𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕚𝕗 ℂ𝕝𝕒𝕚𝕣𝕖 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕧𝕠𝕚𝕔𝕖𝕤....? (𝚁𝙴𝚆𝚁𝙸𝚃𝙴)

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Note: This is a special chapter, and it's a bit long as well. Some details (which I won't spoil, of course) may differ from canon, but it's my AU—so enjoy the read!

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚

Thursday, October 20th, year [XXX] | Before Claire got adopted.

It was a sunny day out on the field, the sky bright and blue with only a few clouds floating lazily by. Claire was on a field trip with her friends and other children, all under the care of Sister Xel. Sister Xel was their caretaker today since Dandelion was busy as usual. Being a guardian meant Dandelion often left the older teenagers, those who had once been under her care, in charge of looking after the younger ones.

But all that didn't matter right now. The day might have been sunny, but a refreshing breeze blew through the field, making the warm air pleasant. Claire wandered through the field of flowers, enjoying every moment with her friends: Allie, Milly, Xisteria, Vivi, Cookie, and Dahlia—all girls she had grown close to during her time under Dandelion's care.

"Yo, guys! Look!!" Allie called out, pointing excitedly at a patch of lavender just a short distance away.

Rush (Excited Voice): "Lavenders! Let's go! They're so pretty—come on, Claire, let's pick some!"

The others came running, gathering around the lavender with wide eyes, admiring the beauty of the delicate purple flowers swaying in the wind. Claire smiled, taking in the sight. It was peaceful, like a scene out of a dream, the field full of flowers stretching endlessly before them.

Suddenly, Sister Xel's voice cut through the moment from afar, calling out, "Kids! Don't go too far!"

Various responses echoed back, but the girls kept laughing and playing, keeping within view of their caretaker.

Serene (Comforting Voice): "This is such a beautiful moment, Claire. Just enjoy it. Feel the peace around you."

Claire was enjoying herself, lost in the moment, when something unusual caught the corner of her eye. Not too far, but not exactly close either, she saw a darker silhouette moving—no, gliding—through the shadows beneath the trees where the forest started.

What is that...?

Fury (Angry Voice): "That doesn't look right. You need to be careful, Claire. Something's off."

Claire's heart quickened as she tried to make sense of what she was seeing. The figure moved silently, hidden in the darker spaces between the trees, making it hard to tell if it was something or someone.

Woe (Crying Voice): "I don't like this. It feels wrong... maybe we should call out for Sister Xel. What if it's dangerous?"

Insight (Calm Voice): "Hold on. Don't jump to conclusions yet. It could be nothing, but keep your eyes on it. Don't lose track of where your friends are."

Claire's gaze remained fixed on the silhouette. She felt torn—should she investigate further, or should she stay with her friends and let it pass? The wind picked up slightly, rustling the leaves and flowers around her, but the shadows beneath the trees seemed unaffected, still and quiet.

Rush (Excited Voice): "You should go check it out! What if it's something cool? You'll never know unless you look!"

Serene (Comforting Voice): "Whatever it is, stay calm, Claire. You're safe with your friends. Just be cautious."