Here we are at Chapter 19. Let's see how Fuyumi handles having an elf join her party as she returns home. I do not own Code Vein or Skeleton Knight. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 19. Enjoy.

Chapter 19: New Additions

Outside the marques' manor, Fuyumi, Anelia, and Elane prepare to leave and return home when they get a sudden surprise.

"Up there," Elane points up and they look to see the Hydras Helioptas flying in. "The Hydras from before. Did it follow us all the way here from the forest?" The Hydras flies around them and then lands on Fuyumi's shoulder. "It seems to have taken a liking to you,"

"You think so?" Fuyumi wonders as the spirit creature nudges up against her head.

"It seems so. As I said before, they are very cautious of humans. So, if it is willing to get this close to you, it must trust you a great deal. This only confirms the elder's previous statements. If I travel with you, I'll learn more about my missing kin and why they were kidnapped," Elane says.

"I see," Fuyumi scratches the Hydras under its chin. "Though, if this little one is going to be traveling with us, we'll have to give it a name,"

"That might be for the best. Just don't think of something weird," Elane says.

"Naming a spirit creature? That's so cool, Fuyumi," Anelia has stars in her eyes.

"Hmmm, how about... Umi. It means 'ocean' or 'sea' where I come from. Since he's primarily blue in color, and can therefore use water magic, I thought that would fit," Fuyumi decides.

"Umi... that sounds nice. This is a female Hydras, so the feminine name is nice," Elane agrees.

"I agree. I think it's cute," Anelia nods.

"Alright, welcome to the party, Umi," Fuyumi says, while Umi caws in glee. "Well, with that done, we should head back to Crystalglove. I'm sure Emilia is eager to see us again,"

"Crystalglove city?" Elane asks.

"Fuyumi is engaged to the duke's daughter there. I'm her second fiancé. Emilia is the first," Anelia explains.

Elane cocks an eyebrow and gives Fuyumi a scrutinizing gaze, "Um, is something wrong?" Fuyumi feels a sweat drop.

"Two fiances, both women... Are you some kind of womanizing pervert?" Elane interrogates her.

"Of course not! I love Emilia and Anelia both. I want to be there for both of them. And for the record, polygamy is accepted in this country. I did not get engaged to either of them just so I could have my way with them!" a blushing Fuyumi argues.

Elane just stares at her for a moment longer before she shrugs her shoulders, "Fine, fine, I'll drop it. At least, you're not as bad as some of those perverted human slavers that were practically drooling whenever they see me,"

"Hard to blame them. You are beautiful," Fuyumi notes, but she keeps that to herself. "Wait, that reminds me; are you sure you'll be okay going into a human city, Elane? I know you're not exactly trusting of humans,"

"I admit, that the idea does unnerve me a bit, but... I have a duty to save my people, whatever the cost. If traveling with you will lead me to the rest of my kin, and to those responsible for their kidnapping, then I am willing to endure whatever trials await me on that path," Elane remains steadfast.

Fuyumi nods, "Very well then. I am fully aware that there are plenty of humans that are evil, cruel, or just plain stupid. But, there are good ones as well. Emilia and her family are such humans. I promise. Now then, let's head home, shall we Anelia," Fuyumi offers her a hand.

Anelia happily takes it, "Yes,"

"Elane, place your hand upon my shoulder and stand close to me," Fuyumi says. This makes Elane cock her head in confusion. "Just trust me,"

Elane hesitates, but eventually does as Fuyumi asks. The next moment, Fuyumi uses her ability to teleport them back to Emilia's home.

…

Back in the Crystalglove estate, one of the maids is in the garden, trimming away at the bushes and flowers. A moment later, she notices a faint light from the mistle in the center of the garden. She looks to see Fuyumi, Anelia, Umi, and Elane appear as if from ashes. Though the servants have been made aware of how the plant works, seeing it is another thing entirely. The maid is quite shocked at the sudden entrance.

"L-L-Lady Fuyumi... is that you?" the servant asks, stuttering.

"Sorry for the sudden entrance. I've returned home. Would you please let Emilia and her family know that I've returned, and that I've brought company?" Fuyumi asks.

"Um, right away my lady!" the maid frantically leaves to give the news.

