Chapter 14: Chapter 13: Blue Rose

10 Years Earlier…

Kiwi sat on the bench in a wide, beautiful field, the sunset painting the sky in soft golds and pinks. Beside her sat a woman with long, flowing dark brown hair.

“Wow, I didn’t know you Tarots had beef with each other…” the woman said with a laugh.

Kiwi blinked, puzzled. “Beef? What do you mean?”

“Oh—erm,” the woman stammered, “it’s a saying from the Fifth Layer. It means there’s some kind of conflict or rivalry between you and the other Tarots.”

“I see…” Kiwi murmured, readjusting her thoughts. “I wouldn’t say we’re in conflict. Sure, some Tarots’ personalities and themes contrast with each other, but we’ve got more important things to do. We’re rarely even in the same place at the same time for… ‘beef’ to happen.”

Her short legs dangled off the bench, swinging idly since they couldn’t reach the ground.

“I just think it’s unfair,” she continued, “that some Tarots get more recognition from humans than others. Especially the Crown Tarots. They’re acknowledged more because of their unique Signatures, so people think they’re better than us.”

The woman tilted her head. “Yeah, but you Court Tarots have, like, super strength and stuff, right? That puts you on equal footing—just a different kind of power.”

“Maybe,” Kiwi admitted, “but most people don’t know that. They see a Crown Tarot—like the Magician—summon some glowing blue roses and they lose their minds.”

The woman chuckled. “Blue roses are pretty cool…”

The two fell silent, their eyes fixed on the setting sun.

“Why are you so worried about how humans feel about you?” the woman finally asked. “Their opinion shouldn’t matter—fulfilling your purpose does, right?”

Kiwi’s hands tightened around the fabric of her dress, her brows knitting together. “So… are my feelings invalid because of what I was designed to do?”

“N-no, that’s not what I meant—” the woman stammered.

“Even if I was created to fulfill a purpose,” Kiwi interrupted softly, “I was also made to look human. So… why shouldn’t I feel human too?”

“I’m… I’m sorry, Kiwiana,” the woman said quietly.

“…It’s alright, Elise,” Kiwi muttered. “I guess… I was just created with more infatuation toward mankind than most.”

“And that’s beautiful,” Elise replied.

Kiwi glanced at her, confused.

“That love, that desire for more—it’s a real human feeling. It’s beautiful, but it’s strong too. You shouldn’t let them control you… that’s dangerous,” Elise said.

She paused, then added with a small smile, “If it makes you feel better, I’ve never heard of a Tarot as… ‘aware’ as you. From what I know, most act like robots in disguise. Then again, you’re the only Tarot I’ve ever met, so maybe I’m biased.” She laughed lightly.

“But in my eyes, that alone makes you way cooler than the rest,” Elise grinned. “You’re my blue rose.”

Kiwi stared out over the endless field, lost in thought for a moment before speaking again. “I’m going to work at the castle in Dol Marne… to understand these emotions better.”

“W–wait, the royal castle?” Elise’s eyes widened. “Wouldn’t they be able to sense the energy in your Soul Core and figure out you’re a Tarot?”

Kiwi shook her head. “Nah. Nobody would notice—my Arkhaios energy is really faint. Lirael created me with less of it, but…” She held out her arm and flexed. A small bump rose beneath her skin, which she patted proudly.

“Super strength.”

Elise burst into laughter, nearly losing her breath.

Kiwi felt a strange tug at her lips, curling them into a smile before she, too, began to laugh. What is this…? she wondered.

Their laughter was cut short when a figure appeared in the distance—a cloaked stranger walking slowly across the field, a red circle-like symbol emblazoned on his back.

“Who’s that?” Kiwi asked.

Elise’s expression darkened. “I’ve seen that symbol before, it looks like a member of Eclipse. They’re a cultist group that’s been gaining popularity lately for targeting and hunting down Tarots.”

“Hunting them?” Kiwi tilted her head.

“But some theorize that most of their members are Tarots themselves—twisting and misinterpreting Lirael’s purpose for them into something sinister.” Elise’s tone was sharp.

“Interesting… should I go confront them?” Kiwi tried to force a laugh, but Elise didn’t smile.

“This is serious, Kiwi. Those guys are dangerous.”

Kiwi’s smile faded as Elise sighed.

“I should go—”

A faint chime interrupted her. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a cell phone. Her eyes narrowed at the message. “…What a coincidence.”

“What’s wrong?” Kiwi asked.

“My little sister’s asking if I got the metals she needed for her project,” Elise grumbled, kicking a nearby container filled with glowing stones.

