Athalea

Recap 1

this episode contains the some scene in episode 1 to 4

To the rest of the world, it’s just a collection of words, a quiet relic from a time long forgotten. But to her, it is more. Much more. It holds her stories, her thoughts, her creations—tales spun from the depths of her mind, so real to her that sometimes she wonders if they might be more than mere fantasy.

In a life marked by ordinary days, where she is nothing more than another face in the crowd, her book is a refuge, a place where the lines between what’s real and what’s imagined blur. Her reality is mundane—her days are spent in classrooms, doing homework, following routines, always seeking something she can’t quite name. But in her mind, in the pages of that book, she is the architect of her own worlds. She is the weaver of fates, the writer of destinies. In her head, she creates people and places, events and eras—stories that could rival any history the world has ever known.

But what happens when the worlds she has imagined begin to feel too real? What if the characters she has written are not just creations, but echoes of something deeper, something older? What if those stories are not just fiction, but the very fabric of the world she lives in? And what if, within the pages of her book, a truth lies hidden—one that has the power to shape the future itself?

For a long time, she believed that the stories in her book were just that: fiction. She thought they were escapes from her ordinary life, something to fill the quiet spaces in her mind. But the more she writes, the more she wonders if what she has written is actually the world’s true history, a history that no one knows.

Each page she turns seems to come alive with possibility. Each story she pens carries a weight—because if history is something you create, then doesn’t that mean the future is, too? She starts to question the very nature of her power. She is not just a girl with a book. She is a creator, a bearer of responsibility. She has the ability to rewrite the past, shape the present, and perhaps even mold the future.

But with that power comes a choice—an enormous, terrifying choice. Does she change the course of history? Does she dare to rewrite the world she knows, to step into the unknown and risk everything she holds dear? Or does she leave things as they are, bound by the laws of the world, even if it means letting the future unfold as it was always meant to?

The answers are not simple. For every decision she makes, every stroke of the pen, the ripples of her actions will echo through time. She is the guardian of a story that is still unfolding, but she cannot see its end. Her journey has only just begun, and already she knows that every step she takes will lead her closer to something greater, something that will test her in ways she cannot yet understand.the lines between fiction and reality are no longer clear. The world she created is alive, and it is waiting for her to decide its fate.young woman from the edge of the town, had always been fascinated by the river. From a young age, she dreamed of discovering its source, especially after she realized its power to heal. Driven by curiosity and a desire to learn more, she left her small town to study medicine. During her time away, she met a fellow medical student, a young man whose passion for discovery matched her own. Their friendship deepened over time, and eventually, they fell in love, united by their shared dream of uncovering the secrets of Athalea river.Years passed, and Livia and her husband became doctors, but their pursuit of the river’s end remained unfinished. Soon after, Livia gave birth to a daughter, Mia, whose name meant "Ocean Goddess"—a name that seemed fitting for the daughter of two dreamers. However, as time went on, Livia’s husband left, dedicating himself entirely to the quest to uncover the river’s end, leaving Livia and Mia behind.Now six years old, Mia grew up with only letters and the occasional book her father had sent as a connection to him. Among these gifts was a strange book—its pages blank, its cover old and worn. Livia had told her it was for her thoughts and dreams, a place where Mia could write her own story. It was a reminder to see the world not just for what it was, but for what it could be. Mia spent countless hours writing in that book, asking questions and pondering the mysteries of life. But there was one question that always weighed heavily on her heart: Where is my father?

Livia, always gentle but distant, tried to explain, "You’ll understand when you're older. Everything will become clear in time." But Mia was not satisfied. Her thoughts swirled in confusion, and the only comfort she found was in her dog, Pepper, who never failed to offer companionship when she needed it most.As Mia grew older, she found herself more and more at odds with the world around her. Her intelligence, her interests, and her love for books made her feel out of place. In school, she felt invisible, her brilliance a source of discomfort rather than pride. Her desire to be ordinary—to blend in—was stronger than ever. She no longer wanted to follow in her parents’ footsteps. She didn’t want to search for the end of the river. She didn’t want to leave the town. Maybe I was just meant to stay here with Mom, she thought.

One evening, during a tense dinner, Livia asked Mia what she wanted to do with her future. Mia, trying to hide her uncertainty, replied with a smile, “I don’t know, Mom. Maybe I’m just meant to stay here with you.”

Livia’s response was sharp. “Are you crazy? You are smart! You can do so much more than this.” Her voice was full of anger and disappointment, and Mia felt the sting of her words deeply. She had never seen her mother so upset. Alone in her thoughts, Mia whispered, “What have I done wrong?”leaving her with pain and scars both in mind and heart.Growing up, I always felt something was missing. I spent so much of my childhood and teenage years with my head buried in books, studying, learning... reading the wisdom you left for me in my mind. But I don’t regret any of it. I know it made me who I am today. And for that, I thank you. You’re the reason I’ve become the woman I am.”She took a deep breath, then said, her voice low but strong, “The scary part is... you’re on your own now, Mia. But the good news is... you’re on your own now.”

