Velvet sat in the corner of the room, eyes looking down at her boots. It's been several days since the volcano eruption and Eleanor hasn't woke up. After boarding the Van Eltia, they sailed for the closest known port. It took a day and a half, but they held the redhead to a Maotelus church. The members immediately noticed the Shepherd and kept her save.

Thankfully, none of these people were resonate.

They could not see Eizen or Lailah. To them, it was just her, Amelia and Alexandra.

The former Lord of Calamity holed herself up in the room, only moving when she absolutely needed to.

Yet, there was one thing there that prevented her from getting closer.

A certain Firebrand malak who stood on guard. Her hair was crimson, an apricot shaded hue on the insides of her hair. Her eyes glowed like the insides of a blast-furnace, bright and blue. Hands on a large zweihänder hung behind her back.

Velvet growled, standing back up again. "Just let me –"

"Absolutely not."

"I swear I will eat you."

"Oh boy, killing the prime lord of the Shepherd. What a great way to restart your reunion."

She scowled, trying scoot herself through. Still, the Firebrand kept her in check.

"What are you trying to pull?"

"Following my latest promise to her. Keeping her safe."

"I'm one of her closest friends damn it!"

"Even so, I will not yield."

"You are impossible!"

"Speak about yourself."

The two butted heads ever since she awoken. The malak would not allow anybody besides the doctors to take care of her. All the while, hovering around her. She never took her eyes off Velvet as she stayed there.

Tense air floated about them, as the former therion paced about. Frustrated, Velvet stomped out of the room, seeing more doctors come around. Out of the small house, she looked around for the other girl, Alexandra.

The blonde warrior was exploring the markets, gathering food for everybody. Her eyes darted around like some guard dog, keeping her master from danger.

"If you don't wash those apples, they won't be any good." She warned.

Alex hopped back, staring at Velvet for a moment. "I know that. But I wanted to test and see if they're good or not. They're not crispy."

"Crispy or not, they're all good apples."

"Eeeh, fine." She snagged a few and paid for them. "Have you seen Amelia?"

"She was off by the bay, watching the boats come and go. Also, helping some of the Van Eltia pirates."

"Huh." She didn't expect. Given each other's cold reception, she expected the woman to just do whatever it was she did. As Velvet made her way to the docks, she could heard Amelia ordering some stationed guards to give them a hand.

Since the Van Eltia was posing as a famous transporting ship, the pirates dressed to impress. The brunette got herself into the role, helping with the crates. Eizen and Benwick could only watch and sigh. At least she wasn't causing trouble for everybody.

But as she watched the other woman continue, she couldn't help but notice the smile on her face. Just like before, it never seemed like that smile grew up to her eyes. She was like that when she was recovering in Aball, getting those groceries while Lailah helped her.

Velvet pushed the thought away. She was Eleanor's legate, and trusted ally, just as Alexandra was here. Walking with the blonde, she asked. "So you're Alex, right? A former exorcist of the abbey that rejoined Eleanor's abbey right?"

"That's me. Former Knight of the Empire too."

"Which legate did you follow?"

"Melchior."

Her brow furrowed. "Eleanor knows this right?"

"I'm her shadow. The one that does the dirty work for her." She sighed. "Somebody's gotta do it."

"And she decided it was you?"

"I've done it enough times under Lord Melchior. Before that and after the collapse of the abbey, for the Empire. House Breuse has been another alternative in the outlying regions for the Empire."

She wasn't knowledgeable about the inner workings of the Midgand Empire. Percival probably knew but didn't tell them once the Exorcist legions got into power. Her arms crossed and tapping at her shoulder, she looked to Alex as they got back to the church's door.

"I'm sure you're aware of the things Melchior had done since the Abbey rose to power, right?"

"Perfectly. I've participated in several of them. It's all politics. I'm sure that Rokurou person could fill you in."

"He's not one to talk about it."

"I guess so."

Opening the door, the physician was just about to leave. A small smile on his face as he saw the both. "You're in luck. The Shepherd has awoken. But she is still very tired and weak. I've suggested a liquid diet for now with plenty of vegetables and fruits."

Seeing the bag of apples, he chuckled. "And not a moment too soon. Take care both of you."

