F L A R E

I immersed both of my feet in the lake's cold water, playing while closing my eyes to feel the water's cold embrace, allowing me to be swept away by its tranquility.

I stopped when I heard a rustling sound nearby. I quickly opened my eyes and focused on a large tree before me. And in a blink of an eye, a giant white tiger emerged from there. I stood up slowly, locking my gaze. Given its size, it could quickly pounce and devour me.

Its left paw stepped forward and opened its mouth, revealing its long, razor-sharp fangs and teeth. Before it could pounce on me, adrenaline gets the best of me. I quickly turned around and sprinted away from it. But as I ran, I could hear its heavy footsteps gaining ground, growls echoing as it kept chasing me.

With the speed of my run, I didn't realize I had ended up in the dense part of the forest. I didn't have a problem there because living in the forest for almost half my life turned me into an unofficial tour guide of the Infinite Forest. Even the gorillas and squirrels considered me their neighbor. So, I nearly knew every nook and cranny here.

I looked back, and my eyes widened when I saw it was only three meters away. I dashed forward, my breathing ragged and harsh. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw a shadow of a creature sprinting in my direction.

I'd make quite a delicious breakfast in its eyes.

I was panting heavily, dodging the giant roots of trees sticking out of the ground. I could still hear the twigs and dried branches snapping, a reminder that the tiger was chasing behind me.

In my frantic attempt to make sure my head didn't hit the low-hanging branches overhead, I forgot to look at where I was stepping. This neglect led to a sharp, unexpected pain as I stepped directly into a thorny root. I stopped, feeling the agony and pulsating ache in my left foot.

But I continued running, even though I was stumbling—to keep myself away from the animal. But our pursuit didn't last long—it pounced on my back, and I fell.

I looked up and saw a fierce white tiger. It growled, and I promptly closed my eyes, bracing myself to become his morning snack. What a great day to die in the hands of a big cat.

"Goodness me!" I winced in pain when he licked my cheek. His whiskers tickled, making me chuckle a bit.

"Wei-wei! Stop! I don't fancy playing anymore! Look, I got a scratch!" I grunted as he started nudging me with his nose. I pushed his chin away, and he pulled a long face.

I chuckled as he moved to my bleeding foot. He carefully ran his sharp tongue over my wound until it stopped bleeding. I tore a strip of fabric from my clothes and used it to bind my injured foot before getting up.

He looked at me, almost smirking. The audacity of this pussycat! We agreed to play hide and seek, but out of nowhere, he decided to switch it up and turn it into a game of tag. Who said we're changing rules mid-game?

He came close, rubbing and purring against my leg. I crossed my arms and frowned.

"I can't walk properly." He whined, making me laugh again. He leaned closer, showing me his back—telling me to ride him. I got on his back and slowly positioned myself before holding his ears.

He ran fast, and I hugged his neck along the way—feeling a bit sleepy. I closed my eyes, loosening my grip. He's probably taking me to the lake to fish for his food.

My eyebrows furrowed when I noticed him speed up. When I opened my eyes, he slammed on his forelegs for a break, causing my body to jolt forward like a cannonball—and bravo, I ended up diving into the chilly lake waters. I hissed.

Sometimes, I just want to have a roast tiger for dinner.

I got out of the water and saw him sitting on the bank, almost as if smiling. I glared at him before finally rising out from the lake.

"Don't even think I will help you fish for food!" I said, pursing my lips irritably. He grunted and scratched his head using his paw. I rolled my eyes even further.

"You're a tiger! Go hunt for food! No fish for today!" With the finality of my voice, he didn't protest. I sighed. Taking care of him felt like I was a mother obligated to discipline a wild and untamed child. It was half parenting and half wildlife conservation.

He approached me and nuzzled his nose against my elbow. I nodded in acknowledgment. His gesture indicated his farewell. I turned away, running my fingers through my wet hair.

