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Beep
Beep
Holly picked up her communicator.
"Any saboteur?"
"No sign of so-called 'saboteur'."
"Continue monitoring if nothing comes up in an hour, report back to HQ."
Holly stared blankly at the stagnant shallow pond as she put down her communicator.
The pond sat unnaturally still, unmoving as if all things had died out. The surrounding air was stagnant much like the pond it enclosed.
Coming here, and looking into the famous Pond of Reflection, was supposed to calm her mind and help her reflect on her life. However, the dead, stagnant water felt more like a forgotten puddle, looking at it she could only feel a sense of disgust.
As Holly continued gazing into the pond, she noticed the pond was barely ankle-deep. For eons fairies have come to gaze upon the shallow pond, watching minnows swim over the pebbles and water weeds, while reflecting on life.
Or they should have been able to.
Instead, the once-clear pond was now choked under layers of algae. Broken pieces of the underwater plants floated upward, clouding what was meant to be a perfect mirror of life.
She stepped closer to the pond, looking at the floating dead plants and algae; she doubted anyone would be able to do any reflecting at this pond anymore.
Saboteur, huh, more like incompetence
She thought, remembering how her superiors claimed that the pond's present stage was the result of sabotage.
"D'Arvit."
She swore under her breath as she questioned the rationality of guarding a place openly if capturing a saboteur was the goal.
As if anyone would do anything if someone was watching.
She nudged the water with her foot, a layer of algae parted, for a moment the surface cleared for a split second, at least long enough for her to see her own reflection. A green grimacing face stared back at her.
A flawed reflection projected through the floating green sludge.
She couldn't help but smile bitterly, hoping the rumours were true.
She heard rumours that talented mages of past generations had copied memories of King Frond and embedded them within the pond.
What would he say?
What would he show her?
Holly couldn't help wondering as she observed the floating algae.
Occasionally fortunate people were able to gaze upon those memories.
A sudden flash of light appeared as her eyes still locked on the pond.
She closed her eyes, both hands raised, shielding her eyes from the blinding light.
Her knees weakened, she stomped her feet, forcing her body from collapsing.
Before she even had time to breathe, a vision of fairy warriors fighting against mud men flashed through Holy's mind.
As the vision passed, she averted her eyes from the pond. In the corner of her eyes, she noticed a plaque and the words on it.
The Pond of Reflection, a name she was familiar with now crossed out and a new name written on with Sharpie.
The Algea Pond
A voice whispers as her eyes roll, not appreciating the vandalism however apt the new name is.
Fight for me.
Make me whole.