The azure flame trio walked into the city of Butuan with questions about the 3 adventurer and the mysterious black flame in the guild. But answers were not easy to find.
Mickey: "I guess we will never know who's the weilder of the black flame"
Lida: "Poor squad, they encountered such a powerfull enemy"
Mickey: "And that guy name joshua, probably he's dead"
As they walked through the busy streets, filled with sellers and people laughing, they noticed something not so happy. In a small alley, they saw a group of mean-looking adventurers picking on a young girl, only 12 years old, with wide violet eyes, filled with fear.
Mikoto saw something strange. His eyes locked with the girl, and he noticed a small, delicate ring on her finger - a Darnell's ring, known to hide the true color of a user's flame.
The girl was trying to back away from the bullies cast some red flames, but they kept coming closer. Without a second thought, Mikoto, Lida, and Mickey stepped in.
Lida (shouting): "Hey! Leave her alone!"
Mickey, trying to puff up his chest and look tough, stepped forward, but tripped on a stone, turning his threat into a funny tumble that made the mean looking adventurer's giggle.
Adventurer 1: "look at this fool, hahahaha"
But the expression of thier face shift. The mean adventurers was absolutely terrified when they saw Mikoto. They decided to leave, knocking over some gallons as they left in fear.
Mikoto (kneeling to the girl): "Are you okay?"
Girl (softly): *crying*
Lida : "what is your name?"
Selena introduced herself, they learn she was all by herself and even though she was young, she held a secret and Mikoto knew it. But she also brought a lightness to the group, making their serious quest feel lighter with her innocent charm and curiosity.
Mikoto: "lets cancel our current quest form now"
Mickey "what? How about that escape criminal that we're looking for?, you know the white flame dude?"
Mikoto "We were searching that guy for weeks, but besides there are probably other strong adventures is taking that quest, for the meantime we just wait" **as mikoto look at selena**
They spent days in Butuan, with Selena tagging along. Lida tried to teach her how to cook, but they ended up with a burnt stew that made them all laugh and order food from the local inn instead.
Mickey, trying to show off his adventurer skills to Selena, accidentally released a flock of chickens in the marketplace, creating a funny, chaotic chase.
Mikoto observed Selena, noticing how she subtly avoided any talk about her past or her flame. He noticed that even amidst the laughter, she would sometimes look away, sadness clouding her eyes.
One night, as mikoto and selena were all alone and sat around a campfire outside the city, Mikoto decided it was time to ask.
Mikoto (gentle): "Selena, your flame is hidden by the ring, isn't it? It's a heavy burden for someone so young."
Selena looked into the fire, silent tears rolling down her cheeks, yet she said nothing.
Mikoto (soft): "Selena, how about I help you learn? Learn to control the flame, learn to protect yourself"
Selena, looking up into Mikoto's eyes, saw kindness and a promise of protection. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe.
But was she ready to trust, to reveal her secret, and step into a bigger world of adventure and danger?-to be continued