Chapter 7

Binding Affection

When she returned, she was accompanied by a tall, blonde woman. They walked in, quietly conversing. The tall woman faced him, "I am Elencia. I've heard your story," she said, staring at his wounds, noticing the amulets adorning his neck, "Where did you come upon those?"

"I was given these, by kind people. I assume you to be the head of this village. I ask that I might leave peacefully, as quickly as possible," he replied, rubbing his head, at a sharp pain.

"Do as you please. I mean no offense, but why is a demon doing this far out alone?" she inquired, summoning a servant to fetch his belongings.

He carefully stood, leaning against the chair as he put his shirt on, hiding the bandages wrapped around his chest. He bowed to the woman and ambled towards the door. Suddenly, Miu called out to him. He spun around, facing her, surprised; shocked by the expression she wore. It was one of longing, love, and pain. "Why must you leave? Your wounds have yet to heal. I do not wish you to depart from me", she cried, instantly calming to a whisper, "I… I also wish… that you would stay because… I... I…"

"I thank you for your kindness and caring, but I'm afraid that I must leave. I know not of what evil may come upon this peaceful village in my wake," he softly said, turning away, "I must be on my way. May your beauty remain everlasting and eternal. Farewell."

Kazuma turned, briefly hesitating, and looked at her with a look of grave sadness. He looked into her deep brown eyes for a moment, then averted his gaze. He sauntered out the door, knowing he'd regret leaving. He silently cursed the evil that pursued him. The evil that lurked about within him, seeking any point of escape. He suddenly clenched the pain in his chest, wondering what kind of pain this was. The pain was of lost love, of the parting of two fated lovers. The pain racked agonizingly at his heart, forcing him to stop and lean heavily against the wall. He collapsed to the floor, hunched over, as the pain shot through his body. The pain ripped at him, seeming to try and wrench him apart. He threw his head up, screaming in tremendous agony. Hearing this, the women dashed from the room, suddenly worried. They ran to wear he lay, trembling, as if a beast clawed from his inside. Kazuma lay there, shivering, as more women appeared in the hall. Miu quickly knelt down to help him. Elencia ordered some of the women to get medicines cloths. Miu laid him on his back, removing his shirt as well. She stared in awe at how the necklaces glowed with the brilliance of their color. The Water and Fire amulet shone bright, while the Darkness amulet pulsed with a dark aura. "What is happening, my lady?" she asked, looking up at Elencia.

"The darkness inside him is attempting to escape. It must have found an emotion to flee through. The other amulets are counteracting it. Quickly, we must calm him down immediately. If the beast escapes, God knows what horror it may bring. Bring the cloths! Administer him the sedative!" she instructed.

Miu placed his head in her lap as she sat on her knees, comforting him. She tenderly stroked his head and hummed a soothing melody, as the women knelt beside him to give him medicine. He suddenly stopped trembling before they could give him it. Elencia stood in surprise, watching as the glow of the amulets subsided. She watched Miu hold Kazuma lovingly. Miu looked at Kazuma's closed eyes affectionately, sighing when he relaxed. Elencia stared amazed at how Miu had calmed his demonic spirit. She then realized what had happened to Kazuma, and why he'd seemed so depressed. She also realized that Miu was in love with him. She didn't love him; rather she was in love with him. Elencia had known this day would come, but hadn't foreseen its approach. Fate seemed to have chosen them as lovers. She now knew what she had to do. "Miu, go prepare two horses. Do not worry, we shall tend to him in your absence," she said with a smile.

"Two horses, milady?" Miu asked, confused.

"Yes, two, unless you'd rather remain behind when he leaves?" she replied.

Miu's eyes shimmered with joy, as she turned and ran to the stables to do as she was bid.

When she'd left, Elencia faced the other women, "Now, we shall gather supplies for their journey. First, we must lay him in a bed to rest, for their journey shall be long."

The women's faces lit up in ecstasy as they realized what had happened. They quickly strode off to go about their given tasks.