Star City, famous as the birthplace of the legendary Trio of sorceress: The Trio Encanto, the world's strongest sorceresses. Being the only Rank 5 sorceresses, they are honored for their battles against monstrous aberrations that threaten humanity.
"Everyone, this way! Please don't panic!" a public officer cried out in the middle of the turmoil.
The reason? Warmonger, the most infamous and feared aberration, had launched a sudden attack on the city.
"Run for your miserable lives, humans! But remember you're only delaying the inevitable! Mwahaha!" the aberration roared, his sinister voice resonated through the streets in chaos.
While the citizens ran in terror, I, Mila, stood in the middle of the street, observing the chaos before me with awe.
"Just a little longer," I whispered to myself, barely containing my excitement. "Maybe… maybe I'll see her."
"Mila, what are you doing? Don't just stand there!"
The voice snapped me out of my daze. It was my best friend, Griss Chatelain, a striking beauty with sky-blue hair and glasses that made her look like the typical bookworm. Although this time she looked annoyed.
"Oh… sorry, I'm coming," I said, turning to follow her.
But before I could take a step—
"Help! Mom, Dad!!!"
A desperate cry echoed above the noise. I turned instinctively, scanning the crowd. I spotted a little girl, around six or seven, trapped beneath a pile of debris unable to move. The poor girl was crying and her face was dirty.
As I saw her struggle and desperately calling for help, I smiled while muttering. "This is it. This is my chance."
"Mila… Oh no, that smile. Don't tell me you're about to do something reckless!" my friend said, exasperated.
"Sorry! Here, take this!" I tossed her my bag and sprinted toward the girl.
"Mila, wait!" She yelled, but I was already moving through the crowd of people.
The crowd didn't stop me. You might wonder, Why isn't anyone helping that poor girl? The truth is, they don't need to. Everyone here knows one thing: Trio Encanto always shows up in time to save the day.
But I wasn't going to wait.
Reaching the girl, I crouched down and grabbed the rubble trapping her leg. "It's okay, you're safe now!"
"T-thank you," she hesitated while tears were glistening in her wide eyes.
I tried to make her feel better. However... She was trembling, and I realized I'd been a little Too straightforward. I softened my tone, smiling gently to comfort her.
"Can you walk?" I asked, offering her my hand.
"Y-yes, I think so…"
But before I could guide her to a safety place—
Thud. Thud.
"...!!"
A dark figure approached us.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" A slimy, black creature stepped forward, its grotesque form rising above us. "Lost little girls? Mwahaha! Maybe I'll make you my hostages!"
The girl trembled, clutching my arm tightly.
"Don't worry," I told her. "I'll protect you!."
Turning to the creature, I took a deep breath. "Ha! Warmonger, your silly threats don't scare us at all!" I whispered to the girl, "Right?"
"Y-yes! We're not scared of you!" she said, now a little more confident.
Warmonger's big eyes twitched in annoyance. "You little brats! Who do you think you are? I am Warmonger, the evil genius! Do you-"
But before he could finish, the girl suddenly yelled with a big smile on her petite face, "Look! There they are! Trio Encanto!!!"
I followed her gaze, and my heart skipped a beat.
Thud.
The air grew charged with energy as three figures descended. "Apologies for the delay," a very calm and confident voice said "I hope you girls aren't hurt."
The person who spoke had short black hair, she wore a long shirt with puffed sleeves, and held a katana gleaming in her hand, there was no mistaking her. It was her. Katrina Erlenbaugh, the leader of Trio Encanto.
"Oh, come on, I was just about to have some fun with these two girls!" Warmonger whined.
Katrina smirked. "Sorry, Warmonger, but your fun ends here." She unsheathed her other katana resting on her side with a swift motion. "Girls, step back a little."
S-She… She spoke to me!
I picked up the little girl and moved out of the way, my heart pounding.
"Leave the child to us." A sweet voice spoke to me; it was Leandra Oikonomou, the idol, singer, and the youngest member of the Trio Encanto. Her purple hair shone beautifully as she smiled at me, she delicately fanned herself with a handheld white fan. I don't know if im exaggerating, but I could see tiny sparks sorrounding her.
"Y-Yes," I replied nervously and handed the child to her, however I accidentally touched Leandra's shirt.
"Hiaaa!" Leandra let out a small cry, almost like a cat's meow.
"I'm sorry…" I murmured.
"I-It's fine," she replied calmly.
At that moment, I heard another voice, this time more mature and serious: "Follow me. I'll take you to a safe place." The owner of the voice had blonde short hair, purple eyes, and wore a uniform that looked military with epaulettes on her shoulders. She held a golden axe in her hand. It was Dasha Vienna.
She guided me to a safety spot while Leandra Oikonomou took the child to her parents. However, I couldn't help but turn around once more to look at Katrina Erlenbaugh.
Katrina took her famous stance, her katana glowing with fiery energy. "Blazing Starfall!" she chanted, her blade cutting through the air in a shining curve. The attack struck Warmonger, sending him flying through several buildings.
"Waaaargh!" he howled as he vanished into the distance.
The crowd cheered loudly, but I was too amazed to respond. I'd watched that move on social media many times, but seeing it in person felt totally different. It was quite the experience! And yes, it was absolutely worth the risk.
*******
Hours later, as the chaos settled, my friend Gris and I walked home.
"Honestly, Mila, how reckless can you be?"
"Alright, alright, I won't do it again. I promise," I said gently, trying to calm my friend Gris.
"You always say that…" She sighed.
After being severely scolded by Gris, at some point we reached the towering penthouse where I lived.
"Hey Gris want to come in? I have—"
"See you tomorrow," she muttered, still annoyed.
"H-hey Gris!"
Before I could finish speaking, Gris turned and left without listening to me. Is she upset? Come on, it's not that big of a deal. Well, whatever, she'll forget it by tomorrow. Probably...
Taking the elevator to the 30th floor, I replayed the events of the day in my mind. I'd seen Katrina, the leader of Trio Encanto, in person—and she had spoken to me! How cool was that?
When I reached my apartment, I rang the bell, excited to share what happened with my mom. I wondered if she would believe me if I told her what happened today. I couldn't wait to see her reaction.
"Sweetie, you won't believe it!!! guess who's home?" my mom called out, she seemed excited. In fact, She looked more excited than usual, I've never seen her so euphoric.
"Who?" I asked curiously.
"Come in and find out. If I told you, you wouldn't believe me!"
With quick and precise steps like a kunoichi, I entered the apartment, Taking care not to make any sound.
Intrigued, I silently moved down the hallway and peeked into the living room. Sitting on the couch, sipping tea, was none other than Katrina herself. The leader of the trio encanto.