It was a bright morning. The birds were chirping, the ongoing ke was flowing and Crimson was sleeping in her bed of flowers until.

  “Noise, Noise. Noise! Can you be quiet for five minutes before I burn you to a crisp!”

  Crimson bolted awake sitting up straight only to feel sick and slump back down. A familiar figure walked over, looming over her with a thermos. “Good morning Subject One- uh I never got your name, this is for you.”

  “Crimson, My name is Crimson, not that number.”

  The man handed her a thermos of freshwater and smiled. Crimson slowly reached out for it not feeling any danger from him yet she didn't trust him fully however. It was like he was stenched with a shady past. She heard other voices in the distance not really being able to make out what they were saying, but she inferred there were at least two other individuals.

  Crimson looked up at the sky with a smile, “Funny, the sky has it always been this shade of blue? I swear it was always a bit darker.”

  The man ughed, “I believe so, but that's just what the taste of freedom is.”

  Crimson took another sip of water then asked, “so who are you? Since you haven’t tied me down yet, I can guess you’re not a white coat.”

  “My name is Jouvins Beto, friends call me Jouvins, and the white coats call me Beto. We are friends for sure Crimson, but we do need to have a conversation for what's next for you.”

  Crimson's eyes widened from the name Beto, “ I knew it! You were in the b with the white coats st night! You’re not bringing me back!”

  Crimson threw the thermos to the side and she bolted onto her feet with her hands ignited into a bze, then they went out as she kneeled to the ground feeling weakened.

  Beto caught Crimson before she would fall over,

  “Crimson I’m not taking you back to them in fact I liked your goal of wanting to see the hierarchy burn, they took too much from people like us. The underdogs. Gods, you burned the cloak you were wearing. Dankle please give her your coat and pants. I don't care if you get a cold, she is a dy!”

  The Grunt Dankle came running over in his yellow duckie boxers holding his employee uniform of a white shirt, suit jacket, and pants. After helping Crimson put on the suit. Dankle wrapped the coat around her then proceeded to run away in embarrassment.

  “Crimson, please allow me to take you away from this pce before the King's Guards come and look for you. I promise you can trust me.”, Beto helped Crimson stand straight and took a step forward.

  Crimson proceeded to follow knowing that at this moment she was too weak to stand, she could barely move at his pace. The two of them followed four other men in Suits, one of them being Dankle with his face being as pink as the northern shores. Crimson noticed a trail of burnt soil from her running away st night. She suddenly heard something running towards them then out of thin air it lunged straight at them, before the animal could nd on top of Crimson one of the Grunts fired their pistol putting a bullet right between the eyes of the animal.

  “Sir It's an Armored Jackal, they must be hunting escapees from the b fire from st night. I’m contacting the drivers to meet us at the eastern road since it jumped onto us from the west.” The guard pulled out a communication bubble to alert the others, and the group turned towards the east.

  The Armored Jackals would not stop their pursuit of them, they would lunge here and there or slowly stalk them, however they never got close enough to touch Beto or Crimson. The grunts were on high alert not leaving their positions. After shooting about five Jackals they made it to the eastern road, but not without one more surprise attack. A sixth Armored Jackal went straight for Dankle biting into his arm before meeting the same fate as the ones before it. They made it to the escape cars, one was a limousine just for Beto, and Crimson, and a regur car for the grunts.

  Dankle was very hurt holding his arm towards as it bled all over his hand. Crimson left the guidance of Betos arms, and walked towards him. She reached out for his arm and whispered, “Let me help”.

  Dankle agreed, slowly extending his arm as everyone was watching them. Crimson csped her hands over the wound. Her eyes sparked for a brief moment and she warmed up her hands, pressing them against his arm. Dankle crunched up his face, then she let go of him. As she raised her hands his arm stopped bleeding and all was left was the wound now closed into a scar, and her hand print.

  “Thank you.”, Dankle said in a shaky voice of relief.

  Crimson nodded her head and walked beside Beto who led them to the limousine where they were going to talk behind closed doors. The car started leaving behind the cursed nd Crimson had been held captive for years. She watched as the trees blurred past them and soon an open road would take its pce.

  Beto sat across from her with a serious expression on his face, “ ten-million Qorin is how much I was forced to give them. You do know what currency is correct?”

  “I remember not having any and I still don’t.” Crimson responded not keeping her eyes off of the open field pasture they were driving by.

