You guys know the drill. There's going to be scenes that are a little rough to read. Marked with -. Summary at the end.
"Blossom, Bossom, Blossom… Were you trying to help those boys?" Deviago's hand rests on the swords. My eyes flick down to make sure that illusion is still holding. Thankfully, it is. Still, I'm not in the best of spots. I need to get these swords down to Yone and Yasuo and not anger the monster in front of me. Well, not anymore than he already is.
"I… I…" I stammer, getting caught alarming me enough to not be able to come up with an excuse. Deviago tisks. Trixie grabs my wrists and forces them behind me. I grunt a little bit in pain, though my concern is more on making sure that if they did brush against the swords, they won't feel it. Deviago stalks up to me, wearing nothing. I stubbornly look into his eyes, refusing to bow my head anymore. I'm done being his servant.
"What a naughty girl. And here I thought that you were smarter. Though, perhaps this is for the better… You were trying to get them to bond with you, and this was your last attempt?" Deviago offers me a way out. I let my head fall, pretending to be caught out. Trixie scoffs behind me. Two servants come out of the walls and dress Deviago in smart looking clothes. I'm forced down to my knees. At least the ground is carpeted, so the sheaths don't make noise when they touch the ground. Trixie yanks my arms up, threatening to pop them out of their sockets.
Deviago, once dressed, walks up. Trixie yanks my hair down, forcing me to look up. His hand gently cups my cheek. I lean away. Today really is the last day I'm going to be here, one way or another. I'm not going to tolerate his behavior anymore… even if I'm going to get hurt for my disrespect. Sure enough, he slaps me across the face. The force of it moves me to the left, though Trixie keeps me in place. Before I can straighten up, the sheer material on my clothes is ripped off. Now, I'm just wearing a bra and a see through skirt. The indignity of it makes me keep my head down.
"Twelve, inform Goliath that there is a change of plans. The girl will be with me." Deviago barks. I don't see anyone move, but the servants that are in the room quickly attach the illusion swords to their waist. Looks like they believe it's still there. I might be able to get away with this… I just have to figure out how to get to the brothers...
"What you are doing to the healers, it's wrong." My mouth lets words tumble out without my permission. I don't even bother with being surprised, I've stayed quiet too long. I look up at him with a glare. His face cools into indifferent, even if I know he's brimming with fury. "They aren't your tools to obey your every command. They are people. They have families, friends, people they care about. They shouldn't be here. Your reign ends today. I will find a way to free everyone you hold hostage and-"
"Are you done yet?" He asks coldly. A shiver slides up my spine at the sound of it, but I steel myself.
"No. You are going to pay for all this. For setting vulkodalks on the people, for pressuring the healers, and for holding people right under the arena." I snap. The servants behind him both jolt. It seems like they didn't know where their loved ones were being held.
"Pity. Did those men brainwash you like that? Very well… Perhaps it's time to see how they will treat their little pawn. No one takes my property away from me." Deviago nods to someone. That's when I feel ropes around my wrists. When I'm released from hands, I try to yank them out. It's no good. I'm tied up and partially naked in front of someone other than my family. My face burns red at that. I have to fight myself to make sure that my glow doesn't appear. I've come this far, I can't flub up now. Thankfully, I seem to be able to hold it well. "Bring the girl to my viewing platform. Take the rest of my group there as well."
Whoever is holding my bonds yanks me up, popping a shoulder out. I let out a scream as I'm expected to, though I grit my teeth, just stopping my magic from healing it immediately. I want to, I don't want to hurt, but I have to. Deviago takes charge, leaving the room first. I'm shoved into following him. My face doesn't lose it's fury for one second. Trixie trots next to me.
"What were you thinking?" She asks quietly so no one can hear us.
"I'm ending this, one way or another." I reply cryptically. Trixie shakes her head.
"You've had a good life here. He spoiled you, you know, by letting you cover up. You've made him mad. You deserve this." Trixie mutters in my ear.
1-
"No. I did not have a good life here if I can't be who I am. My life should not depend on a man's feelings. Do you even remember who you were before Deviago controlled you?" I ask. Trixie's eyes fog up. I sigh. I don't know if I can save her. All I can do is try to save the people I care about most.
