Hello again! Welcome to the next chapter of Pink I. Like I've already been saying, this portion will be wrapping up very shortly. I'm currently working on the next chapter, which should be up in a little while.
But I have something that I need to discuss with you guys. So recently I got a review (it may not be up yet but I got the email) where someone asked "'How many people are you doing before you get back to Gazini?'", meaning 'when will Crimson II start?' Well, that's what I need to discuss with you people.
My plan was to write White I and then start Crimson II. Now you may be reading this and saying, "But SquigglyCrunch, you devilishly handsome magnificent writer, you said in the story summary that there are eight major characters, not three!" Well yes, but I've been thinking about not writing intros for most of those characters to increase the shock value later on. However, I want you guys to decide (sort of). I've set up a poll that you can vote on. And for those of you who don't have account and can't vote, post your vote in a review.
The reason why I didn't want to write several of the introductions is because they'd be too short. Azure I and Orange I would vary from about 2-4 chapters each. Violet I would be a bit longer like Crimson I, but I've already introduced her into the story (I just gave away who she is, didn't I?). Grey I cannot happen, and you'll find out why later. And Green I I really have no idea what'd I'd do, but if you want it I'd be happy to think of something.
So please, cast your votes and help me decide what to do. If you don't want me to write any of these, then you can just vote for None. Your votes may or may not influence what I decide to do. But either way, I want to hear from you guys.
Whew, that was a long intro, thanks for bearing with me guys. Anyways, onto business, please enjoy (if you can read any more after this) Pink I chapter 4!
"Hello to you too" I replied sarcastically.
"Oh," Estera said, changing moods, "Sorry, I was just so surprised is all"
I stood and looked around for a towel. There wasn't one nearby. My face was freezing cold from the water and dripped off my chin onto the ground.
"So how'd it happen then?" Estera asked.
"I'd prefer not to talk about it" I replied. My face began to ache again as I remembered the years I'd spent alone in agony. I saw the blood dripping off my body, and once again, the empty beds, only this time covered in blood.
I shook my head, clearing the memories.
"Oh, I'm so sorry Mrs. Rozovyy." Estera said, "Did I-?"
I cut her off, "Miss," I replied, "I'm not married"
"Oh, again, I'm so sorry." She apologized, "Did I stir up any memories?"
I shook my head before they could come back, "No," I replied, "I'm fine. Assuming that you didn't bring a towel?"
"No," Estera replied, "I didn't know what you were going to do, so I couldn't really prepare"
"Don't worry about it," I replied, "it'll probably be dry by the time we reach the house again"
We returned to the house after a few minutes without saying a word. I think that I had destroyed any happy mood that had once existed.
Sure enough, by the time we reached the house my face was already dry, but also much colder. Reaching my room, I stuffed my face into my pillow and laid there for a while. I heard the door open behind me.
"Oh Miss Rozovyy," Estera started, sitting down and patting my back, "are you alright? Do you want to talk about it?"
"No," I replied, my voice muffled through the pillow, "my face is just cold from the water"
"I'm sorry?" Estera asked, meaning that she wanted me to repeat myself.
I sat up, "My face is cold from the water" I replied.
"Oh," Estera said, "well, do you need anything to help speed the process?"
"No," I replied, "this pillow is actually very comfortable and warm. But thanks anyway"
"Alright." Estera replied, standing. She went to the doorway, but paused to say, "If you need anything else, just tell me or Des"
"I'll do just that," I replied, "thanks"
The door shut, and I stayed put. My face warmed up quickly after that, but I stayed where I was. It was very comfortable and soon I drifted off to sleep.
I awoke to a gentle prodding at my side.
"Wha-?" I said drowsily.
"That's quite the position you're in there" A man's voice, likely Des's, said.
I looked up. It felt awkward in my position. Turning around, I realized that I had fallen asleep with my face in my pillow and my rear end sticking up into the air. My legs were tucked up to my chest, and my arms lay at my side.
Immediately I bolted upright, realizing that Des must be able to see up my dress in a position like that.
"Breakfast's ready" He said nonchalantly, standing and leaving.
I paused for a moment, then stood and followed him out. He and Estera were already seated at the table.
