"Velvet, are you crying?"
Even a simple dinner, something that Eleanor made as a basic meal on the road, the former therion hungrily ate up. Her muscle definition lessened. No doubt from inactivity. Maybe malnutrition too? It's hard to tell from daemon physiology.
Eizen and Rokurou laughed, watching her devour her food then hold her bowl up for more.
"Guess tasting food was something you really missed, huh?" Rokurou chuckled.
"Yes!" Velvet said through a stuff mouth. Even ignoring the fact of her missing an arm, she continued eating, tears falling from her face.
"Well, I'm glad to see that she's still alive." Eizen interjected. "But if you're planning on going around the world, you'll need to train up again."
"That'll be easy." Eleanor smiled, "I'll stay and help her."
"I will too. Debt's still not paid off yet." Rokurou nodded.
"Unfortunately, I can't stay. The Van Eltia leaves in two days. But, I can set up a few things if you want."
"By the way," Velvet swallowed her food, setting the spoon to the side. "Has anybody seen Magilou?"
The trio looked at one another. Eleanor spoke up first. "She just drifts in and out. But I haven't seen her in the last two months."
"Just rumors of an oddly dressed witch, always scribbling in her notebook. I'm not sure what happened, but she tries to stay away from danger, yet always seems to be in the middle of it." Eizen explained. "Some say she's another Lord of Calamity, but others say she's a 'Storyteller', recording all the events of the world, good or bad."
"Strange thing, if you ask me." The samurai shrugged. "But then again, Magilou's always been a strange person to me."
They mused over. Even after taking down Melchior, she managed to stick through to the end.
"The witch aside, you better wake up early tomorrow. This is gonna be a long few weeks."
-.-.-
"Alright, let's try some crunches." Rokurou held the woman's legs down.
The raven-haired woman lurched forward, lifting, and touching her calves. And back down. She felt it. The wear of three years of inactivity burning in her stomach. Her energy burst like a tiny ember. Lost.
"One!" He grinned.
Her eyes darkened. She could not give up that easily. Again, she rose and backed down.
"Two…"
"Three…"
"Four…"
She collapsed. Her breathing heft a heavy toll. Even her arms shook.
"Got some water. Hold on." Lifting her up, Rokurou passed the water pouch over. Velvet chugged it down.
"Th-thanks…" She coughed, looking back at the throne.
"Heh. You've lost a lot of strength. You're about as light as a kitten now."
"At least I wasn't skin and bones." She sighed, dumping some of the water on her face.
"Ha! That would've been traumatizing for everybody."
The two sat, letting the wild cool her down. It was times like this, Rokurou let his mind wander. The past three years had been good for him. Plenty of daemon bandits and rogues in the world, from one side of the continents to another. While humanity may forget malakhim and daemons alike, for him, it didn't really matter. Living in the time now, he could honestly say that the moments with Velvet's band of renegades as the best moments of his life.
And that he's thankful that she gave him Stormhowl, now Kurogane Stormquell.
"Rokurou." Velvet catch his attention again. "Were you serious about not paying back your debt yet?"
"Of course." He bowed his head. "I fought with you so I could settle the score with Artorius for World's Best Swordsman. I never repaid you just yet."
"You love twisting your words, don't you?"
He shrugged, leaning back. "What if I said I just wanted to help an old friend?"
She smiled. "Could've just been honest."
"But where's the fun in that?"
"Looks like Eleanor's rubbing off on you."
They laughed. A good genuine laugh in such a long time. But her somber mood set back in when she looked at the stump of left arm.
"You know, I know a few people that can commission a metal hand for you." The samurai pointed out.
"Really? One of those prosthetic?"
"It's better than having a stump!"
"I don't know…" She looked away. "It's like a reminder. When I was a daemon."
"Not a very nice reminder if you ask me. Cutting down one extra limb that you could use."
Velvet hummed, laying on her back.
Rokurou turned to her, raising an eyebrow. "Something bugging you?"
"Just thinking about travelling. All the places we've been to. All the places we've fought and burned."
"Feeling some regrets, aren't you?"
"I've taken a lot from this world, and I left it to Phi's hands. Now that I'm back, I want to give some back."
"If you're gonna be running around, hope you're ready to hear Eleanor being called a Shephard."
The name startled her. "They're calling her a Shephard?"
"Uuhh, yeah. It's more recent though."
She growled, balling her fingers in a fist.
