*Lively music plays*

Two dancers slowly danced as they locked their gazes upon each other. Their hands intertwined as they moved closer and then separated as their eyes locked onto the main audience.

The audience smiled as he listened to the music so soft and lively. It was purely entertaining.

The two dancers danced around also singing along the music. They circled around with their glamorous outfit. The man wore an ancient-like outfit with a slippers on. The other woman wore a shining silky blue dress that is very outstanding. She possess the beauty and she has blue eyes and blue hair. As the two danced together, the audience’s hands raised and at the same time, their dancing became slower until it stopped.

They bowed their heads as they looked up.

The dragon Lord.

The known dragon Lord who had his beloved wife captured by humans, his trusted friends. After being betrayed, his heart had flamed and decided to wage an eternal war against humans. He promised to himself he would get his wife back.

After losing happiness, he enslaved humans to give him entertainment.

These two dancers are called “Zachary” and “Snow Fox”

Zachary, a slave had a little brother. He was too young so Zachary dreamt of a life so comfortable for his younger brother. Meanwhile, “Snow Fox” grew up with Zachary dancing for the dragon Lord. She is very loyal to him unbeknownst to many. “Snow Fox” trusts Zachary Because he had never tried to escape and treated him the only person who can understand her loyalty.

“You may go out” The dragon Lord’s deep voice said as he smirked. He was wearing a mask and a whole red outfit that looked ancient too. He was sitting in a red throne and behind it, was flames that seemed to have burned many humans already. Skulls were floating there and there were three dogs behind him that looked ferocious.

Zachary and Snow Fox excused themselves as they walked slowly and carefully outside. As the door shut, the two opened their eyes and smiled at each other. They sighed in relief having able to survive this day’s threat to their lives. If they Slightly made the dragon Lord dissatisfied, they would lose their heads and that’s certain.

“Zach, would you go to your brother again?” Snow Fox asked as she walked over Zachary. Her steps became faster and faster. She was 10 meters away from Zachary out of all a sudden. Zach was used to it, Snow Fox has been such an athletic kid since she became The dragon Lord’s servant and assistant.

“Of course, aren’t you used to it?” Zachary said in response with his stern face. He looked a little depressed because of all the tiresome work and the threat to his life.

“Well, yes but… I wanted to go somewhere with you” Snow Fox said as she sighed. Her eyes showed that she thought it was a waste and shouldn’t had asked.

“Well… since you wanted to. Let’s go” Zachary said as he smiled at Snow Fox.

The two sat down the ground as they watched the sky. It was becoming orange and the sun is almost setting. The ocean was not far away and it seemed vast and beautiful.

The two looked at the beautiful moon rising except from it being red. They weren’t actually bothered by it since they are too used to seeing the blood red color in the dragon's palace.

In his domain, the blood red is the symbol of loyalty and their suffering they had gone through.

Snow Fox took a deep breath as she smiled at Zachary. Her eyes and smile showed bitterness.

“Zach, would you like to run away?” Snow Fox asked as she looked up at the sky watching the moon completely take over.

Zachary slowly clenched his fists as he looked sad and also took a glimpse to the moon.

He felt saddened that his loyal friend was asking that as if she had knew everything.

The silence became broken as the long time Zachary took to speak stopped. Zachary slowly opened his mouth and uttered the words she had feared the most.

“I… I want to run away. With my brother.” He answered as he looked at the moon hiding away to the clouds.

Snow Fox stopped for a moment as she heard that answer.

“With your brother?” Snow Fox asked as her eyes became wide open as she felt something sad.

Zach sighed and looked at Snow Fox's shining blue eyes. Their gazes locked upon each other and Snow Fox had the tint of confusion in his eyes and she knew too well there is a lingering feelings of betrayal deep inside her.

“I understand your loyalty. If you want to take my life, take it. Just don’t touch my brother, would you?” Zachary pleaded as if he had no hope for life anymore. He seemed like too used to the word “death”.

The sentence he uttered made Snow Fox feel even more betrayed.

