Chapter 10: Good To Bad

It had been a victory for Dahlia, thanks to the power of Lilith. Not that she could control herself the longer Lilith possessed her body. There were instances where she could access her memories of the past without losing complete control. Imprisonment wasn't how Dahlia thought her life would be, a slave to an abnormal force, but how different was it? She had grown up alone and a slave to a man who sorts to use her for his benefits. Was this any different? The times' Dahlia could freely think without the worry of her possession was the times she wandered about such questions. She tried hard to resist its power, but at times she was suffocated by its sheer force.

Winhill was peaceful. The surrounding trees bowed in the wind as the river in the canyon nearby could be heard gushing along. For the first time in a long time, Dahlia felt free. But why now? Where was Lilith? Dahlia decided to get out of bed and look through the window. The day looked so inviting, and she longed to be a part of it before she once again had her life taken from her.

She grabbed a basket from beneath her bed and walked down the main stairs. Downstairs was filled with beautiful antique furniture and adorned with colourful flowers. Most of the decor was covered in dust and left untouched. Dahlia made her way outside, where the streets were eerily quiet, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Stone houses surrounded her view, tall with red roofs and covered in overgrown flower bushes.

She made her way north, up the street, which lead to a meadow of bright yellow sunflowers where an existing crossing led the path ahead. The intersection linked downtown to the upper parts of Winhill. At the same time, the native Chocobo ran across it to play in the meadow. Dahlia tiptoed along when she noticed a mother Chocobo and her little chicobos running across. The chicobos ran up to Dhalia and circled her before speeding back to their mother and into the fields. This little experience gave Dahlia a brief moment of humility, something she had not experienced before.

Walking a little distance more, Dahlia came to the Flower shop of Winhill, which stood on the pathway's left hand. Decorated in lovely pink, purple, and white flowers, the small cottage was cozy enough for a singular person. Ahead in the distance was the town square.

"I don't think I've ever been up there?". Dahlia thought to herself.

Without hesitation, she knocked on the entrance door, kindly waiting before waltzing inside. As she enters, she could smell numerous scents coming off the flowers as the elderly owner sat back in her chair, rocking away.

"Good morning, young lady". The flower shop owner said as she stirred up a conversation.

"Can I help you with anything? Those white ones are my favourites." The shop owner said, pointing over to the corner where many vases were situated.

"Thank you". Dahlia replied as she bent over the vases to have a sniff.

"They used to belong to an old friend. She gave them to me before she passed away—such a sad loss that one. I do miss her face". Stated the elderly lady.

"Oh, how nice I might take some of those. The flowers smell very fragrant". Dahlia replied.

As Dhalia picked up many flowers and headed over to the shop owner, her smile slowly disappeared. Returning was Lilith, her cruel upside smile that never had any good intentions.

"Oh, dear, these will just not do". Throwing the flowers onto the floor and turning back around, Dahlia spotted some lovely dark coloured roses.

"Ah, now these, these are what a gal needs". Picking up the flowers, Dahlia brushed the petals with her fingertips, gushing at their beauty. She was delighted with her choice.

As she turned back around, the flower shop owners mouth was wide open. "How dare you. These flowers are my pride and joy!"

Dahlia laughed out loud as she headed for the door. "Now now, grandma, you can plant more".

As her heels clapped against the ground, Dahlia made her exit and back out into the wide-open country town.

"It's too peaceful around here. What this place needs is some destruction". Dahlia giggled some more to herself as she continued walking towards the staircase up north.

Leading into the downtown part of Winhill, a staircase descended into the mountainside linking it to a pathway beside a creek. Arriving back in the lower half of town, Dahlia overheard two gentlemen talking by the rear entrance.

"So much has changed for this little town, don't you think, Hugh". Said a man in a redshirt.

"I know, Victor. Laguna is in charge of the mighty Esthar. Poor Raine. Even the Queen of Cards has stopped touring here. At least Marianne took over Raines Pub". Replied Hugh.

"Do you think we would have ever made it as SEED Hugh? We didn't even make the final exam". Victor spoke.

"We are just Balamb Garden dropouts, Victor. At least Laguna asked us to protect this place. We gotta do our best". Continued Hugh.

"Oh, man, did you hear about the commotion over on the Trabia continent? There was a mad quake, and the snow started to get heavy". Said Victor as they walked inside the general store, continuing their conversation and laughing.

As Dhalia stared and spied on the two dropouts from afar, she listened in on their conversation. Hearing about the current drama, she decided it was worth taking a look and seeing what she can uncover.