Looking Furious

Agatha had not thought of Etherealis for a very long time, so she had never expected that there would come a day when she would return to the Water Fae Kingdom.

With her numerous problems, she hadn't had any time to think about things that didn't benefit their current circumstances.

They had been walking along the hidden pathway for a couple of hours already. They lost count of how many times they rounded a corner, stepped down stairs, and stepped up.

Agatha was convinced they were lost and that they might die there.

It was dark and cold. They couldn't see any nearby food or drinks. They were already hungry and thirsty.

Fortunately, when all hope seemed lost, a small light began to emerge, and soon they finally reached the exit.

Rats and spiders scurried at their feet. Because it was dark and the lamp's flame was fading, they didn't immediately see them and thought they were monsters.

Agatha got scared and accidentally jumped, stepping on something that caused the wall ahead of them to open upward.

Once they got out, tall trees met their weary gazes. When they looked back at where they came from, they saw the back of the colossal palace walls.

All she could see were walls and battlements. It was so long, probably encompassing hundreds of meters or more.

It seemed the Water Fae Kingdom had changed much since she was away.

In front of them was a thick forest with massive trees. Agatha stepped back, remembering what happened the last time she entered the kingdom's forest.

She looked around to find another way. She couldn't step back there. Not yet. The memories of what had happened were still fresh.

The pain, hopelessness, and anger she had felt were still deep in her aching heart.

If they chose to cross the forest, she might not think rationally, and they could get lost.

"Let's go there," Agatha pointed to the smoky area. It was quite far, but because of the thin smoke rising into the sky, she figured it might be a house where someone was cooking. It could also be a bakery, a restaurant, or something else that could satisfy their hunger.

They walked at the edge of the forest. Agatha held Aiden's hand, and they were almost halfway when she heard his stomach's audible rumbling.

It had been morning since they had their meal, and now the sun was high in the sky.

It broke Agatha's heart that Aiden was silently enduring hunger. She tried looking for fruits near the woods they passed but saw none. Most of the leaves were dried, and even the flowers were withered.

The last time she was here, the forest was still thriving. But now…

Weakened, Agatha and Aiden soon reached the town. She had lived in Primotheus Capital for a few years and was used to seeing dirty streets.

But it was strange to see clean surroundings and fresh air. Even the stalls were different in this town.

In Primotheus Capital, the stalls were dirty, noisy, smelly, and old. In Upper Town, the stores were made of glass. In the Water Fae Kingdom, it was a combination of sturdy wood and thick glass.

The wood had no artistic carvings. It was simple, and the mirrors serving as windows were small.

Agatha saw a few high-end stores made of mirrors that resembled water, but they were just a select few. The simple stores still dominated the entire area.

Even the clothing was average. People didn't wear torn or dirty clothes like in Lower Town of Eldoria, nor did they wear sophisticated ones with sparkling jewelry. There were no golds or diamonds, but the clothes were neither dirty nor torn.

What struck Agatha the most was the absence of various creatures. She was used to seeing Leprechauns, Gargoyles, Goblins, Metamorphs, Trolls, Gremlins, and others. Here, all she saw were Faes.

And they were all staring at her and Aiden.

Agatha felt anxious under their stares. Do they know who I am? she wondered. Do they know the crime I committed? Is that why they're staring? Will they report me to the authorities?

Her thoughts stopped when Aiden suddenly pressed himself against her back, hiding. That's when she realized it was Aiden they were staring at.

Everyone was Fae, while Aiden was the sole Ravager kid. His hard back horns were noticeable.

Agatha had forgotten that Etherealis was a monopolic place, unlike Primotheus Capital.

The residents weren't used to seeing other creatures. They weren't very accommodating or friendly with others.

Seeing Aiden trying to hide his horns with his slightly long hair felt like a punch to the gut. His horns were still small, unlike older Ravagers, so they could be concealed easily.

But Agatha had never made him hide his horns, hide who he really was. She might despise his father with every last drop of her blood, but she would never hate Aiden's demonic traits.

It wasn't his fault that he carried his father's blood. He didn't choose to be a Ravager.

Agatha knelt down to level her gaze with his. She gently caressed the hair concealing his horns.

