The Tragic Life Of Beauty

AOIFE BELLE COSMO

I stared at the mirror, preparing for my ballet performance, a heavy sigh escaping my lips as I gazed blankly at my reflection. My hair, silky soft and a rare shade of soft pink, cascaded past my shoulders, a feature my mother insisted I never cut. Instead, I always braided it, the length now reaching my height. In a world where I was the only one with such unusual pink hair, my eyes stood out even more—an extraordinary purple with golden highlights that sparkled like a galaxy filled with stars. My skin was fair, as white as snow, making my veins visible and giving my cheeks a rosy hue. I had become a widely known beauty from a young age, a trait my mother exploited relentlessly.

As I looked around the backstage area, the atmosphere was a flurry of excitement and nerves. Dancers in shimmering costumes flitted about, their laughter mingling with the low hum of music. The scent of sweat and hairspray filled the air, mingling with the delicate notes of Tchaikovsky's score echoing in the background. The stage lights cast a warm glow, illuminating the intricate set, a magical forest that would soon be the backdrop for my performance.

With the announcement echoing through the theater, I took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage. The spotlight found me, and I felt a rush of exhilaration. My heart raced as I began the iconic dance of Odette in Swan Lake. I executed each move with grace, my arms flowing like the wings of a swan. I twirled effortlessly, leaping into the air, feeling the thrill of the performance envelop me. But beneath the surface, pain throbbed in my right ankle, a reminder of the sprain I had suffered during yesterday's martial arts competition. Each landing sent a jolt of agony through me, but I pushed through, determined to make my mother proud.

As I danced, I could hear my mother's voice in my head. "Remember, Aoife, you're not just dancing for yourself. You're representing our family!" The pressure was suffocating. I wanted to scream that I was more than just a trophy, more than a reflection of her vanity. My heart ached as I realized that my mother viewed me as her perfect doll, molded to meet her expectations.

After the final bow, I was met with her fury backstage. "You should have done it perfectly!" she yelled, her voice sharp and cutting through the applause. Her eyes were narrowed, disappointment etched into her features. I could see her evaluating every detail, every flaw.

"Mom, I—I sprained my ankle during martial arts," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper as I tried to catch my breath. "I did my best."

"Best? This isn't about doing your best! It's about winning!" she snapped, her hands on her hips, her perfectly manicured nails gleaming under the stage lights. "You think the judges care about your ankle? They care about the final result! You have my beauty, my talent—don't waste it! You're my creation, my perfect doll."

"I thought I danced beautifully," I replied, my voice trembling. I desperately wanted her approval, yet I felt so small under her scrutiny. "I really tried."

She dismissed my words with a wave of her hand, a gesture that felt like a slap. "You're overreacting. You need to practice harder! Do you want to end up like those girls who fade away after one performance? You'll be kicked out if you lose this competition!" Her tone was harsh, her eyes piercing.

Suddenly, the judge's voice boomed through the theater, announcing my name as the winner. Relief washed over me, but it was quickly overshadowed by the weight of my mother's expectations.

"See? Winning isn't enough, Aoife! You need to keep winning, keep proving yourself," she said, her voice softening only slightly. "You know how important this is for our family image. You don't want to be the reason we're mocked, do you? You're the embodiment of my dreams, and I won't let you ruin that."

Her words cut deep. I felt a wave of guilt wash over me, as if I had betrayed her by not being perfect. It was heartbreaking to see how much pressure she placed on me, how her own insecurities turned into expectations I had to bear. I wanted to comfort her, to tell her that I was trying, but all I could do was feel the weight of her disappointment.

Back in the car, silence hung thick like fog. I stared out the window, the world a blur of colors, my mind racing with thoughts of escape. My mother, focused on the road, was still seething. "You need to remember who you are. You're special, and people expect that from you."

As soon as we arrived home, I dashed upstairs, locking myself in my room. I jumped onto my bed, the soft sheets enveloping me like a comforting embrace. I buried my face in the pillows, letting the tears flow. Why couldn't she see me for who I was, not just a reflection of her ambition?