"Hey, she doesn't like the title either."
"But people are calling her, of all things, that."
"For her, she's just wander from town to town, helping communities talk. Rebuild. Grow. All those wonderful stuffs."
"You two seem to grow closer."
"Eh, more like learned from word of mouth. It's a lot easier since nobody can tell that I'm a daemon or not now. But, Eleanor's an interesting person. That cute and idealistic one, but faces reality before her. No matter what harsh things happen, she'll always stay on the positive end of things. That's strength."
"Have you ever thought about dating her?" Velvet raised an eyebrow.
"What?" He blinked. "Eeeh, it never crossed my mind to be honest. Eleanor strikes me as that person that would settle down somewhere once everything she could ever do is done. That doesn't suit me, like at all. I'm a Yaksha daemon, growing up as a Rangetsu swordsman. Something like that just doesn't feel right. Besides, it's always fun teasing her, even before we're friends. And, she has you."
Velvet nodded, leaning back up. There were a few things she wanted to do before going about with her.
But for now, crunches.
-.-.-
"So, what do you think? It's not an island, but it'll do for you guys." Eizen happily announced, revealing his work.
From one of the many incomplete training circles at the Empyrean's Throne, one of them was properly raised up. The circle bit was raised above the ground, with extra bits just for participates to wait. While the center was raised, the end parts were sloped to a small ditch of softer sand. A mount with soft dirt by the side was the benches for people to watch.
It looked more like a spectator arena than a sparring ground.
Velvet stood back, chuckling at his work. "Looks like you had a little fun with it."
"Be on a boat most of your time, and you appreciate all the land you can get." He chuckled. "But that's where I better head off. The Van Eltia's leaving soon, and I've still got my commitment to its crew."
"Aww, leaving already?" Rokurou complained. "I was hoping that we could test it out. A little match between us men."
"Gonna have to decline." He shrugged. The samurai stamped his foot and sighed. "One day you pirate."
Eizen continued, chuckling.
"When our adventure first started, we were just allies by association. We both hated the Abbey for their crimes against us. But, after it all, fighting from one end of the earth to another, and settling old scores, the Curse of the Reaper barely mattered. We seek out our own paths, carrying all the pasts with us.
"But it won't be that past that'll define us. It's what we do, what we try to do now. I can say, under my true name, it has been an honor to meet all of you. As First Mate of Van Aifread's Pirate Crew, I thank you. All of you."
Eizen stood at attention, saluting to them. From the corner of his eyes, a small tear brimmed, threatening to flow. A bond had formed between them all, a fellowship once bound by convenience, now united by overwhelming emotions. When one hurt, the others were. When one was saddened, the other was too. The earth malak never thought he'd ever shed any tears since he left Edna.
Family.
Who would've thought he'd find more?
-.-.-
Velvet played with the iron-hand, fixing the digits around. Meeting everyone again, including Maotelus and moving her limbs again, she felt bored. As much as her brother tried to subside his malevolence appetite, it left her incredibly weakened. Her body wasn't greatly atrophied, mostly the muscles around her limbs.
The worse feeling was her missing limb.
Eleanor provided the measurements. Rokurou got the commission done.
The world was very much the same as they left it before. That was Laphicet's ultimate wish. A second chance for those that wanted it. A choice. For good or for ill, humans and malaks were free to mend the mistakes of their past. Many malak decided to hide away, their trust in humans broken. Other's decided to stay and aid Maotelus. Maybe the dream Zui Fu wished would come true.
But it wouldn't be in her lifetime.
She did what she could. She got what she wanted. Revenge. Leaving the world as is.
A second chance. For somebody that was considered the greatest threat of humanity.
The Lord of Calamity.
Freedom. A bird wouldn't know the joys of flying until it was out of the cage. A world reformed by Phi's silver light. There were still things she needed to do until she felt truly free. Clear some wounds, visit some places… Then maybe, just maybe, she'd feel satisfied.
A light knock on the door pulled her thoughts away. "Come in."
Eleanor entered, smiling as she watched. "How's the new hand?"
"Cold but… it works. I wish there was an arte to make it better."
"It's the best we can do."
"It's weird only picking things with my right arm. I think I must as well change my fighting stance for my left arm."
"You still planning to use that gauntlet blade?"
"It's what I've used. Even in my dreams."
She sighed. "Never gonna change, are you?"
"Absolutely not."