"Aggie…" Aiden whispered softly, his eyes full of fear and worry.

She said reassuringly, "Don't hide who you are, Aiden. Don't feel bad for being different. You may not be the same as them, but that's what makes you special."

"But Aggie," Aiden said, "you said all creatures are special."

Agatha nodded. "Of course." She fixed Aiden's hair once more.

"But then, if everyone is special," said Aiden, "doesn't that make it ordinary to be special?"

Agatha stopped, blinking. He was right in a way. She grinned. "Sometimes, I'm annoyed by your intelligence, Aiden..."

She hugged him with both arms and carried him as they walked towards the heart of the town.

Aiden didn't really want to be carried. Though he was skinny, he was tall for his age, making it awkward when she did. She was small, and soon enough, he would be taller than she'd ever be.

Still, Agatha wanted to carry him to protect him from the curious gazes everyone was throwing at them.

Aiden wasn't much heavier thanks to Liam's provisions, which made it a difficult task. But she did it anyway.

Aiden soon relented, indicating that the stares truly bothered him.

In Primotheus Capital, he never had to hide his demonic traits. While there were few Ravagers, the creatures there weren't judgmental. Aiden never felt like an outsider.

Agatha immediately looked for the nearest pawnshop. She didn't have Galleons with her, but she had clothes with small diamonds. If they were real, she could exchange them for food.

When they were done, Agatha didn't expect the true value of the diamonds. She tore off five small pieces and handed them over the counter.

The diamonds were just like raindrops each, so she was surprised to receive a bag filled with countless silvers.

Next, she looked for a bakery. If they were to travel far, it was better to bring bread as it was lighter. She also needed to buy some fruits.

They were still being observed closely, and when Agatha noticed that Aiden was increasingly uncomfortable, she let him hide behind her.

"Do you really want to hide it?" Agatha couldn't help but ask again. She bit her lip. "Don't be ashamed, Aiden."

Aiden looked over his shoulder. "But if I don't conceal my horns, we'll be noticed, Aggie. They'll know I'm a Ravager. Once they look for a Fae with a Ravager kid, we'll be caught…"

Agatha sighed, knowing Aiden was right. So they went to a shop and bought a thick cap to hide his horns.

Agatha also changed her clothes. The dress she wore was lavishly beautiful and drew too much attention, so she bought a more common one.

They also bought cloaks to avoid notice once they left the store. After entering a bakery and buying bread, they left immediately.

They bought three bags of bread, eating silently without talking to anyone. They kept their heads down while listening to the conversations around them.

As far as they heard, there seemed to be no news about knights looking for a female Fae and a Ravager kid.

Maybe Liam didn't care about them after all. Maybe he stayed to fulfill his other missions.

She wasn't sure about Nysander's final fate. But since they were in Etherealis and not Primotheus, she hoped Nysander was long dead. If he was, there was no reason for Liam to stay in Primotheus.

And no reason for him to stay with them.

But… they were Fates.

She shook her head to clear her mind. She needed to focus on their current situation to provide Aiden a peaceful life.

With the diamonds she had, she could buy a small lot and build a house. She just needed to figure out how to return to Primotheus Capital.

Carrying their purchases, from fruits to blankets, Agatha and Aiden roamed the town looking for a boat to buy.

The last time she departed, they traveled by water. Even though they reached the Forgotten Fjords, Isa and she almost drowned.

Agatha didn't want that to happen with Aiden. He didn't know how to swim. And the Forgotten Fjords were closer than Primotheus Capital.

Agatha knew they'd be looked for in Eldoria and Escrima. But because they'd never been to Epicurus or Eugenia, they could hide there.

With the silvers, Agatha purchased a pass to rent a small shack while looking for a cheap lot.

She wasn't sure if the silvers and remaining diamonds would be enough to build a house, but she would try.

They were about to meet the boat seller when Agatha saw a little girl, as young as Aiden, selling apples on the street with her brother, who sold mangoes.

They had been shouting for a while, but no one seemed to buy from them. Maybe their products weren't that fresh anymore.

"How much for a box of apples?" Agatha asked, approaching the little girl.

"Two silvers, miss," she answered respectfully, showing their products. "Please buy, so we can get water…"

Agatha's eyes narrowed. "Water?" she asked. "Isn't water supposed to be free in the Water Fae Kingdom?"

