Chapter Fifty-Five (Luka's POV)

Morning came blearily, my back aching from where a stone had lodged itself under the blankets. Through the dark ceiling of leaves, you could see faint slivers of a grey sky. The first time in a while we'd seen such weather here. Summer was waning.

Miku was still deeply asleep next to me. I'd had to wake her in the middle of the night, but nothing had disturbed her since. When we were under a roof once more, perhaps she would sleep soundly. That, and the safety of having Lapis with us again.

I wondered if Lapis felt how strange I was compared to others, how cold. Miku had assured me she didn't notice, and perhaps Lapis was the same, but…

My mind had been wandering of late, circling the same problem without coming to a satisfactory conclusion. Closer than it had been, but I had yet to make the jump to the centre. No tears came to my eyes, but a weight pressed on my chest, filled with all the things I liked to pretend weren't there, to preserve the image I was strong.

It really did come down to asking Gumi. It would all be over in a heartbeat. All that time, all that history, all those things expected of me from birth. Yet nothing would restore my power anymore. Gumi had burned it away. Yuuma was dead. I would never lay a finger on my own parents even if I could find them.

Instead, I would be able to follow my own path.

But only if I gave up those last remnants.

A branch snapping in the quiet jolted me from my thoughts. I shot upright, Miku following me, and my eyes landed on Yukari, booted foot still on the branch.

'You lost?' she said, a small smirk on her face. I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest, but Miku flew over to her and wrapped her in a hug, unmindful of her bare feet over the forest floor. Yukari looked at me over Miku's bear hug, distinctly unimpressed but tolerating the affection admirably.

'I got confused with the map,' Miku admitted, letting her go.

Yukari shook her head. 'I knew I shouldn't have included some of those drawings. I have trouble remembering what untrained eyes can see. Anyway, we'd best be going. Somewhere around here is a little blue haired wild child.'

'She came with you?' I asked, feeling myself light up inside. Miku was beaming.

'Yeah,' Yukari said, helping us stow away our belongings. 'She wanted to practise her scouting. She's light on her feet, too. Been training with Cosma.'

I imagined Lapis, so small, holding a training bow with determination in her eyes. It was to be expected. After the horror of everything the poor girl had been through, and seeing us fight our way to a better life, she would want to find a way to help us. Being stuck in that cellar while the battle raged on in the village had probably cemented her desire to learn how to help. And if this was the way she wanted to achieve that, then I had no issue. Looking at Miku out of the corner of my eye, she was clearly worried, but keeping it at bay. I felt for her, knowing the way she looked at her own sword, but it was ultimately Lapis's choice. The sooner we saw her, the sooner everything could come to a close, and we would be safe.

I wished I did not have to go back to the palace first. We no longer needed the books, but there were other reasons. Perhaps some clues on my parent's whereabouts that they'd left. And there was a desire deep inside to take one last walk around my old home, a sort of last goodbye.

Miku had seen Yuuma's body, knew that he was dead. At least I did not have to put myself through that.

Clearing away the thought, another came in its stead. 'Yukari,' I asked. 'What of Illaria?'

She smiled. 'Doing well. Still needs to be resting most days, but Ia is confident there'll be no issues from the battle.'

After that, we strapped everything to the horses and set off after Yukari, who kept silent, listening for her fellow scout. I had no issue with her away from her side, as I was sure that Yukari kept close even if she was out of sight with the way her eyes tracked any disturbances in the forest.

Suddenly, Yukari stilled, holding out her hand for silence.

'LAPIS!'

Yukari turned her head slightly to face us, smirking. Then came the sounds of dry leaves crunching underfoot, twigs snapping, and a slight yelp until I caught sight of a blue bolt of lightning. She skidded to a halt in front of us, and Yukari stepped to the side.

I didn't think I could ever see such joy on that young but serious face. Lapis was beaming from ear to ear, eyes full of tears. Her face was smudged with mud and her cheek was scratched, presumably from a forceful encounter with a shrub.

'You're here!' she cried.

'Oh, Lapis, I've missed you,' Miku said, and she ran towards her, scooping her up in her arms and twirling her around in the air. Lapis' laughter filled the forest, and she immediately came over to me once Miku set her down. Our greeting was more sedate, but I hugged her as tight as I could, pressing a kiss on her forehead.

'I missed you so, little one.'

'Me too,' Lapis said, wiping her eyes. I followed suit, my own eyes stinging, but it did not help matters. I let them fall freely as we walked together, all three of us, holding hands as we followed Yukari back to the village.

'Are Sonika and Kaito okay?' Lapis said, her expression already growing worried.

'They are,' Miku said. 'We found a cure for them. Oh, Lapis, we've got so much to tell you.'

'We're here already, so you can tell us the story at Ia's,' Yukari said.

As she said, the village came into view after a cluster of trees, the gathering of houses much the same as I remembered. Medley's house was still crumbled, but work had begun on removing the wreckage. A row of simple grey headstones were visible from where we were. Miku looked distant, and I knew then she had seen them. Lapis pressed herself into Miku's side, and she came back, smiling down at her.

Yukari had gone ahead, and she and Ia were waiting in the doorway.

'Ia's told the others to hold off for now,' Yukari said.

'Although I'm not certain how long they'll want to wait,' Ia added. 'There's hope for good news.'

'They'll get it,' Miku said, and the smile stayed, soft and slightly proud.

We went inside, and Yukari and Ia headed to the kitchen. Miku and I squashed together on a sofa, Lapis wriggling in between us. From the kitchen came the sound of clinking, both plates and glasses.

'Is everything safe now?' Lapis asked, snuggling into us. She'd put on more weight, and it brought me no end of joy to see her so. She was still far from squashing either of us, but she looked healthy. The stay had done her good.

'We found a hero. Gumi. She helped us defeat that… evil man.'

Lapis's eyes went wide, and we started a light version of the story. To hear it our way, it was a story of adventurers finally conquering a great evil, but perhaps it was, in truth. A simplified story, but it was all she ever needed to know. I would let no horror like that touch her mind again.