“Isn’t this the sister you told me about earlier… what was her name?”

Elise smirked. “Haha, it was literally four hours ago. For a Tarot, your memory’s awful. But her name’s Birgitta.”

Kiwi’s face lit up. “Ah, right! Birgitta!”

Elise hefted the box of materials. “I’ll see you later, Kiwi.”

A strange pit formed in Kiwi’s chest. “W–wait… will you come back here?”

Elise nodded. “Yeah—if my sister needs more resources from down here.”

“…Is that all?” Kiwi asked quietly.

Elise chuckled, reaching out to pat her head. “Of course not. I was kidding. I love this layer—it’s peaceful. And… I like our talks.”

She glanced toward where the Eclipse member had been, but he was gone. Turning back to Kiwi with a smile, she said, “I’ll be back soon to check up on you. Though… I guess I’ll need a pardon from the Queen herself if I want into the royal castle.”

“I’ll figure something out,” Kiwi replied, relief washing over her as the pit in her chest eased.

Elise walked away, the tall grass swaying around her with every step.

…

Please don’t go…

You’re the only human who likes to talk to me…

Please…

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

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Earlier today— before Kiwi and Eris’s fight…

“P–Princess Elvira—wait!” a guard shouted as the princess galloped away on a stolen horse, clad head-to-toe in heavy armor. Birgitta clung to her from the back, her head spinning as they tore across the fields, a fleet of guards thundering in pursuit.

How did I get myself into this…? Birgitta groaned inwardly. I’m so going to end up in prison.

“Who the hell does Amelia think she is?!” Elvira snapped over the pounding hooves. “The people in that castle need my help just as much as they need hers! How dare she send me away like some damsel in distress.”

“W–wait—help? Something’s happening at the castle?!” Birgitta cried.

Elvira glanced over her shoulder, blinking. “Oh, right. You’re the Soulweaver Amelia recommended for the Sun Tarot, aren’t you? Sorry, I was lost in thought—I forgot you wanted to come with me.”

“Wanted?!” Birgitta shouted.

“The only reason I came was because I updated my Soul Diagnostic Emitter—I wanted to give Deimos another scan! I didn’t know you were throwing us into danger! I wanna get off, let me off!”

“The city of Hawthorn is in ruins from that dragon’s attack,” Elvira began, voice hardening. Birgitta’s eyes widened.

“The refugees—yourself included—were all evacuated to Breshire and other neighboring towns. I can offer you a chance to get justice for them… for you.”

“I… don’t understand,” Birgitta muttered, gripping the princess tighter as the horse pounded through uneven terrain. Behind them, the guards had mounted their own steeds, gaining ground.

“Dragons are incredibly strong, yet simple creatures compared to everything else in Enmida,” Elvira explained. “But all dragons share one thing: the polarity of destruction—something almost never found in Avatars or Tarots.”

“I’m aware of that, Your Highness—what are you getting at?” Birgitta’s voice cracked as the wind caught in her throat.

“When we reach the castle, I want you to inspect everyone there. If they’re an Avatar, scan their Soul Core. If their polarity is destruction… then we’ve found our dragon.”

The horse suddenly leapt a massive fence, both riders lifting into the air for a heartbeat.

“Whaaa—!” Birgitta screamed.

They landed with a heavy thud. Behind them, the guards reined in—their mounts refusing to make the same jump. The squad split, searching for another route.

“Ha! This horse is amazing!” Elvira grinned, spotting the faint silhouette of the royal castle on the horizon.

“So let me get this straight—you want me to walk into a castle… with a dragon in it… and figure out who the dragon is?!” Birgitta gasped.

“Naturally. Would you like to be paid another three thousand gold coins for your services?”

Three thousand again?! Birgitta’s mind reeled. That’d be six thousand total! Enough to fund my research for years!

Her eyes lit up. Me and Elizabeth are gonna be rich!

“D–Deal!” she shouted.

But as the castle loomed closer, the ground trembled beneath them. A deafening crack split the air—a beam of white light erupted from atop the fortress’s roof, lancing off into the distant treeline.

That must have been Deimos… Elvira thought grimly. She grabbed Birgitta’s hand, pulling her from the saddle.

“W–what is happening?!” Birgitta cried as Elvira dragged her toward the castle gates.

The two stepped into the grand hall. Bodies of royal guards, newts, and even a few maids lay scattered across the polished marble floor.

The chandelier above flickered violently, casting long, shivering shadows across the carnage. Blood dripped from its edge, splattering into a dark puddle below.

The air was cold—too cold—and heavy with the coppery stench of death.

