literature

The Dark Harvest, Ch. 1 ~Redone~

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Water splashed while the sound of heavy breathing filled the air. Shouts and calls could be heard echoing down the tunnel. They just had to get away, they just had too. They didn’t choose to know magic, they were born this way. A horrible gift that had been outlawed. Being a magic user was outlawed years ago, causing many to flee to the forest for refuge. The government outlawed magic users cause of the ones that would use their magic to bend the rules or for murder. These dark mages caused the outlawing of magic, which in turn caused the users that don’t wish to come harm, to still live in fear. It was a burden no one wished for, but some were blessed with.

These young girls were each blessed with this burden. Each having their own power locked within them. They all knew that they had this, but they were very careful to not use their magic in front of others. Sadly they were still found out. The orphanage they lived in had been their only safe place. Then as the search for magic users became a  bigger deal, the dean of the orphanage told about the four girls that lived there.

The girls had barely made it out of the building when some government agents arrived at the orphanage. They rushed through the city til, they finally came to where they were now.  The tunnels.

Holding onto her little sisters hand the young female pulled them along. She lead the way trying to keep her sisters and her closest only friend safe. She felt like it was her duty, that she was the only person that could keep them safe. They had been together for as long as they can remember, and she wasn’t about to let that change.

“Zophie take Freya.” another young female spoke as turned around quickly casting her blue flames towards the group following her. Some screamed in pain as the flames reached them. The ones that happened to be missed by her flames moved faster towards the girls. Though the agents didn’t have powers they still were a large threat and the weapons they carried only made the girls more scared.

The girl named Zophie quickly took the hand of the youngest girl there. As the she took Freya’s hand, the young woman that had been leading them quickly stopped and opened her hands. Ice soon began to form on the side of the tunnel. The ice quickly formed a thick solid wall between them and the agents that were chasing them. Turning she grabbed the hand of the Zophie and the other young woman and began to pull them along.

“It wont hold them long, but it’ll give us some time.” she said as she looked back at the others, the two younger girls looked terrified. Smiling weakly she looked at her little sisters. “We’ll be okay. I promise. I’ll always protect you.” she added softly, though she wasn’t feeling like they’d make it. But no matter what she’d always stay hopeful, someone had too.  

The tunnels were confusing and seemed to never end. There would many halls to take and at times it felt like they were just running in circles. The young female leading continued to create ice walls as they traveled. Hoping the ice may also help them know if they had gone that way or not.

“Ren!” the young woman that had casted the fire called as she came to a stop.

Looking up Ren saw a small group of people in front of them. Stopping she stood in front of her sisters and her friend watching the people closely. They didn’t look like they were wanting to catch them, but at this point she wasn’t going to just trust anyone. They didn’t look like agents, but she never knew what the government might try and pull. But also at the same time, how would they have been able to get in front of the girls.

“Please, don’t be afraid of us. We’re here to help you.” one of the men said as he stepped forward.

“Yes, cause I’m just going to trust a stranger.” Ren spoke as she watched the man closely, her hands slowly getting ready if she needed to protect the girls.

Smiling the man nodded his head some. He then lifted his hands and quickly casted a small spell, causing a small hole in the wall of the tunnel. “Is that proof enough?” the man questioned as the other behind him stepped forward some.

Hearing the cracking of the ice behind them start to break, Ren pulled her sisters along. “Yup!” she said quickly as she hurried over to the group. “But if anything happens to my sisters or Lorette, I we kill you all personally.” she added as the man laughed.

The man that seemed to be the leader quickly guided the girls through the tunnels. He seemed to really know his way through them. The small group of people stay behind the girls, putting up barriers and decoys to confuse the agents that had been chasing them.

“Do this often?” Lorette, the young girl with blue hair asked softly as she looked to the leader.

“Yes actually. We try to help any magic user trying to escape the government. Not to mention we’ve made our own little safe haven deep in the woods.” he answered as he glanced down to her with a small smirk. This was almost to good to be true, but they weren’t going to just stop following him. “Not everyone will help are magic users, nor does everyone we help join the gang. But we promise to keep them all safe.” he added trying to reassure the girls.

“Will they be safe back there?” Ren asked as they left the tunnels and exited into the forest. That was one thing about Ren, she always worried for others. Even ones that she didn’t know.

“Don’t worry my men can handle themselves.” the man said as he lead them through the dark forest. And with that, they just took his word.

The forest was dark and silent. There was no sounds from the animals, nor of wind. Everything just seemed dead. It was strange and almost unnerving. Moving through the forest the girls continued to follow the man, as he lead the way. They didn’t have to wonder to deep into the forest before he came to a stop. Looking around he seemed to be checking to make sure they hadn’t been followed. Leaning them once again, they came to a lake. North of the lake was a waterfall, which was where they headed. As they moved closer they could see a cave behind the waterfall. Slowly walking down a narrow path the man told them to watch their step and be careful as he continued his way into the cave. The girls slowly following, Ren being the last one to make her way into the cave.

