Elfie's Perspective:
4/9/2008
It's been a whole year since me and Kai became friends. A whole, real, happy year.
No one calls me names anymore. No one throws dirt in my food or hides my shoes or whispers I'm weird behind my back. Miss Liora—she always reminds everyone that I'm not sick, that I'm just a girl, like the rest of them.
She even said my hair is the color of cherry blossoms and that it's special. And now… now some of the kids actually talk to me. Some even play with me.
But I don't play with them. Not really.
Because…
Because I only wanna be with him.
The air was a little chilly this morning. The grass outside still had tiny drops of water on it like sparkles. Some of the little ones were chasing each other with sticks and yelling "Freeze tag!" while the older boys were climbing the tree near the laundry lines, even though they weren't supposed to.
I heard birds too, chirpy-chirpy ones, and the sky was cloudy but still bright. Like cotton candy if it had no color.
But all I could think was…
Today he's gonna read to me again!
My steps got quicker as I crossed the hallway toward the dining room. Today he promised he'd read me the big history book again—the one about the history of Celestine and The Sword Saints! He said he'd do the voices too. He always makes them so good, like—so good—and it makes my heart jump every time he reads.
His voice is my favorite sound. Even better than music. Even better than wind chimes. It's deep and calm and kind and makes me feel safe.
I squeezed the hem of my dress as I stepped inside the dining hall, all excited to see him and—he wasn't there.
My eyes scanned all the tables fast, my pink eyes checking every single face like I was counting raindrops. But… no Kai.
I pouted and sat down at our usual seat, crossing my arms on the table and resting my chin on them. My legs were swinging under the bench.
I hate this. I already miss him. A lot. Sooo much. It's not fair.
Ugh.
I started tapping my finger on the table. Tap-tap. Tap-tap-tap. Maybe he's just in the bathroom?
No… I know where he is. Miss Liora called him earlier. Because of the test.
Ughhh the test. We had a math test last week and it was so hard. I only got 11 out of 20... and that's with Kai helping me study. And he… he only got 4.
It's weird, right? He's so smart. Smarter than grown-ups sometimes. He explains things better than even the teachers. And he reads everything. Even the books in other languages. He once translated a whole story in Celestian tongue and I didn't even know he knew that language!
So why did he get 4?
The test only had addition and substractions... just basic calculations right?
What if he is just a little bad at calculations?
I pressed my palm to my cheek and stared at my empty plate. Maybe he couldn't score high. Maybe he didn't want attention from the others. Maybe… maybe he just wants to be seen by me.
I giggled a little at the thought, but my face was red. I turned it down into my arms again.
I hope Miss Liora isn't scolding him too hard… she can be scary when she's serious. I just wanna see him. I wanna talk to him. I wanna hear him call me "Elfie" in that soft way only he can.
I wanna hold his hand again.
I think about him so much.
Too much, maybe. But I don't wanna stop.
I hugged my arms around myself and whispered under my breath, "Hurry up, Kai…"
Please come back soon. My tummy feels weird when you're not here. Not like sick-weird, but like I'm missing a part of me.
Like I'm not full.
Like… I'm only whole when you're next to me.
Only then, I'm happy.
Only then… I'm Elfie.
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Matron Liora's Perspective:
I sat behind the oak desk in my office, hands folded in my lap, heart pounding with controlled anxiety. Eight-year-old Kaiser sat across from me, silent and still—eyes locked on mine with that unsettling calmness.
He looked like a child, but his expression was that of someone with far more power.
For a year now, he's dictated my routines. He forced me—through thinly veiled threats—to tell the children that Elfina is just a kid, deserving of kindness.
He blackmailed staff who refused to help. He demanded the orphanage stop Clive's theft, upgrade beds, improve food quality, and buy more toys—all funded by the Celestial Kingdom.
And here he was… waiting for the monthly update on orphanage funding.
He hasn't blinked once.
I took a deep breath, straightening my posture before speaking—each word chosen carefully, logically, persuasively.
"Master Kaiser," I began, using his title as a formality—but only out of habit.
"I must inform you… the Celestial Kingdom has sent just 5 gold coins and 50 silver coins this month."
His pupils shifted… just slightly.
"I understand your request to redistribute funds toward better food, improved beds, new toys—and better care for Elfina." I continued, voice steady.
"But the kingdom is undergoing a minor economic crisis. Agricultural yields have declined—many of the royal estates suffered drought damage."
"Additionally, rival parties have delayed levies. Revenue streams for orphanage support are scarce now."
I paused to let it settle in.
"Our fixed expenses remain—pay for eight caretakers, repairs to the dormitory wing, heating supplies, medical needs. We cannot possibly meet your expectations amid current funding."
"If we overspend, we risk exposing our reserves—and inviting political scrutiny from opposition factions."
I leaned forward, softening my tone gently.
"I assure you, we do our best. Any more demands could result in insolvency—or worse, triggering intervention from other noble houses. The kingdom is watching, Master Kaiser."
He continued to stare. Expressionless.
Inside, I felt the temperature drop. Every cellular alarm in my body whispered fear.
My well-constructed argument… my logical fallback… hadn't moved him.
But he sat unmoved. His presence spoke volumes.
He wanted more. Much more.
I swallowed, lips dry.
"Master Kaiser," I added with forced calm, "I hope you can understand – under the kingdom's current constraints, we simply cannot raise funds beyond what they've provided."
My chest ached, knowing how futile every word felt under his gaze.
He remained silent—like a silent judge.
"Matron Liora, with your permission, I'd like to clarify the monthly funding figures you presented."
He uncrossed one foot, then the other, then settled perfectly still again. His gaze never left mine.
"Last month, the orphanage received 10 gold and 100 silver coins from the Celestial Kingdom. That was before the drought."
He slid a scrap of folded parchment from his sleeve and uncapped a small stylus—progressively shading it through faint marks, as though drawing invisible lines on the air.
"According to kingdom's ledger—the drought impacted the northern granaries by exactly 16.5%. I confirmed this from three-day-old government bulletins and two newspapers, brought to me by one of the caretakers."
10 gold × (100 % – 16.5 %) = 8.35 gold
100 silver × (100 % – 16.5 %) = 83.5 silver
Total projected: 8 gold, 83 silver, 50 copper equivalent, or 8 gold 75 silver after rounding conservatively.