"Deviago doesn't control me. I owe my life to him." Trixie attempts to argue.
I can only stare at her in pity. She's been in his clutches much longer than I have. With how daring he had been… He must have done something to her that broke her. Nothing I say will change anything. I have to figure out how to help her… as soon as Deviago and his goons are taken care of.
"He cares for me. I'm one of his favorites. He treats me well. He could have treated you just as well." Trixie is turning into a child, craving his attention and acceptance. I shake my head and look away. This woman helped me navigate the intricacies of Deviago's temper. She took me under her wing. Now… now she's not herself anymore.
"Listen to her, Blossom. You really should." Deviago smirks. I glare at him, earning a small smack across my face for it. Still, it feels great to do what I really want to do. Besides, healing magic will take care of everything afterwards.
1-
I'm yanked into the same room Yone and Yasuo were kidnapped in. Trixie looks at me sadly while I'm forced to the edge of the fence. I grunt when they force me to bend over the little stone fence. Deviago yanks back on my hair, so I can see what's happening down in the arena. There's nothing right now. There's no crowd, no creatures, no one. Still, I have a feeling something is going to happen. Especially when he presses something sharp against my neck.
"WOULD YOU MIND LETTING THEM OUT?" Deviago's voice echoes through the empty colosseum. Not even a second later, a stone door slides to the ground and the brothers are shoved in. Neither of them have a weapon in their hand. They carefully look around the arena for any sort of sign of trouble. "PAY ATTENTION TO THE BALCONY TO YOUR RIGHT, PLEASE."
"What have you done to her?" Yone snarls. I'm actually surprised that he can sound so angry. Then again… I'm definitely wearing less than what he remembers. Especially when I'm being forced into such an uncomfortable position.
"SHE WAS CAUGHT IN MY ROOM ATTEMPTING TO STEAL FROM ME. TRIXIE, MY DEAR, WOULD YOU BE SO KIND AS TO SHOW OUR GUESTS WHAT SHE WAS ATTEMPTING TO STEAL?" Deviago echoes around the place. I squirm a little bit in discomfort. I can see Yone's entire body tense up. Yasuo crouches a little bit, looking like an angry cat.
"What do you want?" The elder snaps. He's always been so controlled, but I know him well. I can hear the fear he has for me at that moment.
The blade at my throat cuts into me a little bit. I don't make a sound, though the blood drops splattering against the ground does. I notice Deviago's little voice ball near my mouth, as if trying to pull a noise out of me. I refuse to give into his twisted desires. Deviago's determined. When a little slice in my throat doesn't get the response he wants, he takes it away. That's all the warning I have before he stabs it right into my thigh. I'm not prepared for it, so a small gasp of pain escapes me. Yone hands curl into fists.
"I will kill you." Yasuo stares wide eyed at his brother in shock. I think everyone else is also in shock over the normally calm man threatening someone's life. Deviago's grip slips a little bit. This is my chance.
When his hand slackens, I shoot my head backwards. My nose breaks into a steady leak as the back of my head slams into Deviago's. The pain makes my head spin a little bit, but his grip slackens. I take my chance and yank myself from him. My shoulder causes my vision to almost blacken, but I manage to hang on. There's total chaos as all the healers in the room attend to Deviago, blocking many of his guards from getting to me. I roll over the edge, my magic catching me as I fall. With my hands tied behind my back, I trip a little bit on the landing. The stones are a little harsh on my shoulder. The pain is enough for me to drop the illusions I have. My black, starry hair flies into my face.
"Leilah!" Deviago calls out, recognizing me. I struggle to my feet with the swords dangling at my side. I shake my head to clear away any fogginess and pain. My magic heals the ones that were inflicted on me, the back of my head, my shoulder, and my thigh, but my nose continues to bleed for a little bit. Still, I manage to get to my feet and keep running. "Get her!"