A little way into our tale, light footsteps came from behind us where the staircase was.

Illaria. Compared to before, she was glowing, and it suited her. She smiled at us, and Lapis gave her a little wave. Rising to my feet, I went over to her and clasped her hands, and she returned the gesture with a strong grip. Little emotion lay on her face, but her eyes were misted over.

'I am glad you made it back,' she said, and all the emotion she masked on her face lay in those words.

'You look much recovered. It has been a good outcome for us both.'

'I think that's an understatement,' Miku said, with a little laugh. 'Come and sit with us while we tell Lapis what we've been up to. You should hear it too.'

At Illaria's request, I moved an armchair close to my side, and she sank into it, ready to listen.

Ia and Yukari came out of the kitchen with refreshments soon afterwards—a glass fresh fruit juice for Lapis and Illlaria and wine for the rest of us, alongside some little cakes.

'These look amazing!' Miku exclaimed.

Yukari shifted her feet, and Ia spoke in her stead. 'Aurora used to be rather good at it. But my Yukari here has quite the sweet tooth, so she's tried to take up her post.'

'Hope they're good,' Yukari said, a little red in the face. 'I don't know what I'm doing, really.'

'They're really nice,' Lapis said in a stage whisper, holding a little seed cake delicately. Unlike Miku, who had already taken a bite of hers and had proceeded to scatter crumbs down her shirt.

'They certainly are,' Illaria said. 'Lapis, wonderful manners as always.'

She preened at the praise, while Miku glanced down at her mess of crumbs and grimaced.

They did look particularly good. I had always wondered why people longed for these confections.

Maybe one day I would find out for myself.

Miku hummed in delight after finishing one, immediately reaching for another. Apparently Yukari couldn't take all the praise, as she quickly retreated into the kitchen. Ia smiled into her wine and took a seat opposite us.

We carried on, and I took over speaking whenever Miku was drawn to another cake.

After we'd come to a close, afternoon had drawn in, still and muggy. A storm would arrive later. I was not sure we would return before the storm hit, so I hoped it would not linger into tomorrow.

Lapis was half-asleep, head on my lap. Illaria was quietly dozing.

'Later, we will talk with the other villagers,' I said. 'But thank you for giving us a chance to see Lapis without fending them off. And thank you both, for everything you have done. I am not sure how we could ever repay you. Words are not enough.'

Yukari shook her head, having slunk back into the living room earlier. 'Don't be daft. No need.'

'What she means to say,' Ia said, hiding a laugh, 'is that you have done Nuriel a service. Looking after Lapis here was a joy for us both. She is an amazing girl. She has kept Illaria company when Yukari is running errands and I am treating other patients.'

Lapis was not completely asleep, judging from the way she snuggled further into me in embarrassment. I stroked her hair softly, feeling her relax, and my heart felt like it was overflowing. How would it feel, to share meals with her and Miku, to drink what they did, to flourish under the sun instead of quailing?

We carried on talking, Ia updating us on the village. Cosma was preparing to move, having gone sweet on a girl in a town not too far away while he was trading there. He had left yesterday to look for a place to live. Many had become like him, restless without Aurora's presence, and the village had begun to feel oppressive. Now that they knew Yuuma was dead and Gumi was alive, even Yukari and Ia were thinking about finding somewhere else to live now so many had gone or were planning to. Illaria wished to follow them.

'Though it'll have to be secluded,' Yukari said. 'None of us fancy living in a town or a village where they'll stare at us for being new.'

I replied. 'It would be a dream to have such a place, where we would be away from others, but among friends and family.'

'Maybe we should build it ourselves,' Yukari said, shrugging. 'That's what Aurora did, back in the day. I have no idea where we'd find a place like that. This forest was perfect, and hidden enough so no one bothered trying to get us to sign permits and things. Usually the case around the rest of Nuriel.'

Miku was quiet, thinking. Outside, I heard the beginnings of rain, collecting in the trees before dripping down noisily.

Ia hummed. 'This would be a good time to get you settled in for the night. If you don't mind, we took the liberty of preparing a room in Aurora's house.'

'Oh,' Miku said. Her eyes glazed over slightly, but she blinked it away. 'Thank you. We'll only be staying the one night.'

Ia nodded. 'I'll knock later, to see if you're ready for some visitors. Yukari, you take them. Illaria seems to have fallen asleep.'

With that, we rose, running quickly over to Aurora's house as the rain began to fall more heavily.

Over the day the storm rumbled in, and the villagers braved it to visit us despite the harsh rain and rumbles of thunder. Every time, we explained it over again. Even though everyone could tell others here, it was not the same as it coming from the mouths of the ones who had done the deed. Miku and I swapped storytelling duties, the other sitting with Lapis and catching up on everything she had done since staying here.

Cosma had begun showing her the bow at her request, and I thought to seek him out later to learn more. She said it was a practise bow, and she didn't need to be very strong to pull it. Lapis wanted to grow up to hold a bow like mine, small and compact. Her duties with Yukari similarly pleased her, and she enjoyed learning how the forest lay, how the animals left little signs of where they had been. Every so often Yukari would let her scout alone, always knowing where she was, but ultimately leaving Lapis to her own devices to see what she had learned.

'And how long has she left you there, hmm?' I asked.

'Only a couple of hours! I've got to prove what I've learned. Sometimes she hides, and I know she's making it easy since she's a proper ranger, and I have to look for the signs she's left me.'

She jumped off my lap to fetch paper and a quill, reaching up to the tall bookshelves to get it. We had retreated to Aurora's office room, remarkably similar to Medley's study. Maybe they had built them alike when they had first settled here. Lapis came back to the desk and began sketching a somewhat blotted version of the signs Yukari had taught her. Still, she had a fairly steady hand, and it was easy to see what she was pointing out. Yukari had taught her well, and I knew Lapis had studied hard. So desperate to impress, but for a much more innocent reason.

'And what of these etiquette lessons with Illaria?'

