I enter the well-hidden cave which I call home. The entrance's periphery, there was an abundance of thick thickets and wild rainbow fern growing. It sparkles every time I walk by which makes me believe it is similar to a warm welcome.
As I entered I greeted, "Mother, I'm back!" as silence greets me.
I continue to do my usual routine after reaching my comfortable and protected home. For a few decades, there weren't many visitors which shows how sufficiently hidden the place is.
Mama always lectured me not to feel safe anywhere, I was not sure why she made me remember that but I understand her intentions behind those words.
I head straight to a small den with a nest that was fluffy and fit my size. I look at my siblings which are still in their eggs and got closer to them to share my warmth. They were beaming with warmth as I got closer and lay down beside them.
'I hope mother will come back soon.' I closed my eyes as my eyelids felt heavy as I slowly drift off into dreamland.
~
There were poachers everywhere. They came in various sizes and colours. They were shouting "Mythical fire cub!" and trying to grab me by the neck.
Mama told me to run and head back to the hidden cave as it would be safer there. However, I did not listen and stayed with mama and papa as well as the poachers. I pretend to be scary like my parents. "Aww so cute, the little cub is trying to scare us!" as some humans laughed. I fumed at their comment as I spat out some small fireball as they easily dodged it.
Mama curse under her breath after one of the poachers scratch her hind legs. "Loot everything! Every single piece should not be left over!"
I regretted deeply what did that day, I should have left my parents there. As they were heavily injured while protecting me, one of the human poachers used his weapon and strike through my mama's body.
I was petrified.
I was in a state of shock which I could not process what had just happened. Yet I knew it was my papa's turn.
~
I woke up drenched in my own tears. 'Why did I not listen to them?' as additional tears trickle down my face. I started to hyperventilate.
I endured the pain that was excruciating, both psychologically and physically.
I quickly think of a way for me to stop hyperventilating, 'Hold my breath?' I held my breath for 15 seconds and keep doing the same till I could breathe naturally.
That was so surreal. "Humans are disgusting!" I am then quickly reminded of the human boy and his servant. 'Somehow I wasn't threatened when I met him...it was more of I'm being attracted to him...what a strange and warm feeling...'
"Since I became his familiar he should summon me soon."
I got up and headed to the closest pond, it was the biggest pond in these woods. Even if I'm a fire elemental creature, I still want to be clean and healthy as I puff up my chest. The pond was very crystal-like as I could see my reflection and aquatic creatures. As I submerged, I quickly paddle down passing by gorgeous and stunning blue elemental stones.
I swim near the stone and grab one with my mouth, as I head upwards to shore. Planning to add the glamorous pebble to my collections.
I put down the elemental stone as I ruffled my wings and release a bit of mana to evaporate the remaining water on me. The sun was setting and I decided to late head back to my cosy den.
~
Bethany called us for dinner that night. I wanted to share the exciting news but I wanted to surprise her.
Gill had on his mask but I can tell he was excited to share the news too. As I have been watching him for the past year, I also have picked up his habits of when he is happy, the corner of his mouth would somewhat raise higher.
As we were eating our dinner together the atmosphere shift, tremendously swift. The temperature was from 28 Degrees to 23 Degrees. That was what Gill told us. Both Bethany and I were shivering from the cold as Gill said, " I will go check our surroundings, be safe young master and... Bethany." as he fluently disappeared on the spot. Bethany ran to get a thick oversized coat for me to wear but I don't see her own.
She quickly wraps her arms around me and quickly whispered, " You will be alright, you will find someone like me easily so it is fine... Young master, you will help me keep this safe won't you?" As she passes me her bracelet with different shells attached from her pocket. I look at her with confusion as I slightly tilt my head. Bethany grabs my shoulder, "Young master will be very silent for me as well?" I slowly nodded.
Bethany pats my head and ruffled my messy hair, suddenly, many footsteps could be heard outside the door. She instantly opens up an underground door which stores our food and water, then quickly shoves me inside while a few tears slide down her cheeks as she closes the underground door.
A few minutes later, I heard Bethany's yell as she summons her familiar, I peek through the tiny gap enough for me to watch what was occurring. She summoned her Rainbow Common Bird as it flies around spitting out fireballs accurately. I could see a few people wearing black covering their entire body except their eyes, holding varies from a sharp dagger to swords.
*warning gory and sexual scene coming*
'One versus five is unfair isn't it?!' I thought and at the same time the leader of five assassins came out declaring openly, "Isn't this fight a little unfair? – I blink with happiness at that moment– But who cares right? Nobody is here to stop us!" At that moment I feel disgusted by them. The five assassins laughter made me feel even more nauseous.
*You have been warned*
The leader smirked as he licked his dagger. The leader and his four subordinate encircled Bethany and one by one they suppress her from all sides and pin her to the ground. Bethany was far too weak to struggle as the leader pulls down his pants and raped Bethany repeatedly. The leader uses his dagger arts and plunges the dagger near Bethany's heart at the same time. At that moment I stop watching, but I still could hear Betty's frail body being crushed and being assaulted as her screams echo in the room.
The barbarity is sickening. I no longer feel sane at the moment and I decided to seal my eyes tightly and covered my mouth to keep any noise from coming out as well as vomit. I feel something drip onto me as I ignored it. I slowly rock myself in this small confined underground storage.
By the time Gill came back he was injured all over, the house was raided and he explained to me that I had fainted inside the small room under the secret door that Betty's corpse was lying on. That day for the first time I cried for hours till I was fatigued and fell asleep in Gill's arms. As Gill cleaned up the blood on me as well as Betty's carcass.
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