Surely not another isekai? Right?

(A bit into Violet's background and recollection of events based on Violet's POV. You can skip, but might as well read it as there's no new chap ; P Enjoy.)

What's your definition of someone who's alive?

Is it someone who breathes? Someone who thinks? Someone who moves of their own free will?

Would you care for a story?

Once upon a time, there lived a cheerful little parrot. She loved to fly, soaring high through the open sky. More than anything, she loved playing with the other birds, their laughter ringing through the air like a sweet melody.

But her owner did not like it.

And so, what did Mr. Owner do?

He locked her in a golden cage.

"Little Parrot, don't play with the other birds. They are dirty."

The little parrot didn't understand, but she loved Mr. Owner. She wanted to be good. So she obeyed.

Mr. Owner was pleased. Seeing his smile, the little parrot felt happy too.

At first.

Mr. Owner began teaching the little parrot tricks, how to speak, how to dance, how to be what he wanted her to be. But the little parrot could not keep up.

That made Mr. Owner mad.

"Oh, Little Parrot, that's no good."

And so he punished her.

It wasn't so bad at first. Just a small scolding, a light tap against the bars of her cage.

Days passed, then weeks. Mr. Owner taught the little parrot more tricks, more words. When she failed, the punishments grew harsher.

The little parrot tried. She tried so hard. But no matter what she did, it was never enough.

So she ran away.

For the first time in so long, she stretched her wings and felt the wind rush past her feathers. She played with the other birds, free and light as the sky itself.

But it didn't last.

Mr. Owner found her.

And this time, he was not just mad.

He was furious.

The little parrot knew. She knew what was coming. And yet, nothing could have prepared her for the sharp, unbearable pain as her left wing was severed from her body.

She would never fly again.

Days turned to weeks. Mr. Owner taught her more tricks, and when she failed, the punishments were crueler than ever.

The pain became part of her. It no longer frightened her, it was simply there, like the air in her lungs. Something that existed. Something she had to accept.

She began plucking out her own feathers. Maybe it was frustration. Maybe it was to feel something other than helplessness. Maybe it was because, deep down, she wanted to disappear entirely.

Outside the bars of her cage, the other birds played, their wings strong and free.

She hated them.

"How can they be so happy while I suffer?"

More time passed.

One day, Mr. Owner stood before her cage, his voice smooth, expectant.

"This competition is very important, Little Parrot. Use every trick I have taught you."

And so, she did.

She performed every trick. She spoke every word. She danced just as she was taught.

But she wasn't even close to winning.

She came fourth.

Mr. Owner did not punish her.

He didn't say anything at all.

Instead, he locked her back in her cage and never returned.

She was no longer fed.

Days passed, then more. The little parrot was weak, her vision blurred, her body frail. Yet, she continued plucking her own feathers. By now, it was the only thing she could do.

She was down to her last feather, a single bright green one.

She stared at it, remembering the open fields, the warmth of the sun, the gentle caress of the wind.

Her chest ached.

"Oh woe is me! Am I destined to stay like this forever?" she cried. "Oh gods above, do you not hear me?"

And for the first time, something answered.

"Dear Little Parrot, your suffering has reached my ears. If you promise to protect my land, I will set you free. I will let you fly once again."

The little parrot hesitated.

'If a god exists,' she thought, 'then why did you not save me sooner?'

Bitterness swelled inside her, but what choice did she have?

"I promise," she whispered.

And in an instant, her body changed.

Her missing wing returned, her feathers regrew, vibrant and strong. Her pain faded, replaced by something unfamiliar, something light.

She was sent to the god's land, where she kept her promise. She protected it with all her strength.

The end.

...Or was it?

Was this truly a happy ending?

She was free, but only under one condition. She had escaped one cage only to be bound by another.

Was she ever truly alive?

Was she ever anything more than a parrot performing tricks?

---

For the longest time, my eyes saw nothing but my own tears.

But now, I could see.

The sky above glowed crimson, like the blood I bled. Yet, it wasn't frightening. It was beautiful.

I took a step forward. My legs trembled, weak and unsteady, but I stood.

Tears welled in my eyes again, but this time, they weren't born of pain or sorrow.

This time, I felt nothing but joy.

I was free.

---

First, I visited the amusement park.

Empty.

The rides stood still, frozen in time. No laughter. No crowds. Just silence.

I wandered through the shops, past rows of stuffed animals and shelves filled with snacks. My eyes landed on the ice cream.