Lapis smiled. 'We're not just doing that. She's helped me with my handwriting and numbers, though Ia helped there too. I know all sorts now, but it's hard keeping all those lessons on manners straight in my head. It changes all the time depending on what you're doing and who you're with.'

'It certainly does,' I said, sighing. 'I am very familiar with those lessons. I imagine Illaria was a much nicer teacher than my own.'

Lapis winced. 'Who did you have?'

'A horrible old matron whose face was so sour I thought she must have a lemon lodged permanently in her throat,' I said, laughing with Lapis. 'I used to get in such trouble for calling her an old hag, among other things I shall not repeat.'

A happy memory, though the consequences were less so.

Miku came in, having led out the last group of visitors, and leaned against the doorway.

'Could you make me a drink, my love?' she said, yawning. 'This is exhausting.'

'Of course,' I said, rising and giving her a brief kiss on the way out. As I left, I heard Miku ask Lapis about her drawings, and she began excitedly explaining them all again. This. This was the life I wanted to lead. And there was a way to have it sooner rather than later. Miku accepted a cup of tea gratefully, and I made her stay in the room while I took over storytelling duties.

As I spoke of the Red Palace, our final battle with Yuuma, I thought of its ghostlike passageways, rivulets of cold rain running down the walls of the main hall. Once the storm had passed, I would return. If any clues awaited me there, then I would think of a plan then. If not… then it would be time to build a home for us all. The past would have to stay past.

The future that lay ahead felt more certain than ever.

The storm had broken in the night, and there came a tearful goodbye come dawn. Ia sniffled as she hugged Lapis one last time, and even Yukari was misty-eyed as she ruffled her hair. Illaria watched us with a small smile on her face, and wished us luck.

'We'll write,' Miku said, holding Lapis's hand after she came back to us. 'When everything is finished, we'll find somewhere to go. All of us.'

In the weak light, many had come to watch us leave. Some of them smiled, even at me, and I recognised them as ones I had fought beside during the battle with Ezra. The others did not extend the same mood, and I could not blame them given the wreckage in the village, of homes and lives. Many would not dare to hope things would change. Many had held on to fear for their whole life.

Still, they looked warmly upon Miku and Lapis, and for that I was grateful.

'Oh,' Yukari said, dipping inside for a moment. When she returned, there was a small bundle in her arms, which she passed to Lapis.' She unwrapped it delicately, and uncovered her training bow. 'Cosma wanted to give it to you himself, but he said he didn't mind if I did.'

'Please thank him for me,' Lapis said, a small smile on her face. Her eyes were shining. Yukari helped her secure it on her back, along with a small quiver.

After that, Yukari helped us through the forest once more, and she led Lapis through her lessons once more along the way. Miku and I were content to watch them both.

When we reached the edge, Yukari paused for a moment, and turned to Lapis one last time.

'Here,' she said gruffly, digging into her satchel. 'You keep up your training, understand? Don't get too reliant on this.'

In her hands lay a leather pocketbook. Lapis took it quietly, handling it delicately as she checked what was inside. Drawings of flora and fauna with neat descriptions, and pages of instructions. It was a mix of handwriting, and I suspected Ia and Yukari had both had a hand in crafting it.

'Thank you,' Lapis said, but it was not as subtle as before. Tears filled her eyes, and she hugged Yukari with all her might, only letting go when Yukari pried her off. 'I promise when you see me next I'll be the best woodsman ever!'

Yukari laughed, and turned away from us all to compose herself. When she looked back, her usual distant, slightly smug expression was back. 'See that you are, little wild Lapis. I didn't put in all that work for nothing.'

Lapis nodded, clutching the book to her chest, and we parted ways.

The next couple of days were simple in their routine; waking early and having a light breakfast together, chatting about this and that before travelling again. We would stop a few times in the day, napping in the more comfortable heat now summer had waned, or we'd play with Lapis if she had energy. For Miku, the nights were less disturbed, although nightmares still plagued her. At least she did not wake screaming.

As the day dawned where we would reach the village, we came close to that wretched cliff-side once more. Just through the copse, a courier sat upon a rock, clutching a heavily laden sack. She looked up at us as we came through, and Miku waved from atop Ritsu.

'You're not Miku by any chance, are you? You fit the description,' she said, sounding a little out of breath.

'I am,' Miku said. Her expression was one of restrained calm as she dismounted, helping Lapis down afterwards. 'Do you have a letter?'

'Yes,' she said, tucking a curl of red hair behind her ear. It looked to be a losing battle, as most of it had escaped from a bun and sprung wildly about her person. 'Here, give me a second. Thank the gods you were here. I don't think I can do much walking today after that.'

I dismounted as she fished a small rolled parchment from the sack, checking name before giving it to her.

Miku didn't unfurl it, but simply gasped, holding it out to Lapis and I. On the side there was a neat script.

From Kaito and Sonika.

'They did it,' I said, feeling faint. I clutched Lapis's hand. 'Sonika is cured.'

I did not add the rest. Miku's words were slightly muffled as she read it out loud, a brief but warm message stating they were both happy, and both were cured. Kaito had been strong enough afterwards to go through with it, then. Would this be what it felt like for Miku if I cured myself?

Most likely, she would be even more overcome.

Thinking of Kaito at home, trying food again after so long without, savouring the taste. The warmth that would be on his skin, even breathing the clear, clean air around him all the time.

Those were things I had never felt.

'Thank you,' I said to the courier, the words meaning more to me than she could ever know.

I wanted it.

'Come on,' Miku said, breaking me out of my thoughts. She turned to me, and her smile dimmed a little at what she saw on my face, but I would tell her later. For now, the path down the cliff loomed.

Past that lay the palace. But nothing would sway my mind anymore.

Obie's pub glimmered in the evening light, cream stone reflecting a warm orange from the sun. Miku and I were both exhausted, and even Lapis was a little tired, though she'd spent the arduous climb down mostly being carried. Neither of us wished for her to hurt herself traversing the crumbling, spidery path.

Miku stabled the horses, and I led Lapis in. Obie was behind the bar, and he lit up upon seeing Lapis, waving us over through the throng. At least no one stared too much with Lapis holding my hand.

