#camalia

Her smile died slowly, as right beside him were the royals. Right beside him. The ones that they cursed and the ones that she knocked out. And he didn't seem to care. Juniper followed her eyes and frowned. Maisie sighed.

-Well, we can't say you haven't done a great number on them, Miss Camalia. That's for sure. But if I understood you well, those are more or less the first people you've ever hurted, is that correct ?

The music mage nodded. She didn't felt that anger and sadness and guilt that overwhelmed her when she realized what she had done. She just felt... empty. Just like when the snakes were tormenting her. But they were gone. She did that to herself. Or did they even exist in the first place ? Was all of that happened to her in the past 10 years all of her fault ? Was it her fault ?

It was. It had to be.

Because even if they were real, why didn't she fight back harder ? Why didn't she call for help ? Why did it take her 10 years to get rid of them ? Because she was weak. She was so, so weak. The weakest, the smallest, the most pathetic being in this universe.

She shouldn't complain about those 10 years in prison. It was all on her. After all, she's the one that decided to stay in jail. It's her fault. All of it. The bruises, the pain, the fear, the loneliness. Her fault. Not Witheria's, not Decaiera's. Her. Fault.

Maisie and Juniper looked at eachothers, seeing that the girl was getting really upset. Kai simply slapped Maisie's head and gave him a dirty look. The refined man scoffed. That was certainly not a way to be treated. He was about to speak back when Varian interrupted everyone.

-As you all know, we were really worried when the king and queen went unconscious after a disastrous fall in the stairs.

The Saporians nodded in the room. It was the story they agreed on.

-I can now assure you, they are both fine.

Everyone faked relieved sighs and exchanged smiles.

-However... We might have an even more dramatic situation. It seems our majesties have lost their memories.

Shocked gasps echoed in the room. The Saporians all seemed very worried and dumfounded, except Andrew, that just rolled his eyes. Varian concluded his short speech, bowing slightly to the royals.

-I count on everyone to help them remember who we are and what we do.

Andrew let out a huge sigh, which earned him the burning gaze of his allies. His stupid pride was going to ruin the plan if he didn't stop. Varian whispered something into the King's ear and he gasped in response. He got up, his imposing cape following his movement.

-I heard there were spies in the castle, we need to get rid of them ! It could have been one of them that pushed me and... the queen in those deadly stairs.

They all bowed respectfully and left the room. Andrew was gloating. The others were about to kill him. Fortunately for him, the alchemist decided to speak.

-Of course, those... spies Frederick was talking about are the servants. We need to kick them out before they actually become spies.

-What ?! We never talked about that !

Varian rolled his eyes and stopped in front of Camalia that just spoke, effectively stopping all the team.

-Look, it just makes sense ! If we let them keep wandering around the castle, they will end up with the... revolution that is just waiting to happen. Coronans are tough, they won't let themselves get taken like that. That's why we need the royals to give orders the plebs will listen to, and the maids out of this castle. Of course, I didn't expect you to understand...

He resumed walking, the rest of the Saporians following him, while Camalia stood there, stunned. Yes, thank you Varian, she understood what was implied very well, that's not what she was asking. He blatlantly deflected the conversation to explain to her something she already understood, treating her like an idiot. It was EXACTLY how Decaiera used to operate. And she hated it.

Oh so that's how he wanted to play. Fine. Let's play then.

She catched up with them, her mindset completely turned around. She kept having doubts about what she should be doing, how she should be acting to not get in trouble or disobey to anyone. Well, that time is over. No more doubts, no more following orders of a broken selfish brat. She got rid of her curse and she was finally free. She didn't go through all that trouble to fall under a new one.

The Saporians split one by one to go look for the "spies", and Camalia ended up alone. She had an advantage, though. She knew the castle like the back of her pocket, and it's people even more. She had to get to them before the Saporians. Think, Camalia. What would the servants do... what would Masha do ? She thought for a bit, standing completely still in the middle of the corridor. Then a big grin illuminated her face and she started running in a very precise spot. Of course ! The Saporians would be looking everywhere in the castle. Everywhere in the places they hadn't been in, so, she had to look where they did !

And the most obvious spot of hiding was... Camalia stopped in front of the blasted door of the prison, and she felt her heart lift up when she saw all the maids, servants and guards, the guards in very rough shape, all packed in the prison's corridor. And in front of them all, sharing covers and encouraging words was...

-Masha !

The round lady gasped and turned around, ready to fight for her life. Her shoulders eased when she saw it was her precious little girl. She was about to greet her when Stan landed a firm hand on her shoulder. The maid looked at him, surprised by his behavior. His gaze was cold and filled with wounds.

-Are you here to assault us again ? Maybe kill us for good this time ?

-You didn't do your job very well last time, traitor.

The music mage shivered at the tone of Pete's voice. They were right, she messed up really bad. However, seeing them, her friends, her allies, the one that watched her grow and tried to make it better for her, so hurt and scared of her reinforced the idea that she was going on the wrong path.