They chuckled, eyes bashfully looking away. "At least with this," Velvet continued, "I can permanently flip off the world."
"Please don't do that."
"It's just a thought." Taking a moment, she looked at her. Eleanor played with a lock of hair until her eyes met hers.
"Something on your mind?" She asked.
"Just… after that night, did you?"
"Velvet, I wasn't anywhere near my cycle."
The former therion sighed. "I really don't know how to feel… I'm kinda relieved and kinda… disappointed."
"Disappointed? What, were you expecting we'd have a kid?"
"… Maybe. That's why it's complicated. If I stayed with Laphi without any problems, and you had a child; our child, I feel… that I wasn't there to help you."
"Oh, Velvet."
"I'm serious. But then again, 'Oh, hey, we had a kid!' seems weird." She shrugged.
Eleanor played with her fingers, casually looking to the side. Her cheeks flushed a light red color. "S-say, you wouldn't happen to have… that still would you?"
"I haven't exactly felt aroused in the last three years."
"But why the sudden question?"
"Being sealed for three years… That's a lot of dreams of life together with Laphi. Sometimes it was just minor changes in life here or completely different lands from Eizen's expeditions or just something really weird."
"This is all about just strange dreams? Don't you think it's just a little paranoid?"
"Maybe but… Well." Her goldenrod eyes looked to the side.
"Was there any dreams where I was there?"
"Many… I remember one very vividly."
"What was it about?" Eleanor closed the door behind her.
"It was… a life with us…" She used her metal arm to scratch the back of her head. "And another. Three of us. Together."
"A ménage a trois? With whom?"
"… Niko."
"So, there was something between you two!"
"Yes! No, kinda, maybe?!" Velvet fumbled with her words. "Niko is… Was my only and best friend at home. All the guys there weren't my type. Hell, I even said if she were a guy, I'd date her!"
The redhead stared, mouth agape. Complete and utter shock. Something boiled in her stomach. Not anger, not betrayal. She cupped her face and laughed. It started with an amused chuckle and evolved to full laughter.
"H-hey, don't laugh!" Velvet swung her legs out, getting on her feet.
"S-sorry, I'm sooo sorry! It's just…" She gasped for breath. "Wow! The three of us!"
"We… Uhh, also had kids. Because I had… that."
"That's even better! Please, just… Let me catch my breath. You need to tell me this story later."
A loud banging broke their silence. "Hey, you two alright in there?"
They settled down; Eleanor cleared her throat and Velvet, propped herself against the walls.
"Yes, we're good. You all set, Rokurou?" The raven-haired woman said.
"Great. One last trial Velvet. Come on, it'll be just like the first time we met."
-.-.-
As the Empyrean's Throne was supposed to be the later headquarters of the Abbey and their Exorcist forces, many features of the throne were built for human needs. Offices, living quarters, dining halls and more, by the time they fought Artorius, they were complete.
With Eizen's help, at least one of them was ready.
In the center, the Yaksha daemon waited with twin daggers, spinning them in his palm. On the edges, Velvet readjusted her gauntlet blades. By the small benches just outside, Eleanor patiently sat with Maotelus's spirit form kicking his feet.
"Ya ready for this?" Rokurou smirked.
"Won't know until I try." Velvet returned the smile.
"That's what I wanna hear."
They didn't move at first. The plans already played in their heads. Two daggers for a wristblade and a metal arm. A simple twist and turn of his blades and it could be over. The last three years weren't just mindlessly practicing the Rangetsu arts, it was improving, perfecting and integrating them to his life. The clan is all he has left now.
Without a single word, they bodies clashed. Metal pinged off metal. Sparks flew with every twist and turn. While Velvet was slower, her technique hadn't changed. In fact, it seemed she was trying to use her iron-hand like her old daemon claw. It was certainly heavier than her old appendage, but she managed to keep it close.
Rokurou decided to pick up the pace. He hopped on the balls of his feet. Gripping his daggers again, he lunged in. She relented. Her legs couldn't keep pace. Like a novice dancer, she stumbled and kicked the dirt. He was so assured, so playful in their dance.
He never saw Velvet's iron-hand stretch out and hook his wrists.
Pulled back, he raised an eyebrow. Was it his imagination? The daemon lunged again, finding her metal hand balled in a fist. The metal-arm he commissioned was spring-loaded, latched so it could be adjusted to her liking. But her digits were moving in and out, swaying with the thrust and wave of her arm.