'Oh, who's this then? May I ask your name?'

Lapis pressed herself into my side as she answered. 'I'm Lapis. May I know yours?'

Those lessons with Illaria had stuck. I hid my smile as Obie introduced himself. Before he could run away with his talk, I gently interrupted.

'We must see them. Are they still upstairs?'

'Ah,' Obie said. He stared at me. 'They are, yes.'

Lapis hurried off towards the stairs, and I went to follow, but Obie stopped me. 'I would ask to talk to you later, once you have seen your friends.'

I could not bring myself to say anything. Instead, I merely nodded, hurrying to join Lapis who was waiting by the stairs. In the short time in-between, I had at least managed to put a smile on my face.

Hearing their voices within, talking and laughing, I knocked on the door.

Kaito answered, and immediately wrapped me in a hug that crushed all the air out of me.

Giving a rather undignified yelp, I grumbled once he'd released me. 'Those sorts of hugs are usually Miku's domain. I do not want you crushing the life out of me as well, Kaito.'

He laughed, eyes twinkling, then turned to Lapis, who gave him a crushing hug in return. I was not sure if his resulting oof was sincere given the girl's stature, but it made me smirk nonetheless.

Sonika was curled on the bed, tired but glowing all the same. Gently, I hugged her as well. 'I am so happy for you, Sonika,' I murmured. She sniffed as we came apart, subtly wiping her eyes before Lapis could see.

After Miku came in and received another bone crushing hug, we chatted for a while. Sonika tried to appear alert but began slumping further and further until she was barely upright.

Kaito went over to her, and helped her settle down, giving her a kiss as he did so. A warmth bloomed in my heart. They had finally gotten there.

Miku gasped. 'Why didn't you say?'

Kaito just smiled, and Sonika gave a small giggle from her nest of pillows and spoke. 'Your reaction. My idea, not Kaito's. He wanted to spoil my fun.'

Kaito shrugged, unsuccessfully hiding his smile while Miku pouted.

Miku and I left, Kaito bidding us a soft goodnight and giving Lapis's hair a ruffle.

'Obie wishes to speak to me,' I said, when we reached our door. 'I will go alone.'

Miku frowned, but acquiesced. 'We'll be all ready for bed when you're back.'

I nodded, holding on to that comfort when I went back downstairs. It was deep into the night now. No customers lingered. Obie was sat on a chair behind the bar, drinking what smelled like hot cocoa.

'Ah, Luka,' he said. 'Never said your name before today, and I'd planned not to before Iroha revealed that we knew. That old alchemist is sharp, but she does what she wants, doesn't listen to me one bit.'

'Why would you have kept quiet?' I asked, curiosity mingling with fear. He smiled, and at his motion I sat on the barstool opposite him.

'I wanted to see what you would do if you thought no one would recognise you. Why would we? After all, even though we're close to Veronis, the likes of us would never see royalty. You would have never come here either, most obviously. But it wasn't hard to put the pieces together. Rumours are abound all over, you know. My son wrote to me about Limuria. He lives close by, wouldn't risk the journey here, either. Ezra gone mad, then the whole family disappears. That mad wizard going on a destructive rage before brooding in silence. And what travellers would come here, two not touching any food, then going off towards the city?'

'You knew this, yet you did not stop me.'

Obie frowned. 'And what could an old elf like me do, hmm? Iroha certainly could have cooked up something horrible, but we're just regular village-folk, Luka. How would we stand against those allies of yours? Who knew if you had gained power while you had been gone? I wondered what to do, when you arrived and I figured everything out. You seemed different than I'd imagined, and that scar isn't very old. No elf of your status would have let that linger on her face. She wouldn't have made allies with humans, either.

'So I eavesdropped a bit after I suspected, outside the window there when you were all talking. Always did have good hearing, I did. Listened in when you were making your plans.'

'And what did you think?' I asked.

He smiled. 'Well, I knew what that wizard could do. No offence, but I didn't think any of you stood a chance against him. He'd killed a hero, or so I thought, then. If you were planning to take the throne back, then he'd have been rid of you. If you were trying to oust him with good intentions, and you came back, of course it would have been a blessing.'

He'd thought carefully of his plan, and knew his best option was to wait everything out. Most likely, things wouldn't have changed much for him. He would have carried on running his pub, hoping that his son was safe out there, keeping his own head down to avoid attention.

I held back a sigh. No self pity could be felt here. I had made many come to terms with the fact their life had to be this way.

'Would you like me to leave, then?'

Obie sat back in his chair, sipping his cocoa. It took a tense, quiet moment for him to answer, though all the tension lay solely with me, I was sure.

'That would be best,' he said, finally.

His words hurt, but I had been expecting such an answer. I stared down at the bar. Another reason to follow through with my plan. Perhaps wherever we would end up, there would be no risk of me being recognised. No angry townsfolk wondering why another lay dead in the woods. Whether they were a bandit or not, a strange murderer on the loose put everyone on edge when things were otherwise peaceful.

'Not straight away, of course,' he continued. I forced myself to look up at him, and his expression had softened somewhat. 'You have your family to think about. Another time I may have asked for your story regarding the girl, but it's late, and I think my throat has given me enough warnings about my talking. But rumours are spreading, and not by Iroha or myself. Some will be less lenient. Perhaps I should be, too, but I have had a comfortable life here. It isn't as close to my heart as others. The fact you have rescued a hero hasn't gone unnoticed, but it is hard for some to forget, the city being so close by.'

I stood, ready to head back to the bedroom and forget about such thoughts with my family at my side. But before I left, I spoke one last time. 'Thank you, Oberon. Mere words will never be enough to remedy such a grievous hurt, I know. But perhaps with Gumi back, Nuriel can begin to heal.'

He gave a single nod, and I left, and rejoined with Miku and Lapis. All three of us squashed into bed, Lapis cuddling up to me and falling asleep almost immediately. Miku was watching me, eyes warm and smile warmer. She reached over Lapis, giving me a soft kiss and stroking my hair. The tension in my body melted away.