Livia gave a small, sad laugh, glancing down at the worn book in her lap. “I suppose you’ve always been meant for something more. Something bigger than this town.”Livia stood and pulled Mia into a tight embrace, kissing her gently on the forehead. For a moment, the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them, locked in a quiet understanding.

Pepper, ever faithful, jumped up and licked Livia’s face, giving her a joyful hug as well. Mia smiled through her tears, feeling a warmth in her chest despite the uncertainty ahead.The next day, Mia traveled from the city of Imazui, a bustling, vibrant place that felt worlds apart from her small provincial town. Imazui was teeming with life—new faces, unfamiliar architectural designs, and a culture that seemed to revolve around a fast-paced, almost overwhelming rhythm. The food was different, the fashion was bold, and most striking of all, the people lived in a way that felt completely foreign to Mia. It was a lot to take in.Pepper, sensing her tension, barked sharply—arf, arf, arf—at the man, his small body rigid and protective.

The man blinked, taken aback by the sudden hostility. "Okay," he muttered, before retreating into the crowd, clearly confused by the interaction.Excited, Mia rushed up to the owner, and after a brief conversation, they were in luck—the apartment was available! Even better, the rent was low enough to fit within the small amount of money Mia had left, which she had saved up from her mother’s time in their small town.

It felt like a fresh start, and for the first time in a long while, Mia allowed herself to hope again. With Pepper by her side, she knew they would make this new place their home.

Mia started her day by preparing sandwiches for Pepper, who loved them the most, while she herself just had a cup of black coffee, mentally gearing up for the day ahead. She was also looking into enrolling in medical school when, without warning, she bumped into a guy, sending her books and things flying everywhere.As she scrambled to pick them up, she realized with a shock that the guy she had just collided with was the same one she had run into the day before—he lived next door to her apartment. They both froze, stunned, and then, almost simultaneously, they shouted, "Hey! You! Again?!" Mia was the first to recover, glaring at him. "Why are you always in my way?" she huffed. The guy raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of confusion and amusement. "Honestly, I didn’t expect this... but the first time I saw you, I couldn't stand you... and Pepper." Mia's irritation flared. "Well, that's rude! Why can't you just leave me alone?"With a sigh, he shook his head, his tone softening. "Anyway, I have things to do, so if you'll excuse me, madam." He gave her a polite nod before walking away, leaving Mia standing there, still a little shocked by the encounterskateboarder zipped past her with such force that she stumbled back. She quickly caught herself, but before she could even process the moment, the figure on the board had come to a sudden stop. Mia blinked in surprise, her gaze lifting to meet the person responsible for the sudden interruption.

And then, it clicked.

Her eyes narrowed.

"Wait—it's you," she muttered under her breath, suddenly realizing who the skater was. The same guy from her apartment building, the one she’d seen just the other day. Her irritation flared. Of course it had to be him.

With a mix of disbelief and annoyance, she shot him a pointed look. "Why are you here again?"

The guy, unfazed by her tone, gave her an easy, almost casual grin. "I'm a student here," he said, his words almost too nonchalant. "Actually, a medical student."

Mia stared at him, baffled. "Wait—what are you??" She couldn’t help but ask, the absurdity of the situation hitting her all at once. Medical student? In the same school? And now they were both stuck in the same strange, awkward moment?

"Okay, fine," she muttered to herself, ready to walk away. "I’m going, anyways."

But then, as if something had nudged him, he called out after her. "Wait—excuse me," he said, his voice surprisingly light. "What’s your name, by the way?"

Mia whipped around to face him, her face contorting into a look of absolute disdain. She folded her arms, her eyes flashing with cold defiance. "It’s none of your business," she snapped. "Just leave me alone, okay?!"Xian’s smirk didn’t waver. He leaned on his skateboard casually, as though unfazed by her reaction. "I’m Xian. And you’re new here, right? In case you need something… I’m free."

Mia stared at him for a long moment, her expression hardening as she threw him a mean, pointed look—a silent warning to back off. But Xian, ever the picture of cool indifference, just smirked again, his smile a mixture of amusement and challenge.And there, in the middle of the bustling school campus, with her world already feeling upside down, Mia could only shake her head and walk away, still seething with confusion and frustration. Why did life have to be this complicated?

weeks passed, Mia found herself grappling with the reality of her new life in the city. The campus, with its sprawling concrete buildings and fast-paced energy, felt worlds apart from the serene and peaceful life she had left behind. She had grown up in the woods, where the scent of fresh pine and the sound of crashing waves against the shore were the constants that defined her existence. The rivers, the rolling hills, the open sky—all of it was a far cry from the crowded streets and the city’s suffocating hum.