Fuyumi turns to Elane... who looks a little pale, "Elane, are you alright?"

"We just... teleported. Teleportation is considered a lost magic. No human in this day and age can use such powerful magic. We elves have teleportation circles for such actions, but they are few and require careful preparations to use," Elane stares at Fuyumi in awe. "To think that someone can use it so easily,"

"Well, my magic's a little different than yours. I'm just one-half of the equation. The other half is that plant there," Fuyumi points to the mistle.

"That plant..." Elane mutters.

"It's called a mistle. A plant all too familiar in my homeland. It's complicated to explain, but they can be used to teleport someone from one place to another, as long as they have been to that location once before, and as long as there is another mistle in that same location. However, I'm the only one of my people with such an ability. I am not from these lands, and I'm currently on a journey. My people use magic a little differently than the people here, and that includes the elves. It's a long story, but there will be time for that later," Fuyumi explains as she turns to see the maid bringing Emilia out into the garden.

Emilia immediately brightens up upon seeing her fiancé and races over, "Fuyumi, you're back!" she wraps her arms around Fuyumi in a tight embrace. "I was wondering when you'd finally come back home!"

Fuyumi returns the hug, "Yes, it took a little longer than expected. Sorry for taking so long. A lot happened," Fuyumi glances at Anelia, Umi, and Elane, who has a cloak on with her hood up. "Elane, it's okay. You can show them. They're trustworthy,"

Elane hesitates, looking unsure, but eventually pulls her hood down, revealing her ears.

Emilia's eyes first fall onto Elane, "Is that... an elf?"

…

Inside a large living room in the manor, Emilia's family, Sebastian, and Conrad are together as Fuyumi explains what happened on their way to Ustia and after they got there. Suffice to say, some of what she said left the duke concerned.

"Kidnapping elves to sell into slavery... That is most troubling. I've spoken with his majesty in regard to this matter. We've been investigating on our end, but the culprits are certainly skilled at masking their tracks. To think it's this bad," Duke Joseph narrows his eyes on his hands.

"My concern is the fact that a noble family from Anatolia was actively participating in the crime. But, when you said that a curse was placed on them, without them knowing, to keep them quiet... That feels even more terrifying," Lady Eleonora notes.

"Lady Fuyumi, you said that the cloaked woman matched you blow for blow. Was she really that skilled?" Conrad asks.

"She was. I hadn't revealed all my tricks. I always believe it's best to save your best cards until they're really needed, but at the same time, I felt like she was holding back too. Also the moment I touched her, I got shocked with a powerful spell. She didn't say any chants either, just like me. Whoever that woman was, she's strong. The strongest fighter I've seen so far since I came to this land," Fuyumi recalls the battle against the mysterious woman.

"Chant-less casting like you? Could she have been a native from your land?" Conrad asks.

"I don't believe so. I would've noticed. Her abilities were like the magic of your land, not like the abilities used by my people. She didn't give off the impression of being one of my people either, but I can't rule anything out just yet," Fuyumi shakes her head.

"That is another concern. If these assailants have someone that strong in their ranks, then then who knows what else they have up their sleeve. I'll inform his majesty of this development," Joseph says.

Emilia turns to Anelia, "Well, at least you were able to save those elves, and Anelia. You also found out who was trying to kill her. Honestly, all that just because she is a commoner, or perhaps because she might be related to the great archmage from the past. *Sigh* I'm just glad you're okay, Anelia,"

Anelia smiles, "Thank you, Emilia,"

Duke Joseph turns to Elane, sitting in a separate seat, "Now then, I apologize for the late introductions. I am Duke Joseph von Crystalglove, governor of Crystalglove. This is my wife, Eleonora, my daughter, Emilia, and these are my servants: our head butler, Sebastian, and captain of the city's knights, Ser Conrad. And you would be?"

"I am Elane Mistral Glendas, from the Glendas clan of elves. I am currently on a journey with Fuyumi in order to find the rest of my missing kin," she introduces herself, only for Umi to fly from a perch on her seat to Fuyumi's shoulder. "And this is Umi, a Hydras Helioptas that has taken a liking to Fuyumi,"

"A spirit creature. It's rare to see one, especially a human. Incredible... To think that one would become attached to you, Fuyumi. You never cease to surprise me," Joseph notes in awe as Fuyumi pets Umi. "Ahem, forgive me, Lady Elane, but may I ask why you believe traveling with Fuyumi will help lead you to the rest of your missing people?"

