Blooming from the Ashes

Ch 10: A Fairy's Challenge

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Tangerine Twilight

The Tangerine Twilight flower, known scientifically as Citrus Serenity, is a rare and elusive species. According to folklore, the petals of the Tangerine Twilight possess the power to ward off malevolent spirits and protect against dark forces that roam the night.

In addition to its protective properties, the Tangerine Twilight is believed to have healing abilities, soothing ailments of the body and mind with its calming fragrance and  energy. Herbalists and healers often use extracts derived from the flower's petals in their potions and remedies, harnessing its properties to restore balance and vitality to those in need.

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To earn a good fortune, perhaps the Tangerine Twilight holds the key. With its protective and healing properties, it could be the answer to unlocking even more of my magical potential.

Even if I brew Twilight Tranquility Tonic, a simple potion using Chamomile flowers (for their calming properties) and Honey (for sweetness), both of these easily available in the kitchen, I would earn a good amount after selling it in the Alchemy Emporium.

Even if the Marquess doesn't sponsor us, then we can use this amount to enter the academy.

I have already gathered the Chamomile flowers and honey from the kitchen with Sister Abby's help, in fact she was happy enough to give them to me. I also found some old bottles from the storage which I washed up. I could use them to store the potion. I gave an excuse for using this all for an experiment related to magic, even though I feel bad for lying.

The only problem I might face will be extracting the flowers, since it is said that even after finding the flower, most are not able to get close enough to even touch it. This is because of the flower's protective properties, as it wards off evil intentions and negativity, even from people's dreams.

With the knowledge bestowed upon me by the elder lavender, I knew exactly where to find the elusive Tangerine Twilight flowers. As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold, I made my way through the forest with purpose.

Navigating the familiar paths, I soon arrived at the spot where the Tangerine Twilight flowers bloomed under the cover of the brown linge bushes. The air was filled with the sweet scent of citrus, and the vibrant orange petals seemed to glow with an otherworldly light.

As my fingers brushed against the delicate petals of the Tangerine Twilight flowers, a wave of energy enveloped me, transporting me to another realm where I saw a beautiful fairy hovered in the air, her wings shimmering with beautiful hues of orange and gold.

What is this?

She suddenly looked at me, and memories of my life before my rebirth started to flash in front of my eyes.

My thoughts and love for Vincent, fights with Terra and her supporters, the brutality I faced in the prison, everything.

Then I saw a scene. I saw Aiden and Elma being executed in front of me. Instantly my eyes were flooded with tears.

It was scary, too scary.

But then a thought occurred in my mind.

This can't be the truth, this isn't reality.

I would never let anything bad happen to them. I will keep them away from Vincent and Terra when we go to the academy.

I instantly broke away from that scene and that fairy appeared in front of me again.

My surroundings were filled with fields of Tangerine flowers, all glowing in the night.

"You have an interesting past. You have proven your Resilience." The fairy said, and before I could ask what was happening she continued

"Take the petals of the flowers, and awaken the dormant magic within the youngest bud. Only then will you have proven yourself worthy of their power. Worthy enough for me to let you take away my petals and seeds. If you prove yourself, you will be rewarded, if not, then fate will fail you again."

What does she mean by that? Will I die?

I let go of my thoughts and tried to concentrate on the task given to me. I touched the young bud in front of me. Closing my eyes, I focused my thoughts, seeking to tap into the ancient magic.

Yet, as I attempted to channel my magic into the bud, I encountered unexpected resistance. It was as if the energy within it was reluctant to be harnessed, as if it demanded respect and reverence before it would yield to my will.

With each attempt to infuse the bud with my magic, I felt a surge of frustration and doubt creeping into my mind. It was as if the small bud was testing my resolve, challenging me to prove my worthiness of its power.

But I refused to be deterred. Clenching my fists, I summoned all of my inner strength and determination, willing myself to become one with the natural world around me. I focused on the gentle rustle of flowers in the breeze, the soothing chirping of birds in the distance, allowing their rhythms to guide my own.

Slowly, ever so slowly, I felt the resistance begin to wane. The energy within the bud responded to my efforts, as if testing the sincerity of my intentions.

As I poured more of my magic into the bud, a soft glow enveloped it. With each passing moment, the glow grew brighter, illuminating the surrounding with an otherworldly brilliance.

And then, finally, the youngest bud began to stir. Its petals unfurled with a graceful movement, revealing a burst of vibrant orange that seemed to dance in the air. It was a moment of triumph, a testament to my perseverance and dedication to the task at hand.

As I opened my eyes and beheld the beauty before me, I knew that I had overcome the challenge presented by the fairy.

The fairy then presented me the seeds, and allowed me to pluck the petals of the newly bloomed flower. And when I did so, the petals instantly regenerated.

"It is because of your powers, you have reached level fifteen." is all I heard the fairy say before I was transported back to the forest.

"Fifteen?" I thought as her voice repeated in my mind. However, I closed my eyes as I felt an unbearing pain in my head.

When I opened my eyes again, I saw 18 petals and some seeds in my hand. I put them in my pouch and stood up, only to feel my surroundings go hazy.

The last thing I saw was the face of Father running towards me to catch me up.