Every day was a new battle. The noise, the people, the overwhelming energy of it all. She encountered all kinds of students—some friendly, others not so much—but every interaction felt like a challenge. In the beginning, she found herself retreating into herself more and more, avoiding social circles, and staying away from the crowds. There were moments when she just wanted to run back to her little cabin by the sea, to the quiet and the space that had always been her refuge.

But as hard as it was, she knew she couldn’t.

Mia sat in the corner of her small dorm room one evening, gazing out the window at the city lights stretching into the horizon. The busy streets below seemed to pulse with life, yet she felt strangely isolated from it all. It was an unsettling feeling—the realization that everything here was different. The air smelled faintly of exhaust, the sky was constantly tinged with a haze, and the noise never quite seemed to stop. People moved quickly around her, their faces blurred by the rush of daily life. She couldn’t help but feel like an outsider, a spectator in someone else’s world.

But then, as the silence of her room settled around her, Mia exhaled slowly and allowed a soft smile to curve her lips. "So this is the feeling of adjustment," she thought to herself. It wasn’t easy. In fact, it was incredibly hard. The weight of it all—the constant pressure to fit in, to keep up, to make it through each day—was beginning to take its toll. But there was no turning back.

"I don’t have a choice," she whispered to herself, the words a quiet acceptance of her new reality. She couldn't stay in her shell forever. She had made the decision to leave her old life behind, and no matter how difficult it was, she had to keep moving forward. There was no point in resisting it now.

Turning her head slightly, Mia glanced down at the small, soft figure curled up on the bed beside her—a tiny, fluffy dog she’d adopted in the city. She had named it Pepper, after the comforting warmth of her old life in the woods. The little dog had become her constant companion in this new, overwhelming world. Its presence was a reminder that even in the chaos of city life, there were still small moments of peace.

Mia’s smile deepened, this time more genuine. "Right, Pepper?" she murmured, as the dog gave her a sleepy look, its tail giving a gentle way.

The world around her might have been foreign, and the adjustment might have been harder than she'd imagined, but with Pepper by her side and a quiet resolve building inside her, Mia knew one thing for certain: she would keep moving forward. One step at a time.

The years had passed in a blur of hard work, late nights, and the constant juggling of textbooks, assignments, and lectures. The quiet, solitary days of adjustment had long faded, replaced by a new sense of confidence and purpose. Mia had transformed in ways she hadn’t imagined when she first arrived in the city. No longer the shy, withdrawn girl from the woods, she had adapted to this fast-paced world, finding her own rhythm in the chaos. Her communication skills had sharpened, her confidence had grown, and with every step, she felt more at home in her skin—no longer an outcast, no longer standing on the fringes.

Now, as she sat in her favorite café, the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of coffee cups in the background, Mia was at the cusp of a moment she had worked toward for so long. The final exam awaited, the one that would determine everything—her future, her career, her place in the world of medicine. The nervousness was there, of course. But so was the excitement. A mix of emotions that churned inside her, making it hard to focus on the pages of notes spread across the table in front of her.

Pepper, her faithful companion, sat nestled at her feet, curled up in a little ball, oblivious to the storm of thoughts racing through her mind. The little dog had been with her through it all: the moments of self-doubt, the tears, the triumphs, and every late-night study session. Pepper had been her constant, the quiet anchor that helped her through the toughest of times.The sun had just begun to dip below the horizon as Mia made her way home. The streets were still buzzing with the energy of the city, the evening rush a stark contrast to the quiet of the morning. As she walked, her mind was preoccupied with the weight of the upcoming exam. She could feel the nervous excitement building again, but for now, she just wanted to get home, to settle into her familiar space and let the tension of the day fall away.

Her footsteps echoed against the sidewalk, blending with the distant sounds of honking cars and murmured conversations, when—bam—she collided with someone. A familiar face.

"Ah, not again," Mia muttered under her breath as she looked up.

It was Xian. The same guy she’d bumped into that first day on campus. He was standing there, skateboard in hand, grinning sheepishly.

"Oh, hey," Mia said, her voice betraying a hint of amusement. "So, where are you headed?"

Xian glanced down at his skateboard, a small chuckle escaping his lips. "Hmm... going home, I guess. Maybe sleep early. Big day tomorrow, right?" He said it with a little tilt of his head, his smile a mix of casual and curious.

Mia nodded, her thoughts still partially tangled in the upcoming exam. "Yeah... I get it," she said with a faint smile. "Big day tomorrow."

