Fate Cloaked In Red

Chapter One: A Clue in Disguise

Within a tree surrounded area, a lake was hidden. The water glistened against the sunlight that snuck through the tree branches which created a beautiful design throughout the field. Birds tweeted and sung to fill the natural silence. The scene was beautiful and mystical; fascinating anyone who was lucky enough to lay their eyes on it.

The peacefulness was disrupted when the birds suddenly fled as they sensed swift footsteps running their way. Leaves and bushes were shoved to the side as a quick and agile figure stormed passed them, focusing only on the magnificent lake.

"CYNTHIA!" a voice rang out which alarmed the animals that watched on. However, the figure was not effected and made her way to the lake while throwing her excess clothing onto the ground. With a massive jump and an intricate flip, the lake was suddenly accompanied by a girl.

Cynthia swam, unconcerned of the nagging woman that assured her 'she would catch a cold if she didn't get out'. She ducked her head underwater to block out the constant jabbering of reality. Being submerged in cool and misty water was the place Cynthia longed to be every minute in every day. She slowly opened her eyes to observe the lake life that she cherished so much. A small gentle fish swam past her nose, almost as if to say hello and welcome her back. She smiled largely and relaxed as her body floated up toward the surface, once again, pushing her back to reality. When she arose with a gasp, Fay was still going on about useless things that only bothered Cynthia more.

"I can't believe you do this every time! I should have expected it actually, why didn't I expect it?" Cynthia's laughter only aggravated the red-head, "Stop laughing! I always hate when you do this. You don't know how hard it is for me"

"What? How so?" Cynthia cocked her head in confusion as she fully exited the grasp of her friendly lake. Fay blushed and avoided the carefree girls' eyes; the embarrassment too much for her, "Your clothes stupid... not the most modest attire when wet" With a quick glance down to her body, Cynthia knew that her bright blue bra was quite visible through her white tank top. Heat spread throughout her cheeks and ears, making the situation even more unbearable, "Stop looking idiot! Why did you have to point it out?". Fay stuttered, "I-I couldn't handle it anymore okay? At first I was fine with it, you know? But then you started wearing sexier bras and you're not a kid anymore!" Cynthia huffed in disgust and stormed toward their cottage, covering her fully exposed chest in embarrassment.

Even though Fay was legally Cynthia's guardian, Fay never once acted like a normal one but more like a weird and insanely over protective older sister. Whenever it came to girls, she would lose it and stare on in admiration. Cynthia always had a suspicion that the red-head was actually interested in women but there was always the matter of Fay's 'boy toys' that persuaded her to think otherwise.

Once inside, Cynthia was suddenly surrounded by the comforting atmosphere the cottage created. Cream colored walls held up the home, accompanied by a grey couch and a rounded handmade glass coffee table. She stared longingly at the table remembering the sound of Nate's laughter while he attempted to create the little piece of furniture. Her brother always tried to keep himself busy, whether it be cleaning the house or making new furniture for the three of them to use. Every little piece of this house was either created by Nate or fixed by him.

Something stung within Cynthia's heart as she gazed at the coffee table. Perhaps it was a heart condition? A deadly disease that'll soon take her life away from her. Doubtful; very doubtful but Cynthia refused to let her brother's disappearance affect her too much.

Nate was normally a lighthearted and comedic man, however at times he showed no signs of laughter and instead replaced it with immediate earnestness, so strong it would sometimes scare Cynthia. One time Cynthia spotted a woman, all in black weighted by a sorrowful expression. She was sitting on a rotting wooden bench outside Cynthia's favorite sweet store. To her, the woman was strangely beautiful. The way she slumped within the bench created a saddened aura around her which surprisingly, seemed magical and alluring.