Areum's eyes slowly opened, her vision met the tall green grass as she stared at them for a moment. But remembering where she was, she quickly sat up. Her white hair was tangled and messy, but as she turned to head to the cliffside, she noticed a tall and bright city.
Is that… How could I have not seen that before? She thought, lifting her hand under her chin.
"Oh…" Areum facepalmed. "I just couldn't see anything."
Areum quickly stood up, brushing the dirt off of her giant brown hoodie. The only thing she had on except a pair of black shorts.
Without wanting to stop any further, she pointed right at the city before proceeding to make her way as a voice repeatedly popped into her head.
"Find Amalthea."
. . .
Finally. Approaching to the city after the longest travel she may have ever actually survived in her life. Staring right at the entrance, she noticed big and bold letters that proudly spelt out Zovale. Curious, Areum entered the city. It felt like in years, she could suddenly feel the fresh air breezing through her face while the warm sun kept her warm. The outside world of Ataraxia was heavily dangerous. It smelt like corpses and dust in every territory, but she couldn't find out why.
Slowly exploring Zovale, Areum observed carefully of the city. The skyscrapers that shined from the sun, the massive crowds forming in specific spots, people minding their own business, it almost felt peaceful. There were sounds of laughter and dozens of gossip she could hear. Maybe a talk about a specific somebody, or another talk about what happened around this Zovale.
What's so big about this… city? She thought.
Areum shook her head.
It's not time to think about that now.. I need to stay on topic!
Areum sped up her pace, sprinting a bit so she could try and get around. Maybe find someone connected to this Amalthea person. But as she was slowly becoming desperate, she felt a hand on her shoulder as it gently nudged her back. Confused, she turned and tilted her head slightly. Though her eyes met an old man. But just by remembering the smell of wine… wine that they used to drink, and the way he looked, it already sent chills down her spine.
"Hey lady." the man mumbled, "Are you lost…"
His words struggled to even form, it was obvious he had more than just a drink. But trying to keep herself from forgetting the task, she quickly turned. Holding her breath so she wouldn't smell such an awful scent.
"Sorry, I'm looking for something." Areum squealed.
The old man pulled her back, forcing her to look at him once more.
"I can help you…" he smirked.
Areum gulped.
How did I get brought into this…
Areum slowly pulled her wrist away from the man, making sure her sleeve didn't slip up to see her bruised wrists. But the man was stubborn, refusing to back down as he pulled her back.
"Let—"
"Hey." a male voice shouted, shaking the two.
They turned to a figure, as there Areum observed. There was a tall man who wore a black suit. He wore sunglasses over his pale skin as it covered his eyes from the sun. She noticed his short but fluffy blond hair yet he had a slight smile on his face. This only caused her to gulp once more.
Unexpectedly, the man grabbed Areum's other wrist, pulling her away from the old man. Though Areum's eyes widened in confusion, she felt stunned.
"This woman is with me. And please don't waste our time, we have a meeting to go to." the man said, "so if you'll please… it's not very nice to touch a lady like that."
The old man exhaled in anger, though knowing he couldn't do anything, he turned before walking away. Not wanting to cause a big scene in just the middle of the day.
The grip on her wrist quickly released as her head turned to the man.
"You're welcome."
"How did you know—?"
"You looked like you wanted help."
".... Amalthea. Amalthea!" Areum shouted, now remembering her whole purpose.
The man's eyes widened. Areum scooted back a bit, easily flinching as she now thought she was speaking nothing but nonsense. Though the man put a hand under his chin, thinking.
"How do you know Amalthea—?" he asked.
"He… He told me to go look for her."
"He… Wait. He?" the man repeated.
Areum nodded, desperately wanting to find this Amalthea. It constantly repeated into her head, even though her memories were at it's worst, the only thing that popped up in her head was finding this Amalthea. Either way, she traveled far. Counting how many moons had passed… at least 40 from what she remembers… maybe more.
"... Please come with me, young lady." he reached his hand out.
. . .
The two entered one of the tallest skyscrapers. Remembering how the outside of it looked, half of the building was just covered with windows while the rest were actual material that kept it stable. Though painted white to keep it from looking old. Though the office was on the top floor, the elevator doors finally slid open at floor 55.
"So… your name is Areum?" the man asked.
Areum stared at the man before nodding. The man smiled softly in a gentle gesture as Areum slowly exited the elevator before he followed.
"Well welcome, Areum. I'm Yatsutake. I work here and—"
"Yatu?"
Yatsutake stared in confusion.
"Yatsutake—"
"Yatsu."
"Well… that works." he shrugged. "Anwyays, who you're looking for is my boss, Amalthea. Whatever you're trying to look for, she'll be in this office."
Yatsu sighed, approaching another door as he grabbed the door knob and twisted it. Sliding the door open before moving to the side to allow Areum to enter. Areum slowly walked through the doorway, wondering what was next. Though she continued to observe, she noticed the high quality of the furniture, and the rich and high view of Zovale. And there was a long black colored desk that stood on the other side of the room.
