The evening sky draped itself in hues of deep orange and soft purple as Seventeen returned to her room after another long day of training. The air felt heavy with an unspoken tension, a collective awareness that the trials were approaching fast. She tried to shake off the weight of it as she settled onto her bed, but her mind wandered back to the letter she had received from Noah earlier that day.
Her heart quickened as she unfolded the parchment again, reading his words, which felt both urgent and intimate.
[Daughter,
Something has happened, and I need you.
Be quick and bring the others.
It's time for you to step up.
You've been away for too long.
Come home.
Your father,
Noah]
Noah. Her mentor, her father, the leader of the secretive Ophiuchus district that existed beneath the surface of the Zodiac Archipelago. The gravity of his message sent a ripple of anxiety through her. She could almost hear his voice urging her to act, a blend of authority and care echoing in her mind.
This was more than just a call for help; it was a reminder of what she was fighting for. The stakes were impossibly high, and if she wanted to help Noah, she had to gather the others, bringing them together in a way that would allow them to strategize without arousing suspicion.
The idea of a getaway to release their stress formed slowly in her mind, an escape from the heavy atmosphere that seemed to blanket them. It had to be quick and effective, a way to get them all in one place without attracting the attention of those who would hinder their mission. She had a hidden spot in mind—one she had discovered during her explorations of the territory—a secluded oasis where they could find respite, if only for a moment.
That would mean they weren't going to lead the internal rebellion anymore, but she had already lit the match, someone would step up and take the role. The real rebellious power that would shake the structure of the Zodiac Kingdom lay with her people in Serpentpire, if they needed her, she would leave everything and go back.
They mattered most.
※※※
The following day, with a cautious sense of determination, Seventeen called for a meeting. They gathered in the training space of Draco's building, and the familiar buzz of energy surrounded her. But beneath the surface of her calm demeanor lay the urgency she felt deep inside.
"Hey, everyone," she began, her tone bright. "I was thinking… we've been pushing ourselves really hard lately. How about a little getaway?"
Light perked up at the suggestion, her eyes wide with enthusiasm. "A getaway? That sounds amazing! Where would we go?"
Seventeen fought to keep her expression neutral. "I know a place," she said, feigning confidence. "It's a secret spot I've found. Safe and quiet, perfect for us to unwind and not be disturbed."
As she spoke, she noted Claus's raised eyebrow. There was a flicker of skepticism in his gaze, but the intrigue was there, too. "How do we know it's safe?" He asked, crossing his arms. "It's dangerous for us to leave Downtown, we were never able to travel past our own districts, here, and the others to mine or Claus'."
Seventeen shrugged, pushing down the flutter of nerves. "I've been there before. Trust me; I had to learn how to handle myself all my life, being an orphan and all." The words felt heavy, layered with truths she couldn't reveal. She brushed off their doubts, determined to steer the conversation toward excitement. "I know how to get you there safely, without praying eyes. There are secret routes to cross the districts. A bit of adrenaline is always healthy."
Amelia leaned forward, her enthusiasm palpable. "Count me in! A day away from all this stress sounds like exactly what we need."
The idea spread quickly, excitement rippling through the group. As they debated the logistics of their spontaneous trip, Seventeen felt a rush of relief. She would lead them to that hidden place, not just for a reprieve, but to fortify their bonds and prepare them for the challenges ahead.
As dusk fell, they set off, Seventeen guiding the way. The path wound through the trees, and as they walked, she felt a strange mix of exhilaration and trepidation. The trust they placed in her was both a gift and a burden.
Draco fell into step beside her, the familiar spark of connection between them. "Are you sure you know where you're going?" he asked, his tone playful but laced with genuine curiosity.
"Absolutely," she replied, keeping her tone light. "I've explored these routes before."
His eyes lingered on her, a hint of something deeper beneath the surface. "You've been acting a little different lately," he remarked, the concern etched on his features.
Seventeen forced a smile, trying to push away the tension that settled in her chest. "Just a lot on my mind," she said, avoiding the truth that threatened to bubble to the surface. "But we'll make this trip count. We need it."
As they reached the edge of the forest, the path opened into a secluded glade. It felt like stepping into a hidden world, surrounded by tall trees and a shimmering pond that reflected the last light of day.
"Wow," Amelia breathed, her eyes widening in awe. "This place is incredible!"
Seventeen felt a flicker of pride swell in her chest. "I thought you'd like it," she said, watching as the group spread out, some drawn to the water, others settling on the soft grass.
But while they began to relax, Seventeen felt the weight of her secret pressing down on her. This was not just a getaway; it was a calculated move to ensure they were ready for whatever lay ahead, and they were not going to go back to Downtown Zodiac or to their homes now.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, they built a small fire, the flames dancing and casting flickering shadows across their faces. Laughter filled the air, a joyous sound that felt like a balm to Seventeen's restless heart. They shared stories, and she found herself contributing more than she had planned, recounting tales of her so-called childhood.
With each story, she felt the bonds of camaraderie strengthen. Yet, every word was a reminder of the distance she had created. They believed in her, trusted her, and she was terrified of what would happen when the truth inevitably surfaced.
After a time, she excused herself, needing a moment alone to gather her thoughts. Walking a few paces from the fire, she looked up at the stars, each one a distant reminder of the vastness of her mission.
Noah's words echoed in her mind, urgent and demanding. She needed to act quickly, to keep her friends close while navigating the shadows that loomed in her past.
Just then, a rustling noise broke her contemplation. She turned, heart racing, but it was just a deer, grazing peacefully in the moonlight. The serene scene contrasted sharply with the turmoil swirling in her mind.
["You motherfucking—"] she covered her chest with both hands, heart thundering. "How did you manage to scare me?" She huffed.
Returning to the fire, she took a deep breath, ready to refocus. She couldn't let them see the turmoil within her, not yet. They deserved to enjoy this moment, to feel safe and free, that would be the only way to make them follow her where she was actually planning for them to go.
As the night wore on, she watched them with a blend of affection and fear. They were so innocent, so trusting now, and she felt an overwhelming need to protect them. But the longer she kept her secrets, the more dangerous their mission became.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, and she had to be ready to face them—both for herself and for the people she was beginning to care for more than she had anticipated. The weight of her secrets pressed down on her, but she pushed it aside, focusing instead on the warmth of their laughter and the bonds they were forging.
For now, that was enough.
But now would wither away soon.