“Do you really see me as someone cruel?!” Snow Fox shouted as she stood up almost tearing up. Her heart was beating faster as she felt betrayed and angered by the words he had said.

Zachary looked at her asking himself if he had been mistaken. It was obvious he was full of confusion and is totally serious about what he just uttered.

“Do you really think I can kill you?!” Snow Fox shouted as she clenched her fist tightly to the point it started bleeding. The red color of the blood somehow was enstranged to him.. He was bothered by it, surprisingly.

“Snow-“ he was cut as Snow Fox turned her head and spoke.

“so be it, I can kill you then. Do not regret this” Snow Fox said as their fates completely drifted away from each other.

Zachary sat there still feeling confused as Snow Fox disappeared.

The one thing he would regret is for sure not knowing what Snow Fox had really wanted.

She just wanted to go along with him. She didn’t want to be abandoned by a friend. This feeling of betrayal… started our story.

… … … … … … … … … … … … … …

“Ahhh!!!” Screams are heard everywhere as it echoed inside the palace.

The sounds of clashing swords could not be erased inside. There were flame magic, water magic, land magic and air magic everywhere. The dragon’s underlings clashed against the human knights and wizards. The dragon Lord stood there, fearless in front of the hero who killed the white dragon. Behind the dragon Lord, Snow Fox and Zachary were behind him. They stood there still without talking with each other as they held their swords tightly. Snow Fox stood there with her elegant aura as she confidently stood against the commander of the knights. Zachary clenched his fist as he looked at the hero seeing a piece of hope.

The hero who killed the white dragon is very popular for her sword that can kill a dragon and make it disappear forever. She had the amazing ability to slay dragons perfectly. Obviously, she has the ability to kill the dragon Lord by chance. If the hero is here, there would be no doubts that Zachary could escape.

As the dragon Lord wielded his sword as well as the hero did, Zachary straight up ran and grabbed his younger brother's hands to escape. Snow Fox was surprised as she looked at the leaving Zachary who did not even think of her. She was hurt that he didn’t take her with him. As she was in confusion, The commander of the knights drew out his sword and slashed it to her back. Blood spilt as it was stabbed to her. She looked behind her and drew her sword as she slashed it to the commander’s chin. The commander removed his sword as he held his wound on the chin. He glared at Snow Fox full of anger.

Forgetting everything, Snow Fox flexibly did a back flip as she jumped to the air and danced around the air. It was her famous swords dance.

The commander of the knights was used to seeing it as they had clashed several times before. He frowned as he remembered her dance that was etched to his memories.

Snow Fox danced as she slashed her sword to the air. Realizing that she had this skill, the commander immediately walked back to avoid the attack but it still hit him. He was full of blood.

Meanwhile, the hero and the dragon Lord clashed against each other. The dragon Lord lit up flame from his hands and continuously burned the hero. Despite the burns, the hero slashed his sword to the Dragon Lord’s arm. The dragon Lord took a step back and flew to the sky as he turned into a dragon. He breathed fire and out of concern, The hero grabbed the commander of the knights to Dodge the attack.

In return, Snow Fox received the blow and was burned. She screamed for the excruciating pain as she glared at the commander of the knights. But her mind was going elsewhere. Her point of hatred – Zachary.

Zachary kept running as he held his younger brother’s hands full of mud. They ran until they spotted a horse in the woods and rode it immediately. His eyes were serious and focused on escaping. All he could think of is his younger brother’s safety. His younger brother sat there still as he worried for his older brother.

Zachary stopped slowly as the horse appeared in front of an orphanage. The orphanage that will end his misery.

After 2 years, Zachary had applied for knights. Instead, he became transferred to the wizardry due to his overwhelming power.

Two years ago, Zachary had begged the dragon Lord to be granted the fire power promising him that he would bring chaos to the human world with the power he holds. After receiving it, a war broke out and he took the chance to escape.

For fear of being found out and killed, he intended to join the knights in hope that it would keep him safe.