"Lady Amalthea!" Yatsu shouted happily. "I have a guest for ya—"
The black tall chair that matched with the desk spun. Revealing a very charming and elegant lady. She wore a suit as her long light purple hair was tied into a low bun. Her light yellow eyes and her gentle makeup especially stood out. She stared, but the moment her eyes laid upon Areum, her eyes widened a bit.
"Who is this?" she calmly responded.
"This is Areum. I found her in the middle of the city and she seemed desperate to look for you."
Areum stared right at Amalthea. Their eyes stared right into each other's souls as the room slowly eased from how tense it really was. Amalthea stood up before she had suddenly disappeared in gold smoke. Only to appear in front of Areum, Amalthea smiled softly.
"I see. But may I ask why she…"
"I've been traveling… and then I found this city."
"Alone?" Amalthea raised an eyebrow.
"Yes.. alone."
Yatsu rubbed the back of his head, feeling nervous as ever but even he was curious. What was a woman doing outside of Zovale, and especially how was she able to live through all of that?
Amalthea sighed before glancing a look towards Yatsu. His posture went straight, removing his hand from his neck as he stood still.
"Yatsutake. I want you to grab some clothes…" Amalthea looked back at the confused Areum, but she could spot that her eyes glowed slightly through her hair.
"Size small. For the little Areum please."
"Small?"
"Yes ma'am." Yatsu replied, immediately turning back before exiting the office without hesitation.
"And you—" Amalthea turned to Areum. Even with her own voice, Areum's posture straightened.
"Just right under this floor is my residence. Floor 54. If you go there, go straight until you enter the small hallway near the kitchen, then take a left on the first door, you can clean yourself up."
Areum nodded, saluting and even trembling a bit as she exited the office. Maybe even mimicking the silly Yatsu. As she entered the elevator, she quickly clicked on the 54th button and the moment the doors were closed, she exhaled.
Why did it feel like she could just snipe me with no problem… she sighed.
. . .
Areum sat down as her body lightly bounced on the couch. She sighed happily, this was probably the most comfortable chair she ever sat down on. But soon, Amalthea had walked over, sitting just across from Areum as she had set a cup of coffee down on the coffee table.
"Well now… shall we begin?" Amalthea smiled.
Areum sat up, straightening her position once more as she cleared her throat. Gently nodding as she seemingly was prepared… for now.
"Well Areum, how did you make it here?" Amalthea asked.
"Well…" Areum mumbled, her hands gripping her baggy pants. "I just walked here… y'know. Trusting my instincts."
"Trusting your instincts? So you haven't ran into any of the Black Flare at all—?"
"Black Flare? What's that?"
"You're unaware of the Black Flare dear?"
"... No."
"Well. Allow me to explain."
Amalthea cleared her throat, clapping her hands together.
"The Black Flare invaded this universe. It wiped out half of every living thing that existed and it still roams here on Ataraxia. Though we've found people who've shown immunity, they have actually only gained abilities from their willpower to survive through this Black Flare. It's dangerous I'm sure you're aware… it corrupted those that had died. Which explains why I'm surprised you're not even covered or even have a single trace of the Black Flare."
"I… don't think I've seen any of this Black Flare you're talking about…"
"Well that's fine… maybe incredibly lucky. I'd think you'd get approached by at least one but… moving on."
"How did you even get here in the first place—?"
"I was… saved. By this man. All I can remember was just him telling me to find you."
"I know a lot of people, you may have to specify who this man is."
"... Very tall." Areum smiled awkwardly, trying to spill out as much as she remembers. "Black hair… black dead eyes… his black… coat?"
"... Kage?" Amalthea mumbled.
"Who?"
"N-Nevermind. Do you have a place to stay, Miss Areum?"
"No… I could go sleep outside."
"No thank you… how about you stay in my other residence. It's just another floor below mine."
"No no… I'm way too messy and I'll mess things up too easily—"
"No worries. I'll have everything ready for you."
"... Amal— I mean. M-Miss Amalthea, this is a lot…"
"And?"
"Please, at least let me do something back—"
"Nope."
"I—"
"Nope."
"Pretty please?"
"Nope."
"What if I clean—"
"Nope."
"A—"
"..."
Amalthea sighed, rolling her eyes a bit before chuckling. Her soft and warm heart only wanted to help the poor Areum, especially feeling empathetic over her entire journey through such traumatic chaos and past events.
"Alright. Maybe… I'll hire you."
"Hire me?"
"To be my right hand woman."
"... Huh."
"You heard me."
"I mean.. Great?"
"Pfft. Go on. Get some rest now, it's late."
Areum's eyes widened a bit, glancing at the window as the sun had definitely set. Now it was just pure darkness and only the small dots of stars lit up the skies along with the bright full moon. But thinking it was an order, Areum quickly stood up and walked off. Entering the elevator to enter the residence.
While Areum's image faded from Amalthea's sight, her smile suddenly faded. Frowning but not in cruelty, but rather in suspicion. Crossing her arms, she leaned back on her chair as her eyes slanted.
Kage… What are you thinking about?