A Book of Myths

Chapter Two: Library

"We should probably keep researching," Melody said, looking out at the troops passing by. Radiant shrugged, her eyes scanning the pages within her stack of books.

"I'll see if there are any books in the treehouse," she muttered, glancing up at the uniformed woman. Melody smiled, turned toward the desk, and leaned over it.

"What are you reading?"

"A book from some friends. They're pretty good at writing," she smiled, her eyes returning to the book. Melody nodded, standing up again.

"It's nice to hear them training: reminds me of Dad."

Marina looked up from her notebook, raising her eyes to look at her sister. She was quiet for a bit before muttering something under her breath in Spanish.

"M? What?" Melody asked, her eyes darting over to her younger sister. Marina shook her head, shutting the notebook.

"Just thinking. Both of us have memories of Dad, but I'm the one who doesn't talk about him much. It's a little sad, in my opinion," she said, looking at the light green spiral notebook. Melody let her head hang a bit, shutting her eyes and sighing.

"You're right."

Radiant looked at Melody, then at Marina, then back at Melody.

"This got emotional and awkward a little too fast, so I'm gonna go start that research," she stated, getting up and heading out of the large office. The sisters watched her leave, a gentle smile appearing across Marina's face.

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Radiant counted the shelves surrounding her than looked at the pillow and blanket covered window seat. Sighing, she snagged a large, unlabeled book and settled into the warm seat. Brushing her hand over the cover, she flipped it open and began to read.

"History. As written by the silent eyes and ears of this world. Little cryptic," she murmured. Flipping to the table of contents, she scanned for the word Crafter. She found it a few lines down, labeled as page sixteen. Something tells me I should spend my energy on this.

Radiant opened to the page, dragging her index finger along each line as she read.

"This race is known for its extreme power and ability to create almost anything. They are separated into Highe and Lowe ranks, with only nine Highe Crafters. Of the Highe Crafters, Universe is the strongest and has been recorded as the creator of the whole Crafter race."

"He did tell us all about the Crafter race," Radiant said, glancing up as Melody and Marina stepped into the library. Melody glanced around the room before joining Radiant on the window seat.

"How is the research going?" she asked, looking out toward the treetops. Radiant shrugged, flipped the page, and kept reading.

"The Crafters are often credited with providing peace among the ranks and species of the world. They do this through the Crafter's Court," she read, following the words with her finger. Marina settled down on the floor and grabbed a pillow to listen. Melody glanced at the book, then back out at the trees.

"Within the Crafter's world, there are many creatures and species. Famously, the Strawberry Fields are home to the most popular topping and food, Strawberry Honey. That sounds so good!" Radiant exclaimed, having read further down the page. Melody tossed her a smile.

"Come on. Read about Majic and... magic," she stated, reaching for the book. Radiant pulled it away,

"I'm getting there. Hold your pigeons." Marina laughed at the new phrase.

"Never say that again," muttered Melody, rolling her eyes at the horrible attempt to make something sound truly New York.

"Majic is known as a powerful Highe Crafter, along with her sisters Chrona and Nebula. The Trio was born from rocks fused with Universe's powerful magic, and Majic was responsible for the creation of the modern-day human and Earth," Radiant read, her eyes darting up to look at the sketch at the side of the page. "Magic itself has long been the result of Majic and the Crafters. Humans would never have a percent of it in them if it hadn't been born from Majic in her long slumber in the world new."

The trio shrugged while Melody stood up. Radiant watched her leave, then watched Marina follow after her. Shutting the heavy book, Radiant looked outside, seeing the faint mist of rain beyond the branches.

"Mourning gray, huh? I guess that explains my sudden shift in mood," she murmured, leaning gently against the window. Listening to the soft sound of the rain, she shut her eyes and let sleep wash over her.

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Melody let the steam wrap around her hand as she stared blankly at the mug.

"Mel, come on. Sit on the couch and relax," Marina said, tossing a few pencils across the table. Melody caught them, holding them up as she took a sip of the tea.

"Just give me a second, sœur," she replied, walking over to the couch. Marina smiled and settled beside her sister.

"How is the tea?" she asked.

"It's fine. Not the best, but it's as good as it can be," Melody responded, glancing at the balcony. Marina nodded before following her eyes.

"Think Ray is okay? After last month, she hasn't mentioned Ruined or anything that happened while Ruined was in control. She didn't really make many attempts to talk to Jack, either," she said, concern coating her voice when she spoke Jack's name. Melody sighed, returning her gaze to the cup of tea in her hand.

"I don't know. Maybe she's just trying to put it behind her," she replied, taking a sip. Marina nodded, sitting back on the couch.