Just Dance: A Tale of Two

~11~

As they were on their way to find the Night Swan, Krystle and Crystal saw how damaged the Wood of Wonders were. Crystal couldn't breathe. She needed oxygen, not smoke. Crystal even nearly died from the lack of oxygen. Krystle carried Crystal further, and soon, they made it out. The two of them ended up at the Shrines of the Red Moon.

Michiya, who protects the Shrines, saw how injured Crystal was. She took her inside and cured her (because luckily, the moon was red). After Michiya let Crystal go, she said they could stay the night by the Shrine.

Crystal and Krystle sat by the fire next to a calm river full of lily pads. The trees are cherry blossom trees, but luckily, they provide oxygen. Crystal is lucky to be alive at the moment.

Crystal still looks pretty depressed. Krystle was concerned for Crystal. She scooches close to her, and Crystal looks at Krystle with a somber look.

"I know I never told you anything about my parents, just my aunt."

"Really? What happened to your parents?"

Crystal took a deep breath. She knows this is gonna be hard to talk about, especially to a young adult.

"Well, my Aunt told me that both of my parents died. My father used to be a gatekeeper, but got executed by the Night Swan Army because she claimed our magic is 'witchcraft', and my mom was poisoned by the Night Swan. I guess the poison was supposed to kill me because she died as soon as she gave birth to me, but it didn't kill me surprisingly, and I'm only 30."

Krystle was kinda shocked, but felt pity for Crystal.

"I'm so sorry. You're not the only one. My grandparents and a couple of my aunts passed away from cancer and COPD."

Crystal was surprised. She thought Krystle didn't experience losing loved ones yet, but she must've at a early age.

"So... You did experience loss...?"

"Yeah. It was painful. Everyone would make fun of me every time they asked me what was wrong and when I told them that someone I loved got hurt."

Crystal seems a bit upset by this.

"Well, I'm sorry for your loss, Krystle."

Krystle frowned slightly at it, but luckily, she found someone who actually didn't make fun of her.

"Thank you."

The night goes on, and the heroes must gather the courage to get rid of the Night Swan and her army from the Melosia Realms, once and for all.