"So your claim—5 gold and 50 silver this month—is mathematically impossible. Even with that economic drop, the Kingdom would still have sent no less than 7 gold and 75 silver. That's a blatant understatement."
I felt the air leave my lungs. I tried to open my mouth, but no sound came out.
He continued, voice quiet but cutting:
"Now, addressing your listed expenses…
Eight caretakers: 1 gold 20 silver total
Dormitory repairs: 2 gold 10 silver
Heating and medical: 1 gold 5 silver
Food improvements and toys: estimated at 2 gold"
His fingers tapped imaginary numbers in the air.
"That totals 6 gold 35 silver from last month's minimum income of 8 gold 75 silver—leaving 2 gold 40 silver in reserve."
He paused, then re-spoke the figures even colder:
"After rounding and emergency contingency, you still have approximately 3 gold and 30 silver."
His eyes finally blinked—once.
"Therefore, you have enough available funds to meet my requests. Renovations, toys, better meals, improved beds—all feasible within the budget."
He leaned forward slightly, gaze unwavering.
"You will allocate that remainder for Elfie's wellbeing. Or you can deliver it to me, directly."
Silence returned.
I felt my face flush, heart pounding. That math—those words—had dismantled every excuse.
He's not just smart. He's precise, relentless.
I swallowed, struggling to find any resistance.
I straightened my spine and cleared my throat, desperately choosing my next words to salvage control.
"Perhaps we could assign 1 gold silver to establish a small scholarship fund for children who want to excel—encouraging longer-term educational excellence for the orphanage…"
I waited, watchful for his reaction.
But Kaiser didn't respond. He simply listened, expression neutral.
Then calmly, he recited numbers again:
"A scholarship fund of that amount would reduce reserves to 1 gold 40 silver. It would permanently prevent future improvements to meals or bedding. It's unsustainable—and you haven't provided grounds on why it's more urgent than essential upgrades."
I swallowed, fumbling. Trying another tactic.
"Very well… then I will propose giving the caretakers a performance bonus this month—One gold total across the board—to keep morale up through political instability…"
He didn't interrupt, yet, as I spoke. But when I finished:
"Allocating 1 gold in bonuses leaves only 60 silver in the pot—insufficient to fund toys or any new initiatives."
His voice was measured, cold:
"That would leave a negative reserve. Therefore that proposal fails mathematical viability."
I stared. My stomach twisted. My excuses unraveled under each precise calculation.
So I conceded.
"So… even your math test was faked, then?"
He simply nodded.
"I have no interest in unnecessary attention."
My chest tightened.
Desperate, I offered:
"I… I cannot return all the remaining funds. Some caretakers demanded more this month—I granted it to prevent revolt. We had a mutual agreement. I couldn't keep ignoring it because of your presence."
He stayed silent for a full breath.
Then he replied in a voice so calm I nearly dropped my tea.
"Enjoy your tea, Miss Liora—it's getting cold. We can find another way."
I stared in confusion, fear mixing with fleeting hope. Taking a few sips of the tea.
He tilted his head and said:
"I'd like you to recover all of the money you've paid them—and hand it to me directly."
I choked. My fingers trembled, spilling tea.
"I… I can't do that. It's out of my power."
His voice dropped into an icy rasp:
"Maybe you don't value your life, then."
My vision doubled as he continued, dispassionate and precise:
"That tea you drank contains Orchidian Nightshade extract combined with cyanotic valerium complex. Symptoms will appear in three days—your lungs will fail."
"I administered the same doses to the caregivers."
He paused.
"The only cure is the Valerion Phyto-antidote—and it can only be delivered by air mail in one week."
"You will die, Miss Liora."
Silence swallowed the room.
I stuttered, weakly:
"Y-you can't be serious… this is a bluff…"
He leaned in, eyes chilling.
"We can wait three days to test your theory."
He stood.
"Bring all leftover gold and silver to me before then. I will then give you the antidote I've created using herbs and my own knowledge."
"Only then you may live."
He turned and walked out of my office without another glance.
I sat alone, trembling—tea cold on the desk—realizing the child I had underestimated had become far smarter over the year... The Devil.
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Kaiser's Perspective:
I walked calmly down the hallway—bare feet brushing the waxed floors, sunlight cutting through the narrow windows like sharp-edged blades across my skin. The scent of barley stew wafted from the dining room. A poor excuse for nourishment, but functional.
Liora had been getting bolder lately. Too comfortable with her illusion of control.
So I corrected that.
It took precisely 3 minutes for her to start sweating and stuttering, confirming my poison bluff had taken psychological root. Now, with panic governing her motor instincts, I expect her to follow orders without resistance.
Humans tend to fold not when they're struck, but when they're uncertain whether they've already been mortally wounded.
Fear of the unknown trumps pain.
I plan to use the re-acquired gold and silver to purchase more archives from the distant branches of the Celestial Kingdom—particularly books involving Asuran weaponry, Elysian bloodline mutations, and the valerian leyline disconnect of year 82 P.D.
Their secrets remain locked behind corrupted scholarship and forbidden ink. But with time, I'll read every page.
Even if I'm stuck in this rotting shell of an orphanage for now…
It's not without reason.
A promise to mother.
That I'd try living like a human.
Foolish sentiment. But I won't dishonor her memory.
As I passed the courtyard window, I saw children chasing each other. Screaming. Laughing. Spilling chalk over stone. Smiles breaking across their faces like cracked porcelain.
I once thought it might be genuine. Now I know better.
The average human smile is asymmetrical. Most people can't control the corners of their lips evenly when forced to smile—one side always creeps higher. It's a dead giveaway.
So I trained my facial muscles. Learned to simulate perfect symmetry.
A fake smile… undetectable.
I stopped outside the dining hall, fingers brushing the cool metal handle.
Remaining here allows me to dissect something valuable: childhood.
Not that I was ever given one.
But learning to mimic it will serve me in the long run. Like wearing a mask that keeps me hidden from real danger.
A perfect mask starts with innocence.
I pushed the door open.
There she was.
Elfie.
Sitting alone. Arms crossed on the table. Chin on her wrist. She looked like she'd been waiting for hours even though breakfast had only just started. Her eyes—those oddly warm pink eyes—lit up the moment she saw me.
