As Rose led Tsukina through the breathtaking landscapes of Regalia, the vibrant colors and grandeur of the surroundings enveloped them in a sense of wonder. The towering buildings, reminiscent of Gothic architecture but adorned with a luminous brilliance, stood as a testament to the prosperity and beauty of the realm. The canopy of trees stretched towards the heavens, their leaves ablaze with hues of crimson, gold, and emerald, casting a kaleidoscope of colors against the pinkish-orange sky. With each step, Tsukina couldn't help but marvel at the splendor that surrounded her, a stark contrast to the world she had known. Yet, amidst the awe-inspiring scenery, she couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider, her simple attire drawing curious glances from passersby. "I want you to meet my friends," Rose said eagerly, breaking Tsukina's reverie. "Sky, Serenity, Jayce, and Ryuu, meet my friend Tsukina!" As Tsukina was introduced to Rose's friends, she couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in their demeanor. Serenity's question pierced the air with its blunt judgment, casting a shadow over the warmth of their welcome. "Why is she dressed like that? Is she poor?" Serenity's words hung in the air, her tone laced with thinly veiled disdain. Sky remained silent remembering that she's the girl she attacked in Elysumia, the tension palpable in the air, while Jayce and Ryuu extended friendly greetings, their smiles a contrast to Serenity's pointed remark. "Serenity, don't be rude! Where are your manners?" Rose's rebuke rang out, her voice tinged with disappointment. "Apologize now!" Serenity bowed her head, offering a hesitant apology to Tsukina, who responded with a nervous laugh, attempting to diffuse the tension that lingered between them. "Sorry about her. She doesn't think before she speaks," Rose explained, her tone apologetic as she sought to mend the rift that had formed. Tsukina's smile faltered slightly, a pang of unease settling in the pit of her stomach as she realized that navigating the complexities of Regalia would be far more challenging than she had initially anticipated. "Hey, how old are you? You're pretty short," Ryuu inquired, his playful demeanor providing a welcome distraction from the tension that lingered. "I'm 14," Tsukina replied, a hint of apprehension still coloring her tone. "Ah, then you should fit right in with me and jayce, serenity is a well known bitch so just ignore her, We're all 15, and Rose is 16. Don't worry, we won't bite you," Ryuu quipped, his laughter easing Tsukina's nerves as they bantered back and forth.
Ryuu walked up to rose whispering her a suggestion for the girl, aware Shes isn't from Regalia and help her blend in. Ryuu's suggestion hung in the air, prompting Rose to offer Tsukina a solution to her predicament. With a knowing glance, Rose nodded in agreement, silently acknowledging the necessity of blending in within the confines of Regalia. As Rose led Tsukina through the winding streets, their laughter echoing against the cobblestone walls, they arrived at a secluded spot where a ladder awaited them. With practiced ease, Rose scaled the ladder, revealing a breathtaking view of a distant castle illuminated by the warm glow of the setting sun. "Climb. I can't have you getting caught looking like that… not saying you look bad or anything" Rose urged, extending a helping hand to Tsukina as they ascended to the top. With a sense of exhilaration coursing through her veins, Tsukina followed Rose across the field, her heart pounding with anticipation as they approached the castle's rear entrance. "Wanna see a magic trick?" Rose asked with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Sure," Tsukina replied, her curiosity piqued. Before Tsukina could comprehend what was happening, Rose enveloped her in a tight embrace, and in an instant, they were transported into the luxurious confines of Rose's room within the castle. "Tadaa," Rose exclaimed, her excitement contagious as Tsukina struggled to comprehend what just happened. "Are you okay?" Rose asked, noticing Tsukina's bewildered expression as she handed her a set of clothes. "H-how did you... huh?" Tsukina stammered, her mind reeling from the unexpected turn of events. "Change, and then I'll tell you," Rose instructed, her voice tinged with amusement as she waited patiently. After Tsukina had changed into the borrowed attire, Rose explained the intricacies of teleportation magic.
"We're going to go back. I advise you NOT to open your eyes," Rose cautioned before initiating their return to the park where their friends awaited. With a smooth landing, Rose gracefully touched down, while Tsukina stumbled to the ground, eliciting laughter from their amused companions. "Rose, you didn't teach her how to land?" Jayce teased, his playful jests echoing through the air as Rose extended a helping hand to Tsukina, their laughter mingling with the fading light of the day.
As the day melted into night and the sky transformed into a canvas of twinkling stars, Tsukina found herself enveloped in a sense of belonging amidst the laughter and camaraderie of her newfound friends. Yet, beneath the veneer of joy, a nagging fear gnawed at her heart, reminding her of the precariousness of her situation.
As Rose led her to a secluded spot to watch the sunset, Tsukina felt a pang of sadness at the realization that their time together was fleeting. Rose's words, filled with both reassurance and concern, echoed in Tsukina's mind, stirring a mixture of gratitude and apprehension.
"You know I can't protect you here forever " Rose murmured, her voice tinged with worry. "I have training to do with the higher-ups, so I won't be here all the time. Ryuu knows you're from Elysiuma. Stick to him when I'm not around, but please be careful, okay?"
Tsukina nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of loneliness, even amidst the company of her newfound friends. The memory of Sky's betrayal lingered in the recesses of her mind, casting a shadow of doubt over her trust in anyone from Regalia.
"Okay, I will," Tsukina replied, her voice barely above a whisper as she struggled to mask her uncertainty. "Where will I sleep?" she asked, her vulnerability laid bare in the softness of her tone.
"I'm not sure, honestly," Rose admitted, her gaze clouded with concern.
Guided by Rose, Tsukina followed her to a hidden crystallized cave behind the waterfall, its interior bathed in a soft glow that danced with ethereal beauty. With a wave of her hand, Rose conjured a thick blanket and pillow, offering Tsukina a semblance of comfort in the midst of uncertainty.
"Here you go. I have to go now. Goodnight," Rose said before vanishing into the night, leaving Tsukina alone with her thoughts and the gentle murmur of the waterfall.
Wrapped in the warmth of the blanket, Tsukina's facade crumbled, tears streaming down her cheeks as the weight of her isolation bore down upon her. Longing for the familiarity of her sister's embrace, she nestled into the makeshift bed, the echoes of her sobs mingling with the gentle rush of the cascading water until exhaustion finally granted her a fleeting respite from the turmoil of her thoughts