I removed my clothes and hung them on the nearest branch to dry. I let my long waist-length hair down. Its length could easily conceal the most intimate parts of my body.

I waded into the lake and immersed myself completely, taking another fresh bath. When I reached the middle, I leaned against a towering tree. This lake was called Green Lake. Aside from its greenish-blue hue, it boasted a distinctive tree planted at its center, giving the forest an enchanting yet eerie vibe.

This was my favorite part of the Infinite Forest. Besides having a serene and refreshing atmosphere, the water's touch was calming and inviting. I leaned against the tree for a few minutes before deciding to swim.

I stretched before diving beneath the surface. I lingered underwater for a minute before resurfacing, feeling my breath running low. As my head emerged from the water, I swam upwards, and my long hair cascaded down. I stood upright and closed my eyes, savoring the moment.

Gently, I wiped my face. The water reached only to my waist, and my long hair covered my body. With a graceful shake, I let the droplets scatter around my body before opening my eyes.

As I emerged from the water, I felt a sense of unease when I noticed a man standing by the shore, and I could see the surprise in his widening eyes as he gazed directly at me. I glanced at my exposed body; though my hair somehow conceals my nakedness, I still felt exposed.

I quickly submerged myself again, leaving only my head visible above the water as I tightly closed my eyes—feeling a rush of embarrassment.

"My apologies, I-I didn't mean to," he stammered, trying to regain his composure. He turned around swiftly, and I remained silent, uncertain of what to tell him given the situation.

"Look away, and whatever you do, don't look back. If you do, I'll have to gouge your eyes out." I spoke firmly.

He nodded, intimidated by my words. Rising to my feet again, I retraced my steps until I stood firmly grounded. Looking towards the man, I exhaled in relief as he maintained his position. I would gouge his eyes out if he dared to peak.

I walked towards the tree where my garments hung, swiftly dressing despite their dampness. Once clothed, I promptly approach his direction. Confronting him, I met his gaze steadfastly, eye to eye.

"U-hmm. . ." He lowered his head, probably drowning in shame for what he did—or maybe he was searching for an excuse that wouldn't sound totally ridiculous.

I scanned him from head to toe. His appearance reassembled that of ordinary tribesmen, yet a uniqueness existed that set him apart. His skin boasted an excessive smoothness and fairness—like a canvas of perfection. He also has this unusual cleanliness that glows tender. Not to mention, his golden ring looks authentic.

"Am I deemed handsome?" I was pushed back to reality by his chuckle. Arms crossed, I arched an eyebrow in response. Wow, what an airhead.

"Though not a citizen of the Air Tribe, why does your mind seem so airy?" His laughter rippled at my words.

"And though not of the Fire Tribe, why do you exude such boldness?" I involuntarily smirked. Perhaps his assumption that I hailed from a water tribe was because of my blue attire.

"Despite your earlier espionage, is that truly the extent of your commentary?" He tilted his head, a shy smile adorning his features. He absently scratched his nape while nibbling his lower lip.

"Forgive me, for I did not intend to intrude. A white tiger was pursuing me, so I ended up here." My gaze narrowed, and the image of a particular tiger immediately came to mind, mainly because only one white tiger roamed in this forest.

"If I see you again, I will make sure to burn you to shreds," I murmured irritably, sensing that it was a deliberate provocation after I did not feed him.

"What?" He asked, to which I shook my head, disregarding his question. Stepping closer, I pulled the collar of his clothes, drawing him closer.

"You witnessed nothing, did you?" I scrutinized him intently, noting the frequency of his blinks and gulps.

"N-no...".

"Are you sure?" I persisted, observing his repeated nods as he sought to convince me of his innocence.

"I assure you, upon my honor, I did not see anything. It was never my intention." I tilt my head, carelessly pushing him by the collar, causing him to step back a few inches away. If he didn't see anything, then we're good. But that pesky tiger has hell to pay when I see him.

"W-wait, where are you going?" I raised my eyebrow before looking back at him. Of course, I have to leave. Why would I stay with him?