That girl's obsession has only deepened this past year.
Clinging to my hand like I'd vanish. Begging me to sleep next to her. Whispering my name in the dark just to make sure I hadn't left.
And when other kids approached me?
She pulled me away. Growled at them like a cornered animal.
Declared, with a smile no one took seriously:
"He's only my friend."
Tch.
Obsessively possessive.
That's the clinical term.
What caused it?
Abandonment trauma, surely. Emotional neglect. Physical bullying.
But I'm not her savior.
I simply tolerated her presence longer than the others.
Maybe because her eyes didn't lie.
Or maybe because she's oddly… endearing.
Still, the plan remains.
Soon, I'll finish collecting the necessary patterns of emotional mimicry, and I'll leave.
She'll break.
That much is certain.
But she'll live.
I sat beside her.
She immediately straightened up, her smile blooming like a sunflower chasing light.
"You came back! You took sooo long!"
I gave her a small smile.
"I told you I would."
She giggled, swaying her legs under the table, then leaned toward me like I was her center of gravity.
I allowed it.
Sometimes, letting others believe they have a piece of you… is the best way to make sure they never suspect you don't care at all.
And yet…
As she hummed a song and started feeding me bites from her own spoon, resting her head lightly against my shoulder, I found myself… not minding.
Strange.
I wonder if I could truly care about her.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Elfie's Perspective:
Kaiser's smiles… I feel so much happier.
I grabbed my spoon and scooped up some of my stew. Then turned toward him.
"Say aaaah!"
He blinked at me. "I can feed myself, Elfie."
"But I wanna do it," I pouted, leaning closer, holding the spoon up to his lips. "Pretty please~?"
He looked at me for a moment. Like he was thinking too much again.
Then he raised an eyebrow. "You're acting like a mother."
I giggled. "Then I'll be your mommy from now on, hehe~! I'll take care of you! Brush your hair, tuck you in, make sure you sleep warm, everything."
"You'd really do all that?"
"Of course I would! You're my bestest best friend. No one else deserves to take care of you but me."
He gave the tiniest nod. "Alright then. I accept."
He opened his mouth slightly, and I fed him the spoonful, smiling so hard it almost hurt.
I kicked my feet under the table, feeling warm fuzzies in my chest.
He swallowed, and I hurried to scoop another spoonful.
"So, umm," I mumbled between feeding him bites, "I was thinking… after breakfast, we could go read the adventure book again! The one with the history of magic, remember?"
"I remember."
"And then, and then maybe we could draw each other! I'll draw you first! I'll make you super cool with fire magic around you and—wait, maybe not fire 'cause I'm not good at drawing that yet but—still!!"
"That sounds like a full schedule," he said calmly, but there was a tiny bit of amusement in his voice. I could feel it. Even if he talks like an adult sometimes, I know he enjoys spending time with me.
"Then after that… nap together?" I asked, a little shyly. "I don't like napping alone."
"If that makes you feel better, sure."
My heart thudded like a drum in my chest. I looked at him again. Every time I stared at his face, I felt this weird, happy ache in my stomach.
Like butterflies, but also bees.
But I liked it.
I don't think I can be away from him for even a day.
I hugged his arm tightly and rested my head on his shoulder.
"You smell nice today," I whispered.
He just looked down at me with his usual straight face. But he didn't pull away. That meant he didn't hate it.
I smiled again.
This was my perfect day.
I was still feeding him with the biggest smile ever when I heard that voice again.
"Hey Kaiser!!"
Liam.
And right next to him was Lisa—the girl with the big ponytail who always tried to act smart. I didn't like her. She once gave Kaiser a drawing she made of him. She said it was just for fun.
Yeah right.
"Do you guys wanna come with us to play treasure hunter?" Liam grinned, bouncing in place. "We're digging holes behind the garden to see if we can find bugs and stuff!"
Lisa smiled at Kaiser. "You can be the leader! You're really good at making up plans."
My smile slowly faded.
What...?
I grabbed Kaiser's arm and hugged it against my chest.
"No thank you," I said quickly. "Kai already promised to play with me today."
Liam blinked. "Huh? But we're just asking if you both wanna join—"
"No," I said again, this time louder. "He's my friend. My best friend."
Lisa frowned. "We're all friends here, Elfie..."
"Don't you call me Elfie. Only he can call me that."
My fingers dug into Kaiser's sleeve. I didn't like the way she said that.
"He's not your friend," I snapped. "He's mine. He doesn't need other friends."
Kaiser gently placed his hand on mine. "Elfie... calm down."
"No!" I shouted, standing up now. "Why do they always come to take you away? I don't want to share you! You're mine! Mine!!"
Lisa took a step back. Liam looked uncomfortable.
"We just thought—"
"Well you thought wrong!!" I cut him off, hugging Kaiser's arm tightly. "Go away!! Find someone else to play with!"
They both went quiet.
Then Liam sighed. "Alright... fine. Forget it."
Lisa looked down. "Let's go."
They left.
I sat down again, still holding his arm tightly. My heart was pounding too fast. I couldn't stop shaking.
Why do people always try to take the things I love?
He stayed silent for a few seconds.
Then finally said, "Elfie... why do you act like that?"
I bit my lip.
I didn't answer right away. I couldn't. I felt my chest squeezing, like I couldn't breathe right.
Then I mumbled it.
"...Because I don't want to lose you."
I looked up at him. My throat felt tight. "You're the only one who made me happy. Everyone else ignored me... or bullied me... or looked at me like I didn't belong. But you didn't. You saved me."
My eyes were starting to sting with tears.
"I don't want you to laugh with other girls or run around with them or—forget me. I don't want to be left alone again."
I felt the tears rise, but before they fell—his hand reached over and gently wiped under my eye.
"...It's alright," he said softly. "I'll be yours then."
My breath caught.
I stared at him.
"You... mean it?"
He nodded once.
And just like that—my whole world lit up again.
I smiled so hard it hurt. "Okay!! Then—then let's finish eating! And then we can go read the Celestara book like we said! The one about Celestine's Savior, remember?? You promised!"
Kaiser nodded. "Of course. Let's go."
I clapped my hands happily and stood up, still holding his arm like it was my favorite stuffed bunny.
He's mine. He promised.
And I won't let anyone else have him.