"Twice now, Fuyumi has been in the area where my people were being kidnapped, or held prisoner, and twice she has helped me to free them. What's more, Umi here lead her to where some of my people were being kidnapped. This would lead to our first meeting. It is my opinion, and the opinion of the elder from my clan, that by following Fuyumi, I will find the rest of my people, and learn the real reasons why they were kidnapped. That is why I am here," Elane explains.

"I see. It must be difficult, having to interact with humans. I know your people don't trust us, and honestly, I can't blame them," Joseph notes.

"Still, it takes courage to brave such dangers to find your people. It is admirable," Eleonora notes.

"I thought that Fuyumi had found herself another bride for a second there," Conrad jokes.

This makes Fuyumi blush a bit, "Ser Conrad! That is not what this is about. I'm not some kind of pervert!" she defends herself, but then notices the look Emilia is giving her. "I swear, Emilia, that's not what this is,"

Emilia just stares for a moment longer, "...Well, either way, I wouldn't be too surprised. I still think that later down the road, you'll end up with a few more brides. Of course, I will be the head wife," she notes offhandedly, making Elane stare at Fuyumi accusingly.

"Will you stop that?! I told you I'm not that kind of person. Honestly, this is worse than when you hit me with all those arrows when we first met," Fuyumi crosses her arms.

"She what?!" Emilia nearly shouts.

"Emilia," Eleonora reminds her daughter behind her fan.

"Oh, sorry Mother," Emilia calms down, but then she gets a dark look in her eye. "Fuyumi, would you mind explaining?"

Yeah, Fuyumi didn't mention the arrows incident on purpose in order not to freak Emilia out. She just said that her first meeting with Elane was tense, but held out some of the details. Well, until she let that fact slip.

Fuyumi starts to sweat, "Well, uh, you see, it's very complicated. I wouldn't want to bore you with all the details," she looks to her friends.

Anelia keeps her attention on petting Umi, while Elane stands up, "Well, I'd best find a place to stay in the city. No disrespect, but I can't feel comfortable sleeping in a duke's mansion. I'll be nearby though. Let me know when you want to head out on another quest or something," and starts walking away.

"I understand. Please enjoy your stay in Crystalglove. If you have any problems, let me or my guards know," Duke bids her goodbye.

"Wait, Elane!" Fuyumi yells, only for a hand to fall on her shoulder.

"Fuyumi... care to explain now?" Emilia is not letting her go anywhere.

Fuyumi can only laugh nervously. She's in trouble.

…

Out in the city, Elane keeps her hood up and hear ears hidden as she looks for an inn to stay at. Luckily, Sebastian provided her with human currency for such an endeavor, on the duke's behalf. She said that she was willing to endure being around humans to accomplish her objective, but that doesn't make it any more comfortable. All these humans around her are practically keeping her on edge. How many of them might be involved in the illegal selling of elven slaves? How many look down on her people? She keeps one hand close to her short-sword on her waist at all times.

"Elane?" Elane turns to find Anelia behind her. "I thought that was you,"

"Anelia? What ae you doing here? Shouldn't you be back at the duke's place with Fuyumi?"

"Oh, she'll be fine... I think. Besides, I think you could use a friend right now, huh," Anelia waves it off.

"What? I can assure you that I am fine. I don't need a babysitter," Elane replies while glancing around at the humans walking by her.

"I didn't say babysitter. Even I can see that you're too tense. Come on, let's get something to eat. My treat," Anelia grabs her arm and pulls her along, much to Elane's confusion.

They find a local stand selling some meat skewers, hot off the makeshift grill. The pair find a spot to enjoy their food.

"So, are you sure you're okay in a human city? You said you'd be fine, but you look really tense right now," Anelia says in between bites.