I scooped a handful into my palm and took a bite.

Cold. Sweet. Perfect.

I let out a small laugh. Whatever flavor this was, it was the best thing I had ever tasted.

---

Next, I went to the beach.

A popular spot, or so my friends had always said.

They weren't lying. It was breathtaking. The waves stretched endlessly, caught mid-motion, locked in place like a painting.

I wanted to reach out, to touch the water, to feel it move. But it never would.

Time had stopped here, too.

---

Then, my last stop, school.

I slipped into my old uniform. A little tight, but it still fit.

I ran.

The wind rushed past me, my heart pounded in my chest. I never thought I'd run again.

And then, I was there.

The building stood just as I remembered. I climbed the stairs, walked down the empty hallway, and stopped at my old classroom.

A sharp sting pricked my eyes.

I missed this.

"Renia is worried. A little."

A voice. Light, almost childlike.

I froze. Someone else was here?

"Is that so?"

Another voice. A boy. His tone was flat, dismissive.

I stepped closer, keeping myself hidden.

The girl was small, silver-haired, like something out of a fantasy book. The boy beside her had short brown hair, ordinary yet somehow noticeable. They both looked… above average.

I glanced down at myself. Did I look bad compared to them?

The girl took his hand, cradling it between her own.

"Don't worry," she said, her voice softer now. "Renia will protect you."

They looked happy.

Why?

Why did they get to smile like that?

She lifted his hand to her lips, pressing a delicate kiss against the back of it.

Like something out of a fairy tale.

It pissed me off.

Why do they get to have someone who cares about them?

Why not me?

The boy pulled his hand away, looking uncomfortable.

"Uh… thanks, I guess?"

"Not the greatest time to be fooling around, is it?" The words left my mouth before I could stop them. My voice came out harsher than I intended.

I clenched my fists.

Had I really become this bitter?

I hated myself for it.

I needed to make up for it.

So, I would not let these two die.

---

"Ten Consecutive Slashes..." I muttured.

A Tier 1 katana skill. Fast, precise strikes cut through the wolf's chest.

It staggered, then collapsed, dissolving into nothing.

I exhaled sharply, a smirk tugging at my lips. "That gamble paid off."

We almost died.

But I enjoyed it.

And I didn't hate their company.

Maybe because, in that moment, we had no choice but to trust each other.

"Renia knew Rin would win!"

She flung herself at him, arms wrapping around his waist.

She loved him. That much was obvious.

I envied that bond.

---

'Guidance.'

An S-Rank ability, a gift from the gods.

Because of it, I knew things that only someone with experience should know.

Because of it, I knew how to kill the boss.

And so, we did.

Rin, Renia, and me.

Fighting alongside them, I felt something shift.

A little closer. A little less alone.

Maybe, just maybe, I could get along with them.

Well... With Rin atleast.

But then why?

Why did they leave me?

They didn't even say anything.

Did they not care about a live?

…No.

They did care. That's why they left.

Because they cared about each other.

I don't blame them.

Who would want to spend time with someone like me?

I had been cold, distant. Even I wouldn't want to be around me.

But knowing that didn't stop the ache in my chest.

The thin shield Rin had placed around me, the last thing keeping me standing was fading.

I waited for my end.

…No.

I can't die.

Not yet.

I have too much I want to do.

Gripping my katana, I forced myself to my feet.

And I fought.

---

I met so many people today.

Etsu. Elias. Mike. Mila. Rin. Renia. I will remember all of their names.

But I was too awkward, too distant. I barely spoke.

Stupid me.

Etsu and Renia clashed immediately, both too prideful to back down. They challenged each other to a duel.

Rin turned to me.

"What about you?"

"Pointless," I said, brushing past him. "I have better things to do. Farewell."

Sparring wouldn't help me. I needed to level up. To grow stronger.

Because if I was strong, strong enough to be dependable, They wouldn't leave me behind.

They would trust me with their lives.

I started walking away.

"Uh, wait."

I stopped.

"Hmm?"

Rin hesitated. Scratched the back of his head.

"I uh… sorry, I guess. You know, for earlier."

I stared at him.

Apologizing? For what?

I had been the bitter one.

"It's fine."

I wouldn't apologize, though.

That was his punishment for leaving me behind.

Next time we meet, I'll be stronger. Strong enough that you'll have no chance but to rely on me. Then you wouldn't betray me.

Until then,

Take care.