There was a pause, the usual awkwardness that seemed to linger between them when they spoke. But then, Xian hesitated for a moment, looking at her as if searching for the right words. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, his grip tightening slightly on his skateboard.It was already 9 p.m., just as Mia had expected. She stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the dark brown little dress she had chosen for the night. Pepper, as usual, was being her playful self, teasing Mia with a mischievous grin, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Your boots, Mia... really? Your mom's boots?" Pepper pointed out, Mia's heart dropped for a second as she looked down at the boots, remembering her mother. The weight of longing washed over her, and she tried to brush it off with a sigh. I wonder how she’s doing... Her mind wandered to that familiar ache. With a heavy heart, she muttered, "Come on, Pepper. Let’s go."

Stepping outside the apartment, Mia felt a chill in the air, a slight unease creeping in. She paused for a moment, glancing at the door to Xian’s apartment. It was ajar. The harsh creak of the door echoed unnervingly in the silence of the night. A strange feeling bubbled up in her chest as she stepped closer. The scent of blood hit her before she saw it. She froze. There was blood. Everywhere. The sound of things clicking and shifting in the apartment was unsettling, a faint whisper of chaos lingering in the air.

"Pepper, go back to your room. Stay inside!" Mia ordered urgently.

But the dog hesitated. Fear flickered in Pepper’s eyes, yet she obeyed, darting back toward the safety of the apartment.

Mia’s footsteps grew heavier as she cautiously entered, the air thick with a strange tension. The apartment seemed to be in disarray, things knocked over, a violent disturbance of some kind. And then, she saw him. Xian. He was slumped in a chair, bound by ropes, his face obscured by something—a cloth, a rag, she couldn’t tell at first.

"Xian!" Mia rushed to him, frantic, her hands trembling as she pulled the cloth away from his face. His eyes were wide, filled with panic, and he barely managed to whisper, "Go. It's not safe here."

Mia was confused, her heart racing as she searched his face for an explanation. "What happened? What’s going on?"

Xian’s voice cracked, strained with fear. "There’s a girl. She was wearing a red cape... and a red dress. She said she was supposed to take me—said I had to go with her. But when I refused, she… she tried to kill me. She… she hurt me." He winced, his body still in pain, but his eyes widened as he suddenly glanced toward the door, his expression terrified. "When I heard your footsteps, I thought she was gone, but... Mia, she’s still out there. She’s crazy. You need to run. Please. Go to the police. You can’t stay here."

Mia’s chest tightened. "But Xian—"

"You have to go!" Xian pleaded, his voice desperate. "If she comes back... you won’t be safe. I’ll be okay. Please, Mia, just go! Don’t let her find you!"

Mia hesitated, looking between him and the door. The fear in his eyes was enough to make her heart ache. She couldn’t leave him like this. But at the same time, the urgency in his voice sent chills down her spine. She didn’t have much time.

"Xian, I can't—"

"Please!" His voice broke.No knife to protect herself, no pepper spray, not even a flashlight. *What the hell am I going to do?* Her mind raced, but her body refused to slow, desperate to escape whatever nightmare was unfolding behind her. Mia’s breath hitched as she turned a corner, her mind replaying Xian’s words. The girl in the red dress. She couldn’t get her out of her head, couldn’t shake the image of the girl’s cold, determined eyes. *What kind of person... What kind of monster wears a red cape and dress and does... that?*

She forced herself to turn back, pushing her body faster, though it felt as though her legs were beginning to falter. The book in her bag was her only connection to the past, her only tether to any sense of safety, but it was powerless against what she was running from. Her red dress, so vibrant and bold, swayed slightly as if caught in an invisible breeze. It was flawless, pristine, almost too perfect. Her porcelain skin gleamed under the streetlights, giving her an ethereal, otherworldly presence. Mia’s gaze flicked to her face, trying to make sense of it, when she noticed something strange—a small, delicate flower embroidered on her dress near her shoulder. It was a simple design, but the petals, the details—everything about it seemed like it had been painted on a card. A playing card.

Mia’s mind spun. What was going on? Was this some kind of twisted joke? A hallucination? She felt like she was trapped in a dream, but everything was so real. Too real.

The girl’s smile deepened, her voice sweet yet cold, like the tinkling of bells at the edge of a storm. “Give me that book, Mia,” she said, her tone almost polite, like a request—but there was an unmistakable edge to it.

Mia blinked in shock, not understanding, not believing. The girl wasn’t threatening her, not really—but there was something about the way she stood there, so composed and unnatural, that sent a spike of fear through her. She had no idea what was going on, but one thing was clear: the girl wanted the book.Mia’s breath caught, and for a moment, she felt dizzy. Everything about this encounter was wrong. The girl’s appearance, her sweet voice—it was like a mask, a perfect façade hiding something much more dangerous beneath. But before Mia could gather her thoughts, the girl stepped forward, her movements so fluid and graceful that it felt like time had slowed.