Again, she pressed. Her moves were tempered. Smooth. Guiding one action to another. Her metal digits spread again and the samurai knew what she was doing. She intentionally unlocked her fingers, allowing them spread and retract just from the momentum force of her swings. Incredibly crude to mimic her old daemon claw, but just effective.
The range was different, she needed to be closer. That was all he needed. Rokurou swept his feet closer, digging his heels in the dirt. He slanted his blades, slimming the metal from her blade and held the opposite dagger at her chest.
"Set and match!" He grinned.
Velvet's face soured, pulling back and scoffing. "Yeah, having three years of extra practice…"
"It was a good match." He stashed away his blades and chuckled. "Honestly, there really isn't much we can do. Everything now just comes to experience and getting out there in the world."
"So, we're done with physical therapy."
"Well, I am." He added nonchalantly. "The little lady I saved will get a little worried if I don't come back once in a while."
"How long have you been away?"
"A month or two?"
The former therion frowned, shifting her lips. "That's too long."
"What, really?"
Velvet shook her head and sighed. "Well, if you need to go, then go. We're not gonna stop you."
At first, Rokurou didn't move. Taking a moment, he bent down to one knee, bowing his head.
"I said I'd pay off my debt to you… And with this, my servitude is complete." He looked up, smiling. "Godspeed to you Velvet. It's been a great journey. Maybe our paths will cross again. And maybe we'll have a proper match too."
-.-.-
Heartfelt goodbyes were something that just came and went with Velvet. It always seems like that. Whether it was comrade, friend, or family, it always felt that somebody was going… elsewhere.
In the last three years, everybody got on with life. Their lives were changed and for the better. But, they all had different paths. So where was she supposed to go now?
Eleanor stood by her side, fiddling with an odd colored visor mask. It almost matched the one Seres used.
"Do you really think I'll need something like that?" Velvet asked.
"Just in case. I mean, you are wearing 'regular' clothes now."
"I wished it was black and red…"
"Once we get into town, we'll look for more, ok?"
Maotelus chuckled, watching from his perch above the Throne's entrance. "Even though the Abbey was hunting us, they never bothered to put up wanted posters of us, huh?"
"Guess they were too busy with the Ceremony of Suppression to bother?" Eleanor shrugged.
"Maybe but… You guys are heading out already?"
"Yeah, I guess we are Phi."
"Velveeet, I told you not to call me that."
"Maotelus, Empyrean or not, you're still 'Phi' to me."
"Aww." He happily sighed, seeing the rest of the malakhim gather around. "So, what will you do now?"
"I have a few things I need to take care of before I check one last time in Aball. I wanna see what happened with Kamoana and the other's."
"She's living near Stonebury with Dyle and Medissa" Eleanor explained. "I think Kamoana's taking care of the dogs too."
"Dyle proposed to Medissa, just so you know."
"So, they have a family, huh."
"It's a small family but last time I checked, they're happy."
Velvet darkly chuckled. "I wonder how they'll react when they see me."
"I think they'll be surprised and happy." Maotelus pointed out.
"It'll definitely be a surprise."
"Like you are called a Shephard?"
"It's not like I like being called that. It's a recent term and people are attached to it."
Eleanor clasped her hands at her front, nodding. "I'm not a great leader, or somebody having a cult. I mean, sure, I'm spreading Maotelus's believe across Midgand and beyond but… I want people to see not just a mantle that's thrown at me. I want people to know that I'm still human. Just… Eleanor Hume."
"And that's all we can really ask for." The Empyrean nodded.
Velvet looked over, readjusting her metal-arm to loosen fingers. "I guess this is it. Phi, I'm… still not sure how to feel about this whole 'sixth Empyrean' thing but… If you're happy with it, then I'm happy too."
"Don't worry Velvet. Everything will work out. I promise you."
As they returned to walk down the steps, malak caretakers stood a breadth away. They smiled, bending to a knee.
"While the world may never know, we are grateful of your deeds, Lord of Calamity. We are in your debt." One of them explained. Then, one clapped. Then another. And another. And another until they all did.
Without resonance, it looked as those pedals whirled about them, resounding with the pleasant songs of birds. Velvet took the visor and hid her eyes behind tinted lens.
-.-.-
The road to Stonebury was calm. The Midgand Empire resorted their available troops to patrol the major roads, no longer relying on the Abbey Exorcists. In most cases, the ranks scattered without their malak slaves. A few that carried enough resonance and managed a good relationship with their malak managed to stay, acting as knight-errants.