"Duck!" Yone yells when I get close to the edge of the arena. I dive into a roll on my shadows just in time to dodge a grab to my arm. I yelp as I tumble off the edge. Thankfully my magic catches me when I get close to the floor, but I'm going a little too fast to land on my feet. I just manage to land on my side, though I think I bruise myself. I glance back at my pursuers. Both of them have stopped at the edge. Neither of them are distinctly eager to follow me.
"GET HER! I WANT THAT HEALER NOW!" Deviago's voice echoes through the arena. I'm actually quite sure that all of Navori heard the cry. Still, the gladiators lose their reluctance and hop over the edge. I kick my legs out, desperate to get back. It is quite a bit of a fall as both gladiators stumble when they land. They get themselves under control just in time for someone's calloused hands to grab me by my arm and haul me to my feet, pulling me behind them.
"I thought you were going to get our weapons back before he woke up." Yasuo casually mentions in front of me. Yone pulls his two swords out from their sheathes before replacing his brother as my protector. One sword points directly at them. The other is down by his side. Neither of them look particularly eager to engage him. Especially when they don't carry weapons themselves.
"Well, things didn't exactly go to plan." I can't help but snark. Wow. Did not expect two weeks of forced silence to loosen my tongue that much.
"We can see that. Need a little help?" Yasuo jokes a little bit.
"Please." I am not as much in a joking mood as he is. I'm starting to lose feeling in my hands. Yasuo yanks out his wind sword and easily cuts through my bonds. It falls off easily. I wiggle my fingers a little bit, getting feeling back. My magic pulses under my skin, ready for whatever action may happen.
"Can you get my sheathe off your waist? Some of my techniques need it." Yasuo changes his tone of voice to something a little more urgent. I grab at my waist, though my hands are struggling to undo the knot. Thankfully, Yasuo's calmer hands take over, undoing my knot and sliding it around his own waist.
"Do you want yours?" I ask Yone.
"You hold onto it until I come back for it, alright?" Yone teases me, trying to make me feel a little bit better. I smile while glancing down at his waist. My scarf is still tied there, shining merrily. No more hiding.
"YOU IDIOTS! YOU HAD ONE JOB! ONE! GET ME MY HEALER!" Deviago howls.
"But… Boss-"
"I DON'T CARE! RELEASE THE BEASTS! RELEASE THEM ALL!" Deviago's order is clear. I also pale a little bit. That means I'm either his or no one's. And the amount of vulkodalks that Deviago has allowed to be killed… it's not looking like I'm going to survive long enough to be anyone's. The chains slide over the top. The gladiators in the arena with us pale.
"Hey! We're still in here!" One of them yells. The other bangs on the wall to no avail. A door releases on the other side. For a moment, nothing happens. Then a taloned foot reaches through.
"How many of those things are there?" I ask, a little uneasy. They keep climbing out until none are left. Every single one of them has so many eyes I'm getting a little dizzy trying to count.
"Thirty seven." Yone answers once all the creatures stop pouring out. Both Yasuo and I look at each other then him.
"How do you know that?" I can't help but ask.
"It's Yone. He knows everything." Yasuo rolls his eyes.
"I counted while they were coming up." It's Yone's turn to sound exasperated. "Leilah, are you going to be ok?"
"Well, it's nice to hear my real name again. I'll be alright. My magic's already healed the worst. The bloody nose should be going away soon." I answer him. His posture relaxes a little bit before he turns to Yasuo.
"Can you take care of most of them? They should be coming for Leilah. She's the one with the magic."
"Can I make a tornado?" Yasuo asks innocently. From the way Yone looks to the sky, I'm guessing that it's not a very pleasant experience.
"Whatever you want. I'll hold off any that get too close. Leilah, can you keep the gladiators safe and the vulkodalks off us?" Yone barks out. I look over his shoulder and throw a hand out. Three small vulkodalks claw at my sudden shield between them and Yone. They pierce the magic, but I'm more than capable of repairing the rips, at least for the size they are.
"Does that answer your question?" I ask. Yone shakes his head before he gets ready for a fight.
"Go!" Yone barks. Yasuo sheaths his sword for a moment before whipping it out, the winds curling around him.