  “You are far worth more than that sum so I have a pn to not only get some of my money back but to keep your status of freedom, but in return you have to help me with stuff for a while.” Beto gazed out the window and watched a herd of cows standing beside the fence.

  Crimson sighed, “and what exactly do you want me to do for you? Kill something or someone?” She smiled at the thought of that kind of transaction.

  “Well maybe that depends on the jobs I give you, however I would have to hide you where the Kings Commander wouldn't look for a bit, and yes you will be supervised and in a town with people. Whom you can't kill, may I add.” Beto tilt his head back to direct the driver somewhere, turning back to Crimson who’s eyes sharpened.

  “You are not imprisoning me in another pce under a white coat. I can Burn you and all your followers within this car if I wanted.”

  Beto sighed, “ I hate the “White Coats” too you know, they stole my money and lied to me, they called your suffering a charity and allowed me to get off a horrible crime for that very sum of money I told you about. When they said it was going to fund a government project I thought things like housing or the military, it was only until recently I found out about you Crimson. The white Coat Minel sent me a letter of thanks for choosing his project , and wanted to show me what my crimes cost.”

  Crimson loosened up, no longer feeling the urge to fight back.

  Beto continued, “Minel called it The Science of The Future or whatever, but when they took me down to that basement floor for the first time, I saw you covered in blood, passed out on the floor.

  Now look I'm a sketchy man I allow people to die all the time in underground pit fights, but they signed up for that, and i'm guessing you did not know what would be the outcome for yourself, because when I asked about you he told me you were a unwanted child and crawled to them for shelter.”

  “That's one way to say it, I'm not telling you anything.” Crimson turned to the window to see horses galloping along in their enclosed field.

  “You are saying you want to keep me like these animals behind a fence, being kept safe under your hand.”

  “For now yes, ter on no. I liked your idea of burning this pce to the ground, there needs to be a change.”

  “I meant humanity, all of humanity, that's including you.” She snapped back.

  “Well then tell me this Miss Arsonist, why did you help Dankle earlier?” Beto grinned, “Soon you will see the real monster is the head of the white coats, not just everyone else, and if you were to destroy all of us at least let me have some power before so eh?”

  Before Crimson could answer, the limousine came to a halt in front of a restaurant drive through. She could smell the fried food cooking in the deep fryers. Beto rolled down the window and proceeded to order a meal.

  “Hello can I have 2 Harline Burgers combo extra rge, with boar tusk? Oh crimson what kind of drink? You know what nevermind you probably only ever had water. Those two drinks will be Fizzy Fox Orange. Then I would like a Cub Meal with no yogurt.”

  Crimson looked out the window to the menu, it was full of different types of meals, and the mascot was a little bear chomping down on a burger. While she was entranced by the lights coming from the menu she was startled by the box speaking back doing a little jump, “Your total is 25 Qorin, and 42 tint.”

  As they pulled up to a window there was a younger man standing behind it holding two paper bags. Beto rummaged in his coat pocket for the currency. The worker unenthusiastically reached out to the car's open window to trade with Beto. The bag smelled unique to Crimson who kept staring at it, until Beto handed over one of the bags to her. Inside were two Harline Burgers and a boar tusk. As they drove away Beto was searching through his bag to find a cute pstic pony toy with wings putting a big smile on his face, Crimson judgingly stared at him.

  Beto stopped smiling the minute he looked up at her, "What? I have to complete the set.

  Crimson unwrapped the foiling around her burger and took a bite, which turned into her engulfing it after the third one. When Beto reminisces about this day he imagined her like a starving wild Cockatrice. The both of them enjoyed their meal looking out the window together, until Crimson was finished with her meal she finally spoke up, “ I saved Dankle so I didn’t Owe him anything, so when the day comes it will be easier.” she proceeded to slurp on the soda.

  “Oh and when will that be? Listen here girlie you say you can do all of that, but in all fairness the Kings Guards are all looking for you, for now make a pn I will even make a deal with you.”

  Beto put down his burger to the seat beside him and Crimson faced him as the air had shifted between them, “What’s the deal?” she asked with a boar tusk fry sticking out of her mouth.

  “I will keep you hidden from The capital's advances for at least a year. However in return I want you to do some work for me, along with a friend of mine. Not only that he will inform me on your behaviour, if you harm someone, leave on your own, or even commit more arson on a tree I have the right to call for Guards.”