“Convenient.” Ren whispered softly as Lorette and the girls made their way deeper into the cave.

Walking into the darkness of the cave, Lorette quickly made a large blue flame in her hand, lighting the cave some for them as they walked. But soon the flame was no longer needed as light began to fill the cave. Stopping and staring in surprise, they couldn’t believe their eyes. It was a house. Well not just a house but a whole base, in a cave. Many little buildings could be seen throughout the cave.

Smiling to himself the man looked back at the girls, “Welcome home.” he spoke as he walked into one of the buildings.

The girls slowly making their way in, more people were in the house. All eyes fell onto the girls as they stepped in. There was people of all ages here. The people looked at them strangely, but none seemed to look at the girls in fear or hatred, which was such a reliving feeling.

“Please, make yourselves at home.” the man spoke as he made his way back over to the girls. “And, my name is  Leon Stanford. I’m the leader of the gang.” he added as he made a small bowing like motion.

Returning the bows, Ren was the first to speak. “I’m Ren and these are my two little sisters Zophie and Freya.” she said as she pulled both of her sisters to her side.

“And, I’m Lorette.” the blue haired girl spoke as she smiled softly.

“Oh no. The gang itself is small, everyone else here are people we’re just keeping safe.” Leon began to speak as one of the older woman made her way over to him. “There’s way to many innocent people the government are trying to kill. Not to mention we even have some non magic users down here that were blamed or framed to being magic users.” he added before his eyes turned to the woman.

“Leon, the elders are starting to grow cold and the little ones are hungry.” she said looking up at him, before looking to the girls. “Hello, I’m Rose.” she spoke as her tired face smiled to them.

Leon placed his hand onto the back of Rose and began to guide her away before the girls could reply to her.

As they were left alone, the fours girls stood there awkwardly. They knew they were welcome but they didn’t feel comfortable or right just wondering around and claiming rooms. Making sure they were out of the way, Ren and Lorette began to talk between themselves. They were thankful that the gang helped them, and they planned to help them whenever asked. But, they didn’t think that they’d want to stay here. They’d rather find a place of their own. They didn’t want to be burdens on them, more than they already had. Both Ren and Lorette believed that if they found a place in the forest to stay, they’d be able to keep safe, and not have to burden anyone.

Their small conversation was interrupted as more people can entering into the hideout. It was the people that stayed behind to distract the government.

One of the male broke from the group and made his way over to the girls. His blonde hair was back in a ponytail as he smiled towards them. His earth brown eyes seemed to sparkle slightly, even though he just came back from fighting.

“Glad to see you four are safe.” he said as he looked down at them. “The names Damien, by the way.” he added with a smirk.

Lorette’s face stained a soft pink as she looked up at the man before them. “I’m Lorette.” she said softly as her blue eyes met with his brown.

Holding back a small laugh Ren spoke, “I’m Ren, and these are my little sisters Zophie and Freya.”

Turning his eyes from Lorette he looked to Ren and then her sister. “Well, even more glad that we were able to help you out.”

“And we’re truly grateful! We wish to help the gang anytime that they need us, but we can’t stay here.” Ren spoke as she saw Leon making his way back over to them.

“Damien, don’t flirt with the new girls.” Leon teased as he did a hard pat onto Damien’s back, causing him to make a small grunt.

“They wish to help the gang but they don’t want to stay here.” Damien said as he glared towards Leon some.

“Oh?” Leon’s face quickly became serious as  he looked to the girls.

“Y-yes. We’re very grateful! But, we couldn’t burden more on you all, that you already have.” Ren said as she slowly began to grow nervous herself.

Nodding some Leon closed his eyes for a second before he opened them. “I understand. But it will make it harder for us to make sure you stay safe.” he spoke as he looked to each girl.

“We understand. We hope to find a place somewhere here in the forest. Or build our own.” Lorette spoke up this time.

“I can stay with them, make sure they stay alright?” Damien spoke up now causing both Lorette and Ren to blush as their eyes widen some.

“I think it would be best if you girls at least stayed here for a few days. Give this place a chance before you decide to head out?” Leon said as his eyes watched the girls closely.

Ren and Lorette looked towards each other as if talking with their eyes. Nodding towards each other they both looked back to Leon.

“We’ll stay for a few days, but we’d rather not burden you.” Lorette replied with a small smile.

“Now please, make yourselves at home. You’re welcome to claim any open room you wish.“ pausing took a step forward and beat down between Ren and Lorette some. “If Damien tries anything, just let me know.” he whispered before he stood back up before he made his way into another room.



A few days pass by allowing the girls to get to know the gang and the other people that were staying in the hideout. Though they had grown more comfortable around them, they still felt that it would be best for them to go find a place for themselves. They really didn’t want to be a burden to the gang, they already had enough people that they were caring for.

After talking with Leon the girls told him that they were going to find their own place, somewhere near by. They told him that they were in the gangs debut and said if they ever needed the girls they would be glad to help. Leon agreed, though he still didn’t believe it was a good idea. He told the girls that he’ll have a gang member help keep a eye on them, to make sure they stay safe. Starting off Damien volunteered to help the girls find a place to stay.

