Fairy Ninja Maiden Remake

Prologue Part II

The Tower of Heaven loomed ominously against the twilight sky, its silhouette etched into the fading light like a malignant giant. 

Guard patrols moved methodically along the tower's stone pathways, their armor gleaming dully as they caught the last rays of sunlight. These guards, sworn protectors of the not-so-sacred edifice, were on the lookout for any intruders who would dare disrupt the sanctity of the tower, oblivious to the darker machinations occurring within.

One of the guards, a burly figure named Garon, felt his instincts sharpen as he turned away from his usual route along the parapets. "Keep your eyes peeled," he warned his fellow guard, Naros. "This place has too many secrets."

As Garon peered down toward the river that wound around the tower's base, he noticed something unusual—a flash of color caught in the current, something barely recognizable against the murky waters. "What in the heavens..." he muttered, stepping closer to the edge.

Naros followed suit, squinting down at the river. "Is that... someone?"

Garon shook his head, brushing water from her face to examine her features. "No idea. But if she's here, then she's got no business being—"

A flicker of movement caught their eyes. Naros turned just in time to see shadows moving through the treetops. "We should take her to the captain," he urged, shifting his gaze back to the girl. "She might be an intruder."

Or something worse," Garon replied grimly. "Whatever she is, we can't leave her here. She'll drown or be worse off."

With a quick nod, Naros lifted Naomi, tucking her under one arm while Garon hoisted her legs. Together, they carried her up the winding staircase, their hearts racing with uncertainty and tension.

Once inside the tower, they navigated through dimly lit corridors until they reached the captain's chamber. The captain sat behind a large desk, covered in scrolls and maps that detailed their current operations. He looked up, eyes narrowing at the sight of the unconscious girl.

What is this?" he asked, voice low and dangerous. "Another intruder? You fools!"

No, Captain!" Garon interjected quickly. "She was in the river. We think she may have fallen or been thrown in! But we can't just—"

Enough!" barked the captain, leaning forward, his expression contemptuous. "We'll do what we must. Take her to the prison. She'll make an excellent slave." He waved a dismissive hand. "Let her be a lesson to others who would dare intrude upon the Tower of Heaven."

In the dark confines of the prison cell, the air was thick with despair. The flickering torches cast shadows on the damp stone walls, illuminating a group of shackled figures huddled together. Erza, Jellal, Millianna, Shô, Wally Buchanan, Rob, and Simon had become a makeshift family, bound by circumstance and the fight for survival.

Erza looked up as the door creaked open. "Another prisoner?" she asked, her voice filled with a mixture of hope and trepidation. The guards dragged Naomi into the cell, tossing her limply onto the cold floor.

Welcome to your new home," Naros sneered before slamming the door shut behind him. The heavy clang echoed in the silence, sending shivers down everyone's spine.

Jellal moved swiftly to Naomi's side. "Is she alright?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

Millianna knelt beside him, brushing Naomi's hair away from her face. "She looks so weak and fragile," she murmured. "What have they done to her?"

Erza knelt next to them, her expression fierce. "We'll make sure she's safe. We've survived worse than this. We can't allow this to break us."