"ASERYO!" A tornado, a small one, whips through the vulkodalks, taking the small ones away. The bigger ones dig in their claws and hold onto the ground until the winds have died down. Thankfully, most are smaller. Seven larger ones are left standing. The little ones are flopped on the ground, completely dizzy. The smallest ones that are still standing snarl and go to hunt us. Yone lowers himself, preparing to fight.
The larger ones… cause us all to freeze. They pounce on the young ones, scooping them up into their maws. Little ones that don't even have a chance to squeal as they are swallowed. I gulp as they return their attention to us. More specifically, to me. I am the mage in this group after all. Not to mention I'm practically shining with finally letting my magic loose. I must be a feast for them.
"HOW DARE YOU INTERRU-" Deviago's fury forces me to cover my ears. He's mad, alright. Starshadow would probably describe him as pissed. That invigorates the creatures into attacking. I barely manage to keep them off us, though Yone's swords flash through the air as he keeps them out. I try my best to hold in my screams as my fingers seem to slice off. All the effort is causing my face to erupt in sweat.
"Wonder what's made him mad." Yone attempts to joke. He slices off a vulkodalk's claws that get too close to me for comfort. Another phantom pain rushes through my mind. Once more I have to use all my strength to not scream.
"Honestly, anything is possible." I struggle to remark just as casually.
"Are you alright, Leilah?" Yone picks up on my pain.
"Just focus on making sure we stay alive." It's all I can say with the agony on my knuckles. I notice that the men that are trapped here with us are being backed into a corner by three. I throw another shield in front of them in time to block their attempts. Just doing that is enough to bring the attention back to me. Now we have all seven vulkodalks in front of us. Four of them are missing their front claws. The biggest one, it looks me right in the eye. It raises a paw and slices down.
2-
My magic, even when I put all my concentration into stopping it, dissipates before the strike. Yone yanks me out enough to avoid my death, though my side is cut through. I fall to my knees as Yone pushes me behind. I can barely breathe through the pain. My blood leaks around the stumps of my fingers when I press against it, willing my magic to help. I feel disoriented. The vulkodalk magic must do that to all magics so it makes it hard to stop them. Still, it is momentary. My magic is able to slowly knit up my injury. My fingers start to regrow. I'm getting very tired at this point, but we have to keep fighting.
"You ok?" Yone demands as he fends off the vulkodalks for a moment. I throw a hand out, providing a bit of cover again.
"For now." I grunt. It's not deep, but it still hurts.
"What happened to your fingers?" I guess he finally noticed why I was in so much pain.
2-
"Later! After all this is done!" The large one snarls and chomps on the shield. Two others flank it, gnawing at other parts in the shield. Our biggest issue as it can go through my magic easily. Yone focuses on it, poking and slashing as quickly as he can. I focus on keeping the other two off us, so my injuries remain open as all my magic is doing it's best to keep the vulkodalks off us. At least it's already healed a little bit, so I'm not gushing.
I'm so focused on making sure that the vulkodalks don't get in that when I'm shoved to the side by Yasuo, I yelp. The two goons that are with Deviago must have thought that they would be rescued if I'm held captive as they are grasping at thin air, right where I was.
"What the hell do you think you are doing?" Yasuo screams at them before he goes spinning back into combat. The two that Yone aren't fighting are quickly dispatched in a series of windy slashes. Only the one Yone is fighting is left. Yasuo made quick work of the rest while I wasn't paying attention.
"We need her! He'll pay us extra!" One snaps. I throw out a hand and hold both of them still as the last vulkodalk squeals and keels over. My digits have regrown past the first knuckles now. Even just looking at them I can see them slowly remake the second bend.
"He's going, you idiots! He's going to be put in prison for what he's done. I suggest you stop whatever you think you are doing before we stop you." Yasuo defends me. He sheaths his sword again in preparation of creating some wind. A gentle arm wraps around my shoulders. I let myself finally feel the exhaustion that's been nagging me for a while. Yone supports my weight easily.
"She's the most powerful healer that we have ever seen! Deviago will certainly want that!" The goons keep talking. I let my eyes close, feeling very safe and happy that I'm with Yone. It's the first time in two weeks I've felt like that… like I'm free. And I am.
