Chapter 44:- The Enchanting meadow
Disclaimer:- all the characters form the game belong to moonton and this is not a commercial story but just the work of a diehard fan.
Claimer:- the other characters which are not in game of mentioned are mine
To say that Thamuz's death caused an uproar in the Abyssal faction would be an understatement. With one of their most powerful warrior defeated, the Forces of Abyss were now in a state of turmoil. Some were fearful of this new warrior who had bested the Lava Lord, while some were still demanding for the blood of the one now titled 'The Slayer of Lava Lord', but it was very clear that the new development had affected everyone and all were very passionate and expressive about it.
"This is outrageous! A xeno kills one of our most important figure and we all are doing is just arguing about it while the murderer goes unpunished!" a fire demon, who was now the representative of all the fire demons after Thamuz's untimely 'retirement', roared heatedly.
The meeting they were having was conducted right after The Queen of Apocalypse Alice had arrived; bring with her the devastating news of Thamuz's demise.
His supporters voiced their approval with a generous amount of zeal, all wanting to bring their so called 'justice' upon the wrong that had been done to their lord. However, not all were in favour of this as one of the Elder Blood Demon of the council was quick to place his own argument, "You have seen what has happened, Lord Thamuz was one of the most powerful of warriors of our fold, and yet he was defeated. If he didn't stand a chance, then how do you even hope to hold a candle against such a powerful foe?"
His words sounded like sprinkles of salt over the already throbbing wound, yet he met with no counter as because what he said was true.
"That might be true," Says another Abyssal Demon of the Council, his voice deep and low, "We are not strong enough to defeat this powerful foe, But I know who is."
The more the demons pondered upon his words, the more they understood. Uttering a gasp of awe, they exclaim, "Are you saying that we seek out 'HIS' help?"
A sinister grin spread across his face as he acknowledged them, "Yes indeed."
Alice felt a chill go down her back when she hears of this. The one they talk of was indeed a very powerful entity, a creature whose sole purpose is to reap and destroy; a power-hungry creature of darkness that stalks its prey in the black of night. The Fallen protector. The Night stalker.
Now she was fearful because this particular figure was perhaps the very best of the Abyss and she doubt even Saya's immortality could save her when the one they speak of was immortal himself.
The council members were quick to agree to this master plan and all the while throughout the conversation; Selena had been watching over Alice and was quick to notice the woman's distress over this subject. Smirking mischievously, she asks all of a sudden, "What's the matter, Dear Alice? Are you not happy with the idea?"
Her words labelling Alice immediately as the centre of attention as the entire council now looked towards her, awaiting her response. Knowing fully well what would happen if she was to give away her true feelings, Alice masked her distress with a veil of annoyance. With a scornful voice, she speaks loudly, "I cannot believe that we have sunken so low that we engage ourselves in such trivial matters instead of following our real goal."
Her words had the desired effect as the mass was not busy pondering on her new argument and forgot about her previous distress. However, the current leader of the Fire Demons didn't take this well and reacted heatedly, "Trivial matters? Our leader was murdered! The strongest of us all!"
'As hot headed as the previous leader.' Alice mentally groaned to herself. She will have to place a good argument before the council erupts into an all out brawl, so slyly Alice retorted, "Well, had he been the strongest, he would not have been defeated. Was it not what you fire demons live by? 'Only the strong deserves to live.'…. You are strong, that is the reason why you lead and personally, I always believed that you would be a better leader that Thamuz." A bit of smooth words and a pinch of compliment was enough to make the Fire Demon swell in pride and stay quite without any further argument. In fact, he was even willing to take her side now.
"The Queen of Apocalypse is right…" he says, "We have already wasted enough men and resources over this wild goose chase. It's time that we prioritize our real goal."
Alice giggled internally, finding it funny how easy it is to manipulate these Fire Demons.
With the most outspoken person in the favour of a revenge strike now neutralized, it didn't take long for the others to follow suit as well. They really had more pressing matters to accomplish, a bigger plan that they had in store for the Land of Dawn and they couldn't afford to be distracted by these small matters.
After yet another long discussion, the council came to an agreement, "The threat of Xeno is perceived to be big but not big enough to halt our main operation. Our primary target right now is the Elven Kingdom of Moniya…."