  Beto Folded his hands, gring back at her. He watched her every expression reading them as if it was an open book.

  “I will just fight them off like st time it wasn't that hard.” She smiled in confidence.

  “And it won't be that easy either, they didn't know what you were capable of st night, clearly there's proof of that from the rubble you left behind. You don't want to be like them, do you?”Beto broke eye contact, turning his face to a herd of cows grazing in the field.

  Crimson also turned her head to look, and she saw a man holding a rifle in his hand.

  “They see you just as a farmer sees his cattle.” Betos eyes shifted to look at Crimson who watched the man lift up the rifle. A loud piercing shot echoed around them as if it was taunting her. As the cow fell to its side lifeless her expression shifted not in anger but sorrow.

  Beto fixed his gaze back to the window, “Who says when they find you, they won't do the same. The Capital, The King only sees you as one thing, and that is s profit. Not to mention we both know what happens after you use up all that fire power of yours, and that was after a few soldiers, and burning down a b which is impressive may I add. Just a year of pying it safe and working for me, and you get some sanctuary for your pn of the future, and maybe some goodies while at it. I am a friend not an enemy, if we have a deal, call me by my name.”

  Crimson went to face Beto, with the fear of him being right, she may be able to protect herself for a while, but what will happen when she just can’t keep up. The White Coats are looking for her. The limousine riveted up going at a higher speed than before. Beto wasn’t facing her not until an answer was made.

  Crimson lowered her head in defeat, “ Only for a year, it’s a deal, Jouvins”.

  The words stung to say, losing the freedom she just earned. Jouvins turned his head back to face her, and reached out for the hand shake. Crimson lifted her arm slightly with a limp wrist for them to shake on it.

  “Right now we are on the Tractor Highway, the pce I'm leaving you in is quite nice, it's a small little town called Hollybrook, the townsfolk there know me well so you will be safe.”

  Crimson looked out the window to see a horizon so bleak and grey it was like there was a barrier that split between the beautiful country air to the cities. The buildings looked colorless, all being an assortment of darker hues.

  “That's the commoner section of the empire, not much luxury in that pce. It's why they are also closest to the farms. All the jobs are mostly hard bor that doesn't give much pay”, Jouvins said, lighting a cigar and opening up the window so smoke can pass through.

  “Yeah many of my performers and clients are from that sector, anyways we should be there in about twentyish minutes.”

  Looking out the window was like looking at a dystopian world already turned to ruin from just the little bit she’s seen. Eventually they took a turn away from the Empire to where the sky opened back up into its beautiful blue self again not a sight of grey. Crimson sat in complete silence watching the trees and traveling tractors pass by. They eventually passed a giant wooden gate with a sign “Welcome to Hollybrook popution 1295”

  The leaves in the small town were a golden orange as if autumn was always in full swing, children ran up and down the streets without a care in the world, but most surprisingly every adult had a smile. The baker handing out fresh batches of bread to people walking by, or the man and his cow walking in the street all had a smile. The Limousine stopped right after entering the town, with the majority of people staring at it.

  “Alright we are here we gotta walk on foot from now on. They aren't fond of machinery that much, they are very old fashioned.” Jouvins said huffing from moving to the side door waiting for it to be opened.

  As the limousine door opened Crimson saw some curious children with eyes of amazement from seeing inside the luxurious car. They were soon shuffled away by their mother. Jouvins climbed out and stretched breathing in the country air, while Crimson was hesitant, he turned around and lent out his hand when she reached out for it he immediately pulled her outside. More people started to stare but she looked towards the ground before making eye contact.

  “Alright no need for a show let's go Crimson my friends house is just down the main road.”

  The doors closed behind them and they walked through the busy streets of Hollybrook with voices bustling over each other, especially from the merchants;

  “Fresh eggs and milk get 'em while you can!”, “New wool bnkets only for 20 Qorin!”, “ Trip to the city for a while and a new fee to come see the world!”

  Crimson felt self conscious and out of pce wearing a suit and tie was never her forte she preferred lighter things maybe even worn out. As they walked down the road the bustling would eventually stop and only open pastures and small houses would be prominent with occasional noises from livestock. At the very end near a forest they saw a little worn down house with a man waiting outside of its gate.

  “There he is!” Jouvins cheered. They walked at a faster pace, which Crimson was surprised to see such a rge man go at.

  As Jouvins approached he let his arms out for a hug which the man was willing to receive.

