City of Colors

Nine

Serenity didn't know what to think of the article. The death certificate. The note. But she read it again, and again, and again, trying to fit the pieces together. Kira's parents had disappeared without a trace four years ago. There was no signs of violence, no ransom. Just...vanished. Gone. Seemingly without a trace. Poor Kira. That was all four years ago. In year 142. If there was any evidence it was probably long gone. What was it that Kira had said? 'I just haven't had it in four years.'

Why did that seem important?

Hesitantly, Serenity looked at the pile of records. They were sorted by year, all stacked neatly by her side. Four stacks. The oldest ones...they were from the 4th month of year 142. That dated back six months before the Dedicades' disappeared.

Slowly an idea started to form in Serenity's head. The colourless reports hadn't become prevalent until six months after they'd started. Only finally coming to attention late. But something was still missing, a lingering question that bothered Serenity for some reason. Why were the Dedicades' on Gate street that day?

Suddenly there was a pounding on the door, making her jump. "Coming!" she called, getting up and brushing herself off. Serenity made her way to the door, pulling on the iron bar. "Can I help you?" She asked, her face now a mask of cool discipline.

Before her stood a blonde girl, huffing and gasping for air. She was young, maybe only eleven or twelve, and had striking brown eyes. Freckles dotted her pale face. And her blonde was hair askew, coming out of its half-up ponytail. The girl looked up at her. "Are you-? Sorry I...Is Kira here?" the girl asked with worried eyes.

"I'm sorry," Serenity said carefully, trying to asses the girl. "She left a couple hours ago."

"So...so she's not here?" the girl asked.

"No, she's not." She scanned the girls face, which looked vaguely familiar. Freckles, princess-like vanilla hair. Features still slightly round, on their way from cute to becoming beautiful. She was like a younger, freckled Kira.

"Are you lying?" The girl, Auralee, if she remembered correctly, asked.

"No." Serenity repeated again, careful to keep her tone even.

Auralee's hands shook as they ran through her hair. "Then where is she?!" She muttered, panic seeping into her voice. "Are you sure she didn't run by?!"

"Did something happen to Kira?" She asked.

"Well yes- um no, I don't know yet." The girl fumbled. "Can you get Sondor for me?"

"I'm afraid he might not be back on time." Serenity said. Sondor still hadn't returned from his afternoon rounds. "Can you explain what happened to me?" If something happened to Kira...had the council come for her?

"Where is Sondor?" Auralee demanded with ferocity. A ferocity she had only ever seen in Kira's eyes. "What do you mean he might not be back on time?" She didn't yell, but her voice was strong.

"My brother hasn't returned from his afternoon rounds yet. If you explain the situation to me, I might be able to help" She said calmly, trying to pacify the girls underlying rage.

"Kira, stupid stupid Kira just stormed out an hour ago and I have no idea where in the Council's name she is!" Auralee growled. "So if she's not here I'm-"

"I'll go look with you." Serenity said sharply, cutting her off. "Let me grab my coat."

><

"Where have you already looked?" Serenity asked Auralee, who paced outside the Everwood house anxiously.

"I checked the gardens, our old house, and Gate street. She's not there."

"Is there anywhere else she might be?" Serenity asked calmly, pulling her olive hood over her head.

Auralee paused to think about it for a minute. "No..."

"Are you positive?"

"Yes I'm sur-" She started, then cut herself off. -NO!" The girl yelled, eyes widening. "I-I think I know where she is. But if she's there then...

"Where is she Auralee?"

Auralee swallowed, her eyebrows scrunching. "Follow me," She said decidedly, turning on her heels. She didn't wait for Serenity to follow her.

><

"Forever till the stars die." As soon as Kira said the words, the ground beneath her cracked. Spreading out in a small spiral in front of the headstones. "W-what?" Kira scrambled back watching with wide eyes.

From the earth, the ground began taking shape. Building itself a form, the dirt falling away. Dark wood, brass handle tip. Slightly curved guard, with swirled embellishments wooden in the pommel. All produced from the earth before her.

"H-HOW IN THE NAME OF THE COUNCIL?" Kira gasped, staring shakily at the object before her. It shone in the light of the setting sun, making it look almost ethereal. The magical aura it generated was immense, almost reeking of power. Seemingly glowing, although that was impossible. Yet here it was. A sword.

The ground began shifting again, working to repair the damage. The cracks in the earth closing, as if it had never happened. But the sword still stayed, watching her like a condescending eye.

She had the strangest urge to touch it. As if she was drawn to the very thing. Rendered speechless at the very sight of it. It was familiar, radiating a sort of presence she hadn't felt for a long time. She reached out with a hand, but as she touched it, the sword vanished. As if sucked into her.

"W-what?" Kira gasped as she look around, then at her hands. Her father's sword was nowhere in sight. Gone just as suddenly as it's owner.