Tomorrow promised to be different; after winning the competition, I had a deal with my mother. I could finally visit my grandparents in the suburbs and explore the forest with my grandpa, a place where I could breathe and be free from the weight of expectations.

As I drifted into sleep, a flicker of hope blossomed within me, knowing that a better day lay ahead. I clung to that hope, hoping that one day I would be more than just a beautiful doll in my mother's eyes, and perhaps even help her find peace within herself.

The day had finally come for my long-awaited trip to my grandparents' cottage deep in the woods. After weeks of grueling rehearsals and my mother's relentless expectations, I could hardly contain my excitement. The car ride, however, proved to be an unbearable test of patience.

As we embarked on the journey, my mother sat in the front seat, her focus on the road but her mind clearly elsewhere. "Aoife, remember to practice your pliés and tendus while you're with your grandparents," she instructed, glancing back at me through the rearview mirror. "You can't afford to lose any skills over the summer."

I nodded, trying to suppress my groan. It felt suffocating, her demands wrapping around me like a tight corset. "Yes, Mom," I replied, my voice barely a whisper, hoping she wouldn't notice the fatigue in my tone.

The road stretched ahead, winding through rolling hills and dense patches of forest. I watched the trees blur by, their leaves shimmering in the sunlight. Each mile brought me closer to the freedom I craved, yet each moment in the car felt like an eternity.

"You also need to remember how to present yourself," she continued, her voice sharp as she turned to me. "You're going to represent our family, Aoife. Make sure to keep your posture straight and your expressions bright. You know how people talk."

I clenched my fists, the frustration bubbling beneath the surface. I wanted to shout that I wasn't a puppet for her to control, that I was a person with my own dreams. But I held my tongue. Once I was out of her prying eyes, I could breathe. I could explore the forest with my grandpa, away from the relentless pressure of my mother's expectations.

"Don't forget to do your stretches every morning. Your flexibility is key," she added, her voice relentless. "And I expect you to practice your routines just like we discussed. I want you to come back stronger."

"Yes, Mom," I repeated, feeling defeated. I stared out the window, watching the landscape change from bustling towns to serene countryside. The trees grew denser as we approached the cottage, and with each passing moment, my anticipation grew.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we pulled up to my grandparents' quaint cottage nestled in the heart of the forest. The wooden structure was surrounded by towering trees, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. It looked like something straight out of a fairy tale, and I felt a rush of warmth at the sight of it.

My grandparents were waiting outside, their faces lighting up as they spotted us. "Aoife! There you are!" my grandmother called, her arms open wide. I jumped out of the car, running to embrace her. The smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, further igniting my excitement.

"Hi, Grandma! Hi, Grandpa!" I beamed, feeling the weight of my mother's expectations begin to lift as I hugged them both tightly.

My mother stepped out of the car, her demeanor shifting as she straightened her clothes and smoothed her hair. "Now, remember, Aoife, I expect you to behave," she said, her voice firm. "And don't forget everything I taught you. You're going to want to impress your grandparents."

I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment. I wanted to tell her that I didn't need to impress anyone; I just wanted to be myself. But before I could voice my thoughts, my mother leaned down to kiss me on the forehead. "I'll be back to pick you up in two weeks," she said, her tone softer but still carrying an edge of expectation.

With that, she turned and walked back to the car, leaving me with my grandparents. I felt a wave of freedom wash over me. Finally, I could be away from her constant scrutiny.

"Let's have lunch!" Grandma declared, leading me inside the cozy cottage. The walls were adorned with family photos, and the air was filled with the comforting aroma of her cooking. We settled at the wooden table, and I eagerly dug into the homemade meal, savoring each bite.

"So, what do you want to do while you're here?" Grandpa asked, his eyes twinkling with warmth.

"I want to explore the forest! There's so much to see!" I exclaimed, my voice brimming with excitement.

"Ah, the forest is a magical place," he replied, a smile spreading across his face. "We'll go on an adventure together. Just you wait."

After lunch, I could hardly contain my enthusiasm. I helped clear the table, my heart racing with anticipation for the exploration that awaited me. Once the dishes were washed and put away, I turned to my grandparents, ready to set off.