  “Vinny this is who the boys were telling you about meet Crimson, Crimson this is Vincent Leor.”

  Vincent smiled at Crimson, and went for a hand shake “Hello welcome to Hollybrook.”

  Crimson just nodded, replying with a small, “Thank you.”

  “Leaving me hanging kid, alright why don't you get comfortable inside while I have a talk with good old Jouvins, there's snacks on the table oh and I went and bought a Telobubble as a welcoming present for ya, it's even on now as we speak.”

  Crimson walked past both of them leaving them outside to talk alone . Vincent's face went from cheerful to somewhat irritated, “So what's really up with her also why is she wearing Dankles suit, and I know it's his because of the little yellow duckie cufflinks.”

  Jouvins went into his pocket and grabbed a cigar, and handed one to Vincent which he declined firmly, Jouvins shrugged and lit it up for himself, and spoke in a not so bubbly tone like before.

  “Look here she is a project for the King, they called her The Science of The Future, Eventually their guinea pig got tired of being poked at and escaped, now she's here.”

  Vincent proceeded to get angry, “ The Science of The Future? We both know that is bullshit, they showed what she did on the Telobubble. She killed over thirty fucking Soldiers not including employees of the b, and burnt said boratory to the ground. Do you know what they are calling it? A Dragon attack! Jouvins you know damn well what she is.”

  Jouvins blew out smoke in his response, “She is the first Dragon Knight, from what I got from Minel she has the DNA of an ancient race of some sorts and they just made it more prominent was all.”

  “Look Jouvins I’m fine with hiding your Elvish drugs or all your unlicensed weapons, but this is too far. What happens when they find her here with me huh? I have a life here now.” Vincent excimed.

  “I hid you here because know one smart enough would look in Hollybrook seriously. Look at this pce people are scared of cars for god's sakes, now imagine an outsider. The Only reason no one is in a panic is, because I'm here and I brought the girl here so no one's gonna tattle. You were once the most wanted man in the whole empire, one of the best employees I had. They wanted your head on a pointed spike, but I didn't let them, did I ? You both will do errands for me and the girl will get a weekly allowance like you. I will keep her here for at least a year until things die down.” Jouvins pulled out his wallet and held over five-thousand Qorin to help ease the situation with a bribe.

  As the money was being handed over Jouvins goons walked up to the house with assortments of bags, including Dankle wearing a pale pink skirt,

  “We got the goods, new clothes for Crimson and a few other things we thought would be nice for her to have.” one of the goons said with a look of accomplishment with Dankle coming in with, “THE SOAP SMELLS LIKE CARAMEL!”

  Vincent ughed, “Damn Dankle you are killing it in that skirt, why don't you and the boys give Crimson her gifts.”

  They walked pass leaving the two of them alone again Jouvins was in shock of what Dankle was wearing and Vincent slid the money out of his hand. Once he snapped back to reality he expined the next move.

  “There is going to be a meeting tomorrow for all those who were involved with the Science of the Future project at the capitals court house. Maybe I will get that two-million Qorin back eh? Now let me say goodbye to her as well. She's kind hearted, but scary.

  Jouvins slipped by Vincent who followed behind after walking into the house. Crimson was wearing a whole new outfit with a brown top and bck pants while Dankle got his Suit back, but was still wearing the skirt. They were all watching the Telobubble with the Victims of the recent “attack” crying about their lost ones.

  “Alright enough of that.” Jouvins said turning it off. “Look Crimson I'm about to go and Vincent is in charge of ya from now on, remember our deal and what I said.”

  With that Jouvins walked out the door knowing she didn't care with Dankle and the others following behind him. Vincent locked the door behind them and smiled at her.

  “Wanna see your room?” Vincent asked, carrying her new bags of items.

  Crimson nodded following him up the stairs to the attic where a bed was made, there was a desk, a few pnts, and books.

  “I made it fast so we can decorate it ter, though I just thought this would be good for now. I’ll let you adjust.” Vincent left Crimson in her room, closing the door which made a chime sound.

  Crimson sat on her bed to only fall back on it. It was softer than the bed of flowers she id on st night for sure but she missed the view.

  “Just until they aren't looking for me. Until then I guess trying a normal life won't hurt, besides I can always leave this pce to cinders after the year is done.” Crimson sighed, “I bet the stars in the sky here also shine maybe even brighter than before.”

  Crimson curled up on top of the bed and dozed off.