Zachary who is now a wizard had actually ran into Snow Fox once. He saw her killing his friend coldly as blood was dripping from her arm. It was truly terrifying and he had not intended to meet her once again. He had abandoned his friend in fear of fighting his old friend that he had treasured.

… … … … … …

Zachary stood in front of the door waiting for the princess’ call. He stood there thinking deeply as to why such a princess would call for a meeting with him.

Hearing someone allow him to come in, he slowly opened the door and smelt something strange.

Perhaps, is it one of the silly tricks Princess Luna has?

Why would she call him for something so silly?

However, as soon as he inhaled all the smell, he had recognized it.

The smell that all humans has. The terrifying smell of blood. The lights were off so he decided to take a look to confirm it. He lit up the candle with his fire power for the source of light and suddenly stepped onto something. He looked below him and was immediately surprised. He took a step back as he recognized the corpse he had stepped onto.

The princess’s knight!

He looked around him to find princess Luna and sighed in relief as he saw a woman's figure standing there. But he was taken aback as he clearly saw the shining blue eyes and silk-like hair. It was his “old friend”

It seems like we will have this dance again.

Snow Fox stood there with her daggers tainted with poison. The princess' blood was there mixed with the poison. She looked straight to his eyes and smiled sadistically. She looked thirsty for blood.

Zachary held his sword as Snow Fox held her daggers. As soon as Snow Fox stopped, Zachary immediately aimed at Snow Fox and tried to stab her but Snow Fox managed to escape. She appeared behind Zachary with her daggers.

Zachary immediately stepped back. The poison in the dagger might kill people in a second but knowing her, she would probably want him to suffer until his death so he probably should be careful not to get stabbed or touched by the dagger.

Her swift movements made it hard for him to even scratch or wound her. She looks as if she can dodge anything she wants.

Zachary had held his sword tightly as he pointed it towards Snow Fox. He scoffed as he spoke.

“How have you been, My old friend?” Zachary asked as he sneered at her.

“I was just fine without you, thank you” Snow Fox answered as she grinned.

Suddenly, Zachary felt something strange. Why does he feel hurt when she said she had been fine without him? He wanted her to be thrilled to meet him again. Was it really the end of all?

Snow Fox stopped in surprise as he saw Zachary’s silence.

Suddenly, Zachary aggressively grabbed hold of Snow Fox’s arms and pushed her to the wall. He looked straight to her eyes as he slowly removed the dagger from her hand. He looked angry as if she did something wrong. Snow Fox slightly became red as their faces were almost touching each other. She felt this confusion and hope. She felt that there is something with Zachary and for a moment, he became tempting and attractive. She was embarrassed as she locked her gaze onto Zachary’s blood red eyes. His grip tightened and she bit her lips in pain. Noticing that, his hand slowly became gentle.

“Snow… i…” He said as he felt hesitating.

Seeing this opportunity that he had weaken–

“I think I love you “ Zachary said as he smiled towards her and embraced her. Too late. Too much late.

Snow Fox's dagger went straight inside him. It was excruciating but he maintained his smile as he touched Snow's cheeks adoring her. Snow Fox trembled as the dagger fell from her hands. She could not understand what she just did. She feel this regret and pain after stabbing him. She felt panicked that he might die and she scratched her arms in fear and panic. Her hands were trembling as she looked at his dying image.

“No… no… Zach, no…” She said repeatedly as she embraced him. “I’m sorry… I’m sorry” Snow Fox apologized as her trembling hands touched his back. Zachary remained silent as he stared to her blue eyes.

As he slowly closed his eyes… his body starts to turn gold.

“no! No! Please, no…” Snow said regretting it as she trembling opened the paper. On the paper, the instructions are there but surprisingly, the cure was tainted with poison that it cannot be read anymore. She cried as she read the name of the poison.

“Midas” the poison that turns people to gold. Tears fell out of her eyes as she shouted in agony.

“I love you, please don’t!” Snow Fox begged as she cried. Her dress became red and wet as it was full of blood and tears. Zachary became gold and truly disappeared from his life. If only… if only she listened to him once.