We talked for a little while, quietly. Nothing of great importance, but it felt like it was. It had been a long time since everyone was together and not terrified of the road ahead.

Finally, with Lapis asleep between us, I asked her.

'Come to the palace with me. When Gumi is well. I… I want you to see it, when I ask her.'

Miku's eyes widened. 'You mean…?'

Holding her gaze, I nodded.

Her eyes filled with tears, but she blinked them away. 'You're sure? This will be for you, and not for me, or anything like that?'

'Yes,' I said, and I meant it with all my heart. The feeling freed me, and although she couldn't bring me close for an embrace, Miku's hand found mine and grasped it, holding on until sleep.

In the morning, I asked Gumi to accompany me to the palace when she was well. She agreed immediately, and only relented on leaving much sooner than was healthy through Iroha's stern stare.

In the days while Gumi recovered, I began to write a list of names. She was no longer confined to bed rest, but Iroha watched her like a hawk, no doubt due to her eagerness to see the Red Palace. If we were upstairs in Obie's, Iroha would pass the task to me, telling me in no uncertain terms to make sure she was well, or else. She never elaborated on the threat, but as from one alchemist to another I knew what power lay in her hands.

From the most corrupt to those who could be won over, to those who had opposed me, I wrote them all down. Past enemies were known intimately. Anyone else had the potential to become one. My network had been strong, a series of spies and informants. It left a sickness in me to write these, to realise I remembered it all so well. Gumi frequently asked questions, but when she noticed me making spelling errors, or my words shook, she would send that little pulse of warmth my way, knowing I would not stop until I felt it was time.

When I stopped for lunch, I went outside to sit in the shade and watch Miku practising swordplay with Lapis. They were at the end of their lesson by that point, and they'd come over sweating and out of breath, Miku wolfing down her lunch like it was about to escape her hands. Even Lapis, ever well-mannered, found it difficult not to copy her example. We'd spend a little time together, playing games, teaching Lapis, whatever we wanted to do. It was so strange, to be truly relaxing like this. I kept expecting something to happen, someone to come running with news or information, but it was always so quiet and calm. Miku seemed to feel the same, and the knowledge we would set off one final time made us more restless.

Upon poking around our room after dinner one night, Miku found a calendar in a draw one afternoon, and realised no one knew what the date was. Obie pointed it out, and I realised we'd actually gone into autumn. The way the seasons were here, it was little different than summer's end. But that was not what bothered me.

'We have gone past your birthday,' I said quietly.

Miku shrugged. 'It doesn't matter. We were doing more important things.'

She was trying to appear nonchalant, but her heart was written on her sleeve. I tucked it away in my head. It would be a late celebration, but one nonetheless.

At night, Miku would be waiting in our room as I walked in, exhausted physically and emotionally. We'd arranged a small cot to be set up for Lapis so I did not disturb her with my late nights. We would hold each other, sinking into a peaceful sleep. On those nights where she was more anxious than usual, I would stroke her hair as she fell into sleep, knowing that before it took her, Miku's head would be full of guilt and worry. I would watch her, after, saddened by the new worry lines that marked her features far too early in her life. She looked younger when she was asleep. More innocent.

One early dawn, after writing down who would be unsuitable for leadership in Limuria, I laid my pen down and stretched. All these days had left an ongoing cramp in my hand.

'Time for a break, I think,' Gumi said, from her own post. She'd been researching herself what she could, from past contacts here who had gone into hiding after she'd been taken by Yuuma. She looked brighter within herself, too, now that the bruises had faded, and she'd gained enough weight to not appear so skeletal.

'So early?' I asked, but I had a feeling I knew what she wanted to do today. She met my eyes and nodded.

'Let's have a look around the palace. Not even Iroha can argue I'm not well enough.'

I wanted to go. I wanted it with all my being. It did not stop the nausea from curling in my stomach. 'I will tell the others. Lapis may be upset, but she's better staying with Kaito and Sonika. It's too dangerous around there.'

Gumi nodded again, already drawn back into her work, and I left, a strange, hollow feeling eating away inside.

Miku was sat in our room with Lapis and Sonika; the latter had recovered enough to walk around almost as normal. The removal of her curse had set back her recovery somewhat, so in the day she stood outside barefoot, reconnecting herself to the earth, testing her powers. Even without the wolf, she'd made significant progress. Her magic was as potent as ever, perhaps more so. Sometimes I would come out to do my work there, and watch her in my breaks.

I was not the only one. She and Kaito had grown more publicly affectionate, replacing those longing looks with soft touches, while their words together mingled with love they'd never dared show before. It was beautiful to see such a happy ending of that part of their life. The chapters ahead would be equally as happy for all of us, or so I hoped.

In our room, Lapis giggled when she noticed me, and Sonika waggled her ink-stained fingers at me. Miku was hard at work with a scratchy dip pen, adding to their drawing.

'We started with my letters and numbers,' Lapis said, trying to look contrite but failing miserably.

Peering over the three of them, I saw a tiny shape of a man facing what faintly resembled a giant. The giant, or whatever it was, looked like it was roaring, but it was hard to tell with all the blotchy ink.

'It's Artax and the troll,' Sonika said, matter-of-factly.

'I can see the resemblance,' I replied, trying to keep my face straight.

Miku laughed, jolting the pen and causing the ink to seep across the troll's meaty forearm. 'Liar.'

Instead of telling them right away, I sat with them while they finished the last of the picture, savouring the peace. After that, fully abandoning the pretence of lessons, we headed outside, Lapis bringing along her new bow. We watched as she showed us the motions, and I stepped in whenever I recognised a problem she needed correcting. She would need a proper teacher soon if she wished to continue. Behind us, Sonika stood barefoot, meditative.

After a while, Lapis flopped on the floor next to Miku, effort and the sun getting to her. Miku passed her a cold canteen of water she'd brought out with us.

'My love,' I said, watching her eyes soften at the name. 'Gumi wishes to return to the palace.'