"Can we go now?" I asked, practically bouncing on my feet.

"Of course! Just let me grab my hat," Grandpa said, moving toward the door. My heart soared as I followed him outside, the fresh air filling my lungs like a sweet release.

As we stepped into the forest, I felt a sense of wonder wash over me. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating a dappled pattern on the ground. The sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves enveloped us, a symphony of nature welcoming me back.

"Tell me about the forest, Grandpa," I said, eager to soak in all his stories.

He chuckled, his voice rich with warmth. "Ah, this forest has seen many seasons. Each tree has a story to tell, just like you. When I was your age, I used to wander these paths, dreaming of adventures."

As we reached the creek, I gasped at the sight. The water shimmered under the sunlight, and the gentle flow created a soothing melody. I crouched down, dipping my fingers into the cool water, feeling the refreshment wash over me.

"It's beautiful!" I exclaimed, splashing water playfully. Grandpa laughed, and for a moment, all my worries faded away.

Grandpa then smiled knowingly, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "How about I teach you some survival skills while we explore? You'll learn how to identify plants and what's safe to eat out here."

My heart raced with excitement. "Really? Yes, please!"

He led me deeper into the woods, pointing out various plants along the way. "This one here is wild garlic," he said, kneeling beside a cluster of green leaves. "You can use it in cooking, and it's great for flavor."

I leaned in closer, noting the distinct smell. "What about this one?" I asked, pointing to a leafy plant with small white flowers.

"Ah, that's elderflower," he replied. "You can make a lovely syrup from it. Just remember to be cautious—some plants look similar but aren't safe to eat."

As he shared his knowledge, I felt a sense of empowerment growing within me. This was my escape from my mother's clutches—the freedom to learn, to explore, and to be myself. With each lesson, I felt more connected to the earth and to my grandpa, who had always been my greatest supporter.

"Grandpa," I said, looking up at him with admiration, "I've always loved how you teach me about the forest. You remember everything, and you make it so much fun. I've been learning from you since I was a toddler, and it's always been my favorite part of visiting."

He smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling. "Teaching you has always been a joy, Aoife. You've got such a curious mind, and it's wonderful to see you grow and learn. I've loved sharing these moments with you, watching you discover the world around you."

"That's why I can't wait to be out here with you," I replied, my voice filled with sincerity. "It's like you open up a whole new world for me. I feel so free and happy when we explore together."

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over the forest, Grandpa pointed out a clearing. "Let's take a break here, shall we?" he suggested, sitting down on a fallen log. I joined him, feeling the weight of the day's exploration settle comfortably on my shoulders.

"Thank you for everything you thought me, Grandpa," I said, my voice filled with gratitude. "I love being here with you. You make everything feel so magical."

He chuckled softly, his face glowing with pride. "And I love having you here, Aoife. You always bring a light to this forest. Just remember, the forest has its own magic, and you're a part of it."

We sat together in comfortable silence, listening to the sounds of nature around us. The gentle rustling of leaves, the distant call of birds, and the soothing sound of the creek created a perfect symphony that enveloped us. I felt a profound sense of peace, knowing that in this moment, I was free.

Suddenly, the light began to fade more quickly than I expected. I glanced around, noticing how the once vibrant colors of the forest were being swallowed by shadows. A thick fog rolled in, obscuring the path ahead.

"Grandpa, it's getting dark fast," I said, unease creeping into my voice.

He nodded, his expression shifting to concern. "Yes, we should head back. Fog can be tricky in these woods." But before we could move, a chilling sound echoed through the trees—a low growl, followed by the unmistakable sounds of a pack of wolves.

"Stay close to me, Aoife," Grandpa said, his voice steady but urgent. "Wild animals shouldn't be around here at this time. They might have caught your scent."

My heart began to race as I felt the weight of fear settle in my chest. I glanced around, my eyes wide and searching. The growling grew louder, and soon the howls of the pack surrounded us.

"Grandpa, I'm scared," I whispered, gripping his arm tightly.