The Meeting was dismissed and the Elders and leaders of the demon tribes left the Council Chamber. Alice was the last to leave but was very surprised to see that Selena had been standing just outside beside the wall and from the looks of it; she had been waiting for Alice, something the blood demon Queen didn't wanted to deal with right now.
Especially with the looks the Abyssal Witch had been giving her. It meant she was up to something that was no good.
Minding her own business, Alice went back towards her own chambers, or she would have had Selena not blocked her path. Annoyed by this intrusion, Alice grumbles, "What do you want?" her voice clearly showing the extent of her displeasure but this only made Selena even more giddy.
"Oh, But Alice, You are not acting yourself lately. I am worried about you!" she says in fake concern, making Alice even more annoyed then before. Pushing past her Alice stomped away but halted when Selena let out a loud giggle, "You know, I really want to meet this Xeno of yours if she has such effects on you." Her sickly sweet voice not hiding the venomous malice underneath it and it was really making Alice angry, "I would like to hear how she squeals when I turn her to shreds…"
Alice had no idea what came over her but Selena's words ignited such strong emotions in her that she couldn't stop herself. Even the Abyssal Witch herself was surprised when Alice suddenly turned towards her with furiosity never seen in Alice ever before. Gone was Alice's fear towards her as the Blood Demon Queen's was body was practically shaking with the uncontrollable rage that she was feeling right now. Alice knew not where this new found power and courage came from, nor did she care at the moment. She looked at Selena dead in the eyes and hissed lowly, "Touch a hair on her and even the Abyssal Lord won't be able to save you."
Selena stood aghast at this. She could see it in Alice's eyes that she was not bluffing, the Queen of Apocalypse was really angry, more than ever and she couldn't help but back down, even if in her mind, she knew that she, the favoured of the Abyss, was supposed to be stronger than Alice.
"We have more trivial works to do. Let's not let our personal feud get between the will of the Abyss." With that, Alice felt Selena to her own and she couldn't help but wonder, 'Just what happened between the two of them?'
"Do you have to go so soon?" whined Guinevere. As for why she was in a bad mood, the answer was simple. After helping the Younger baroque to be engaged with the girl of her dreams, the very next day, Saya and Hanabi were getting ready to leave the city. As we speak, the Sai'ore and the ninja girl had already packed their stuffs and were ready to depart. That was until they were intercepted by the Gwen, her brother and Odette along with her guards who were escorting her.
"Well, our work here is done and we really need to get going. Saya said that she has more training to help me get better." Answered Hanabi to her friend with a sheepish smile. Guinevere didn't seemed impressed by this and tried to argue further and it took quite a lot of consolidation to calm her down because she really didn't wanted her friend to leave just yet.
Finally when she was provided with enough reasons to keep her from arguing further, Guinevere agreed, "Fine, go! See if I care!" abet very grumpily.
Hanabi chuckled and gave Guinevere one last goodbye hug and it didn't take long for the young maiden in violet to give in and hug her back. "I will miss you." Guinevere whispered softly, trying her best not to breakdown. Hanabi smiled at this and replied with a wide grin, "Don't worry, I'll be back for a visit. Plus we still have a score to settle. And this time, I am winning!"
Not the one to back down so easily, Guinevere gave a grin of her own, "Oh, I would like to see you try!"
The two bickered back and forth for a while, throwing light hearted insults towards each other, a strange friendship indeed.
While they were at it, Lancelot and Odette were engaged in a more mature conversation with Saya, where the two royalties were expressing their gratitude to the Saviour of Mossenia.
"We thank you for the deeds that you have done for our kingdom, Lady Saya." the Two says sincerely, making Saya smile and speak modestly, "Please, no need to thank me. If fact I should be thankful to you, the supplies that you provided for us will be of upmost value in our journey." She wasn't lying as now the travelling duo were packed with necessarily supplies from potions, food, clothes and equipments that they needed, courtesy of Odette who had been very generous to provide her with them.
"Still, we are thankful. You have no idea how much weight your name has, . The only reason all the guests even arrived was because you were here. You are practically a legend in the Empire!" Odette exclaims enthusiastically, making Saya even more bashful, "You honour me, Princess."
Hanabi and Guinevere, their 'argument' now resolved, came over as well. With the every bright smile on her face, Hanabi chirped, "Let's go!" to which Saya agreed.
As they were going by, Guinevere suddenly confronted Saya, much to her shock as the young Baroque rarely interacted with her. "Yes?" Saya asked patiently as the young human fidgeted for a while before speaking aloud, "Take good care of her for me." Gwen says mentioning Hanabi.