If Agatha recalled accurately, the Fire Fae Kingdom was known for mining precious stones. The Wind Kingdom was known for their owls, doves, and ravens that delivered messages. The Earth Kingdom was master of construction. The Water Kingdom thrived on water and fisheries.

So why did they have to buy water?

"You don't know?" the girl seemed confused. "You're not from here?"

Agatha blinked rapidly before nodding slowly. It would probably be safer to tell the truth. 

"That was before," the girl said. "But since our lake was poisoned, we've almost lost our jobs. Our parents lost theirs as well, and now we have to buy water imported from other kingdoms."

Agatha furrowed her brow. "The lake was poisoned? How? Why?"

The kid shrugged. "My father said the King is actually a Fire Fae, not a Water Fae, which is why this is happening. But my grandpa says it happened a long time ago too. Maybe it's because of the King's Fate again."

Agatha bit her lip. How did that relate to the lake?

She continued talking with the kid until the conversation shifted to their products. They had gathered them from the forest.

Agatha admired them. Instead of stealing to buy water, they found ways to earn Galleons without resorting to crime.

To help, Agatha bought all they were selling, which made it hard for Aiden and her to walk while carrying everything.

She couldn't shake off what the kid had told her. There had been a huge change in the Kingdom since she left. Her fear lingered. Every time she saw an older man with a muscular build, she almost jumped.

She might think it was Philippe or Ksaver or their knights looking for her. She knew most of her fears were irrational. She wasn't even sure if they were still alive. But she didn't want to risk it, especially now that she was with Aiden.

They looked for a boat to buy, asking for directions several times since the store was located at the edge of the town, near the poisoned lake.

Agatha also contemplated moving to Elderwood, but she worried about Aiden being bullied for being a Ravager. They tended to outcast those who were different. She didn't want Aiden to grow up without friends. She wanted him to enjoy his life.

"This one costs two gold," said the old man, pointing at a wooden boat. "While that one at the back costs three."

The first, the cheaper one, was bigger but made of ordinary wood. The other, although smaller and more expensive, was made from Arran tree wood, known for its sturdiness.

It wasn't too small, though. It was enough for Aiden, Agatha, and their items. They could also lie down and sleep. So she decided to buy the latter.

While the workers checked their boat for any faults, she couldn't help but ask Mr. Quaint, "How long has the lake been poisoned?"

Like her, the old man glanced at the lake not far from them. The lake was wide with strong currents. Once filled with fish and fishermen, its once clear water had turned brownish.

"Around a month already," he answered, a bit saddened.

"Why was it poisoned?" Agatha pressed. "And is it really the whole lake?"

"They say it's because of the King's Fate."

Agatha stiffened at what Mr. Quaint said.

"Why would it be because of her?" Agatha wondered hesitantly. "I don't think she's the one who poisoned it. Maybe she's never even set foot in Etherealis since it was poisoned."

"That's the problem. She's not here. Our place is unlike other continents. Its life relies on the Ones, and only Blue Bloods can hold them without dying."

Agatha suddenly remembered what Levi had said about her having the other part of the Ones. But it seemed impossible. If it was really inside her, she would've known.

"Apart from the Blue Bloods," Mr. Quaint added, "the Fates of the King and Queen can also possess it."

Agatha listened silently to the old man while she sat in front of him. Even Aiden beside her was intently listening, though she wasn't sure if he understood much of the conversation.

"The state of Etherealis is affected not just by who holds the Ones but also by the relationship of the possessors to their Fates. Rumors say the first time it happened years ago, the King was rejected by his Fate, so the lake turned poisonous. Maybe that's happening again now. I hope this time will be different."

Agatha's lips parted. It sounded absurd, but she couldn't help but wonder if it was true. It was hard to believe, but the citizens' firsthand accounts made it seem legitimate.

"Is that also why water is no longer free?"

The old man nodded heartily.

"I think most of you are angry at the King's Fate because of what happened."

Mr. Quaint shook his head. "We're not angry because we know this is temporary. King Liam is kind-hearted, so if he was really rejected by his Fate, we know she'll realize it soon. Once she accepts the King, everything will return to normal. That's our hope, of course." He laughed briefly.