"About that." Settrigh's voice interrupts our discussion. I blink open tired eyes to see the half-vastaya walking into the arena. The two goons tense a little bit. "Deviago's finally decided to pay me."
"Really? The Half-Beast Boy? He swore he would never pay you if you didn't fall into line." One of them unwisely speaks up.
"He gave me the colosseum. As interest." Sett laughs a little bit as he cracks his knuckles. Yone tenses, holding me close. Yasuo walks in front of us as well, his hand at his waist with hilt in hand. "No worries, boys, I ain't looking to take Sparkles away...This time."
"There's no way a half-beast bastard like you would ever be our boss!" One of the men snap.
"Well, if you think I can't be the boss, come and take it from me." Sett shrugs his shoulders before beckoning the men with his fingers. Both of them take the bait, charging right at him. Sett, for his part… just waits. He lets the two run at him.
One of them is faster than the other. Sett neatly side steps the faster one, but grabs his collar. He grabs the other charging fighter by the face and slams them together. The wind from his attack stirs up the wind, blowing sand into my cuts. It stings enough that I wince. Yone notices my injury is still there. His hand presses against my side after he slides his swords into the sheathes still around my waist.
"I would have thought that you would have healed that by now." Yone's tone is a little bit panicked.
"We had vulkodalks that could shred through my magic. I was more focused on keeping them out." I reply, a little sweat on my forehead. Finally, my magic begins to really mend my skin. Not even a minute later, the injury is just thick scars. Under Yasuo's and Yone's eyes, the scars fade to little white lines before vanishing. My fingers also finish regrowing, my nails almost materializing out of thin air. That's when I remember that I'm not wearing much and squirm a little under their gazes.
Yone understands instantly why I'm uncomfortable. He unties my scarf from his waist, wrapping it around his neck. He shrugs off his tunic and drapes it over my shoulders. I blush that he's done this for me. It's really a sweet gesture, even if it is covered in filth and desperately needs to be cleaned like the two of them. Yone keeps his arms around me tightly. I blush when my head rests against his bare chest, but I enjoy the moment. Then another blast of wind gets our attention again.
Sett is laughing in the center of the fight, the two gladiators attempting to circle him. It doesn't work so well from the looks of it as Sett looks unhurt, his opponents are battered. One has a black eye. The other is nursing a swollen wrist. Still, they don't like they are stopping. The black eyed individual charges again. Sett's ears twitch towards the sound. His hands glow a little bit as he swings his fists. The man's head is thrown left and right. A solid punch into his gut throws him into the wall. He slumps to the ground, both eyes now swollen and his mouth letting blood out. The other one still looks defiant, letting out a war cry to fight. Sett scoffs, finally going into his own run at the man. The man throws a punch at Sett's head. Sett ducks underneath, wrapping his arms around the man's waist.
"THIS IS GONNA HURT!" Sett yells as he jumps high into the air. The hapless man has only the time in the air before he's slammed into his buddy. I wince and bury my face into Yone chest, not wanting to see the results of whatever just happened. The sound of sand shifting tempts me to look again. Sett's wiping dust off his white pants. He's blocking my view of the downed men at least.
"What did you do to Deviago?" Yasuo asks. Both brothers are still tense, though Yone's more prepared to pull me away while Yasuo is ready to fight off Sett.
"Meh. He and his cronies are finished." Sett checks his fist before grimacing. "Does anyone know whose teeth are in my knuckles?"
"What are your plans then?" Yone speaks up.
"I'm going to make this colosseum better than it was. I'll still keep a couple of animals, they are good for training, but the vulkodalks… they're too much to handle. You take care of them all?" Sett plucks out a tooth from his knuckles. I slide my hand through Yone's tunic and offer my palm. Sett, knowing what he knows, immediately puts it in my hand. My magic easily mends the small cuts in his hand. He shakes it as he pulls away.
"Yes. Unless Deviago has a secret stash of them here?" Yone straightens up and lets me go, though his hand remains on my back.
"If that's the case, I'll figure it out and take care of them myself." Sett dismisses.