Saya smiled gently at this and gave a nod, "I will."
Suddenly however, Guinevere smirked mischievously, "You know, you shouldn't hide your true feelings for her." Her words making Saya blush brightly, knowing very well what the human was implying. Still, Saya played dumb and tried to evade the situation, "I-I don't know what y-you're talking about."
Seeing a figure such as her stammer like a girl in love was hilarious and Guinevere giggled uncontrollably, "Oh my God, this is too good!"
After calming down however, Guinevere says with a warm smile, "We all deserve to be happy. Tell her when there is still time and I hope that you two will find happiness too!" with that she went back into the city, leaving Saya to ponder on Gwen's words.
"Time?" the tall Sai'ore says to herself. Wondering why was it that she was getting a certain strain in her chest upon hearing this word.
"Saya-chan! Let's go!" Hanabi calls from a distance, waving at her with a wide smile. Saya shook her head and waved back, slowly making her way towards her human.
Yet again Saya finds herself surrounded by darkness, making her ponder on what sort of visions will be shown to her this time. As expected, a voice calls in the black void, "Saya-chan!"
The Sai'ore turned towards the voice, ready for a fight if the situation calls for it. But Saya let her guard down when she realized that it was none other than Hanabi.
There she stood, with an ever present smile on her face. However, Saya noticed that something was different. This Hanabi was different.
She looked older and in her peak physic. She was beautiful, no longer just a young teenage who was just entering her twenties but had now turned into a strong and beautiful woman. Truly a bloomed flower.
"Saya-chan!" she calls, her age never affecting her demeanour as she still seemed to be that happy and cheerful girl that Saya knew her to be. Saya couldn't help but smile and open her arms for her, "I am here, Meha Neha."
On seeing this, Hanabi smiled blindingly and ran towards Saya, her face glowing with joy as she made her way closer towards her so that Saya can wrap her precious human in a loving embrace.
Patiently Saya waited, watching Hanabi take steps towards her, yet for some reasons the distance between them didn't seem to minimize. Then yet another miracle happened. With each step Hanabi took, she seemed to get older. This may not seen so trivial to most, but for Saya, it was a very terrifying sight.
Each step Hanabi took was like her skipping her entire year. And with every year that passed, her body changed. Her raven hair gradually turned grey, her smooth skin, slowly wrinkled and her posture slowly slouched downward. Before Saya's very eyes Hanabi was now old and withered, while she herself, was as she had always been.
Now old and wrinkled, Hanabi looked very different and miserable, yet still he held the bright smile. "Saya-chan." She says in a low raspy voice. Weakly she was about to take another step, but Saya stopped her. Hugging her frail body with her still strong arms, Saya pleads, "No, please. Don't…" her eyes filled with tears, begging Hanabi to not take another step.
However, this was not to be. Hanabi let out a sad smile, "I am sorry, Saya-chan. My time is over…" these were her last words before the light in her eyes faded. The pain she felt was unbearable, Saya held on to Hanabi and wept on till she was but dust, yet Saya kept living on, as she had always did.
-X-
Saya woke up from her yet another terrifying vision. And if she dare say, the most terrifying dream yet. She looks around, seeing that she had been sleeping along with Hanabi and Nhari in their camp after travelling all day.
The Tall Sai'ore looked over her human, still sleeping peacefully, oblivious of the distress Saya was going through right now.
With the dream poisoning her mind, sleep didn't come to Saya anymore.
The dream she had yesterday was just like one of the many torturous visions she would occasionally get. By now Saya was used to it and had been able to forget it by the morning, yet this one was a bit different. Different so because it made Saya realize something, it made her relearn what she had almost forgotten.
"I think we are getting close, its warmer here!" calls Hanabi for ahead if her, energetic as ever, she was the one who had been running off ahead and even Saya had trouble keeping up with her at times. The ever present smile on her face made Saya give her own smile as well.
Oh, how she adored her little human. How happy and proud she felt to see that her human was getting better, stronger and ever beaming with joy, and all Saya hoped was that she at least had a small part in it. She looks over to Hanabi, pondering over how far she had come, changing from a shy girl to a cheerful and bold girl. Saya could see it; her human had progressed, her human was growing. She couldn't be prouder, yet it was a bitter-sweet victory, for Saya now remembers something.