Watching him leave, Velvet turned back to Alex. The two of them continued inside and to Eleanor's room. "So what's with Amelia?"

"Used to be a mercenary. She used a fake name to get into tournament. Broke my shield during that too." She chuckled. "That when I started using my current style."

"It reminds me of Artorius's style."

"I noticed. He had his arm wrapped up. He said it was injured and he couldn't use it. I was trained with my father's style with a shield but… Never liked it."

She could relate. It was the same when she was taught by Artorius. His sword versus her boots and wrist gauntlet.

Velvet looked to Eleanor's door as she reached for the handle. She didn't hear a single sound or word from the other side. Rocking it gently, she opened it to see Eleanor looking to the open windows. That little spark of life in her eyes she remembered seven years ago was hardened. Still there but marked by the years since she's been gone. The way she looked over. Was she seeing right through her?

"Alex. I'm glad you brought some food. But relax yourself. I'm not allowed to eat solids for awhile. Make something for everybody else. Oh, and grab Amelia, would you please?"

"Very well. I'll be taking my leave." The blonde bowed, setting the groceries to the side before heading out.

Now, it was just Velvet and Eleanor. The redhead sniffled, lowering her head. "Velvet, how did you even find me?"

" With a little help from the Bloodwings. We ran into Rokurou and helped him with a small problem of his."

"Oh. I see. How… how is he doing?"

"The same as always. He didn't want to come after finishing that job. Just a little personal for his tastes."

"So that's why he's not here." She seemed so distant. Detached from her bed and the world around her.

"Eizen's here. He brought us to the island."

"I see. I hope his crew is doing fine. He's a pirate, but we've managed to not get at each other's hairs."

"It helps being the Shepherd, doesn't it?"

"I guess."

Velvet grabbed the chair in the room, pulling it over to her bed. As she took a seat, Eleanor looked to her, lost for words. Her hands pulled out of the sheets, resting ontop. She was trembling, shaken from the entire ordeal.

"What happened there? We only came when Alex was fighting off those soldiers."

"We were undergoing a trial by Musiphe, the Fire Empyrean. She sought to test our resolve. Bringing up ghosts of the past and regrets."

"Things like that never go away, do they?"

"Velvet, when you sacrificed yourself back then, I did all that I could." She bowed her head. "Restoring the Abbey was the quickest way to spread Maotelus's word. I recreated the Abbey. I used old terms, I –"

"Eleanor, enough." The former therion held her hand. "I'm not here for that. I don't really care what you did. Even if it brings up bad feelings calling you a Shepherd." There was a small hint of venom in her words.

Yet, her eyes betrayed her feelings. The way her shoulders slacked, and her face looked. Gone was the Velvet so focused on her rage and vengeance. Those features were still there, a burden that she could not escape from, but it was tempered. Seven years in a dreamscape.

I wonder did she ever dream of me? Eleanor's face flustered red as she leaned back into her bed. Velvet looked concerned. "Eleanor? Are you sick again? Damned fool, now it's mine turn to…"

As the raven-haired woman stood back up to gather some ingredients for medicine, Eleanor watched her go. The new clothes she wore. The same colors as before, but complete. She looked… wholesome.

"W-welcome back, Velvet." She finally said.

"It's… good to be back, Eleanor." She replied.

Walking out of the room, she immediately headed to the kitchen. Like a haunting specter, Aoife was waiting by the kitchen, arms crossed. "You seem happier."

"Shut up." Velvet brushed passed her. "I'm making a minestrone stew."

"Good thing the place is stocked up." The Firebrand followed behind her.

As Velvet pulled out some vegetables, she turned to Aoife. "If you aren't going to help, get out of the kitchen."

"Alright, alright, I'll help."

Gathering carrots, onions, celery, tomatos and more, the two women started preparing everything for the dish. Velvet made sure to wash her hands and clean the vegetables too. Aoife followed suit.

The first to cut them up was Velvet, instructing the other as they minced the vegetables and properly set the broth.

"Your attention to detail is impressive Therion."

"You never say the person's name do you?"

"Unless they've gained my respect. Or when it's necessary."