Ever.
Me and Kaiser walked to the old storage room together.
It was a little dusty inside, but I didn't care. I liked the smell of the books here—like old paper, secrets, and magic. Kaiser's fingers ran along the shelves until they stopped on a thick brown book with golden letters pressed into the cover.
"History of Celestine: Vol. I"
He picked it up carefully like it was something special, and I followed close behind as we stepped back outside. The sky was really, really blue today. Like one of the drawings I made with crayons, but even prettier. The sun made everything warm, and the grass felt soft and sleepy under my feet.
It was about 1 pm now, and some kids were still running around playing freeze tag near the garden.
I held Kaiser's arm tighter as we walked through the field, not letting anyone else come close.
His voice was calm. "Why are you holding on so tightly?"
I looked up at him and blinked.
"I don't wanna let go of you around them."
He gave me that quiet stare again—the one he always does when he's thinking deeply.
"Why is that so?" he asked.
I bit my lip and whispered it this time.
"They might try to steal you away from me… You're my friend. Best friend."
He opened his mouth, probably to say something smart again. "Nobody will steal me—"
But I shook my head and said quickly, "They will try."
He blinked. I think I confused him a little. But he didn't ask again. He never asked twice if I didn't want to say it.
Because he understood me. Even if no one else ever could.
I don't know how to explain it right.
But people… always take the things you love.
When I had a doll I liked once, the other girls took it and said I didn't deserve it because I was "weird."
When I had a warm blanket that was just mine, someone else stole it one night and I never got it back.
And when I had my parents—they were taken from me too.
Every time I've had something that made me smile, the world decided it didn't belong to me.
So when I found Kaiser…
When he saved me and didn't leave me behind like everyone else…
I promised myself—This one, I won't lose.
Even if I have to grip him tightly forever.
Even if he doesn't like it sometimes.
Because if I don't hold on hard enough… the world will come and steal him too.
By now, we had reached the top of the hill behind the orphanage, where a giant tree stood like a guardian watching over everything.
Kaiser sat down with his back against the tree trunk, opening the big book across his lap. I sat right next to him, letting my body lean into his side, my head resting gently against his shoulder.
His warmth always made me feel safe.
From here, we could see all the kids playing down below. Tiny little people laughing and running around like toys scattered across the grass. The wind danced through the leaves above us, and a few petals from the wildflowers nearby floated into the air like they were trying to fly.
It felt perfect.
"I love this," I whispered quietly, closing my eyes for a second.
"Hmm?"
"This moment... being here with you. Just the two of us."
I turned to look at him. "It's like... like it's only our world. Everyone else is so far away."
He didn't say anything back, but that was okay.
Kaiser never needed to say a lot. His silence always felt full—not empty. Just being here next to him, feeling the soft thump of his heartbeat, hearing the calm sound of pages turning… it made me feel like I belonged.
No sadness.
Just me, and him, under this big tree… like a promise only the sky could keep.
And I decided…
If I could live my whole life in this moment—I would.
Even if no one else remembered it,
I would.
As we leaned under the great tree, Sunlight flickered through leaves overhead, I rested my head against his shoulder, feeling safe and small. His arm under mine was the only place I wanted to be.
And he opened the big History of Celestine book, clearing his throat softly. He turned pages until he found the old parchment illustration of a tall woman with star-lit hair and glowing runes.
"This is Celestara," he began in that even, soft voice. "She lived two thousand years ago. Not a queen. Not even a goddess—mortal. But one of the most powerful sorcerers to ever exist."
I blinked, my pink eyes wide, staring at her portrait.
"She wielded celestial magic—a power that draws from the morning star and the place between worlds. One of the key magical forms of this world, between elemental and cursed. Celestial magic itself forms within the soul.."
I whispered, "She was a… human?"
He nodded.
"But people feared her light. Her gift grew so immense she eclipsed gods. So they rose up. The pantheon declared war—gods descended from the heavens, calling her a threat."
My chest collapsed. "Why…?"
"She was betrayed by the one she trusted. The love of her life—Arion, god of Eclipse. She thought he loved her for who she was, not her power."
I pulled his arm tighter, heart hurting. "That's so… sad."
He flipped the page, voice quieter.
"Arion murdered her. In the Temple of Rising Stars, he stabbed her in the back—literally. As a symbol of his betrayal. Her blood turned into pearls, their glow visible for a century."
I blinked. Tears welled up.
"She... she had no family," he continued. "She was an outcast as a child. Left alone in the streets. Nobody cared till Arion took her to heaven. She believed in him—with all her heart. She loved one god… more than her own life."
I felt a shiver in my chest.
"Then the gods realized she surpassed them. They couldn't risk her rising any higher. Her loyalty to Arion made her vulnerable. He used that trust to kill her. And they banished her name."
He closed the book softly.
I sniffed. My lip shook.
"...She didn't deserve that."
He didn't speak right away. The branches rustled above, the children below still playing—tiny waves in our ocean of solitude.
I held his arm tighter.
But he looked down at me calmly and said,
"I think she deserved it."
My breath caught.
"Wh-why…?"
"She trusted Arion blindly without any questions for his intentions. Even gods could not handle her devotion. Because of that she was hurt more at the end. Loving the wrong person."
My tears dripped down. I clutched his arm.
"You… won't betray me like that, right?"
He didn't answer immediately. His chest rose and fell softly.
There was silence.
I felt my small body press closer to him.
I whispered, afraid:
"You won't leave me, right? Or hurt me?"
He closed his eyes for a moment.
When he finally spoke, it was soft—but distant.
"There's more to the story, Elfie."
My heart stopped.
He didn't say yes. He didn't say no.
But his voice… it promised that I might not understand everything yet.
I hugged his arm and rested my head again.
The sky was wide and endless above us.
Kaiser flipped the page slowly. The ink was faded, but the drawing was clear—Celestara standing alone on a mountain of starlight, her hair like threads of sky, eyes closed as gods encircled her.
"She didn't fall so easily," he said, his tone quiet but certain. "In the Great War of the Heavens, when all divine pantheons turned against her, Celestara stood alone."
My heart sped up. "Alone? Against all the gods?"
Kaiser nodded. "Yes. And not one of them could hurt her."
I blinked, looking at him confused. "What do you mean?"