"The healers here, their families, what are you going to do with them?" I remember. Trixie, she needs help. They all need it.
"Is that how he always had so many servants? Damn. The hell is wrong with him? You know where they are?" Sett reaches a hand up and runs it through his hair, careful to not hurt his ears.
"Under us." Yone answers him. Sett's eyes widen and he sighs.
"That's bad for business. Though… it's good for me. Go take care of them. I've got a few things I need to do. Once I get this place in tip top shape, I hope you are gonna keep a close eye on the girl, otherwise I'm gonna snatch her out from under ya." Sett waves us off. With that, Yasuo lets go of his weapon and walks to the door. Yone gently pushes me away. The door out of the arena opens. We all leave, tired but alive. I close my eyes, trusting Yone and Yasuo to keep me safe from any grabbing hands. Yone gently shakes me awake. I pout at that. Haven't I dont enough already?
"As much as I would love to let you rest, we need to know where to go." Yone kisses my head. I nod and wave my hand. My legs give out on me, though Yone is right where he needs to be.
"Wake me up when we get there?" I mumble. He rumbles an agreement, letting me rest in his arms as he goes back into the depths of the colosseum. This time, when he enters, he's going to be freeing everyone.
It feels like it's only for a few seconds I've closed my eyes before I'm gently shaken awake. I yawn and open bleary eyes to the door that I used to walk by every day three times a day.
"How do we get in?" Yone asks me, sounding a little reluctant to wake me up.
"We know that people are down here and we've taken care of most of them. Just knock it down." I yawn and close my eyes again.
"Hasagi!" Yasuo roars. The winds pick up quite a bit. Yone shields me with his own body. After a moment, there is stillness, blessed stillness. Silence, then the door falls over.
"NO! Close it! You'll let them out!" A couple of people scream.
"The vulkodalks have been taken care of! They won't imprison you anymore!" Yasuo yells.
"We're… free?" An older man asks. He can't seem to believe it. None of them can.
"Deviago will not stop you. We will not let him." Yone speaks up. A couple of them gasp.
"She's a mage… And she's not a servant?" One of them asks. I force my eyes to open. Quite a few people are staring at me in amazement when they see my hair and eyes.
"That's… that's the healer that Deviago was talking about. And she's here… and not imprisoned… Deviago's gone!" The happy cries put a soft smile on my face.
"Let's get you out of here. Leilah?" Yasuo's just as excited and happy as the rest of them. I call on my magic to be our guide once again. The steady padding of many feet follows us out. The constant noise and the slowly warming temperature tempts me to sleep. I try to let my consciousness slip away when a little hand pulls on my top.
"Is she alright?" A young boy asks.
"She's done a lot to help people today. She's just tired." Yone answers gently.
"Is she dead?" The same boy asks. I almost want to snort. Little kids, so funny and naive at the same time. To persuade him that I'm not going to die, I conjure up little light butterflies to flutter around. Sounds of laughter are quickly stopped, like they are surprised they could still laugh. I coax the insects to float around the little ones, encouraging the sweet noises. The little noises return, slowly getting louder and louder. Giggles, laughter, and happy noises, they all pull a tired smile out of me.
"Mia?" Another servant gasps. One of the people we are leading out squeals and runs forward into the servant's arms. Both are sobbing relentlessly, like a nightmare has finally ended. I guess it really has for them. The other people realize what is happening and the noises grow louder. People are constantly calling out different names. Other people come out, surprised and stunned that those they love are finally free. Tears and sobs appear in abandon.
With everything that is happening, I can't just sleep. The happy atmosphere is enough to have me try to stand. Yone, being the wonderful person that he is, sets me on my feet while ensuring that I stay upright by holding me to him. Families and friends reunite. It's… it's wonderful.
"HELP! SOMEONE HELP!" Trixie screams. She runs into the corridor full of people, eyes crazed. A young woman covers her mouth when she sees Trixie in… nothing. I wave a hand to cover her up, though she doesn't seem to be aware that she's in front of so many people without any clothes. "Deviago, he's almost dead! I left the room for only a moment and when I came back Deviago is unconscious and he's beaten up! I… I can't heal them! I need help, please!"
