Stella Glow

Arrival

    *Alto*

    The rest of the way there the group was much more lively.The presence of Dorothy seemed to improve the aura,her eccentricity seemed to amuse everyone.She wore a pink hoodie with jet black fur on it's edges.The hood of the sweater had creepy eyes sewed on and she wore short pink dress.Her boots were black and red and she had pink and black striped socks.The hood of her top was always kept on so her eyes were hidden though.Despite being so entertaining and colorful there was still a lot that Alto questioned about the young girl.Where did she come from?What was her fighting style?How old was she?Every time he questioned her about something along these lines she brushed it off and laughed.There was only one thing he could get out of her though:

   "Dorothy,what are you exactly to Hilda?"Alto inquired.

  "Well I mean-I guess that i'm the jester of the harbingers"The pink haired child made gesture to show off her attire."I'm a joker and an entertainer.So yeah!"She smiled a big toothy grin.

  "Not all the time.At other time you can be quite the sadist now can't you,pinkie?"Dante looked at her with mischief in his eyes.

  Dorothy pulled her hood even farther down and frowned."Shut up.If anything you'd be the pawn of our group."

   Dante looked at her irritated.Just then another voice could be heard."I personally think that Dante would be considered my right hand man.He's on top of things and takes on many important roles.As for you,Dorothy,yes you are quite amusing,but i would call you more of my disciple.Of everyone within the harbingers I feel the most of connection and I can even see a bit of myself in you."Hilda stepped up from the darkness and smiled warmly at her friends.Alto admired how she always seemed know to end the arguments.

   "Hilda!You should be resting!"Dorothy pouted.

   "The runt is right,go back to sleep"Dante added with Dorothy pouting even harder in frustration at the comment.

   "I would just like to be here for a short time,then I will rest again"Hilda rested her back against a nearby tree.She hadn't been looking so well since her fight with the ghouls the other day.Considering the rising and setting of the sun and what Dante had told him earlier Alto had concluded  that they had now been in the forest for five days.The attack had been about two days ago and Hilda still seemed to be weak.She ate a bit,but rested mostly and hardly spoke.This of course had left Dorothy and Dante to entertain Alto and Lisette.

   "Hilda!!"Dorothy pouted"When will be able to do the last jump?Huh?Huh?"The girl had seemed very annoyed with their location for some reason.

   "I promise once I recover we will be able to leave.It should be the last jump."Hilda said.

  "While you're awake can you please tell me more about the "revival process"?"Lisette questioned.She too had seemed to not like the forest much.Though obviously this didn't deter her on her quest.

   "Well I'm afraid that i forgot,just one detail.We will have to get you mother's body back first,meaning that we will have to go to the capital.This will possibly be the most difficult part of the plan.From there our alchemist can begin her work and the mechanic can develop a body that can house the soul.I'm afraid it's the best we can do for now"Hilda closed her eyes.Not too long after a soft snore escaped from her mouth and just like that the witch was asleep.

   "Have you and Hilda talked about your powers yet?"Alto asked.

   "No,not really.I don't want to bother her too much about it since she's not feeling to well.So,I guess we'll have to wait until we reach Hildegardia."She turned her attention to Dante"And how are you holding up?"

   "Me?I'm fine!I enjoy the forest,it provides practice and food.Two things that can make me much stronger!"Dante made a fist and smiled."He seemed to be in a better mood today."It's you guys that might have trouble .Hildegardia isn't your regular town.It's a kingdom,though it may not look it.We currently have a small population,but it's nice.The temperature is pretty cold and sometime resources come short.No one is dying or anything,but it would be nice to have more"Dante seemed to care a lot for his home.The look of concern on his face surprised me.He always came off as more of a standoffish guy than anything else.

    "Blah!Blah!Blah!No one cares!Even if that's true the castle is still beautiful and holds a lot everyone except those who want to stay in their own houses!"Dorothy replied.

   "People are going to start moving into their old houses if you didn't know.As soon as we get back we intend on fixing up the places,with a little help from Hilda. So shut it!"

   Alto looked at them a bit confused"why is everyone staying in the castle?"

   "Did you not hear the stinking rabbit?("HEY" said Dorothy)Not everyone is staying in the castle.The reason why though is because of a war that took place a couple years back. Hilda was able to protect us all,but damaged the entire kingdom at the same time.She basically destroyed most of the homes with her crystals."

   How could a single person do that?To completely level a kingdom with just their voice?!That was unheard of.The war sounded familiar though.Alto could remember hearing about it while listening to a conversation between his mother and the mayor,though much was not said.Just the location and progress.

   "That being said we are still recovering and fixing up places."Dante finally rested his head as if to say the conversation was over.

   "But I thought you said Hilda's crystals were unbreakable?"Alto attempted to ask.

    "That is where you are wrong."Dante said as he finally fell asleep with a satisfied grin.