"I know, sweetheart. But we need to stay calm," he reassured me. "If they get too close, I want you to run back to the cottage, okay? I'll distract them."

"No! I don't want to leave you!" I protested, a surge of panic flooding my veins.

"Listen to me, Aoife," he said firmly, crouching down to meet my gaze. "You have to trust me. If they come too close, you must get to safety. I'll keep them occupied. Just run and call for help."

Before I could respond, the growls intensified, and shadows began to move through the trees. My instincts screamed at me to fight, but I knew deep down that I had to follow Grandpa's orders. Just as I opened my mouth to argue, a large wolf emerged from the fog, its eyes glinting with hunger.

"Go!" Grandpa shouted, pushing me back. "Run now!"

Tears streaming down my face, I turned and sprinted into the fog, the sounds of the wolves closing in behind me. My heart pounded in my chest, fear propelling me forward. I didn't know where I was going, but I couldn't look back.

"Grandpa!" I screamed, desperation clawing at my throat. But the response was swallowed by the echoes of the forest.

Suddenly, I found myself at the edge of a steep cliff, the sound of a waterfall crashing behind me. I was trapped. The wolves were closing in, their growls echoing ominously in the dim light. Panic surged through me as I realized I had nowhere to go.

As the first wolf lunged at me, I stumbled backward, my foot slipping on the edge of the cliff. Time seemed to slow as I felt myself falling. My mind raced with thoughts of my life—my mother's expectations, my grandpa's teachings, the beauty of the forest.

But that beauty was overshadowed by the fear of dying. Yet, in that moment, I remembered what my grandpa had always told me about grace. I closed my eyes and let myself fall, embracing the sensation of weightlessness.

With every second that passed, I felt a strange sense of acceptance wash over me. My grandpa had taught me how to move gracefully, how to adapt to the world around me. I let my body relax, surrendering to the fall.

As I plummeted towards the water below, I felt a bittersweet calmness. I had always wanted to be free, to escape the pressures of my life. And in this moment, I was finally letting go.

The world around me blurred into a whirl of colors as I fell, the sound of the waterfall roaring like a wild symphony. I could feel the rush of air against my skin, the coolness enveloping me like a gentle embrace. In those fleeting moments, I thought about all the times I had felt trapped by my mother's expectations, trapped by my own fears.

But here, in this moment of surrender, I felt a flicker of hope. Perhaps this was the freedom I had longed for—a release from the weight of expectations, the pressure to be perfect. As I fell, I thought of my grandpa's teachings, the way he had shown me how to appreciate the beauty in the world, even when it felt overwhelming.

"Is this the end? Am I fated to die just like this?" My thoughts spiraled into chaos as I plunged deeper into the water, the icy grip enveloping me like a shroud. Each heartbeat echoed in my ears, a desperate reminder of life slipping away.

The impact was unbearable, a violent jolt that robbed me of breath and clarity. As the weight of the water pressed down, I felt my resolve begin to shatter. Panic surged through me, but it was swiftly overtaken by a profound stillness.

As my body surrendered to the depths, I closed my eyes and embraced the sinking sensation. The world above seemed to fade, replaced by a soothing darkness that whispered promises of peace. My thoughts drifted like the shimmering bubbles escaping my lips, each one a fleeting memory—laughter, love, and moments I once cherished.

In that final descent, I let go of the struggle. I was no longer fighting against the inevitable; instead, I welcomed the calm that enveloped me. The cold water cradled me like an old friend, and for the first time, I felt a strange sense of freedom. No more burdens, no more pain—just the quiet embrace of death.

As my last breath escaped, I surrendered to the silence, feeling a bittersweet release. I was free, floating away from all that had held me captive, finally at peace beneath the surface.

---------------------------------------------

As I stirred from unconsciousness, confusion clouded my mind. The cool, damp ground beneath me felt solid, and I could hear the soft lapping of water nearby. I opened my eyes to find darkness surrounding me, illuminated only by a small beam of light filtering down from above. The air was thick with the scent of earth and moss, and the faint sound of dripping water echoed in the stillness.

