Chapter Text
"Open your eyes, little crow. We don't have a lot of time."
...an unfamiliar voice. You don't know anyone who would call you a little crow.
You open your eyes. Maybe this is Éclale, you think.
It isn't Éclale. It's a still-dark void, a woman in the center of your vision. You recognize her.
Flamme, one of the spirits of Sunny Park. The flame that destroys, paving way for new life.
What could she want from you right now?
"...I realize this isn't very ideal as an encounter.
But there's something I must confess to you."
A confession?
"It's about your bloodline. Why you can control fire the way you do.
...very long ago, I formed a pact with an ancestor of yours.
To protect their family in the face of danger, I offered my power.
Even after they were safe, it lingered in their blood."
This information is new to you. Grams never told you about this.
"...She hasn't? I'm certain she knows.
Perhaps she wished to wait a little longer before telling you."
...She can hear you.
"But... I don't want to wait.
My power is fading from your bloodline.
Even more so after..."
You tense up.
Please, don't talk about that.
"...it feels... weird.
As if I'll be all alone again when the power fully fades."
Flamme isn't like Flora. She's more reclusive.
Like the difference between the twins. Loneliness shouldn't bother her.
...right?
"...This is a different sort of loneliness.
A presence you can feel even if no one is there.
I have felt this from your ancestors for a long time.
But it fades now..."
If it fully fades, then...?
"I cannot guarantee you'll still have the abilities you have."
...A heavy confession. You would fall to your knees, but your legs are stiff.
Perhaps it's selfish, but... you don't want to lose your strength.
There are still things to protect.
There are still people to protect.
You were trained for that purpose, weren't you?
What can be done now?
"...I must renew the pact. With you."
Because you're the youngest, probably.
It can't be Grams anymore.
"Correct.
There will be a guarantee that you keep your strength...
And in the most dire of moments, I can lend you even more of mine.
But that can't be all the time. Consequences on your body and such..."
Hm.
Well... you could deal with the consequences when they arose.
And if you couldn't by yourself, that's what friends are for...
Alright. You'll renew the pact.
You try to step forward, but your legs are still stiff. Flamme walks towards you instead.
Clasping your hands in her talons, she bows her head, closing her eyes.
"...Thank you, little crow."
She starts to mutter something else, tracing a claw over your wrist. You feel blood drawn.
It feels warm.
You feel warm.
Warmer.
Warmer still.
Hot.
Blistering hot.
Your scars are aching, as if flames are about to shoot out from them.
But... you're calm. Weirdly enough. These are the flames of life, after all.
"...alright. It's done."
She takes a step back, letting go of your hands.
You look at the wrist she scratched. A cross-like scar is there now.
It could be covered with your wristband, probably.
It’s still warm. You’re still warm. But you didn't feel any stronger.
"Only in the most dire of moments.
Remember that."
...Right.
She fades away, and you can't see anything once again.
...and eventually, you wake up. The new scar is still there.
A symbol of your pact with the spirit of flame.