"You're finally awake." Estera said, smiling, "Go ahead and sit down"
I sat down at their circular table. There were only three chairs there, and the table was relatively small. I assumed that they were the only ones living here.
"So do you have any children?" I asked as I served myself.
"No," Estera replied, "We tried for a while, but it didn't work out"
"I see" I replied, starting to eat.
"So where are you from Miss Rozovyy?" Des asked.
"You can just call me Nicole, thanks," I replied.
"Are you sure?" Des asked.
"Yes," I replied, "despite how I dress formalities aren't my thing"
"Alright then" Des replied.
"And I'm from Mistral." I replied, "I attended Haven academy there for four years before becoming a huntress and joining the Knight at Night guild"
"Wow," Estera gasped, "how long did you have to travel to get to us?"
"A little over a day." I replied, "I live in Vale now"
"Oh," Estera replied, "well, that makes a bit more sense"
"So if you're a huntress," Des started, "then you must have a weapon and semblance right?"
"Right" I replied.
"Do you think you could show us?" He asked.
"Dear," Estera started, hitting Des's arm lightly, "not at the table"
"Fine." Des replied, then turned to me, "later then?"
I focused on him, staring hard into his eyes. "Are you sure that you really want to see them?" I asked.
"No" Des replied.
"Well that was a quick change of heart" Estera said.
"It's actually my semblance." I replied, "I call it 'charm'. I can make anyone do whatever I want them to do, as long as they look at my eyes"
"Interesting" Des said.
"What kind of stuff have you used it for?" Estera asked.
"Mostly discounts when I don't have enough cash" I replied.
"Anything else?" Estera asked, her face starting to look sneakier, as if she was trying to imply something.
"Uh," I started, searching my brain for what she was trying to say. "Sorry, I don't know what you're implying"
"Did you use it to do anything naughty is what she's wondering" Des replied.
"What?!" I asked, shocked.
"Of course that's not what I'm asking, silly Des," she replied, "but did you?"
I sighed, "No," I replied, "I would never do something like that"
"Good to hear" Estera said.
"So how long have you guys known about the Fallen Dawn and their plans?" I asked.
"Too long," Estera replied, "believe it or not, they've attacked before, but the huntsmen and huntresses we hired were never enough. They would protect us long enough to get us to safety, but they'd always fall in the end"
"Well that's encouraging." I said, "But if they've attacked so many times already, then why'd it have to be 'foretold' like Timur said? Wouldn't it just be obvious?"
"Timur's just like that," Des cut in, "everything's always foretold. I think that's just his excuse for having a hunch about something so that he doesn't have to provide evidence"
"But he's always right, remember?" Estera pointed out.
"Usually" Des replied.
"Anyways," Estera started, "the hunters usually arrive just in time, so they're caught off guard"
As if on cue, a loud bell rang out, making me jump in my seat.
"Speak of the devil" Des said calmly.
"Just like every other time" Estera added.
"Is that an alarm then?" I asked.
"Yes." Des replied, standing, "Finish your breakfast if you can, we'll start getting everyone evacuated"
Just like that they were gone.
I stood, going to my room to retrieve my suitcases and heading outside. In the center of the village I saw them. A group of about ten men stood, their faces covered by black masks. They held weapons of all types. The village was bustling with people running and calling out, "Where is she?!" I assumed that they meant me.
I walked out and stood to face them. I stood several meters away and waited for a moment, collecting myself. None of them noticed that I had come out.
I drew Tina and took the first shot.
So you may have hoped that I'd tell you all what was up with Nicole's face right? Haha, nope! You'll have to keep reading to find that out. But don't worry, it will come.
So yeah, that was the chapter. Its wrapping up quickly, as you can see.
And also, like what I said in my mega intro above, vote on the poll, or just write it in the review. Also, because of the voting, the next chapter will be out much later, because the next one will very likely be the last one. And after that, the next color would be Azure I, if anyone votes on it (or if I decide to). Plus I've been thinking if Green I doesn't happen then the green character will be introduced at the end of Pink I and provide an extra chapter.
Sorry that this is such short notice but it only just came to my attention. Anyways, I'll see you all in a few days for the possibly last chapter of Pink I!