Eleanor remained a Praetor, even without a malak tethered to her. But this allowed her to keep in touch with all the people, rumors, and news about the kingdom. A leader not by command, but by virtue and example.
But until then, she'd continue her duty.
And now, she's got a companion. Better yet, her beloved.
"How's the visor-mask?" she asked, trying to stir up a conversation.
"It's not bad… Can you see my eyes through this?" Velvet turned.
"Nope, sorry. Why?"
"Oh, it just reminds me Cel – I mean, Seres's mask."
"O-ooh. I didn't mean it like that."
"No, it's fine. I had a few dreams I had something like this."
"Really?"
"It was… a hypothetic situation where Laphi and I were sacrificed and Celicia transformed into a therion."
"Nothing really changed in that dream, did it?"
Velvet just sighed. "Yeah… But Celicia tried flirting with Eizen. That was fun to watch."
Eleanor giggled. "You thought Celicia and Eizen could be a thing?"
"I never said my dreams were expertly made."
"Guess writing is something somebody else will have to work on huh?"
"Maybe. But she still told those bad jokes. Those jokes always got on Rokurou and Magilou's nerves."
"Our punny Lord of Calamity." The redhead joked. "But I kinda do wish to see your eyes."
"Mhm?" Off-chance, Velvet pulled the visor down, revealing her usual goldenrod eyes staring back. Eleanor smiled, shaking her head.
"Yeah, keep teasing me. We'll see how far that goes."
"Already ahead of you."
They settled down for a moment, looking at the wonderful mountainous view. Velvet stopped, gazing at the distance hilled tops and mountains. Viridescent cascades of green rolled over rocks and dirt. White clouds gently glided along the wind, splitting around the peaks. Deeper below, shadows cast upon the plains, across the forests and dotted towns.
All the while in their journey, never once did she look where her was going. Even in her dreams, the details of the world were blurry. She only went off the details Eizen talked with Phi, never going to check herself.
Eleanor did the same, pointing beyond the horizon. "It's still a beautiful view."
"Yeah, it really is."
Again, silence. Just the sounds of wild.
"Hey, Velvet. You mind if I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"All that time ago, when we were still enemies, why exactly did you let me live?"
She paused, thinking back. "Why? Because, of all the people I've talked with, you seemed to be one that honestly meant what you said. It wasn't just repeating what the Abbey taught, but your own thought as well."
Rose colors hued Eleanor's cheeks.
"That, and I thought that if I was going to take down the Abbey, having somebody constantly pursue me felt like fun."
Her mouth opened, grabbing on her sides.
"You thought it was funny, huh?" A small vein popped on Eleanor's forehead.
"You're especially cute when you're like – H-hey, watch your hands!" Velvet felt her love's fingers crawl up her stomach.
"Oh, did I find a weakness?"
"N-nothing at all, just let go..!"
Eleanor was definitely going to remember that.
Looking up, they stood just before the gates into Stonebury. A man watching the barricade looked over, titling his helmet. "Another Exorci… Oh, Miss Hume! It's good to see you again!"
"Lucius, nice to see you again."
"Brought a new friend have ya? Well, let me get the door for ye." The guard tugged on the ropes, sliding the door open.
"Thanks again!"
Velvet just nodded her head. Best to keep her mouth shut until they arrived.
Stonebury overall looked the same. The village hidden in the mountains escaped most of the troubles. The patches of berries still on the sides of the entrance, houses further back. Massive trees rooted in the mountains, providing the shade needed for its residents.
But there was one new addition to the village. A new house stilling towards the back. A man rested in the front, a long-brimmed hat covering his eyes as he rested. By his side, a dog and a garden hoe. As they approached, the dog looked up. His nose knew and immediately had its hairs stand up.
"W-woah, easy there Russ!" He looked up, seeing the two. Russ leaned forward, pulled back by the man again. It was Dyle, human once again. "Ha, easy there boy. Huh, welcome back Eleanor!"
"Nice to see you too Dyle." Eleanor chuckled. She eyed the dog, finally bolting to the door. Another dog leapt up and down, barking at the visitors.
"So who's your friend?"
"The girl that cut your tail off."
"V-Velvet?!" He stumped back, knocking over his chair and garden tool. "I thought you were dead!"
