The sunrise was a gentle awakening, a soft pink glow creeping over the horizon. The sky transformed into a canvas of warm hues, oranges and yellows bleeding into soft peaches and corals.
The sun burst forth, a radiant beam of light, casting a golden glow across the landscape. A new day dawned, full of promise and possibility, as the sunrise painted its masterpiece in the sky.
After helping them with a place to wash themselves, DoHyun offered Eiden and the rest a sumptuous breakfast.
While they sat and ate, Eiden, after getting permission from DoHyun explained all that they talked about last night. He explained why and how she planned to escape the garden and join in the trials for the Upper ten.
For the part where the emperor promised to grant wishes, he hoped that his explanation was enough to make them understand.
"I never imagined that the life of a flower maiden would be so crooked" said Gabbie, they all thought flower maidens were special, they were, just not in the way they thought.
"I already said I'll help DoHyun with her escape" Eiden smiled
"I'll help you also" Gabbie added
Derrick threw his fist in the air, his youthful energy, exuberant. "Yeah! Flame princess, we're getting you out of this shit hole!" His words hit her as a promise.
It was rather funny, yesterday they were just strangers, now they act like they were already friends to begin with.
"So you've finally shown your true colors.." Jason crossed his arms over his chest.
The place grew silent after he spoke.
"What are you talking about?" Gabbie arched an eyebrow
Jason stared directly at DoHyun, his eyes unwavering. "We all seem to have forgotten that Kora promised Gabbie some 'ancient books' to help enhance her powers, but it seems the reason she has offered us food and shelter is because she needs our help to escape"
Though his approach was quite crass, he was somewhat right.
The judgy gazes on him felt like dead weight on his shoulders but he didn't care.
"What the fuck man?" Said Derrick
Jason ignored him. "Isn't that right? Flame princess.." His voice was raw with mockery.
"you had it all planned, you knew you can't escape on your own so you gave many things to us and offered us safety here because in the end we won't be able to refuse helping you escape"
Eiden scolded immediately "you're being rude Jason"
DoHyun cut in, her face was calm despite the accusations.
"It's alright," she said. "It's true i knew I wouldn't be able to escape on my own but that's not why I helped you guys out. I had doubts about my escape being successful but when I spoke to Eiden last night, I found hope"
Her gentle voice eased the atmosphere, it made Jason seem like the bad guy picking on a helpless damsel.
She looked up at Jason "I know you don't trust me but that's okay"
His crossed arms loosened, he averted his eyes from hers
"There are so many whom the goddess has blessed but Gabbie is the first I've seen and it made me happy. As for the books and my knowledge on powers, I'm willing to share all but we need to leave this garden soon"
Jason frowned, he hung his head low feeling down casted. He doesn't trust DoHyun because of how good she was, no human should be that nice without ulterior motives.
"What's the plan?" Derrick asked
Standing up, she responded with a serious look "we need guard clothes, which means I need Jie to tag along". She headed for the door, "wait here for me, I'll go find her".
With that, she left.
"You're such an ass" said Derrick to Jason, "in fact!, You're a bigger ass than me"
"Hey Eiden," Gabbie called out "if we do succeed and Join the Upper ten, wouldn't that mean we would official become knights and have to fight monsters?" She asked
Eiden hadn't thought that far ahead because…. "When we make the Upper ten and get our wish granted, we wouldn't be here anymore" he explained
"Oh yeah, we'll go back to our world and time" she nodded in realization.
With a sigh, Derrick added "I hope it works, I can't imagine going against those monsters at the stampede"
"Exactly why the Emperor had to make such an intriguing declaration" said Eiden.
The door creaked open, they all stood up
"Kora's back" said Gabbie, their eyes peering at the entrance.
The door opened fully and their eyes widened in shock. Their hearts raced, the person standing at the door....is not DoHyun.
"Fuck!'' Derrick cursed.