Scarlet

I repeatedly tap the door of the air car as we fly through the sky in the direction of the closest Class I Fracture, my attention solely focused on the video in front of me, with my ear buds present in both of my ears. But no matter how much I tap, I can’t get rid of this uncomfortable feeling that I get from seeing my image plastered across the video.

[Hello, folks! Today we have with us some very interesting news!]

The commentator’s voice is that of a typical video streamer on the internet – intense, jolly beyond reason, and interesting enough to hold people’s attention. They have a webcam showing over the video, covering most of it up as it’s paused, but even at this point, I can still see my ears poking out above the webcam. Which I’m pretty sure was done like that on purpose.

[We’ve received word of a brand new Guardian to this Demonic Assault, originating in the main headquarters of Cipher’s company, Silver Works. But that’s not all! They’ve already become a bit of a hero, saving the folks in the building many times over and fighting off the demon scourge!]

At this point in the video, the webcam vanishes entirely, revealing the frozen image of me in midair with my blood claws outstretched ready to strike at a demon hound.

[We bring to you, the Scarlet Wolf!!!] my mouth drops open at that unoriginal name [She’s the new star of the Silver Association, and a hero to many of the people in Silver Works! The hero managed to take down who knows how many demons-] he pauses as the image frozen on the screen that I realize isn’t actually a video yet changes to show various other images like a slideshow, each of me fighting different demons until it pauses again on the demon knight [-and even a single Demon Knight on her very first day as a Guardian!]

I can’t help but grimace as the video and commentator rub on my nerves in the wrong way.

The frozen image showing the demon knight at around the time I enter the room unfreezes and begins to play through the whole fight as a video.

[While most would have run, she stood her ground and leapt into the fray to save the people!] the man says, getting rather enthusiastic in his entirely inaccurate assumptions [She led the officers and researchers in battle, took down the demon knight, and even gave a sacrifice to do it! Just like the best heroes in the city!]

My grimace turns into a frown at that last line.

What are Guardians to this guy? Some sort of cannon fodder against the demons? Or maybe just cannon fodder to make his videos more popular?

That’s sickening.

The video suddenly switches after showing the bolt strike through my arm, making me flinch at the reminder, to show me and Allen walking down the stairs unharmed. [But don’t worry! Our brave hero with the amazing looking wolf ears is perfectly safe and is even planning on heading to another Fracture any moment now! Just stay tuned, and you’ll be more than happy with what you see of our new, brave, heroine!]

Not sure why he switched to heroine for the last line when he was just using the gender neutral term every other time, but whatever.

Also, what was with that comment about my ears?

The video ends on a rather cool looking scene showing me standing back looking out over the demon knight as it’s being electrified by the shield, which was right before the bolt struck me in the arm.

I stare at my phone for a few seconds before leaning back and resting my head on the cushion of the chair within the air car.

I’m gonna kill Allen.

The misunderstandings in that video aside – or rather, the clear propaganda – it’s going to make it annoying to walk around unaccosted now.

Although at least I shouldn’t have to worry about people thinking my ears are an animal headband or something now. Since a lot of people will likely recognize me and understand I’m a Guardian, assuming my eyes aren’t already a clear giveaway.

Which I probably should’ve thought about when I first saw my ears, but whatever.

At least there aren’t as many people seemingly wanting to touch them outside of the building.

Not really sure why there were so many there that did.

Just gotta remember the credits. The beautiful credits.

I glance at the front of the vehicle that’s driving itself before looking out the window at the buildings simply flying by, very few of which are actually undergoing a Fracture right now. Fortunately.

After looking out the window for a few minutes, I turn my attention back to the video to read the comments. Only to immediately regret it.

Johny1234 – [She’s so young!]

DarkShadow27 – [There’ve been younger Guardians before. I’m pretty sure Golden Heart is only fifteen years old, so a young college student isn’t really that surprising.]

Johny1234 – [Really? She still looks young enough to be my daughter!]

DocAr15 – [Why do all of the Guardians look so beautiful or handsome? What, is there some sort of cutoff in looks for someone to be offered a contract? Are the spirits biased?]

RainbowNinja87 – [Not all of them are top tier in looks. I know of a couple who I won’t name that only look about average.]

SavageSwan42 – [What about REDACTED? He’s rather ugly.]

GalacticGiraffe7 – [Savage, that’s just rude.]

…

StellarSeahorse – [ Awwww!! She’s so cute! And I want to touch her ears!!!]

EnchantedEmu11 – [Agreed.]

StealthPenguin42 – [So I’m not the only one?]

Frosty13 – [She doesn’t look like she’s used to fighting. But I have to say, her ears look really soft.]

ElectricLioness22 – [It’s always nice to see new Guardians