Birgitta let out a sharp, panicked yelp. Elvira doubled over, clutching her stomach, clearly on the verge of vomiting again—

But this time, she caught herself.

She straightened, breathing through her nose, and spoke with a shaky but firm voice.

“We have to find Commander Amelia.”

Their footsteps echoed as they moved deeper into the silent hall. The stillness was broken only by a faint rumble overhead—each tremor making the lights flicker, some bulbs dying out completely.

Birgitta stayed close behind Elvira. A low, guttural growl rolled through the air. They both froze.

“What was that?” Birgitta whispered.

Two newts rounded the corner, charging.

Birgitta froze like prey in a predator’s gaze, but Elvira grit her teeth, her hair and eyes suddenly flaring bright violet as her Signature awoke.

She thrust out her hand—

A wave of purple energy blasted forward, hurling both newts back.

“Princess Elvira…” Birgitta breathed, watching as the beasts snarled and began charging again.

Elvira’s breathing slowed. She removed a gauntlet from her arm—

Her violet glow pulsed again, and the metal shattered in her grip.

Shards hovered in the air, swirling into the shape of a sword held together by crackling gravitational force.

So that’s her Signature… Birgitta thought. Amelia mentioned it, but seeing it up close… The power to bend gravity to her will—

Elvira lunged at the first newt, swinging—

The blade shattered on impact, but she didn’t hesitate.

She flung her hand forward, the hovering fragments darting through the newt’s body like deadly shrapnel. One shard embedded in its brain. It collapsed instantly.

The second newt stepped over the corpse, leaping at her.

On reflex, Elvira’s arm shot upward—

The shards zipped back to her, punching through the creature midair before reforming into the gauntlet on her hand, now dripping with thick, blackish blood.

She stared at it in shock.

If she ever mastered that Signature… Birgitta thought, I truly believe she could rival the power of a Tarot.

Elvira shook her hand until the blood mysteriously vanished. Relief softened her shoulders.

“Alright, let’s move.”

They pressed onward, the rumbling above growing louder.

What the hell is happening up there? Birgitta wondered as they rounded another corner—

And stopped.

In the middle of the floor lay Kiwi, unconscious. A massive axe rested upright in the ground just behind her head.

“Her!” Elvira exclaimed, rushing forward. “She’s an Avatar.”

Birgitta knelt beside her, fumbling for the black diagnostic box she’d once used on Deimos.

Tendrils of pale-blue light unfurled from her fingertips—one linking into the box, the others swaying gently as she leaned toward Kiwi.

She caught Elvira staring. Heat rushed to Birgitta’s cheeks.

“C–can you… look away? I get nervous under pressure.”

“Oh! Sure.” Elvira immediately began whistling, eyes darting anywhere but at her.

Birgitta exhaled and pressed the tendrils into Kiwi’s form, linking them to her core.

The only other person I’ve done this to besides myself is Deimos… I wonder what hers will look like.

The box printed slowly, spitting out a strip of paper with data.

Kiwi’s eyes fluttered open.

“S–she’s waking up!” Birgitta called—

But there was no answer. Only the snarl of another newt as Elvira blasted it back with a surge of gravity.

“Elise…?” Kiwi murmured.

Birgitta froze.

…Elise?

The newt roared, Elvira’s waves weakening under strain. With a burst of strength, it smashed through the wall, kicking Elvira clear across the room—past Birgitta and Kiwi.

It rushed toward them.

But Kiwi’s eyes snapped fully open. In one fluid motion, she seized her axe and lunged. The blade cleaved through the newt’s neck in a single, impossibly fast strike.

Birgitta and Elvira could hardly process what had happened.

Kiwi glanced at Birgitta, “Oh,”

Her gaze narrowed.

I thought that was her…

Then she scoffed, looking upward, as though sensing something.

“There you are, Tarot of the Sun.”

Without another word, she vaulted through the nearest window, scaling the outer wall toward the roof.

Birgitta stood frozen, her tendrils retracting, eyes dull with confusion.

“Doctor Birgitta, are you alright?” Elvira rushed over.

But Birgitta’s thoughts were locked on one thing—one name.

“…Who did she just call me?”

“What?” Elvira asked, frowning.

Then her eyes dropped to the floor. The diagnostic sheet lay there. She bent to pick it up—

Kiwi’s printed stats stared back at her:

[Soul Core Diagnostic v0.7 – ALPHA]

* Core Type: Divine!Core

* Core Stability: [100%]

* Soul Polarity: Preservation

* Path Alignment: Endurance

* Depth Rating: [IV/V]

* Friction: Negligible