Panic surged through me when I realized my clothes were tattered, barely clinging to my body. My snowy white skin glimmered in the dim light, contrasting sharply with the shadows of the cave. I brushed my fingers through my long, soft pink hair, which had become a tangled mess, cascading around me like a wild waterfall. The ends of my hair dipped into the pond beside me, sending ripples across the surface.

"Where am I? I can't believe I'm alive," I murmured, my voice trembling with disbelief. Memories flooded back to me—my heart racing as I slipped, the terrifying fall, the moment my body hit the water below. How had I survived? Gathering my strength, I pushed myself up and scanned my surroundings. The cave felt like a tomb, but the light above beckoned to me.

With cautious steps, I navigated my way out, my heart racing with each movement. "I should be dead," I whispered, a mix of disbelief and a flicker of hope coursing through me. As I stepped into the open air, a breathtaking scene unfolded before my eyes. The landscape was vibrant and alive, filled with wild trees twisting toward the sky and plants bursting with colors I had never seen. The atmosphere shimmered with an ethereal beauty, as if I had entered another world entirely.

Suddenly, a chime echoed through the air, startling me. A holographic screen appeared before me, and with it came a smooth, welcoming voice. "Welcome to the Realm of Spiritbeasts!"

I gasped, looking up at the source of the voice. Floating before me was a panda, its form adorned with delicate, translucent wings that glittered like starlight.

"I am Moonbeam, your guide in this realm," it said, its voice melodic and comforting. My heart raced with disbelief and excitement. I had been transported to another world!

"Before we begin, let me show you your system profile," Moonbeam continued, waving a paw. A holographic display appeared in front of me, detailing my character profile.

"Wait, this feels like a game," I said, my voice tinged with disbelief. "But I'm not a gamer. I've never played anything like this before."

"Indeed," Moonbeam replied, its wings shimmering. "While this may resemble a game, it is your reality now. You will learn to navigate it as you go. Your skills from your previous life have given you a unique advantage."

Leaning closer to the display, my eyes widened as I scanned the information. What did it all mean? What was I supposed to do now?

[Character Profile]

Name: Aoife Belle Cosmo

Level: 0 (0/1000)

Rank: S

Title: None

Spiritbeasts Alignment: Light, Nature, Healing

Status: Confused and disoriented after awakening from a coma (Weakened State)

Attributes (Average Attributes: 10):

- Strength: 15 (-5% Debuffs)

- Dexterity: 25 (-5% Debuffs)

- Constitution: 14

- Intelligence: 30

- Wisdom: 33

Magical Capacity

- Mana: 150/150

Life Spirit Condition (Weakened State Under 50)

- Life: 100/100

- Spirit: 100/100

Potential (Average Potential: B):

- Healing Potential: SS

- Intellectual Potential: S

- Magic Potential: A

- Physical Potential: A

Skills (Max Level: 10):

- Martial Arts (Level 10)

Ability: Combat Mastery

- Gymnastics (Level 10)

Ability: Agile Acrobat

- Archery (Level 10)

Ability: Hawkeye Focus

- Artist (Level 10)

Ability: Inspiring Artistry

- Ballet Dancer (Level 9)

Ability: Elegant Movement

- Ice Skating (Level 8)

Ability: Glacial Flow

- Survivalist (Level 4)

Ability: Nature's Ally

- Knife Master (Level 3)

Ability: Precision Strikes

- Cooking (Level 3)

Ability: Delicious Cooking

Wealth (Currency):

- Crystals: 0

- Gold: 0

- Silver: 0

Equipment:

- Head: None

- Body: Tattered Shirt (0 Defense)

- Arm: None

- Legs: Tattered Pants (0 Defense)

- Feet: None

My eyes widened as I processed the information displayed before me. "My attributes and potential are already so high for a beginner," I exclaimed, astonished. "This is incredible!"

"Yes," Moonbeam confirmed, its voice warm and encouraging. "You possess exceptional skills that set you apart. These reflect the training and hard work you put in before arriving here."

A realization sank in as I thought about my past. "I've trained rigorously in martial arts, dance, and various disciplines. All those hours of practice have prepared me for this moment."

