The Crimson Fang
Chapter 21 - The Crimson Hawk

It was eating away at Ami. Nobody even knows that the Altros exist, let alone remember the countless wars that we served in! A voice answered her, “Why would they? It never happened.” But, I remember everything. The battles, Joseph’s death, and the countless times I’ve had to watch it happen… “You are the only one.” But why? “You know why.” I should tell somebody. “You cannot speak to them about it. They would not believe you, anyway.” What can I do then? “It is best to just remain silent.

Her daily thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. “Ami, Sakura’s father is here. It is time for your training.” Footsteps betrayed her mother, Emma, as she walked away from the door and down the stairs. Ami stood up, placed her hand on her diary, and exited her room. I’ll write about this later. The voice had become more frequent recently. There had to be a reason, but she couldn’t figure out why. She entered the front room, where Judeau, her archery trainer, sat with his daughter, Ami’s best friend, Sakura. She seemed upset. Ami walked over to her. “Mother is dead,” she choked. “She was found in the square with this note and a word.” Ami’s eyes widened. Altros! “Altros?” the voice replied. How is this possible? “It’s is not.” But it says... “You must be mistaken.” I have to tell them! “About a dream?” About the truth! “The note does not say Altros.” What else could it be? “Tros, future ruler of Troy.” Not possible! “Why not? Her mother was an Elder” Exactly, Sakura’s mother was an Elder! She would have capitalized the name! “She was in a hurry.”

“Ami, are you ok?” She looked at Sakura when she heard her name. “She won’t believe you. It is your burden to bear, as it was your wish that made all this happen.” I wished for the Altros to not exist! “You wished that the war never happened. Therefore, it has not. The Altros have returned, according to your assumptions. This time, however, the Crimson Nobles will be powerless to stop us!” Us? You’re… A bolt of raw power flashed through Ami, causing her to collapse to the floor.

Ami opened her eye, looking down the shaft of her arrow. You will pay for your deception, Serpenthos. But first, I must win this tournament, so I can impress the king and he will allow me to join the Crimson Fang again. She took her aim, and let her arrow soar toward her target; a perfect bullseye. If I must endure this once more, I will go in more powerful than before. My love will not die this time, if I can stop him. Cheers erupted from the crowd, as Ami entered the winner’s circle. She wrote in her diary, as she awaited the award ceremony.