–End–

Thank you for reading “Touch of Midas” short fan fiction and the original story was written by FantaZee.

Next time, I would write a story about the commander of the red knights, Ilyana Glaize and her secret husband. Another story is a love story of Princess Luna and her knight, the assassin (Nicole) and her target (Alex), The princess and the wizard (Ron) and lastly, the king and the queen. I would try to make the dragon Lord’s and his wife's after I completely understand their story from the wattpad novel. Please stay tuned to my future works!

Thank y’all!!!

(I will make an Alternative ending soon after)

Once upon a time, there was a couple who took their last breaths under a tree believing they would wake up together in their next life. Having said it was true, the tree was burned in order to stop the power of reincarnation. The flaming tree trapped the couple’s soul in the tree and wasn’t able to escape until their souls are already burned completely. After the couple died, their memories were passed onto the tree and kept the tree from living for a hundred years. Up till this day, the tree is in flames and it hasn’t been put out of its misery.

“What an amazing story.” The dragon Lord’s deep voice started as he looked bitter. Hearing of this story, it reminded him of his wife. The wife he had loved deeply.

The woman looked at the dragon Lord with a slight frown. “What happened to Snow Fox, my Lord? She hasn’t appeared” The woman worried as she fidgeted her fingers walking back and forth. Truly, a brave woman for speaking directly to the fearsome dragon Lord.

“That woman had ran away after killing the traitor. It seems she had finally realized her feelings.” The dragon Lord said as he scoffed thinking that they were quite similar. A hopeless love.

‘Love? How foolish is that thing.’ The woman said to herself as she turned her head keeping on the pretense of listening to the dragon lord.

“Would you really let her go, my lord?” The woman asked as she grit her teeth.

“I see myself In her… I was too foolish in love.” The dragon Lord said still being reminded of his wife that had been living a happy life if not for him. He was the one who killed her. The dragon Lord saw the complication in The woman’s face, confused of what love is.

The dragon Lord sighed and spoke. “one day, you will understand what love is, Nicole” The dragon Lord said as he stood up from his throne.

The woman with black hair and golden eyes just frowned as her dress suddenly became red.

“I will never” Nicole said firmly. She was convinced she would never love and would never understand love. Because such an emotion is useless for a woman like her.

Human world…

“Knight, please keep the princess safe. We cannot afford to lose anyone anymore” The head maid said as she held the hands of a strong looking knight. He wore a serious face and sighed while turning into a smile. “I will do my best “ He said not knowing what tragedy is ahead of him.

Alex, a knight had been always a loner. He could not move on from the betrayal of his old friend. After strangely dwelling to the past, his coworkers thought he was weird and avoided him. Alex was too used to that. When he was a child, he used to hear of the legend of the flaming tree. He had wanted to believe it was true because he wanted to be reborn again and meet his old friend who had betrayed him. Despite of the angst he received, he had learned to love his old friend and wishes to be with her again. If that could only be possible…

Alex stood outside the princess’s room looking at the huge window. Outside, the bright moon was beautiful and stunning. His friend had a hair like a moon too. Seeing it, he could not help but recall of the flaming tree. Suddenly, he heard soft taps from the room and a careful quiet footsteps. It seems an enemy indeed will be arriving. It was too late so he couldn’t call the knights or the wizards. Not like they'll listen.

At the window, there stood a girl wearing black all over being very obvious at her being an assassin. Her hair was dark black that it cannot be seen at night. Her golden eyes glowed as it looked straight to his eyes. She looked dangerous so Alex had immediately drew his sword showing alertness.

The assassin remained silent and still as she finally spoke. “I heard you saying of the Flaming tree. Do you really believe that? Love's foolish.” The assassin said as she scoffed mocking Alex who looked stupid for believing a tree. Alex became weak as he heard that. Foolish? He knows he's foolish. He knows that he is too stupid for wanting to meet a traitor again. But still…

“I love her…” He faintly mumbled as he swayed.