-No. I'm here to get you all out of here before the Saporians find you.

The two captains looked at eachothers. But before they could take any decision, Mrs. Crowley spoke.

-And even if we were to believe you, how would you even do that.

-Yeah, added Faith, they are looking all over the castle for us, and we're at least a hundred here. There's no way you can get us out without being seen !

-Well, smirked Camalia, what if I could ?

Silence. Everyone looked at the girl with distrust. Stan stood up with difficulty, trying to not demand too much of his right leg. He limped slowly towards the girl until he was less than a meter from her, and looked deep into her eyes. She looked back.

-Why are you doing this ?

-Because I messed up.

-How so ?

-After getting rid of my curse, I thought that it would be a good idea to follow Varian and help the Saporians regain their land. I didn't thought it would involve so much violence. And even if it didn't, I should have never agreed to this. I'm sorry.

Silence. Everyone looked at the girl with conflicted emotions. Pete stood up with difficulty, trying to not put too much weight on his left leg. He limped slowly towards the girl until he was less than a meter from her, and looked deep into her eyes. She looked back.

-Can you promise us all that this isn't a trap set by the Saporians to get rid of us ?

-I promise. I can also tell you what their plan is, and keep giving you informations when you're out of here. They'll never know I'm the one that got you all to escape.

-Why are you doing this ?

-Because if their cause is right, and I feel very close to it, I don't think it's the right time for it anymore. Or the right way. They're fighting for something that could've changed thousands of years ago, but I don't think it can be changed today even when using the right method.

Silence. Everyone looked at the girl with renewed trust. Even with the emergency of the situation, Camalia took the time to reassure everyone, individually, with a smile or a shake of hands. She explained in detail what the Saporians had plan and how far they already went.

Once everyone was ready to go, she led them to the infamous cell with the secret tunnel in it. Which made Stan and Pete profusely swear. They were ready to block the tunnel so it would be completely useless and would give the prison it's integrity again. But Camalia reminded them that it was probably made by the founders of the castle to use to escape, in exactly that situation. They just had to be careful not to put anyone in that cell, is all.

They grunted and protested but all in all, the captains knew that the kid was right. They did scoff anyway when Camalia opened the gateway.

-Take that torch, and go further down until it gets larger. Then, go right and there should be a trap leading under a big tree. There's a tavern right there, go take refuge in it.

-Wait, flinched one of the injured guards, isn't it the tavern full of thugs and looters ? Is it really a good idea to go there ?

-Look, would you rather get into a tavern full of thugs that are really not that bad and only look scary, and definitely won't attack a pack of soldiers and citizens, or stay here until the Saporians take care of you ?

The guard turned pale and swallowed with difficulty. He muttered something and went into the tunnel with everyone else.

-Great. Stan, Pete, I'm counting on you ?

-Well, we won't be of much use right now, but we'll try guiding them to safety.

-Yeah, don't worry about it.

The last one to enter was Masha. She hugged her precious little girl tightly, while whispering some encouragements in her ear.

-Take care, Masha. Don't hesitate to knock some sense into people's head when they're in doubt.

-Of course, the round lady laughed, you know me too well.

They waved goodbye, and the crown moved forward. Right before the door/wall closed on them, the music mage saw the look of complete and sincere gratitude in one of the people's eyes. She never found out who's, but it stuck with her.

There was no more time to lose. She rushed upstairs and exited discreetly the place. No one had to know she was even close to the jail. It would be way too suspicious. She strolled around, looking at the fine decorations and paintings, stopping especially in front of the royal's portrait. Then, she returned to the throne room. Most of the Saporians were already there, except Varian and Juniper.

-Hey ! Did you find anyone ?

Maisie turned to her, looking troubled.

-No. In fact, none of us found a living soul in this palace. We were discussing how such a thing was even possible.

-What about the unconscious guards ?

-They were gone by the time we came back. No idea where they went. You ?

-Sorry Clementine, shrugged the girl, but I didn't get much luckier.

The small woman squinted her eyes but didn't add anything. Camalia was relaxed, her gaze planted into hers. There was no tension, no sweat, no cotton legs. The girl that crumbled upon knocking out two persons would never looked so composed after lying about such a risky matter. There was no way. She was simply too weak. Camalia smiled at her and turned away to talk with Kai and Maisie.

They were in the middle of trying to figure out how the "spies" could have escaped when Varian barged in, breathless and sweating, like he ran miles and miles to find them. He had a huge mark on his cheek, and his clothes were torn and dirty. He tried to catch his breath, but failed. He grunted and cried out something.

All the Saporians had gathered around him, worried, more for them than him. Camalia stepped forward and held him up. He took a big breath and finally yelled out what he had to say.

-There's a balloon outside ! The- There's a-a citizen escaping ! We think he wants to... to warn the princess !

-"We" ?