"Lanying?" The young woman asks. Trixie's eyes flicker to the girl before looking back at the group.
"You are his! He took you in! What are you doing? He could be dying and you won't help him! You have to help him!" Trixie is hysterical. The young woman flinches slightly.
"Lanying, it's me! Lanying, it's Mei, your little sister!" The young woman pleads. She reaches out and grabs her sister's hand, but Trixie doesn't respond. She keeps scanning the people until her eyes land on me.
"You! You are the healer he needs! Help him!" Trixie runs up to me. Yone blocks the woman from reaching me. "HELP HIM! HE OWNS YOU!"
"Ma'am, you need to calm down." Yone attempts to calm her down.
"HE'S GOING TO DIE!" Trixie manages to get past Yone. She slaps me across the face. Hard. Because I'm so tired, I just drop onto the ground. Trixie gets on top of me and pulls my head up, staring into my eyes. "HELP HIM!"
"LANYING!" Mei yanks Trixie off. Yone pulls me behind him, yanking a sword out and pointing it at Trixie. "Sister, don't you remember me?" Trixie doesn't stop shrieking over helping the man that destroyed her and her lives. That seems to be enough to snap Trixie out a little bit. She stops moving for only a moment before she keeps going.
"HELP HIM!" Trixie can't stop. Mei is crying and hugging the shrieking woman to her. I can't listen to this anymore. I can't… it can't keep going. It's horrifying to hear.
"I'll go!" I yelp. Yone looks over his shoulder to stare at me. "I'll go."
"You owe him! You have to help him. You have to." Trixie calms down a little bit.
"Are you sure?" Yone asks.
"You're not going anywhere. If what Sett is saying is true, then Deviago or anyone he's in contact with isn't going to be in a position to hurt me either." I reason. Yone grumbles, but follows me as Trixie tugs me with her. His hand is white where he clutches his sword. Mei follows her sister in concern. "Yasuo, can you stay with everyone else? To just give them some peace of mind."
"Of course." Yasuo readily agrees.
"Yone!" I yelp when Yone scoops me into his arms.
"You're exhausted." He says simply. He then turns to a clearly infuriated Trixie. "We're coming."
Wow... We are so damn close to the end. I am legit tempted to just post two chapters again. This has been one hell of a journey, just in Navori. Remember when I asked you guys if it was ok that I made an incredibly long arc? This is the reason.
The mini parts are 1) Leilah is stripped against her will and 2) She looses her fingers due to her use of magic halting another and allowing it to come to harm. The poor girl just can't get a break, but she's definitely better than her first time using magic in a spar. You remember that? All the way in like chapter 16 or 17? She's really come a long way. Personally, I'm very proud of her for all she's done. She's definnitely become more alive to me than any other champion. I actually find myself writing something that I like, realizing that Leilah wouldn't act like that, and just completely rewriting the entire script again. This was one of those arcs. Where Leilah would be terrified out of her mind, causing flight response before she decides to fight and be too damn stubborn for her own good. Originally, she was going to be hunted in the streets, with Yasuo and Yone. She was going to be captured with them, and then have to fight side by side in the arena. Then I thought how Yasuo and Yone would actually let that slip through their fingers and realized it wouldn't work. The only way that Leilah could stay was if they were convinced she was not in Navori. I was always going to have Yasuo recognize her first, as I wanted Yone to be determined to be stuck in his beliefs. This... this to me is a huge part of Yone's character flaw. And you'll see why later. HEE HEE HEE!
Sorry, I was rambling and I'm not going to spoil anything! someone slap my fingers and make them type my adieu!... ok, now that that's done, we're on... Aphelios... the lunari Assassin... Alright... May you all have the same determination that our young mute assassin has to express his beliefs and to defend them, though I do kindly ask that you use your words and not your fists or guns. I'm not endorsing that! At all! Be better than the world around us, and keep an open mind to how others think... Part of what makes our world so rough is that we are becoming unempathetic. Please, try to show some empathy for your fellow man, wether they are a different skin color or culture than you. And, as always, may your day be extraordinary... IN A GOOD WAY.