He closed the book and tapped the cover once.
"She didn't just have celestial magic. She had Authority over Existence itself."
"Huh?"
He shifted slightly, eyes looking at the clouds above.
"Celestara created an infinite space between herself and all harm. A spatial void so absolute that nothing—no divine magic, no god-blessed weapon, no celestial technique—could reach her. Even if they saw her with their eyes, their attacks would phase right through her."
I gasped softly, staring at the picture.
"She… she was untouchable?"
"Completely."
A breeze passed through the field as I leaned closer to him, clutching his sleeve tighter. That sounded like a dream. To never be hurt again. To never be touched by cruel hands or cruel hearts.
"But… if she was so strong… why did she fall?" I asked. "Why did they force her out of heaven?"
He didn't answer right away.
Then, finally:
"There was one being she feared."
I blinked, my grip tightening.
"She wasn't a god?" I asked.
He shook his head. "No… not a god. Not immortal. Not even divine."
My lips parted slowly. "Then… who?"
"She was called the Queen of Curses," Kaiser said coldly. "Her presence was sealed by the gods seven thousand years ago. A monster too dangerous for even heaven to contain."
I gulped. "Then how…"
"No one knows how she escaped. But when she did, she declared war on heaven itself. Alone."
I covered my mouth. "Even the gods couldn't stop her?"
"They didn't even try," Kaiser said with a smirk. "They remembered her authority."
"What was it? Her… her curse?"
He nodded, then explained.
"She wielded the Black Heart—an authority that reversed magic. Any spell or energy used on her would bounce back… at twice the strength. If you hit her with fire, your soul burns twice. If you slice her with wind, your body tears apart instead."
"Even Celestara…"
Kaiser gave a rare nod.
"She thought she could win. But the moment she struck, her own magic rebounded. She was wounded deeply… not by the Queen… but by herself."
My chest felt tight. "Then…"
"Then Arion made his move. With Celestara weakened… he plunged his blade into her back."
I squeezed his arm with both hands now, tears pooling in my eyes.
"That's… that's not fair," I whispered.
"Life rarely is," Kaiser replied, emotionless.
"I hate Arion…" I muttered, pressing my face into his sleeve. "I hate him."
He didn't say anything.
I stayed like that for a moment, holding onto him tighter.
"Celestara just… wanted to be loved… that's all."
I could feel my voice shaking.
"She was like me…"
I buried my face deeper into his arm.
"She didn't deserve that…"
He stayed still, like always. Calm. Quiet.
But I think… deep inside… maybe he understood.
Maybe he wouldn't say it, but he knew the pain of being alone too.
And as long as I had him…
I wouldn't let the world take him away.
Kaiser stood up from under the tree and dusted his trousers lightly. "I'll be going to the washroom," he said with that calm, always calm voice. "Stay here, okay?"
I nodded quickly, clutching the thick book to my chest as he walked off down the field path.
As soon as he disappeared behind the old tool shed, I opened the book in my lap again.
The pages were heavy, like they carried secrets too big for me. I liked it when Kaiser read to me—his voice made the words soft and simple, even if the book looked scary. But alone…
I squinted hard at the writing. Swirly… sharp... twisty letters that danced around like they were alive.
"Ugh… this is hard..."
I flipped a few pages ahead, hoping for some drawings or easier stuff—and then I saw it.
The paper turned dark at the edges. The ink wasn't black—it was deep violet, almost glowing. On the center of the page were symbols—no, not just symbols. Marks. Beautiful and scary at the same time.
Like this:
⟟⧫⟊ ⍜⧫⊬ ⍀⋉⋏
⧗⧗ ⋌⏁⟒ ⬷⋏⧈ ⧓⊑⊑⧓
⧬⟟⧈ ⬷⊬⧈ ⋔⧪⋌⟟⋔
They were big and drawn with perfect shape. They didn't look like anything from the normal alphabet we learned from Miss Liora. But…
Why did I feel like I could read them?
My eyes widened. My heart thumped really loud in my chest like it was scared but excited.
"A storm… of stars… pierce the sky… wrath of the fallen sun… summon the thunder's twin…"
I blinked. Wait… did I just read that?
My mouth moved again, softly, like I wasn't even thinking anymore—like my head remembered what I never learned.
"Vey'reth Anu-Sel'mara… Ignis Ra'Zel Thor…"
I raised my hand, mimicking a gesture I saw in one of the Celestara drawings—two fingers pointed upward, the other curled in.
And then—
BOOM.
A sharp arrow of water burst from the air above my hand, spiraling with bright blue lightning around it. It shot up high into the sky like it was hunting the clouds. And—
CRACKKKK!
A bolt of lightning crashed down to the open field, striking the ground just meters away from the tree with a burst of wind and a sizzle of burnt grass.
"AH!!" I screamed, falling back on my hands, heart racing and breath shaking.
Smoke rose from the charred spot in the field. The pages of the book were fluttering from the wind.
I looked down at my hands. My tiny, soft fingers. They were trembling.
"W-What… did I just…?" I whispered.
I could feel it. Something warm inside me. A strange energy that tickled the tips of my fingers and chest. I…
I did that.
I looked back down at the book.
It was Celestara's spell.
And I just… used it.
My pink eyes widened, glowing with awe and something even stronger.
Hope.
"I… I can use magic… like her…" I whispered, eyes brimming with joy and disbelief.
I could read her spells.
I'm… like her?
Just then, I heard feet running—fast, sharp footsteps.
"KAI—!" I called out, just as Kaiser came around the hill, eyes locked on the still-sparking field.
He stopped next to me, scanning the area with that cold stare.
"What happened?" he asked flatly.
I looked at him, tears in my eyes, smiling in total shock.
"I… I think I just cast a spell from the book, Kai…"
His eyes narrowed, flicking to the smoking patch of earth.
"I-I didn't mean to! I just saw the letters and… I could read them. I said it and then—BOOM! The sky exploded!"
Kaiser crouched beside me slowly.
"You read it?"
I nodded rapidly. "The letters looked weird but I just… knew what they meant… like they were whispering in my head!"
His gaze locked on mine—deep and unreadable.
I didn't know what he was thinking… but something in his expression changed for just a second.
"…Interesting," he finally said.
He reached out, brushing a small leaf from my hair.