'Then we'll go as soon as we can.'

Lapis looked up at us from the grass. 'Can I go?' Her face indicated she already knew the answer.

'I'm afraid not, little one,' I said, sitting next to her. She sniffed, and I pulled her on my lap for a hug. I hated the way she trembled as she held on. 'This will be the last time. It is only because the palace is too dangerous to walk around in. Sonika brought the ceiling down, remember?'

'I know,' she mumbled, face buried in my chest.

'But it doesn't make it any easier,' Miku said, joining us. Lapis nodded. 'Once we're back, the only place we'll be going is to find a proper home for us all. And you'll be with us every step of the way.'

'Promise?'

'Promise,' Miku said, and I echoed her.

'Don't worry, Lapis,' Sonika said, voice still slightly dazed from her trance. 'It'll be okay with us. Unless you find us that boring.'

Lapis giggled, climbing off my lap and going over to Sonika. 'Sometimes.'

Sonika prodded her, setting off more laughter. 'How very dare you! I thought you were supposed to be talking like you're with royalty after all those lessons with Illaria.'

'You're definitely not royalty,' Lapis said, only managing to hold her serious expression for a few moments before bursting out into laughter. Throwing away the last of her dignity, Sonika started a game of tag and pelted away across the grass. While Lapis ran after her, we slipped away to pack.

'This will be the last time in this room,' I said.

Miku sighed, shutting the door behind us with a gentle click. She walked about, tracing her finger along the wooden figures that Lapis had taken to playing with over the last few days. 'I know what he meant, but it doesn't make it any easier.'

Drawing Miku away from where she was staring blankly at a shelf, I embraced her, holding her close. She sighed again, but of relief this time, sliding her arms around my waist.

'I've missed having you like this,' I said.

'We hug all the time,' Miku said. I huffed, but she pulled away from my chest to show her grin.

Instead of bothering with a reply, I spun us both so Miku's back faced the door, and moved forwards, forcing her to go backwards until she could go no further. Pinning her with my body, knowing full well she could easily escape but chose not to, I waited. She reached up for a kiss, but I moved at the last moment to brush my lips on the shell of her ear, hearing her huff of frustration turn to a different kind.

Feeling Miku shiver at my lips on her neck, my hand gripping her waist just a little too tightly, yet nowhere close to where she wanted it, her groan when I unbuttoned her shirt, marking just above her chest—it filled me with the warmth I so wanted all the time.

Finally, Miku nudged me, grumbling. 'Tease,' she said, but the breathlessness of it ruined her attempt at sounding annoyed. 'I swear you enjoy it every time we do this.'

'Where would the fun be if we both got what we wanted straight away?' I said, circling my fingernail around her nipple, threatening to pinch it.

'Sometimes it's what I want—oh!'

'Hmm,' I said, leaning to gentle my touch with my tongue. When I came up to kiss her, Miku was flushed red, eyes dark. 'Then tell me exactly what you want.'

Packing took rather longer than anticipated.

Later, with Sonika giving us a rather knowing look when we traipsed downstairs to find everyone having breakfast much closer to lunchtime, we made our goodbyes properly. Lapis grew teary-eyed again, clutching us both and trembling, and if it wasn't so important I was sure both of us would have stayed there forever just to be with her.

My heart ached as we rode off, Gumi borrowing a proud and quiet horse called Merry for the journey. Apparently she was one of Cael's favourites. I looked back, and Miku did the same, and we both regretted it. I saw her tears before my eyes blurred, not dimming the sight of Lapis waving desperately at all.

Once it had been such a fear of mine to experience pain like this. The ups and downs of all feeling when it had been so easy to hide behind a fortress of ice. If I had known how it would truly feel, all of this, I would have flown to it much sooner.

Those iron gates, once so proud, gaped open before us under the harsh afternoon sun. Even now, no one had dared set foot in Veronis, even with the destruction of the palace. Not even thieves risked plundering here.

Along the way, Gumi had explained that many of the original citizens had fled soon after my defeat, and the rest had been captured as cattle or escaped. Similar to what I had guessed. And we had seen what had become of those who were captured.

Gumi had shuddered telling the tale when we'd made camp the first night, face pale even in the warm light of the fire as she told Miku and I of how Yuuma had held her up for all to see, beaten and broken. Everyone had stood at the base of the palace steps, rooted in fear. I could not blame them. To go up against a vampire who had bested a hero was entirely foolish.

Hearing her tell it sickened me, and Miku could not finish much of her dinner. Yet the strength in her voice was admirable. How strong, how pure of heart she was to go through everything she had, yet want to sit in very throne that had tortured her.

A hero was truly someone to be awed. I understood more deeply the power they held, a gift from the gods themselves. Not only did they hold powerful magic, but their being seemed infused with light. Kaito had told me of what he'd seen, both in the palace and when he cured Sonika. A light so bright and pure that it washed away all darkness.

Nuriel needed a power like that.

We'd ascended the steps to the palace quietly. Gumi was silent, thinking, and Miku was focused on the view of the sea, glittering softly under the sun, glancing at her feet every so often to avoid the rubble Sonika's destruction had left.

Miku reached for my hand when we came to the hole where the doors used to be. A stain marred the cream stone.

Inside, our footsteps echoed. It was odd, seeing such a grand space so broken and quiet. The throne had survived the wreckage, and Gumi circled it, hands running over the engravings.

'It has been there ever since the palace was built,' I said, my voice too loud in the air.

Gumi paused, looking at me. 'I may meditate a while before exploring. Though… he's down in the dungeons, yes?'

'Whatever is left of him,' I said, coldly. My mind shied away from the thought, and I let it. There was no being ready in regards to seeing him. Miku's word was enough.

'If Gumi is going to rule from here,' Miku said, 'then he needs to be… moved.'

I squeezed her hand, more for my own comfort than hers. 'He will. I am not sure if I can...'

'I know a suitable way,' Gumi interrupted. 'My magic will take the rest of him away.'