That got on Velvet's nerve. This malak put herself above the other's. Watching everybody. It felt uneasy and controlling. Was she trying to control Eleanor? But she was Maotelus's head malak. Could it be possible that he was blindsided as well? Feelings aside, she continued, first getting a broken bone and tossing it into a slowly simmering pot.

With a dash of olive oil as well, she stood back. The Firebrand looked, sneaking a small diced bit of carrot. Velvet immediately slapped her hand.

"Slave-herder." Aoife growled.

"That's different from 'therion'."

"I'll fry this stew of ours if you continue."

Velvet rolled her eyes, watching the stew continue. The marrow was soaking into the water, seasoning it. Along with the other ingredients, it was turning to a nice even color. She tapped her knife against the cutting board and slid whatever she diced into the pot.

"Your stuff is next."

"Fine."

After a little while, Aoife swiped her stuff into the pot. Completed with a top, Velvet leaned back into the counter. "Properly seasoned and it'll be good."

Black pepper and bay leaves. Red pepper flakes and diced tomatoes. A fresh and rich smell puffed in the kitchen as several hungry eyes looked in.

Alex and Amelia roamed in, drawn by the smell. Just as quickly as they arrived, Velvet and Aoife mushed them away.

The two pair huffed, heading outside for their own food.

"Do we have enough funds for something like that?" Velvet looked over to her malak counterpart.

"It's their money. Let them do whatever they want." The woman shrugged. "Still, I bet Alex likes it's just her and Amelia."

"What? Why?"

"The Hound has feelings for the Hunter. Think of it as their little date."

"Those two? How'd that happen?"

"The tournament. Guess the Hound enjoys being the dominated one."

Velvet twisted her face, learning far too much. Sure, she remembered that Eizen said that Amelia won the tournament, but that's where it started?

Of course, as Velvet stared into her stew, there was a lingering feeling. Here she was, cooking for another ally. Just as she did before, those days on the Van Eltia. So much has changed for the crew, everybody spilling up and going their own way. Sometimes those paths would intersect, and they would fight.

It almost felt cyclic. The world is under threat, the abbey responds, the threat is defeated for a while, and then another threat spawns. As she gently stirred the stew, she pulled the bone out and set it aside.

"… Therion? If I may ask?"

"What?" She answered half-mindedly.

"What exactly is your relationship with the Shepherd?"

"Is this about what's between Alex and Amelia?"

"Answer my question, Therion."

"I don't need to tell you anything!" For a splite second, she nearly spilled the stew out of the pot. With a quick save, none of its contents flew out.

But Aoife's question still lingered. Here she was again, drawn by this question. Once they finish this fight against the Morrígan Wings, what will she do then?

Velvet wasn't a leader. She didn't want to command a crew but ended up like that. They all had their reasons to follow her. Just as Eleanor did with her Abbey. At least, she believed. The dread shook her hands before she pulled herself the wooden spoon and left the stew simmer.

"Therion?"

No response.

"Velvet Crowe?"

"Huh? Oh, I'm fine." She blinked. "You just called me by my name."

"It figured it was the best way to get your attention."

She sighed, cupping her head. "Whatever. The stews done."

Taking a large ladle, she poured the stew into a bowl. Just the perfect amount. A little steam forming on her spoon, ready to eat.

"Are you going to feed the Shepherd?" Aoife asked.

"What? No, she can do that on her own."

The malak laughed, taking a bowl herself. "I'll be eating by myself. Enjoy your time."

A tinge of red flushed her cheeks. Velvet grumbled, heading back to Eleanor's room.

"W-welcome back…" Eleanor coughed, leaning back into her bed. "Is that for me?"

"Doctor's orders. It's better than just soup." She set the bowl for her. "Eat up."

"Aren't you going to get some?"

"Later. Eat first."

"I… Thank you Velvet." Shakely hands pulled the spoon as she trembled getting the stew. As Eleanor tried drinking, the contents dripped back down into the bowl and some on her bedding. She sniffled, wincing. From the smell and preparation, Velvet put her heart into it.

The former Lord of Calamity sighed, pulling herself up and guiding her hands. "You're such a crybaby…"

Small bite-sized gulps and vegetables with every spoon, Eleanor swallowed it down. All the while her face gently glowed from the help of the one she followed all those years ago.

"Th-thank you Velvet."

Just you and I… Collide

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