"You really are something else, Elfie."
Kaiser sat back down beside me, his movements quiet and steady like always. His eyes lifted toward the wide sky, all blue and fluffy clouds above us. The field had gone silent after that big lightning crash, like even the air was holding its breath.
He looked calm. He always looked calm.
"You might be gifted, Elfie," he said, his voice like soft stone. "That you can use celestial magic... you're awesome."
My cheeks got all warm. I hid my face into his shoulder, squeezing my hands together in my lap. I could feel my heart beat like a tiny drum in my chest.
Awesome...
He thinks I'm awesome...
I buried my face a little deeper into his arm. It smelled like grass and books and something I couldn't describe but I always thought of as Kaiser.
I did it. I used magic.
I'm not weak anymore.
That one thought made my chest feel all glowy. If I can use this power, if I really am gifted, then I can do anything.
Anything to make him smile the way he makes me smile.
I turned a little to look at him. He was still staring up, the sky reflected in his eyes like he was dreaming far away.
"Hey Kai," I said, nudging his side gently, "do you have a dream? Like anything you would love to do?"
He didn't answer right away. I waited patiently, watching a ladybug crawl on a blade of grass near his knee.
"...I don't particularly have one," he said finally. "But if I could..."
He paused again.
"I would love to feel the clouds. To fly in the sky."
I blinked. "You want to fly in the sky?"
"Yeah. If that were to be possible."
"Why isn't that possible?" I tilted my head, confused. "You're super smart, can't you figure it out?"
He gave a little breath, like a tiny laugh with no smile. "Flying magic doesn't exist. Not with celestial, not with cursed. Elemental magic is out of the picture."
I looked back up at the sky—the clouds were so fluffy, like cotton candy pillows. I imagined him flying through them with me holding onto his back.
He saved me once. Protected me when I stopped smiling.
And now I can feel it, that magic inside me. I don't know how, but I just do.
If it would make him happy… then…
I have to do it.
I stood up quickly, hugging the thick book to my chest. The wind picked up and made my pink hair dance like ribbons behind me.
"Kai, give me a few hours, okay?" I said, determined.
He glanced over. "Elfie—"
"I'll figure out a way for us to fly!" I yelled, interrupting him with a bright grin. "Wait here!"
Before he could say anything else, I turned and ran down the hill.
My feet padded against the grass as I gripped the book tightly. I didn't know what I was looking for, but something deep inside me knew I'd find it.
The wind rushed past my ears, and I could almost hear it whisper.
I'll do it for him.
Even if the gods say no. Even if the sky says no.
I'll touch the clouds with him.
No matter what it takes.
I held the book tightly to my chest as I walked back into the orphanage. It was so heavy… my arms were hurting, but I didn't stop. I wouldn't stop.
Kaiser never asks for anything. Not even once.
He always gives. Protects. Teaches. Watches over me like I'm something precious—even though I'm not. Not really.
Not unless I can be useful to him. I have to make him happy. I want to be the one who gives him something back.
Even if it's the sky.
I marched down the hallway, my little feet making soft thuds against the old wooden floor. I finally reached the small library at the back of the orphanage. The dusty smell tickled my nose as I stepped inside.
"Miss Clara!" I called, hugging the book tighter, trying to hold it without dropping it. "Where's the elemental magic basics book?!"
Miss Clara blinked behind her round glasses. She was fixing some shelves, humming to herself before I barged in.
"Elfie, sweetie, why do you need that?" she asked, tilting her head with a warm smile. "That's not for your age group."
"I just need it!" I said quickly, my voice a little too loud. I looked down. "Please… hurry…"
She raised an eyebrow but said nothing. After a few seconds, she gave a soft clap and started looking through the upper shelf near the back.
"Alright, alright, little miss fireball. Don't melt the shelves," she teased gently.
I didn't smile. I couldn't.
After some more humming and mumbling to herself, she finally pulled it out and handed it to me.
"Here," she said, brushing the dust off the cover. "Careful with this one. It's older than you."
"Thank you," I whispered, turning to the nearest table and dragging a chair to it. I climbed on top and opened both books—the big history book of Celestara and now the Elemental Basics one.
The words were… hard. Really hard. I still wasn't that good at reading. My eyes moved around the page, lips silently mouthing each word.
"Elemental magic is... is different from other magic types...?" I whispered to myself, reading slowly.
'Elemental Magic is considered the most universally accessible branch of magic. Unlike Celestial Magic, which is fueled by one's soul, or Cursed Magic, which is born of negative emotion and internal darkness—Elemental Magic exists in nature itself. It does not come from within, but from harmony with the elements. Anyone can cast it, provided they have sufficient mana and mental discipline to shape and stabilize the flow.'
I tilted my head.
So... anyone can learn it? Even me?
I flipped the pages, faster and faster, until I found the section on Wind Magic.
My eyes locked onto it.
'Wind is movement. Wind is freedom. Wind is presence without weight. It cannot support heavy forms or create long-lasting lift, but it can move small things, carry voices, spin, scatter. Some advanced mages have attempted to levitate themselves, but the strain is immense and rarely sustained.'
So it can move stuff… if I can learn to control it just a little… maybe I can lift him...?
My eyes scanned a basic spell.
Spell: Aérith Teyla
Function: Basic localized wind pressure lift.
Effect: Creates a gust strong enough to push or carry small, light objects (e.g. paper, a feather, a book).
Gesture: Open palm toward target, circular breath, focus through fingers.
Incantation: "Sylm, vo teyla, arynath sel!"
"'Sylm… vo... teyla… ar—araynath… sel?'" I tried to say it. My voice stumbled. The wind barely even made my hair flutter.
I growled and tried again.
"Sylm, vo teyla, arynath sel!"
Nothing.
Deep breath.
Third try.
Still nothing.
My fists balled up. My chest felt tight.
Kai would've done it already.
One more time.
I focused everything—like I was holding the sky itself in my hand. My fingers stretched toward the nearest book on the table.
"Sylm, vo teyla… arynath… sel!"
A quiet hum filled the air.
The book on the table twitched.
My pink eyes widened.
Then—like someone picking it up gently—the book rose into the air, spun slowly, and floated across the room, placing itself onto the top shelf like an invisible hand was guiding it.
I sat there stunned. My lips trembling.