"What's wrong Saya-chan, you seem worried?"
It took a moment for Saya to realize that Hanabi had noticed her distress and was already before her with a worried question. Knowing that she probably shouldn't bother Hanabi with her problems, Saya fakes with haste, "Nothing. I was just wondering what should we have for dinner."
Believe it or not, the day since Hanabi had been training under Saya's thoroughly physical trainings, she had developed a very healthy appetite worthy of all the hard work she would do and one thing Hanabi absolutely loved was Saya's cooking.
"How about vegetable stew? Haven't had that in ages!" she exclaims in excitement, causing Saya to let out a giggle at her student's energy. She had grown indeed. Although nearly 6 months had passed since they first met on that fateful day in Goblin forest, Saya remembers it like if it was but yesterday. Time flows fast, especially for her and that was the matter which worried her the most.
The Tall woman looks upon Hanabi once more; she had changed a lot, not just mentally, but physically as well. While she herself, was just the same. Unchanging and unwavering.
This was the reason why the dream had affected her so much, the reason was because it made Saya realize the truth once more. Hanabi was a mortal, she was an immortal.
She was eternal, her human was not. She would walk the face of existence for eternity, her most precious will not. Hanabi will one day return to the dust from whence she came, while Saya will not. She will have to see her grow old and eventually die, just like her own mortal children, her children's children, and their children as well. She will be left all alone in this foreign world with none to call her own, just like how it had happened so many countless times before.
"Oh my God!" Saya heard Hanabi yell all of a sudden, causing alarms to ring within Saya. Immediately she bolted towards the ninja girl with Nhari right behind her. "What's wrong, Neha? Are you hurt?" she asked in worry, but Hanabi looked towards her with sparkling eyes and exclaimed, "Look!" she points forward, what Saya saw in that direction made her gasp in awe.
Before them, just before the boarder of the Magical forest of the Elves, there laid a massive meadow. With a small stream passing through it, the entire landscape was covered with soft grass and a blanket of rainbow flowers. It was a heavenly sight, one that Saya had not seen in a very-very long time.
"Akambane…." She mutters breathlessly as the sight before her totally awed her. Hanabi squeaked and ran forward towards the grassland, laughing like a wee little girl all the way. "Wooohooo!"
Seeing this, Saya shook her head with a chuckle. To her surprise, Nhari nudged her with her nose and looked at the Sai'ore expectantly. "You wanna run too?"
The old mare nodded eagerly and Saya was more than happy to oblige. She removed the load and saddle from Nahri's back and undid her reins as well. Now free from her confines, Nhari let out a loud neigh by standing on her hind limbs and galloped across the flower field.
Saya laughed and followed those two children before they went too far away, dragging their loads behind her all the way. Reaching a huge tree at the middle of the meadow and she settled there. Arranging the items as it is supposed to be, Saya then sat down and looked towards Hanabi and Nhari, as the two played and raced across the field happily without a care of the world. Saya let them have their fun as she understood how much they had been through in all of their adventures and needed some breaks like these now and then.
As for Saya? she was happy just sitting down on the soft grass and look at those beautiful flowers. Red, yellow, blue, pink, as if the entire rainbow had poured all of its colour down on to this very place and gave birth to all these pretty flowers. Saya remembers how long ago before the days of eternal winter, her world had such meadows as well. It was so long ago that Saya barely remembers it and she could bet that it wasn't as beautiful as this.
Taking in a deep breath of fresh air, Saya plucked a few flowers. They were small and soft, but their stalk was flexible, much like the ones that once dotted her world. Involuntarily, she interlocked their stalks and started knitting them together as a garland. Saya remembers doing this countless times in her past. She remembers making these for her children and grandchildren in the Age immemorial. It brought up so many memories, both sweet and bitter.
"I didn't know that you made so beautiful flower garlands!" Saya was brought out of her thoughts by Hanabi, who was looked at the garland she was making with stars in her eyes. The older woman smiled and draped the garland over Hanabi's shoulder, "Live as long as me and you can't help but pick up a thing or two." Hanabi looked at her garland and squeaked excitedly, "This is so beautiful! Wait, I will make a flower crown to go with it!" With that, Hanabi starts to pluck a few flowers herself.
Saya merely chuckled at this and started knitting another garland, all the while watching over Hanabi as she made her own flower crow with upmost care and attention. She looked adorable.