“Alright then. Let me go grab some supplies and pack.” Damien spoke said as he made his way to another room.

The girls stood waiting for Damien to be done. Freya growing uneasy there waiting. She moved over and hugged Ren. Smiling softly Ren held her little sister as she looked to Lorette. Were they making the right choice by wanting to find another place to live? What would be best for them to do? She mainly just wanted her sisters and Lorette safe. Staying here they were safe, but there were already so many others here.

Damien made his way back into the room, a large bag over his shoulder and one under his arm. “So, lead the way girls.” he smirked some causing  Lorette’s cheeks to stain a soft pink once again.

Moving her sister some Ren began to lead with way with Lorette by her side. Her sisters walking behind them, and Damien pulling the rear alone. They weren’t to sure where they were going to go, but they were still going to try and see if they can find a place.

They knew if they were to find a place for shelter it would be in the forest and not out in the open. Moving through the brush and high gross of the forest they kept their eyes out for anything that seemed useful. It wasn’t long before Freya was walking next to Ren leaning on her slightly as she was growing tired. Zophie still seemed to be full of energy and enjoying herself.

They were traveling all day, having small breaks for snacks, water, and other needed things. Though Lorette and Ren never wanted to stop for too long, wanting to continue on. They wanted to find a place as soon as they could.

“It’s starting to grow real late.” Damien spoke as the small group came to a stop. “It would most likely be best if we just made camp and waited til morning.” he added, anyone that looked at him could see he was starting to grow tired himself.

Nodding some Ren looked down at Freya. “Yes, that might be a good idea.” she said softly as Lorette had already began to gather some firewood.

“Do we have to sleep in the dirt?” Freya asked with a whine.

“Not like it’ll kill you.” Zophie scoffed as she started to help Lorette gather some sticks and branches.

Freya glared towards Zophie but didn’t respond.

“No worries, I packed some blankets and such, just incase we needed to camp out.” Damien said as he smiled down at the now happy Freya. Who rushed over and hugged him tightly, as if he had just saved her life.

“Let me help you set them out.” Ren said as she moved over to Damien.

Lorette and Zophie soon were building a small tower made of sticks and branches while Ren and Damien laid two blankets down for each person. It wasn’t much, but it was better than having to sleep on the ground. Not to mention hopefully they’d find a place in the morning. A blue light soon engulfed the area as Lorette caught the sticks on fire.

Smiling softly Ren placed herself on one of the blankets that sat around the now lite fire. Looking to Damien, who was digging through one of the bags he had packed.

Soon he had a pot over the open flame and make a stew. The two young girls watched him closely as if just cooking was something magical. Lorette and Ren sat together talking about what if they couldn’t find a place and what the best thing for the girls would be.

As Damien finished the stew, he pulled out five bowls and filled them with the warm stew. Handing a bowl to each girl he passed out a flask of water to each girl as well. “Enjoy.” he said with a smirk, digging it spoon into the stew.

The girls quickly dug into their bowls, each of their eyes starting to sparkle some.

“Wow, this is amazing!” Lorette chimed as she looked over to Damien who only smirked in reply.

Ren nodded some as she watched her sisters and the fire while eating.

It wasn’t too long before everyone was full and warm. Each person down on their own blanket as the night had grown dark.

“Get some sleep.” Ren said softly, mainly directing it towards her sisters.

Freya quickly laid down and soon was out, while Zophie took her time to get herself situated before she laid down. Though once she had gotten herself comfy, like her sister she was lost in a deep sleep as well.

Looking towards Lorette, Ren pulled the covers over her as she laid down. “Think we made the right choice?” she whispered softly, not wanting to wake her sisters, but mainly not wanting Damien to hear.

“We’ll see.” Lorette replied as she took made herself comfy on her makeshift bed.

Soon the group were all  lost in a deep sleep being warmed by the blue fire that crackled and popped softly…
~Edit~
Okay, so I needed to redo this and I did.
It's still not that great and the end of the chapter is still pretty rushed...But it's still better than the way it was.

So please enjoy the newly done chapter one, and let's hope the other chapters will be much better!
© 2012 - 2024 Marushi-DCR
Comments4
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Madwon's avatar
:heart: She used the name idea !!! YEA !!! ;)

I see why you're not too happy with this chapter. Just a little too fast with little character development. Moves too quickly.
I understand it's a fleeing scene. But it's such an awkward setting when at the hidden camp behind the waterfall. Just not enough explanation and left for the reader to fill in. Then...I can understand the lack of trust and uneasiness of the situation being at the camp, you explained that well, but to just leave the safety of being with a group out weights being uncomfortable with trying to find your place. A bit arrogant and asking for it I would think If I was Leon. Plus, I certainly wouldn't offer my best fighter/defender to go with a group that I just happen to meet just to be a nice guy? I dunno.

But still, enjoyed the read. It's written well with just 2 misspellings :)
I will be reading this one !!!