Miss Clara turned around, mouth halfway open, eyes wide.
"What…?" she whispered. "Did… you just cast that?"
I looked down at my hands. My fingers tingled like little fireworks.
"I did…" I whispered.
Miss Clara knelt down in front of me, her eyes wide like she saw a ghost. "Elfie… how did you do that?" she asked softly, like she wasn't even sure it really happened.
I looked up at her, hugging the heavy book close to my chest.
"I just said what the spell book said," I replied, tilting my head. "I just copied the words."
She stared at me like I grew a second head, then gently placed her hands on my small shoulders, shaking just a little.
"Even so… even so, Elfie—that's incredible! Most kids can't cast a single spell until they're ten years old! Magic puts so much pressure on your head, it can make kids faint or fall sick just from trying."
"Huh…?" I blinked. "I didn't feel anything though. It felt easy…"
Miss Clara's eyes went even wider, her fingers gripping my shoulders tighter.
"That's what I'm saying!" she exclaimed. "You're not just gifted, you're—Elfina, you might be a genius!"
"Genius…?" I whispered, my pink eyes glowing as they widened. "What does that mean?"
Clara smiled, her expression caught somewhere between joy and disbelief.
"It means you were born with mana levels so high, they're beyond what most people could reach even with a lifetime of training. Your body and soul are already attuned to magic. That's not normal, Elfina. That's… that's miraculous."
I didn't know what to say. My eyes stayed wide as I stared down at my hands again.
My thoughts started racing.
A genius? Me? I'm just Elfie… but… but if that's true—if I can really use magic without pain—then…
I can do it.
I can make him fly. I can reach the sky with him.
I clutched the books tighter to my chest.
"Kai…" I whispered under my breath.
Then I turned to Miss Clara, stepping back with a firm little nod.
"Thank you, Miss Clara! I have to go somewhere now!"
"Wait—where are you heading with all those books, sweetheart?" she asked, confused.
I turned toward the door and smiled.
"To the skies!"
Before she could stop me, I pointed at the big history book Kai was reading earlier, still resting on the table.
I took a breath, focused as hard as I could, stretched my hand out and shouted—
"Sylm, vo teyla, arynath sel!"
The pages fluttered, and with a small burst of wind, the giant book lifted into the air and began floating beside me like a loyal pet.
Miss Clara gasped behind me. "Oh stars above…"
I ran outside.
The doors swung open, and the bright light of the afternoon sun hit my face. The sky was clear and wide—so blue it looked like magic.
The other kids in the yard froze, eyes wide as they saw me run out… with a book floating behind me. It followed like it was enchanted, gently bobbing in the air with each step I took.
Some kids pointed. Others gasped. I didn't care.
My heart was pounding with joy. My cheeks hurt from smiling so big.
"Kai…!" I yelled, laughing.
"I'm coming!"
I finally reached him.
Kai was sitting alone beneath our tree—the big one at the top of the hill, where we always sat together. His back was to the trunk, his eyes half-lidded and staring off at the sky like he was thinking about something really far away.
But when he heard my footsteps stomping up the slope, he stood up slowly. His eyes landed on me, then on the floating book beside me, gently hovering in the air like a feather carried by wind.
He blinked once. "Why… is a book floating behind you?"
"Haa… haa—Kai!" I was so out of breath I could barely speak, but my excitement was louder than my lungs.
"You—you won't believe it—I did it! I figured it out! W-We can fly—well, not yet, but maybe soon—and I might be a genius! Miss Clara said I had so much mana and that I'm gifted and I didn't even feel any pain when I casted it and I made the book fly and then I ran all the way here so I could show you and—haa—haa—" I gasped, finally dropping to my knees with the book still floating beside me.
Kai blinked again, visibly trying to process everything I just blurted out.
I smiled at him, cheeks flushed with excitement. "You said you wanted to fly, right? I'll help you reach the skies, Kai! I'll get you there, I promise!"
I gently lowered the floating book to the grass and stood back up, brushing off my skirt. Then, taking a deep breath, I raised my hand with determination.
"Watch this!"
I cast the spell.
A swirl of wind gathered around the book again, lifting it just slightly into the air.
"See? It works!" I shouted, my pink eyes glowing.
But… it didn't lift him. Of course not.
Still, I tried again.
And again.
And again.
Each time I cast it, the wind whooshed out, lifting tiny pebbles or the edges of my dress… but nothing else. Nothing strong. Nothing powerful enough to carry a person. Especially not Kai.
"Stop it," Kai said suddenly, stepping forward. "You're going to get a headache."
"I don't feel anything," I insisted, my hands trembling.
But I cast it again.
And again.
…Eleven times in total.
Until my vision blurred, and my breath caught in my throat. I dropped to my knees, too tired to even lift my arms anymore.
Kai knelt down beside me, his hand brushing gently over my head, smoothing my hair like he always did when I got too emotional. His touch made my chest feel warmer… but my heart still ached.
"…Why didn't it work?" I whispered.
He looked at the grass with a sigh. "That spell… it only lifts light objects. Books. Paper. Stuff like that. Not people."
I turned my head up toward him, still panting.
"Then… I have an idea!"
He raised a brow.
"What if we both cast it? Together! If we both use it on each other, then maybe—just maybe—we can fly! Imagine it—flying in the sky! Just like you dreamed of, right? If we do it together, we can make it happen!"
I grabbed his hand excitedly. "C'mon, Kai! Try it! Just say what I said! I know you can do it! I'll teach you the words!"
Kai stood up slowly, his expression unreadable at first. Then, a quiet sadness passed over his eyes like a fading shadow.
"…I can't, Elfie."
I blinked.
"You can!" I said, shaking his hand gently. "You just have to say the words like I did. I'll help you, okay?"
He sighed, closed his eyes, and softly spoke the same words I used earlier—
"…Sylm, vo teyla, arynath sel."
Nothing.
Not a breeze.
Not a whisper of wind.
I stared, stunned.
"…Why?" I asked.
Kai looked down at me, his voice calm but quiet.
"It's because… to cast magic like that, you need mana. And I don't have any. I've never had any. Ever since I was born."
"…What do you mean?"
"I can never use magic, Elfie." He gave me a small, gentle smile… one that looked more painful than anything else.
"No…" I said, my voice breaking slightly.
