1. Ash's Story (Part 0: Prologue)

Chapter 9: Scarlett in Greeny City

Greeny City smelled like flowers before Ash even reached the garden. The coastal wind carried salt from the sea, the scent of the blooming terraces, and a little sweetness from the fruit stalls along the bright stone streets.

The city curved along Sevestar's eastern coast. Beyond the rooftops, Ash could see the blue ocean, while farther inland the famous flower garden covered the hillside in rows of color.

Serena walked beside him, delighted by almost everything she saw and slowing whenever another display window caught her eye. Greeny City was famous for its gardens, resorts, and fashion. Ahead stood the D and W flagship store, a huge glass building filled with fabrics and elaborate outfits behind polished windows.

Gina pointed toward it with a grin. "There it is. The headquarters of D and W's fashion empire."

Ash stared up at the building. "That is a clothes store?"

Serena gave him a patient look. "Ash, that is not just a clothes store. That is the clothes store."

Dia walked behind them with Adam and Aurora, looking as calm as ever. "Serena is right. D and W supplies half the formal wear used for Sevestar League events."

Ash tilted his head. "Do League events really need that many clothes?"

Aurora smiled faintly. "There are ceremonies, interviews, and other public events. You may not enjoy dressing for them one day, but you will still have to."

Ash made a face at the word public. Serena noticed and laughed softly behind one hand. The group continued through the flower garden, where stone paths curved between roses, lilies, sunflowers, and plenty of bright blossoms Ash could not name.

For a while, everything stayed peaceful. Serena stopped to admire a display of green-and-white dresses near the garden entrance. Gina discussed patrol routes with Dia, still thinking about her duties even during the visit. Adam and Aurora talked quietly near a fountain, giving Ash a rare chance to wander a few steps ahead without anyone stopping him.

A strange shimmer crossed his hand as he reached toward a red flower.

Ash froze and stared at his fingers. For half a second, they blurred, narrowed, and then returned to normal. He jerked his hand back. The flower had not moved, and nobody nearby seemed to have noticed anything.

"What was that?" he whispered.

The shimmer returned and raced up his arm. Ash's breath caught as his sleeve suddenly hung loose around a wrist that no longer felt right. Before anyone could see him, he stumbled behind a tall hedge.

Warm light wrapped around him.

When it faded, Ash looked down and forgot to breathe. His body had changed. His hair fell past his face, and when he made a sound, the voice was higher than his own. He looked toward the garden pond and saw a girl with his eyes staring back at him.

"No, no, no," Ash whispered, pressing both hands to his cheeks. "Change back."

He tried, but nothing happened. His Aura flickered around him and vanished again. The reflection in the pond stayed exactly the same while Serena called his name from somewhere beyond the hedges.

Ash looked around quickly, too frightened to think of anything else.

He ducked behind the tallest hedge and stayed there.

Serena noticed because Ash was never quiet for that long unless he was reading, eating, or getting himself into trouble. She turned away from the flower crowns and found only tourists behind her.

"Where did Ash go?" Serena asked.

Aurora's posture changed at once. Adam looked toward the hedges. Dia stopped mid-step, and Gina muttered under her breath before heading for the nearest path.