"Alex! Are you alright?!" A vague voice of a child woke him up. His memories were reappearing.

After some time, he regained his composure and looked at The assassin with determination.

“Love… is not a foolish thing. Have you never loved?” He asked as he walked closer. The assassin drew out her knife and pointed It at Alex. She scoffed and smiled. “I had never. That tree is bullsh*t” The assassin said as she jumped up and landed at Alex. Alex immediately threw her off and scratched her face with his sword. She wiped the blood away from her face and did a back jump as she threw the knives to him. Alex struggled to Dodge everything and some had been hit to him. He was determined to let that assassin know that love isn’t that bad at all.

He was slowly woken up as a child's voice was heard everywhere.

"Are you truly fine, Alex?" The child's voice asked as she looked worried. Her image was blurry and he could not see her clearly. He trembled as his hands reached her cheeks and tears slowly fell out of his eyes. Their foreheads touched each other as he continued to cry. He had wished to meet her again and... here she was. "Promise me... that you'll never leave me again"Alex said as he cried. He looked at her confused eyes and she slowly smiled bitterly. " Of course, I will never."She replied as she offered her pinky fingers. He looked at it and their pinky fingers slowly intertwined. "I promise.. so don't ever leave me, okay?" She said and smiled. Her golden eyes glowed and her black hair touched his face. Now it was all clear. He smile as he nodded and tears continued to fall. "Yes... Nicole." He said as she slowly faded away.

He embraced his pinky finger hoping that it would come true. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at the assassin so similar to his friend.

“The legend… it’s true. Love… it’s also true. Even if love is something foolish, that must mean I’m a fool for loving. Doesn’t that mean we're all a fool? Because no one loves no one.” Alex said persistently trying to get her convinced. He doesn’t care about who's behind this attack for all he cares but he cares for the one fact she doesn’t believe in love.

“love?! That’s just one mere foolish thing! Has anyone ever loved me?! No one!” She shouted as she started to wept in anger. She stabbed the knife to his chest but he managed to avoid it’s fatality and stabbed her arm in return. Surprisingly, he is being gentle to her. “If no one loves you… Then I’ll be the…” He stopped as he looked at the assassin. “I'll be the first one to love you.” He said as he smiled confidently. As soon as he said it, blood spilt and the assassin stood up above his body. He grasped her leg and smiled. “Love isn’t a dream. Wake up and you’ll see” He added as he confidently knows that she will someday learn that it is love. She shook her head refusing that. Before he even closes his eyes… he smiled as he said the last words.

Nicole was my only light, she was the one who only loved me. She was the only one who accepted me for who I Am. I...

“I forgive you”

Strangely, he was familiar.

“I forgive you, dear old friend.” He said as he gently closed his eyes. The assassin stood there expressionless as she opened the door. As the door creaked, she stood there seeing the princess peacefully sleeping. Before she could even stab it to her, something felt like holding her down.

She trembled as she took back her knife and turned her head. It seems she cannot kill her today. The death of that one knight surprisingly didn’t satisfy her. It wasn’t happy and it wasn’t something she enjoyed. Perhaps, maybe because of the words he had said? Forgive? For what? For saying those things? Had I ever had the ability to forgive someone? Did anyone ever asked for my forgiveness? Those little things just begged me for mercy. Yet, he was the only one… the only one.

I didn’t know it would be like this. The feeling of forgiving someone.

She sighed as she smiled at the corpse. “All right, I forgive you” She said as she suddenly jumped outside the window. As soon as that happened, the knights came running in finding his corpse and as they opened the room, they saw the princess Peacefully and deeply sleeping as if nothing happened. They all sighed as they looked at the corpse and felt something regretful. Did he really deserve that? Had they treated him kindly, he wouldn’t die a sad death.

But they were all wrong. He was happy enough for seeing his old friend again. That’s all he wanted.

A year later…

“Snow Fox, it was so long. Where did you find a hole to hide from?” Nicole asked as she seemed mocking snow fox. Snow Fox was expressionless as if she lost her life.