Juniper appeared at that moment, as breathless as him, but way less... disheveled. She pointed behind her and nodded.

-The kid's right ! We were outside and saw the balloon starting to rise. Can't reach it now, but Camalia might.

Everyone turned to her and she tensed. She stuttered something, embarrassed.

-M-me ? No, no there's no way. I can't... I mean I've never tried to shoot a melody of attack outside ! I don't know how... I mean is it... and what if...

Andrew rolled his eyes and took her by the shoulders, making her almost dropped the half unconscious boy.

-Look, we could stay here to debate how much of a chicken you are, but it would last way too long and we need to catch up to this balloon. And take it down.

The music mage scoffed and pushed the objectively handsome man away. She stood up straight and simply stuck out her tongue before pivoting and running out to the balloon, carrying Varian on her back as she did so.

Juniper smacked Andrew behind the head and dashed after Camalia, followed by everyone else. She catched up quickly and gave some advice between two breaths.

-Don't... listen to him. Just do... your best and... it's okay if... you can't reach... it. We'll be... prepared... Chill, princess.

The girl nodded. Yeah, that's right ! She was going to do her best... to fail. Of course she knew her melody could reach very far, especially outside. She was mostly counting on the balloon to be too far, and cursed whoever thought it would be a good idea to take off right now. Couldn't they wait until the Saporians were asleep ? Even with a guard, the time that everyone wake up and understand what's going on would be enough to escape. That was not thought through. To be fair, it was in the heat of the action.

-Hey, psst, Varian ! Are you still out of it or are you in ?

Juniper rose an eyebrow. Not sure that was a very common way to ask someone if they were still unconscious, but oh well. Wanting to give them some privacy, she sped up to be in front of Camalia, thus leading the way.

-Mmfphhyeah... I'm here, I'm here...

-What happened to you ? Did you get stomped on by a horse or something ? You look terrible !

-Haha... Yeah, no. It's just... I talked... We had a... You know what, nevermind. It's nothing, don't worry about it.

Camalia shrugged it off, much to Varian's surprise. But he was too much out of it to think anything else of it. And within three other steps of his friend, he was unconscious. She catched up to Juniper.

-Are we there yet ? I didn't remember the castle being this huge.

-Sorry, but the... balloon took off... on the other... side. We're pretty... close.

Suddenly they were outside, the wind slapping their cheeks and cooling them down. They looked up and the balloon was there, huge and the touch of warmth in the blue of the recent nightsky. In her mind, Camalia swore. The balloon was still close. Too close. Behind them, the rest of the group arrived and gathered around. Andrew stamped his foot and cursed.

-The balloon is already too far. Camalia, do you think you can reach it ?

The music mage pretended to think, biting her lips and wishing she could say no. Instead, she gave Varian to Kai and took her guitare.

-I'm not sure, it's already pretty high up, but I'm gonna try.

...to miss. She had to miss. But how ? She never ever tried to supress her magic. Nor to purposefully miss. If she blasted high enough and it just missed the thing, they would know it was on purpose. Or ask her to shoot again. The attack had to stop before reaching the balloon's level. But how ? How ?

She placed her feet and ajusted her position to be steady and strong. What does she know ? What does she know ?! Not enough. She had nothing to rely on. All she knew she had to figure it out all alone. She had no book with concrete informations, she didn't even know how her magic actually worked ! Why was the guitar connected to her ? How were the melodies formed and why did it work only one way ? Why is her magic green fog ? How does she lower the intensity of the melody of attack ? How does she miss on purpose ? How does she make it seems to be her maximum ?

She pointed her guitar to the balloon, ready to fire.

There was no more time to think. She had to do it. Suppress the blast. Suppress it. Imagine it's like anger. Or sadness. Or pain, or happiness. Yes, imagine your magic is an emotion. No, a feeling. Concentrate on that, and suppress it. Push it down, as deep as you can, but still let some part shine though. Suppress it. And play.

The notes resonated in the air, and soon the familiar green fog was all around them. The music mage opened her eyes, fixed on her objective. The balloon. Suddenly, in harmony with the melody, the fog spiraled and turn on itself, before blasting to the heaven, dashing, running as if thousands of horses were carrying it. For a split of a second, that was it. The balloon was going down, and the princess will never be warned. But the second passed. The fog faded in intensity, more and more, and when it touched the balloon, all it did was shake it a little. And it continued to rise. Out of reach.

Camalia had no idea how she managed that. She lowered the instrument, accompagnied by the eerie silence around her. She felt gloating pride and genuine happiness rising in her throat, ready to burst out in a magnificent smile. But just like she did with her magic, she pushed it down, and offered instead an annoyed pout. She mumbled something and turned around, getting through the Saporians still looking where the balloon disappeared, inbetween two clouds.

She left the mesmerized and bummed out group there, and in the corridor of the castle, she finally let herself show the most genuine smile she had in years.

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