It reminded Saya of the time she had spent with her children. Those fond and happy memories, it filled Saya with warmth and happiness, yet it made her feel bitter and sad as well. And now that she thinks about it, one day, Hanabi would be a memory as well.
This was her curse, the curse of Immortality. The curse that she was destined to bear eternally, to watch her loved ones fade away in the currents of time as she lived on long after they are dust.
All these thoughts made Saya question herself,
What was she doing?
She was getting too attached.
This would not end well.
It always ends with unbearable pain.
Maybe this was all a mistake, she shouldn't have come with her.
Perhaps she should leave before it's too late….
"Saya-chan, Look!" Hanabi called, her voice filled with childish glee as she beckoned Saya to come towards her. Her previous thoughts were pushed aside for now, and Saya walked towards her, curious as to what had really jogged Hanabi's attention so much that she immediately called for her.
"What is it, Hana?" she asked. Hanabi answered her by pointing forward, especially towards a small burrow, hidden by a bush.
There by the hole in the ground, sat four creatures. Tiny in size, covered in fluffy white fur, its bright red eyes darting everywhere while its long ears twitched with every sound it heard. Saya had heard of these animals before in her stay in this new world. Rabbits they were called, if her memory serves her right.
If she was honest, Saya would agree that the tiny creature was quite adorable, but she was really surprised how the presence of that creature deeply affected her human. Hanabi was practically fawning over the little creatures.
"They are so cute!" she mutters breathlessly as she looked at those rabbits with longing eyes.
Putting two and two together, Saya had a vague idea what her human wanted so she asked, "So…..what do these rabbits like to eat?"
Confused by the sudden question Hanabi answered with visible confusion, "Carrots, I guess."
Saya nodded and went back towards their supplies. Soon she returned with a small sack full of carrots, much to Hanabi's confusion.
"Stay quiet." Saya whispered and slowly crept towards the rabbits. As expected the rabbits were fast to bolt towards their hole, but when Saya slowly offered a carrot, the rabbits did halted a bit and sniffed it from afar.
Hanabi watched with hitched breath as the rabbits sniffed at the direction of the carrot, while Saya remained dead still. And much to Hanabi's delight, one of them slowly crept towards the carrot.
The brave little creature slowly came towards Saya and it was rewarded for its efforts with the carrot that Saya had been holding. With a victorious smile, Saya gently petted the rabbit, who surprisingly didn't mind the foreign contact as it nibbled on to the carrot without a care.
The Ninja girl slowly crept closer towards Saya and their new friend and cooed, "Look how cute he is!" Saya chuckled and gave another carrot to Hanabi, "Here, why don't you try?"
Eagerly, she took the root vegetable and did as Saya had done. The Rabbits, now much more confident that the two were not a threat, were quick to come out and now Hanabi found herself surrounded by bunnies. She let out a delightful squeak petted them happily. "I can't resist cute stuffs at all!"
Seeing her human enjoying herself in such an adorable situation, the ancient Sai'ore couldn't help but let out a fond smile. Seeing Hanabi with a bright and innocent smile with a beautiful flower crown and garland, surrounded by several adorable rabbits, this was a sight that Saya would come to cherish the most. It would be a reminder for her why was it that she loved Hanabi so much. That why she was the most important person in her life.
"Oh, I nearly forgot," Hanabi says coming over to Saya, much to her surprise. "I had made one for you too." With that, Hanabi put another flower crown upon the older woman's head. "Now you look even more beautiful!" she says with a wide grin, making Saya's cheeks gain a rosy tint instantly.
Hanabi smiled once more. The sweet smile that she loved so much; it was enough to convince Saya.
Due to her lack of response, Hanabi asked with a frown, "Are you alright, Saya-chan?"
Without a warning, Saya wrapped Hanabi in an embrace, shocking Hanabi but soon she returned the hug happily. All Saya wanted to do now was to protect and cherish this girl. She was far too important for her and she wanted to tell her just how much she cared for her. She meant worlds to her, thus no matter what happens. Even if time would one day turn her precious human to dust, she would be there for her and would cherish their memories till the end of times.
Drawing a deep breath Saya replies sincerely and passionately, "Never better, meha Jai."…
('Meha Jai' is the Sai'oren terminology that is used to address a person who is held at the pinnacle of affection by the speaker. It translates to 'My Life', so basically Saya is referring Hanabi to be her entire life and being)