"Dear, what are you screaming about?" Another voice came to the door. It swung open, revealing Medissa with Kamoana just behind her. The other dog ran out behind them, growling with the first.
Eleanor cleared her throat. "Medissa, Kamoana, Dyle… Velvet's returned."
The former snake woman blinked for a moment, leaning forward. Huffing, though kindly, she said, "It appears your tougher to kill than I thought."
"V-velvet, is that you?" The little girl asked, creeping out behind Medissa.
Velvet pulled the mask from her face and nodded. "Yeah, it's me."
The dogs snarled, baring their teeth. "Orthie! Russ! Calm down!" Dyle yelled.
Velvet moved forward. The dogs held their ground. "I told you two you could tear me around once Artorius was done with. Once my revenge was done…"
Kamoana tried running out, but she was held back by Medissa. Dyle looked at Eleanor, who only nodded.
"Artorius is gone… Do as you two will."
The two dogs lunged forward. Their teeth sunk into her skin. But they did not go too far. They didn't whip their heads. They didn't dig further. The taste of her flesh just… didn't feel appealing. Whether it was the loss of their master, understanding what had happened, or remembering the time Niko and Velvet fed them, she couldn't tell.
Blood dribbled from her wounds. Velvet winced, standing where she was.
"I'm sorry…" She muttered, brushing their heads with her metal-arm. Tears dropped from the dog's eyes as she calmed them down. Orthie and Russ finally let go, licking her wounds.
"Of all the people, it's the dogs that forgive you." Medissa lightly chuckled, letting Kamoana go. "Life's strange."
The little girl hugged her, looking at her bite marks. "Velvet, you're hurt. We have some wrappings!"
Dyle headed back inside. "Don't worry, I've got it."
"Kamoana… You've grown a lot." Velvet smiled.
"I have!" She said proudly. "Mom and Dad and Eleanor are so kind!"
"I'm sure they are." She turned to Medissa who only cupped her face and sighed. Despite the rough relationship between them, there was a minor spark of respect.
"Always running head on into trouble." The former snake therion took a wet towel and held it up to her wounds. "I hope Kamoana doesn't learn from you."
"She should follow Eleanor's example."
-.-.-
With heartfelt hellos and goodbyes, Velvet and Eleanor continued their journey. For the redhead, this is normal. The job of a Praetor was investigation and searching. They didn't want to disturb them after being away for so long. Kamoana wanted them to stay a little while longer, but gave up.
She's grown a lot since her early days of whining. There wasn't much Velvet could do for them but she passed on her sister's quiche recipe. It was something she promised Niko she'd teach her. Medissa checked it over and smiled as they walked on. The road of atonement was a long one, and perhaps never-ending.
But that does not mean it was meant to be done alone.
"Honestly," Eleanor sighed, "You aren't going to do something as stupid like that again, are you?"
"No, that's the only major promise that could end like that." Velvet padded the wrapping around her wounds. "Unless you like stuff like that."
"Ha-ha, funny. We aren't trying to kill each other anymore. No secrets between us now."
"Looks like it. We'll stay at the inn, right?"
"We are."
Settling into the room, they came standard with two beds. But honestly, just one bed was enough. Laying in the sheets, changed into some simple pajamas, Eleanor held Velvet close.
"You're really heading back to Aball. Where it all began."
"It isn't for hunting anymore. It's an actual homecoming… Even if nobody's there anymore. Setting old ghosts."
"You're going for Laphicet's wish?"
"No, this is for myself." She looked her in the eyes. "Just, I think it's time for me to stop fighting. To finally say, 'I can set aside my blade, and live'."
Eleanor listened, curled up. So close they could kiss. "I think you already have."
Her eyes softened. They embraced, holding each other's body close. Lips locked, tasting their lips.
"E-eleanor… After this last trip…" She swallowed her words. "I don't have anything to give right now, but I… Will you be with me? All of you, for all of me?"
"Yes… Yes, I do."
Home.
It is where the heart's at.
-.-.-
Aball remained exactly as they left it three years ago. A ghost town with a destroyed house, blown to bits in Velvet's rage. An idyllic, empty, and beautiful tomb, only closed off by loose barricades. Flowers planted every so often for the dead. Not even the wanderers wanted to leave anything in such a place.