“Nicole… I’m in misery. I'm so shameless… Shamelessly living when I had killed him…” Snow Fox said with her trembling voice.

“That love again?” Nicole asked with a frown. Snow Fox stopped as she smiled at Nice seeing her old self that Didn’t believe in love.

“do not be like me.” She said as she patted Nicole's arms.

“Like you? I never had that kind of miserable intention.” Nicole said as she pushed Snow Fox away.

“You’re already in the same path as I took. I… I’m sure you will regret that.” Snow Fox said as her eyes looked like tears are going to get out at any second.

Nicole stopped as she felt that loneliness that Snow Fox exudes. She was exuding an empty shell. Like someone who shouldn’t be here anymore and has no reason to stay either. She felt something itchy on her heart and as if something stabbed her. It felt painful. Why does she awfully understand her?

“I loved someone… but it was too late for me to realize. I killed him… with my own hands. I asked for his forgiveness but he could never answer me again. I… I really am a shameless person. I regret everything… everything! I shouldn’t have been part of his life… Forgive me…” As snow Fox said that, Nicole got déjà vu.

“Forgive me” his last words.

“Alex, I’m sorry”

“Why did you betray me? Just why?!”

"I'm sorry... I did not..."

"Don't ever come to look for me again" He said as he turned away.

Nicole could not help but look at his wide back from far away. She embraced her hands and cried as she fell down to her knees. I'm sorry... It seems, I had betrayed you again.

Suddenly, a new memory appeared.

"Promise me... that you'll never leave me again" He said as he cried. Their foreheads touched each other and she slowly and silently cried as she offered her trembling pinky finger and smiled. "Yes, I promise you." She replied and cried and she hugged him. But slowly... he disappeared. She looked at the ground he sat on and grabbed it. She cried and cried hoping he would still be by her side when she opens her eyes. But still.. that was just mere dream.

Memories came rushing in her mind and it felt like her brain is going to explode. She knew she has to turn back. As soon as she realized why he apologized…

She found herself standing in front of the princess' room. There was no blood yet she can picture everything what happened a year ago. The tragedy she will regret. No, she did regret it 1 year ago but she refused to accept. She really is… much more shameless. “I… i'm sorry…” She said trembling. As she remembered something…

I hope to meet you again. Just one last time.

She found herself walking lifelessly in front of his grave and dug it. Someone was visiting him… does she have any rights to get jealous? She’s such a traitor. She thought that she shouldn’t have been forgiven. But she wants to be selfish for one last time. As she carried his corpse to a tree, she looked at the tree and used her flame power. She burned the tree and as soon as it burnt, she drank the poison with her and laid there beside his corpse. That legend… I shall make it true. It’s not a legend d anymore. So feel free to believe. I don’t want anyone regretting the same thing as I did. I love you. I’m sorry.

She held his hands even if it was skeleton and smiled at him.

“Forgive me, Alex.” She said as she closed her eyes.

It seems.... love is painful but it isn't that bad at all.

–End–

Thank you for reading!!! I actually intended to make a scene where she wakes up and sees Alex in another life. But yeah, I hope this story was great for you. I actually got emotional when making this.

Thank you for reading and see you guys again on the next chapter!!!

So actually I want to give a spoiler. About princess Aura (The one Alex protected) she was actually the one who offered flowers on his grave because she is very thankful. She was actually also visiting a grave of someone (won't spoil who but I bet y'all know) and also came by to give flowers. The other flowers tho are from the knights who felt regretful of not accepting him for what he is. and yknow what? he is now a hero for everyone and he was given a day where people would come to his grave and there will be like a festival celebrating his heroic dids. tho I don't think that's enough considering they all did turn their backs on him. I cannot just simply forgive them. (said by the og author to Me they really all did)

Btw if y'all are confused, as the og author said, her characters are based on true people and I'm one of those people who was based on. so I basically know the story, the characters etc. tho I forgot their names and appearances lol.