"Exactly," Moonbeam replied, its tone filled with support. "Your dedication has granted you advantages that will help you thrive in this realm."

Determination bubbled within me. "I excel in everything I do. If I can adapt, I will figure this out."

Moonbeam nodded approvingly. "In this realm, your potential is limitless. You can harness your abilities, learn new skills, and form bonds with Spiritbeasts that will aid you in your quest."

With a gentle flap of its wings, Moonbeam began to explain the intricacies of this new world. "You stand in a land where animals and humans converge—where Spiritbeasts roam freely. These beings possess a blend of animal instincts and human-like intelligence, making them unique guardians of their environments."

I listened intently as Moonbeam continued. "In this world, Spiritbeasts can awaken their innate powers through a process known as the Beast Mark. This mark symbolizes their potential, allowing them to harness elemental abilities. As they grow stronger, they can rank up to powerful beings, reaching levels up to eight stars. Those who achieve the legendary status of nine stars are considered demigods, wielding powers that transcend the ordinary."

"The societal structure here is intricate," Moonbeam explained, its wings fluttering gracefully. "In this realm, females hold significant power. They often mate with multiple males to preserve their lineage, sharing a soul contract—a sacred bond that cannot be broken lightly. This contract signifies their connection and allows the male's Beast Mark to manifest on the female."

Intrigued yet apprehensive, I raised an eyebrow. "What does that mean for the female?"

"When a female Spiritbeast is bonded through a soul contract," Moonbeam elaborated, "she can harness the powers of her male partner. The male's Beast Mark can appear on her, granting her access to his elemental abilities. This serves as both protection and empowerment, allowing her to defend herself and grow stronger in the face of challenges."

Feeling the weight of this information, I turned to Moonbeam, curiosity flickering in my eyes. "If I'm to survive here, what should I do?"

Moonbeam's expression brightened. "I encourage you to find mates to help you navigate this land. Your survival may depend on the bonds you forge with the Spiritbeasts."

My cheeks flushed at the thought. "You mean... I have to find male partners?"

"Indeed," Moonbeam confirmed. "But your mission extends beyond mere survival. You have the unique opportunity to change the Spiritbeasts' way of life, introducing ideas and knowledge from your world—modern concepts that could reshape their society for the better."

"Is that what you mean by changing things? Using my knowledge from Earth?" I asked, blinking in surprise.

"Exactly," Moonbeam replied, its voice filled with encouragement. "But to truly influence this realm, you must accept at least five male partners. Their support will be crucial in your quest."

My heart raced at the idea. The thought of forming such intimate bonds made me feel embarrassed and uncertain. "Five partners? That sounds... overwhelming."

"Focus on survival for now," Moonbeam advised, sensing my hesitation. "You have time to consider your options. The Wildwood is vast, and many Spiritbeasts await you. Trust in yourself and your ability to adapt."

"To start your journey," Moonbeam continued, "I have a beginner quest for you. Your first task is to find a nearby settlement. It will be a place where you can meet other Spiritbeasts, gather information, and perhaps even find potential partners."

I nodded, a sense of purpose igniting within me. "Okay, I can do that. But where do I start looking?"

Moonbeam pointed toward a distant cluster of trees, their vibrant foliage swaying gently. "Head toward those trees. The settlement lies beyond them, nestled along the riverbank. Follow the path, and keep your senses alert. The Spiritbeasts are curious but cautious of newcomers."

"Got it," I said, determination settling in my chest. Taking a deep breath, I prepared to embrace the unknown. "I may be a stranger here, but I will find my place among these Spiritbeasts. I will survive in this place full of beasts and uncertainty."

With a smile, Moonbeam buoyed my resolve. "Then let your adventure begin! The Wildwood awaits, and the Spiritbeasts are eager to meet you. Remember, Aoife, the bonds you forge here may shape your destiny."

With newfound determination, I stepped forward, ready to embrace the challenges and wonders of the Realm of Spiritbeasts. Each heartbeat echoed with possibilities, and I was prepared to uncover the mysteries that lay ahead.