By the cliffside, next to the ancient ruins, the former sealing grounds of Innominat, Velvet with Eleanor at her side, holding two bouquets. The last survivor of Aball took one bouquet and approached the large monument. She set one down, crouching on both knees. Eleanor stood a few steps back, letting her do what she needed to do.
"The last time I was here, I came and brought destruction." She prayed. "Always so headstrong. It was what got me here, in front of all you. Even if you all are gone, your memories, good and ill, live on in me. Wherever I go, Aball will always live on in my heart."
She stood back up, holding the other set of flowers. Eleanor held her hand out, helping her along. They remained silent, walking through the abandoned village. When they arrived at her old home, a Normin was already by the graves, tending to some flowers that grew by.
"Who are you?" Eleanor asked first as Velvet took the flowers herself.
"Just another normin, one that's travelled with Artorius when he was just by himself."
"What?"
"My name is Orkney, former normin under King Claudin and later Lord Artorius." He bowed.
"What's a Normin like you doing all the way in an abandoned village like this?"
"It happened a few years ago." He turned back to the flowers, watering them.
"I followed a rumor about Artorius. I heard that he had finally learned to live again. Happy after all those years. He was also so… serious, so emotional. He just kept blaming and blaming himself for Claudin's death, even when he was running his oath to its limits. Always doubted, sometimes narrow-minded. Peace had lived for so long.
"I arrived here when Lord Melchior and Lord Artorius were came. I stayed hidden, watching what was going on. They were arguing. Artorius wanted to leave some flowers for this grave, but Melchior disagree, as he always did with his love for flowers. So they compromised, they planted Princessia flowers and left without a word."
Orkney turned around, looking at Velvet, seeing her turned away, gripping the bouquet tighter.
"Do you know what the Princessia means in the language of flowers?"
"An irreplaceable treasure, or wishing someone well for years to come."
"Indeed." He set the pail aside. "Celicia Crowe… it's strange why he gave an epitaph for her, yet the next grave has one. He possibly couldn't think of one, driven into such despair. Enough to try and seal the emotions of all living beings in the world again. Or, maybe, it was also for himself."
Velvet stepped forward, bringing Eleanor besides her. The two crouched down at the grave, and Velvet leaving her bouquet on the grave itself.
"Orkney, can I ask you something? Would it be possible to write the epitaph for her?"
"Of course, what shall I write?"
"'A life reborn has returned to earth. With all the kindness, consideration, memories, and love she bore, I promise to take all her love, hope, and grief forever in my heart.'"
Orkney bowed his head, raising a small twig as he flicked it. An arte scribed her words into the stone, cleanly and clearly. Hot flashes of red and yellow ended as the epithet was complete.
"There. I guess it's all said and done. I hoped somebody would save him from himself and my prays have been answered." He turned to Velvet. "Even if it ended with his death, the trials he had done, I thank you former Lord of Calamity."
The raven-haired woman broke a sliver of a smile. "You knew."
"There's nobody else that'd visit this gravesite but closest kin. I heard he grew up with a younger sister and brother-in-law. There'd be nobody else but you two. I will continue to make sure these graves go untouched, even if the story behind them is lost. Take care." He waddled away, taking the pail.
Velvet felt her body shiver. It was weird, finally coming down to this. The adventures they had, the lives they touched. All for it to come home again.
"Mom… Dad… Celicia… Arthur… I've decided to keep fighting. No longer for revenge. I hope to live on even in this cruel and heartless world. Not just by myself, but with another. I've brought Eleanor with me here. You all understand, don't you? We'll go about the world, helping who we can. Not under titles, but as another human being. I'll continue to fight, and should punishment rain down upon me, I will continue to fight."
Eleanor spoke up too,
"I'll be sure she takes care of herself. No more bundles of stupid, no more charging into the thick of things. As a human being, just another person on this earth. Exorcist, Malak, daemon, human. We're all a part of this world, even if we can't see some. From Eizen to Rokurou to Maotelus, if the Heavenly Steppes open again, it'll be a miracle made by our hands."
"Life is a battle, but nobody said that battle can't have somebody with you. Now and forever. Always." Velvet's eyes watered, turning to Eleanor who listened, having tears drop down her face.
She leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.
In the distance trees, watching from a perch, a top-hatted normin and a witch smiled, leaving the two alone. The witch leaned against the tree, titling her hat down and spoke.
"Love,
Such a strange and curious thing."
AN: Yes, that threesome will be a bonus chapter, compared to AO3, where it is its own additional fic