After a moment of chilled silence, I left Gumi to her meditation and headed for the corridor. Miku followed, drinking in the sights the palace held. Other than the hall and the way into the dungeons, everything else was intact. Sonika had been very precise despite her misgivings.

Out of curiosity, I stopped at the first door I came across and poked my head inside. The meetings rooms were in this wing, on the ground floor. This was a naval commander's room. Rarely had I entered these later in my reign. I remembered the great oaken table, though. The king's brother had been the commander, before I had killed him. He'd installed it in here among his other spoils from a campaign. It was covered in a thick layer of dust.

Mildew permeated the room, old scrolls left untended going damp and tattered.

Miku touched one, wincing as it crumbled under her touch.

'Do not worry. None of this needs to remain. Much of it is ruined, anyway,' I said. She smiled, though it was subdued. I wondered what she felt, knowing I had walked these halls for so long.

The next few rooms were much the same. Everything carried a burden of neglect, shouldering memories smothered with dust and damp. While I had not frequented many of rooms in the palace, I had kept everything clean. Staff still tended to the palace. Some were enthralled, some were worshippers, some were lured by the promise of being turned. A cold shiver took me. Had they managed to escape? Or had they died here, killed or left to starve?

I shut my eyes and took a breath, willing my feet to move. One step at a time. Miku's constant, calm presence at my side stopped me from falling into the pit where those thoughts led.

I ascended the great staircase. My fingers drew a line in the dust up the banister as I went up three floors.

The fourth floor held the royal living quarters, and the king and queen's separate spaces. This was what I had been seeking.

Pushing open those familiar doors, coughing slightly at the dust in the air, I stepped into my private living room for the first time in months. Maybe even a year.

It still felt so familiar. A year was not that long when you had lived to a hundred and fifty. Yet at the same time it felt as though it had been a lifetime. I had changed so much, and this place was just how I had left it. Strangely, I was glad that Yuuma had not been so petty as to desecrate my space. Perhaps he really had wanted me to take the throne once more.

'Are these your rooms?' Miku asked. She slipped an arm around my waist, and I sank into her touch gratefully.

'Yes. This is—was my living room. I often spent time here. Reading, mostly.'

Narrow strips of light fell between heavy curtains, covering two large, airy windows. Drawing them back, holding my breath against the clouds of dust, I took in the room properly. It was a simple space if one were not trained to look for the quality of the pieces inside. Whitewashed walls and wooden floors. A lounge and armchairs, with a collection of low or small tables. Bookcases lined the back wall, packed with my personal collection. Rugs were strewn about here and there. I had tried to give it some element of comfort while maintaining elegance. No one entered this space. No one had to be manipulated or intimidated here. All of it belonged solely to me. The floor was a light rosewood, as were the shelves. Some of the tomes had cost quite a bit to acquire. The seating had been hand-crafted and embroidered by the best artists Nuriel had at the time. The rugs had been made here, or in other countries. One I had purloined from the king's brother, a particularly beautiful woven rug from a far north country. It was said the noble women there had crafted it specially for a king, to show him they would be suitable mistresses. I did not know how it had been acquired, nor did I ever wish to.

The books were in surprisingly good condition. These rooms kept a similar temperature all year round, and they had avoided being bleached in light thanks to the curtains. Some of these, I thought, I would take back with me. It would be nice to introduce Miku to some of my favourite literature. I watched her read the titles lining the bookcases, standing on her tiptoes to read the ones on the top shelves.

I took another deep breath to stabilise myself before entering the bedroom while she was distracted. I needed to enter this space alone, first. There was one particular book I kept in there I wished to take. Then I would search for clues rather than treading old memories.

Even though I had tried to prepare myself, both now and on the way here, it took a moment for my eyes to stop stinging when I went inside. I could not see much given the curtains were pulled shut, but the scent was almost the same. Opening the curtains, I found the source of the scent and knelt before it.

The incense burner was simple in form, a squat, carved cup to hold the cones of incense. The paint had faded long ago. Inside were spent ashes. It had been burning when I'd escaped. I'd been in here, reading, before Gumi arrived on our shores. Those times had been my only ones of respite, late into my rule. It was easier to immerse myself in other worlds than listen to my mind and the paranoia that had bided its time in there, to escape from those acid yellow eyes that had demanded so much. I had been so tired.

It had been a gift. The king had given it to me, before I'd deepened my hold on him. It hadn't even been for any particular reason, just a gift from a man to his wife, the supposed noble woman. I had thought little of it at the time, merely an incident which secured my place at the palace, but I had kept it ever since.

Guilt crawled through me at the thought of taking it. Best to leave it here. If anyone ever set foot in these chambers again, they would find use of it.

The rest of the room, like the living space, was sparse but tasteful. The book would be in the end table on the right, the side I liked to sleep on, furthest away from the window.

The Wandering Girl.

It was a children's fairy tale, an old one. I did not know if it was popular nowadays. The cover was well worn, and it was not even the original. I'd made and bound a new one myself many years ago. I knew the story off by heart. I'd written it again when the pages had finally disintegrated.

In my childhood, this was the only part I truly remembered being peaceful. Reading the book, over and over, no matter if it got me into to trouble with my parents or not. I had taken it when I'd been turned out on the streets, reading it when I'd been starving and scared.

In the story, she had been a young magician, setting off to discover the world by herself. Despite her mentor's misgivings that she was not ready, the wandering girl began her journey against his wishes. In small villages and towns, she would perform small tricks to earn food and a place to stay. She was an elemental magician, and her talent lay in fire. The villagers were delighted, magic not being something they could teach themselves. She grew confident in her abilities, and her tricks grew more grandiose.

The wandering girl decided to travel further than she ever had before.

At long last, she came to a city, and tried to perform there. It would do well to earn some food, coin, and a bed, for she was weary and hungry. She did not have the skills to look after herself on the road.

The people were not impressed. Party tricks, they scoffed, and ignored her.

She tried again over the coming nights, but was soon exhausted. She had not eaten in days, nor slept anywhere indoors. No money was left in her purse. Winter had crept over the city, and the cold bit at her as she slept. She could not summon any fire that would warm her.