I ignored him and continued walking away from the lake—and him. I'll try to find fruits on my way since I haven't eaten them in a while. And my stomach is roaring with hunger.

"Can you walk slowly?" My forehead ceased when I heard a low yet calm voice behind me. I turned around only to see him following me.

"Are you following me?" He nods his head. I grimaced.

"Yes, I had no idea which part of the forest this is. I was lost when a tiger was chasing me. You look like you know the way around here, so I decided to follow you." So, what does it have to do with me? Am I supposed to be responsible for guiding a lost grown-ass man?

"You decided? Did I even permit you to follow me?" He gave me a loop-sided smirk as if amused over something I said.

"You're feisty. Are you sure you're not a Fire kind?" I turned a deaf ear and continued walking while searching for a fruit.

He must've thought I was not a Fire kind because I was wearing the Water Tribe's continental dress code. But well, even if I change my clothes, I can't hide my personality.

"Why? Do you have to be a Fire kind to be feisty?" I countered, rolling my eyes. I heard him chuckle.

"I'm Flame. How about you? What's your name?"

"Does knowing my name change the course of your life? No? Does it guarantee we'll see each other again? Absolutely no. After all, we're not crossing paths ever again." I replied. This time, his gentle chuckles erupted into hearty laughter.

"I get it. You don't want me to know your name." He murmured. I stopped mid-way when I saw a cluster of wild grapefruit hanging from a tree that stood 9 ft on the ground. I couldn't even reach my hands up to pick anything from it. How the hell did it even grow this tall?

So, I wasted no time and prepared myself. I sprinted towards the towering tree and took a giant leap in the air, extending my right arm and successfully grabbing the grapefruit. A triumphant smile crept on my lips as I waved the fruit. That's more like it.

When my foot touched the ground, I plucked one fruit and tossed it into the air, skillfully catching it in my mouth. With my eyes closed, I savored its taste. Satisfaction filled my mouth when it tasted sweeter than the last grape I ate days ago.

I moved the grape twig on the left when I felt someone's presence near me—attempting to steal my fruit. When I opened my eyes, I saw him sneaking on my food like a notorious food ninja.

"You want some?" I asked, hiding it entirely behind me. He stopped his unfortunate attempts and stared at me with glimmering hope and excitement.

"Can I have—" I cut him off by pointing to the tall tree with my lips.

"Go get yours," I teased. I raised the grapefruit twig near the level of my face and ate two fruits using my mouth without breaking eye contact with him.

Oh, come on, be jealous. I have grapes.

I was taken aback when he swiftly dabbed my arms in a circular motion; the grapefruit swung in the air, and I spun around due to his movement. I quickly alerted my senses and kicked his left hand when he was about to catch the fruit. Unaware of my strength, he carelessly lowered his guard, making him fly away by the force of my kick. I grabbed the grapefruit before it landed on the ground.

"What now, Blaze?" He stood up, bringing back his composure. I eyed me like I just said something that amused him again.

"Blaze?"

"Your name is Flame, right?" He nodded and laughed.

"It's truly unfair. While you comfortably call me by my name and give me pet names, here I am, left in the dark, clueless about yours." I grinned.

"Not my problem," I replied shortly before walking away from him, enjoying my bundle of joy—grapefruits. I was already far from him when I decided to look back.

"By the way," I raised an eyebrow before continuing my words.

"You are from the Fire Continent. You live here. Between us, no one knows the way around here better than you do, so you can't lose your way in and out of the forest." I paused when I suddenly remembered something.

"Not unless you're a lazy prince who loves to be pampered in the palace, or maybe you're one of those students with attitude problems who studies in the Elysian Institute of Magic," I added before finally leaving him alone in a place that will lead him by the river where he can navigate it to take him back in the palace.

