and won; she would not let Elphaba fall to them now.
The potion was a deep, shimmering blue, the color of the scales that now adorned her cloak. She held it to Elphaba's lips, the liquid seeping into the woman's mouth. For a moment, there was no change, and then the tension in Elphaba's body eased, and a soft sigh escaped her lips. The color returned to her cheeks, and her breathing grew steadier.
Flora sat back, her eyes filling with tears she hadn't realized she had been holding back. The weight of the day's event felt heavier than ever, but she knew she was not alone. With Elphaba by her side, she could face whatever lay ahead. Together, they would conquer the labyrinth of the sea and claim the destiny that had been promised to them both.
The whispers grew to a crescendo, the walls of the cave seeming to pulse with energy. The air was charged with anticipation as Flora took a deep breath, her hand resting on the hilt of her dagger. It was time to face her fears, to conquer the beast of despair that had haunted her for so long.
A/N: Hello to my new Readers! I am very happy to have tons of readers who share the same preference as me.
I know…. I have not been updating my chapters frequently. I was having a tight schedule, but now I am free.
I will be updating now. I really appreciate you all supporting me and being patient with the slow updates.
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Adios!