One night, huddled in the cold, the girl summoned tiny flames. In them she saw her memories of better times.

Each one grew smaller and smaller, and the last produced only smoke.

The wandering girl, truly exhausted at last, lay down and could not bring herself to travel any further.

As a child, I had added my own ending to the book. What she hadn't known, was that her mentor had followed her in her journey. She had come upon the wandering girl in the city after losing her for a while, and had rescued her. Together they worked on magic again, until the girl could truly make her mark upon the world.

This little book, so treasured, would be a reminder.

No one had come for this wandering girl.

Not until Miku.

'Are you okay, my love?' Her voice came from behind me, and I placed the book on the end table gently before hugging her.

She had not been a mentor but a friend. She had helped me realise I did not need to be alone any longer. I realised, had long realised without truly understanding in our travels, that I wanted to be somewhere quiet, to live out my days in peace with my true family.

I would always bear the wounds I had carved as queen, but my part was done. Gumi could play hers, and my ending was twined with Miku's.

There was nothing here for me now. No clues, no signs. Nothing would come close to being more important. There would always be a hole that remained inside, wanting to know where my parents were, why they had not come to see me, why they had not tried to contact me one last time though I'd failed their test, disobeyed their instruction in the letter.

But the promise of that peaceful life was so much dearer to me now.

We held each other there for a long while, before Miku stepped back to find something to wrap my book in. At my request, she left after a kiss and reassurance that I was well. I was, but I wanted some time alone here. This room would never again be my sanctuary, but I wished to preserve its memory in my mind. It was unlikely I'd ever step foot in here for the remainder of my life.

I found Gumi and Miku in the hall later.

'All finished?' Gumi said, and I nodded. When it was clear I would not say anything more, she continued. 'From what I've gathered, we'll need a serious team to come and prepare everything. Obviously it will have to be done in stages, with the most important rooms cleared first while the rest will be off limits. I'll find people who aren't convinced this place is cursed, and the city can start to have some life in it again. Those who survived before will be contacted and compensated with the gold in the coffers. It's only a small gesture compared to what happened, but it's the best I can do right now. People will need to see my face and my powers to understand I'm truly the leader here. My claim isn't by blood, and there will be those that challenge that, but considering the history, I imagine those that will challenge me will have some ulterior motives that aren't exactly… conducive to Nuriel's healing.'

'It sounds like you have thought this through well,' I said. Gumi nodded, then came over to lay a hand on my shoulder. My swirling thoughts settled, though I could only give a tiny smile in thanks.

I came to stand by Miku, by the throne, and I felt that tug in my heart again. That want, that need. Gazing at Miku, taking in the lines that hardened it prematurely, the softness that stubbornly remained, the love in her eyes, I knew it was time.

Once I could speak without fear of stumbling, I turned back to face Gumi.

'I want you to perform the ritual.'

Miku gasped by my side, her hand gripping my shoulder. Gumi came over to us both, standing in front of the throne.

'Are you sure?' Gumi said. 'Once this is done, there's no going back.'

'Yes,' I said, and one last tremor of anxiety rattled me. It did not deter me. 'Please. I want this with all my heart.'

Gumi grasped my hands, sending warmth through our touch. 'Then let's begin.'

The sun overhead said it was late afternoon, shining down where the roof used to be. I'd come to a moment before, but my mind had only just caught up. Holding out my arms, catching the light that felt…. Warm.

Even though I had been weak for some time, and the sun did not cause me pain as it had done when I'd had my powers, the sensation had always been unpleasant. I'd never really taken any notice of it, other than when I'd first tested myself on the boat to Mirren. I'd been so furious then. A true testament to Gumi's powers, that they had worked, that I had become weak.

Now the sun was warm.

Was I warm, too?

I held out my hand to Gumi, unable to speak. She looked serene, sitting there in the pool of light, and she did not seem tired. Carefully, she held my hand. Miku, by her side, took the other, and her eyes widened.

'It worked,' Gumi said, gently, and let me go.

I drew it back to me like it was precious. Warm.

Miku was still touching me and I was warm, just like her. Truly so, not just the heat from everything else. It was all my own.

Placing my hand on my chest, I felt it rise and fall as I breathed. Underneath, my heart pulsed. It would not last forever. I was mortal.

Closing my eyes, I felt fear try to creep in, trying to tell me I had made a mistake, I had traded my immortality for this, to be no one in a village until I died.

But it could not get very far.

I opened my eyes, cupping Miku's cheek, and she melted into my touch.

If there was a way for all of us to have eternal life, I would take it. But not if it meant being a vampire. Not anymore.

Really, I had been close to this mortality for a long while. Without my powers, without any of the boons that came with vampirism, all I had left was my immortality and a need to feed on blood.

Never would I have had this.

Miku let go gently, and stood up, but I did not follow her, not just yet.

Touching my cheek made me realise I'd been crying.

'Gumi,' I said, looking up at her. She had distanced herself from us, but came back at my motion. She held out a hand, and I took it, but did not get up just yet.

'Thank you.'

She pulled me up, smiling at the one who had caused her so much pain, and held me as I wept.

Mortal… I was mortal.

Letting go of her, I turned finally to Miku, who was trying to wipe away her tears, more immediately rolling down to replace them. I took her hands, and embraced her.

'I will never know how to repay you,' I whispered. 'How kind you have been, how patient. How much you have opened me up to the world and helped me find myself. I love you, Miku Hatsune. Never doubt it.'

Miku shook her head. 'What's there to repay? I love you too, Luka. Forever and always.'

She peered up at me, eyes swollen and red after crying. I thumbed away the tears still rolling down her cheeks.

'Is something amiss?' I asked.

'No, just…' Miku smiled, so pure and warm and bright. She caught my hand that was still cupping her cheek. 'Warm.'

Laughter bubbled out of me, and Miku held her expression for only a second longer before she broke, our joy filling the cold hall around us.

For a new life, it was a promising start.

AN: And so the story comes to an end… until the epilogue next Sunday, that is.