Elane sighs, "Fine., I admit, it's a little uncomfortable. Most of the humans I've dealt with, most of the stories I've heard, have been cruel, greedy, perverted, or evil and barbaric to my kind. Having dealt with those kinds of humans for so long, it's hard to see other humans as anything but the same. I mean, you and Fuyumi have proven to be trustworthy, and while the duke's family has been nice, I can't trust them just yet,"

"I can understand that. You just met them after all, but you were being considerate. I know there are humans who are bad. I mean, look what happened to me. But, not all humans are that bad. I also heard that the king was trying to establish friendly relations with your people," Anelia notes.

"Easier said than done. My people won't be swayed so easily. We have to be cautious in order to protect our people," Elane replies.

"But, you took a big risk joining us. I think you trust Fuyumi, if nothing else," Anelia says as she finishes her food.

"Fuyumi is... different. I mean who in their right mind would allow themselves to be shot full of arrows just to prove they're trustworthy?" Elane thinks back to their first meeting.

"I admit, that had me scared too. I never expected that. But, I think Fuyumi knew that words alone wouldn't be enough to convince you, and that she had to do something crazy to earn your trust. At least Umi intervened before things got really bad," Anelia says.

"I trust the spirit creatures. The fact that one as special as Umi showed so must trust in Fuyumi was what originally convinced me. I've come to be grateful for Umi's intervention. Had she not showed up, I might've done something that would've only hindered the progress of my quest... and I would've killed someone who bore me no ill will. I am an elven warrior. I do what I must to protect my people, but I am not without honor. I am also partially here to make up for my poor judgment," Elane says.

"I doubt Fuyumi holds that against you. She did heal herself, remember. Besides, we were all concerned for the children those men tried to kidnap. That was the most important thing. For now, you take this time to get more acclimated to living with humans. If you wish to continue journeying with us, that will be key. Don't worry, I'll be there to help you out every step of the way," Anelia suggests.

Elan finally smiles a bit, "Thank you, Anelia. But, are you sure you want to be away from Fuyumi?"

Anelia waves it off, "Don't worry. I tend to spend more time with Fuyumi than Emilia. She's not a magic caster like me, or a warrior like you or Fuyumi, so she doesn't travel with us on our quests. Let them have some time to themselves for now. Besides, if I tried to keep Fuyumi all to myself, then Emilia might get mad. She is going to be the head wife after all,"

"Yeah, I hope I'm not prying too much, but what is this 'head wife' thing all about?" Elane cocks her head.

Anelia scratches her cheek, "Let's just say you shouldn't underestimate Emilia,"

…

Back at the duke's manor, Emilia is in her room, sipping some tea, while Fuyumi... is prostrated on the ground in front of her.

"I'm sorry for worrying you and not telling you everything. Forgive me," the dead-fish look in her eyes made the last servant to see them look worried for her well-being.

Emilia finishes her tea, "I will forgive you, but you must promise me never to keep such secrets from me again," she finally looks at Fuyumi, who finally its up. "I am to be your wife. I want to stand by your side, not behind you in shadow. Your burdens are my burdens. Your pain is my pain. I do not wish to be kept in the dark when you could be in danger. I cannot fight be you side in the traditional sense, but there are other ways I can support you. Let me support you,"

Fuyumi sighs, "You are right. I shouldn't have kept that from you. I didn't want you to worry. I am sorry. If we are to be married, then it should be with a clean slate," she stands up.

Emilia stands from her seat to embrace Fuyumi, "Please, don't worry me like that again. Yes, I'll be worried whenever you go on some quest to help people, and those quests involve risks. But, don't take unnecessary ones. You saved my life. I want to be with you," she rests her head on Fuyumi's shoulder.

"I will. I promise," Fuyumi holds her closer. "I can't keep this up. I have to tell her. I have to tell her that I'm not human, but a revenant,"

"Good..." Emila pulls back. "Then, the first thing you can do to make it up to me is by taking my out on a date," she smiles.

"A... a date?" Fuyumi wasn't expecting that.

And that's the chapter. Umi the spirit creature joins the party as they return to Crystalglove. Fuyumi and Emilia have a little turbulence, while Anelia and Elane grow as friends. Now, Fuyumi has a new challenge in front of her. Will Fuyumi confess the truth about her origins to Emilia? How can she handle a date with a duke's daughter? Until then, please Read and Review.