Agatha couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "It seems you really trust King Liam," she remarked. "What has he done to make you think he's kind?"

The old man's laughter grew louder. "I forgot you're not from here. Well, I'll tell you then."

Mr. Quaint wiped the sweat from his brow and led them to the boat floating on the lake. It had been repaired by his workers, who had now returned to their tasks. While the paddles were being brought over, the old man continued his story.

"There were many who were worried when we learned that a Half-Blood would succeed our former King. It had never happened before. But even though we tried to protest, it didn't do any good. We needed a Blue Blood to preserve the lives of Etherealis."

Agatha accepted the paddle and helped Aiden onto the boat. She also loaded the items she had bought while still listening to Mr. Quaint.

"We thought he would be like the former King, but he wasn't. Yes, he is elusive to the citizens and often absent from the kingdom. But unlike King Philippe, King Liam fixed the taxes. Before, it was difficult because all the taxes were paid equally. Rich or poor, thirty pieces of silver every first day of the month. There was another tax to pay every time we sold products, on the King's birthday, and whenever the knights had a mission."

Agatha groaned discreetly. She paid only five pieces of silver for taxes in Eldoria every month, and even that strained her pocket. How could they manage with so many different taxes?

"But everything changed because of King Liam. He made a law that we would pay thirty pieces of silver every fortnight. We are no longer asked for additional payments if the knights have a mission, if we sell goods, or on his birthday."

"That's why we were so relieved," he added. "He also appointed a secretary to oversee the assets of the wealthy, suspecting they were stealing Galleons from the kingdom. Because of the new King, corruption has lessened, if not vanished."

Once Agatha was done with everything, she boarded the boat but didn't untie the rope since Mr. Quaint wasn't finished speaking.

"And when the lake was poisoned, he immediately found new work for us. He also didn't ask for taxes from the affected families. The King has many projects that help us. He always cares about our lives. So, although he isn't a Pure Blood, we'd rather have him as King."

Agatha hadn't known Liam was like that. She knew he was kind and considerate because he let her and Aiden stay at Slumber Shack without payment. He was concerned about their well-being and joined his knights on missions. But she hadn't expected him to be such a good king.

"We also remember him for his likeness to the late Prince Henry. Like King Liam, Prince Henry fought for the citizens' rights, unlike his brother, King Philippe."

Agatha paused, her heart pounding. She felt cold and hot at the same time.

"Prince Henry? King Philippe?"

"I think you're too young to remember Prince Henry since he died young. King Philippe was our former King before King Liam…"

Before Mr. Quaint could continue, the current carried them away. Shocked, Agatha realized she had untied the rope anchoring the boat. They were being swept by the waves.

Aiden gripped the sides and helped Agatha paddle to avoid the rocks. The small boat swayed and bumped into rocks, but they managed to hold on. They were drenched by splashes from the strong waves but paddled with all their might.

"Hold tight, Aiden!" Agatha instructed.

While paddling, Agatha couldn't shake off what the old man had said. She planned to go back and ask more, but the current grew stronger. Unable to fight it, Agatha tried using her gift to control the water, but she couldn't. 

It seemed there was an energy preventing her from controlling the water. The lake seemed angry and quickly carried them away.

Agatha stiffened as she saw a cliff ahead. Why couldn't she control the waves? Was this a magical lake? Why hadn't anyone told her?

Agatha saw the worry etched in Aiden's eyes. She tried again to control the water but to no avail. Panicking, she paddled again, but the water seemed to have a life of its own, pulling them into the forest. The water surged as high as the trees, like tidal waves, carrying them along.

Agatha hugged Aiden as they hit a tall tree. They were thrown, and the forest filled with the noise of their impact and the boat's destruction. She embraced Aiden tightly, bracing for impact, but nothing happened.

When she opened her eyes, they were on the ground. The waves was gone. The newly bought boat was wrecked. They were wet and muddy but undeniably alive and uninjured.

"What happened?" Aiden asked, as scared and confused as she was.

Suddenly, someone grabbed Aiden from her embrace. It was Ryle, one of Liam's knights. Her fear intensified as she saw Liam in front of her, looking furious.