I looked down, my knees still pressed into the grass. My hands were clenched in my lap, trembling softly.
The wind blew gently around us.
But not because of me. Not because of any spell.
"…That's not fair," I whispered.
"…I know."
He sat beside me again. Quiet. Still.
And I just stared at the grass—too breathless to cry, too stunned to understand why something so beautiful, like flying, couldn't be given to someone who deserved it most.
Kai…
I don't know why it hurt this much.
Maybe because I always thought Kai could do anything… because he always knew everything. He always protected me, saved me, never let anyone hurt me again. In my head… he was the strongest, smartest, most amazing person ever.
But now… now he was saying he couldn't use magic. Not ever.
He looked out toward the sky, the clouds soft and golden with the lowering sun.
"Everyone in this world is born with at least a small amount of mana," he said. "Through training, through age… they can build it up, grow stronger."
He paused.
"But I wasn't born with any."
His voice was so steady. So quiet.
"In my whole life… I'll never be able to use magic. I'll always be the one stuck on the ground while everyone else flies. The… worthless one."
My hand shot up without thinking.
Not to hurt him. Not really.
But I slapped him—lightly—on the chest, my small palm pressing against him like I was trying to shake the sadness out of his body.
"Stop saying that…!" My voice cracked.
Tears blurred my eyes. My breath hitched. My chest hurt. It really hurt.
"You're not worthless, you're not!" I said, stuttering, my voice tiny and trembling. "You're my best friend… y-you're the one who made me smile again…"
More tears fell. I didn't try to stop them this time.
"I'll find a way," I choked. "I'll make it happen. I'll get you to the skies… even if it takes forever… even if I have to fly with you…"
Kai looked at me quietly. I couldn't read his expression. He never made it easy.
But then…
He leaned forward and gently hugged me.
His arms were warm.
His hand stroked the back of my hair, slow, calm—like he always did when I was breaking.
"…Elfie," he said softly, "you thinking about that is enough to make me smile."
"No, it's not!" I cried harder, my arms wrapping around his waist tightly.
"It's not enough—I don't want to just think about it—I want to do it—I want to make you happy, like you made me happy…!"
My body shook, my voice barely forming the words now.
"The gods are so… mean to you… why… why you?!"
I hiccuped through my cries.
"I-I hate them. I hate anyone that treats you like you're nothing…"
He didn't say anything.
Just hugged me tighter, letting me cry into his chest.
My hands clutched the back of his shirt. I didn't want to let go.
"You don't have to cry for me, Elfie," he whispered.
"…It's okay."
"No, it's not okay!" I said.
I pulled back just enough to look up at him, tears streaking my cheeks.
"It's about you… so I'm allowed to cry!"
He stared at me, quiet again.
Then—
"HEY! Everyone! The caretakers are calling us! It's getting late!"
One of the kids yelled from below the hill, waving.
Kai turned to look, then back to me.
"…It's time to go back."
I shook my head.
"You go first," I said quietly, wiping my tears with the back of my sleeve. My voice still cracked. "I'll come soon… promise."
He stared at me for a long second.
Then nodded.
"Alright," he said, turning.
As he walked down the hill slowly, I stood there… alone.
Watching his figure shrink in the distance.
Still wiping my tears with shaky fingers. Holding them back now.
But they didn't want to stop.
I stood there quietly… the sun almost gone now. The sky turning soft orange and purple like someone spilled colors onto the clouds and forgot to clean it up.
Kai's footsteps faded down the hill.
My hand was still over my chest. I could still feel how warm his hug was. But the second he left, it felt cold again.
Everything around me always felt colder without him.
I looked down at the grass.
He said… he can't use magic.
Ever.
The words hit again like someone had stabbed them into me. Not in the heart. No… somewhere deeper.
He said he'll always be the one stuck on the ground while everyone else flies.
He saved me… and now, when he's hurting, I can't even do the same?
I blinked fast.
No. I wasn't going to cry again. Crying wouldn't help him. Crying wouldn't make him fly.
He gave me smiles. He gave me safety. He gave me… love. The only kind I ever knew.
Back then… before him… no one cared if I disappeared. The other kids hurt me. Laughed at me. Said mean things. The caretakers ignored it. The world ignored me.
I forgot what smiling even was.
And then…
He came.
He spoke to me even if I didn't talk back.
He looked at me like I wasn't some mistake. He fought for me like I mattered.
He made me smile again.
He did everything for me.
…Now it's my turn.
I slowly turned my head.
The book. The one about Celestara. The heavy one Kai had carried with me to the tree.
I walked over to it and gently picked it up again, running my small fingers over the cover.
"The gods were unfair to Celestara…" I whispered. "They took everything away from her… just because she was strong."
She only wanted to love the one who saved her.
But they punished her for it.
A sharp breath slipped out of me as I blinked fast again. My chest was tight.
"…Now they're unfair to Kai."
They didn't even let him have magic. Even the other kids, the mean ones, they have mana. A little. But Kai has none.
Nothing.
"They're so mean…" I mumbled, clutching the book to my chest.
"…I hate them."
But I don't care anymore.
If the gods want to take everything away from him—
Then I'll take it back.
For him.
My hands trembled as I opened the book again, flipping through the pages filled with glowing symbols.
Symbols that looked like pictures at first… but now…
Now they spoke to me.
I understood them. Not with words.
With something deeper. My own emotions.
Something Celestara left behind.
Even Kai… he said these spells would take time to decipher.
But to me?
They feel like whispers I've always heard in my sleep.
I sat down again, curling my legs under me, eyes wide as I traced the symbols.
"If I can be like her…" I whispered to myself, voice trembling but full of fire. "If I can be the next Celestara…"
Then I can make him fly. Just like he dreamed.
I don't care if it's hard. I don't care if I lose myself doing it. I don't care if these spells take everything I have.
Because…
In this world—
He is the only thing I care about.
If I can give him the sky… if I can put wings on his back, even just once—
Then I'll do it.
At any cost.
Even if I have to become something else entirely.
I flipped the page.
And again.
And again.
The symbols flow in front of me. Glowing softly in the dim light. My fingers shook but I didn't stop.
"Anything for you, Kai…" I whispered, a twisted little smile forming across my face.
"I'll give you the sky."
And with that, I began.