In Blaze Academy, where I currently study, they glorify the students from the Elysian Institute of Magic because they are talented and influential. Their level of combat training and power is very different from ours. It was everyone's dream school, and although many wanted to be admitted there, they needed privilege. And poor people who can barely feed themselves don't have that privilege. Only noble blood and royalties can go there.

I tied my hair into a bun while rolling my eyes. Until now, I don't get the logic of why they glorify selfish and self-centered people who have severe mental problems, superiority complex, and major main character syndrome.

I sometimes cross paths with them in the city market whenever they have visitations or activities, and they're giving that odd vibe that stares down at you like a mere cockroach they want to step on. Even socializing with us seems like an incurable disease for them. They want to avoid it as much as possible.

I'm not antagonizing them. I'm just sick of how they try to convince themselves that they're the center of the world, and we pheasants must roll out a red carpet and worship them for their unpleasant presence.

So much for that. I didn't realize I'd come out of the Infinite Forest. From far off, I could hear all sorts of noises from the town—the hustle and bustle of sellers persuading buyers, kids playing and arguing over stuff, drums beating, music playing, and whatnot.

I finished off the last grape I had and tossed the twig away. I saw this tall, fancy palace atop the hill as I approached the gate. The palace—there are probably loads of palace guards there, ensuring no one gets in without permission.

I just shrugged and focused on my surroundings as I entered the gate. They looked at me right away, probably because of my outfit's color. I secretly chuckled and just ignored them. They probably thought I was from the Water Tribe because of my blue clothes.

Truth be told, I've got clothes from all sorts of tribes. It's because all my life, I've done nothing but travel to different continents and hang around for a few days. I don't want to attract attention, so I follow their dress codes. It's not against the rules anyway. Anyone can visit other continents. I just really hate attention, so I preferred to blend in.

I came from the Water Continent yesterday and spent the night in the Infinite Forest, so I hadn't changed my clothes yet. What I did there was only a little important. I just wandered around, visiting the usual spots.

"I have told you to move along! Can you?" I turned when I heard that snooty voice.

I furrowed my brow when I saw an old lady sitting helplessly on the ground. In front of her stood two girls and a boy around my age. I tilted my head and decided to watch what would happen next.

"We are not buying your stuff no matter how hard you try! Look at you! Do you even sell clean fruits? We might catch some serious disease from your filthy old hands!" I hissed silently. From what I could see, this girl had a sharper tongue than a blade.

Has anyone actually taught her how to show some respect to her elders?

My eyes narrowed when I saw what she was wearing. If I wasn't mistaken, that was the uniform of the Elysian Institute of Magic. Besides that, they were wearing cloaks with their logo. Will you take a look at that showcase of behavior? See? I've never been wrong.

"You are proud of selling this garbage, aren't you?" As the boy walked closer, he kicked the old woman's table filled with a basket of fruits and vegetables, causing her goods to spill all over the ground.

I straightened up and clenched my fists. I could see the despair in the old woman's eyes as she lift her head to gaze at them. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she gathered the scattered food from the ground.

"Don't block the road, old hag. That's what happens to people like you." Another girl spoke rudely. My jaw tensed. These arrogant pests have such nasty attitudes.

"Move aside!" When the boy kicked the old woman's shoulder, I couldn't hold back anymore. I approached the elderly and gently helped her stand up while the three pests watched a few steps away from us.

"T-thank you..." I just nodded. Without hesitation, I took three eggs from a little girl's stall and threw them at the three disrespectful roaches.

Time seemed to slow down as it hit their heads. I heard them gasping and cursing in disgust and disbelief as they felt something sticky just crack down their faces. They turned towards me. Their eyes were filled with anger and fury.

They look lovely with eggs on their big head and tiny brains. Eggcelent!

I grinned. They looked like they were about to go to war, with the sheer rage and annoyance registered on their faces. I crossed my arms, staring them down defiantly.

If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you get.

𝐄𝐋𝐘𝐒𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐄: 𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐓
ᴮʸ ᴳᵒˡᵘᶜᵏʸᶜʰᵃʳᵐ