As Velvet once again reached the village centre, she locked her eyes on the large multiple roofed house that signalled the store. Outside of its banisters, a girl with twin-tailed brown hair was seen taking care of the resource-filled sacks outside the premise. Next to her, a pair of whimpering Akita Inu dogs were resting at her feet. The black-haired woman gained a slight smile upon seeing her long-time friend, as the white inu ran over to her.

"Niko! Here for groceries?" Velvet openly asked the girl, as the person in question turned in the direction of the voice. She wore a much more proper but still comfortable, outfit, with a mixture of bright natural colours like lime and orange. Niko's shoulder-length hair rested gently on her shoulders, tied in lemon-yellow cloth as a makeshift ribbon.

"Yep. And you must've been out hunting," she answered with amused glee, her onyx eyes shifting as she approached.

In response, Velvet rested the two bags of produce against the steel gate, and knelt down to give the waiting dog some attention. "Yeah. It was a good haul. Especially, with Arthur's help."

Putting on a slightly sarcastic voice, Niko cheered on the young huntress, "Look at you, Lady Breadwinner! If you were a boy, I think I'd be in love," she joked.

Stifling a chuckle at her friend's antics, Velvet responded assuredly, "Good thing I'm a girl."

Feigning a shocked expression, Niko scanned Velvet's 'rugged' attire. "Oh yeah? You oughta do something about your style, then."

Understanding the girl's underlying jab, Velvet bashfully stroked her head of messy raven hair, multiple strands recoiling in motion. "Ah, yeah... I kinda broke my comb," she explained, a hint of embarrassed red hueing her pale cheeks.

"So get a new one," Niko exasperatedly pushed. Turning her gaze to settle on the display table at her side, two specific objects stood out to her: a beautiful and articulate brazen compass in working condition, and a similarly golden and elegant comb.

Placing a hand on her chin in thought while Niko shoved her hands on her hips in a dramatic fashion, Velvet thought about the purchase. "Sure, I'd like to, but..." the woman was abruptly cut off when her friend called out to the salesman working off at the bench.

"Hey Mister!" she loudly shouted, "How about a sale on combs for the pretty girl?"

Shaken out of his stupor, the store-owner confusingly questioned the two, "Hrmm? You two need something?"

As the man walked over, Velvet denied her friend's attempts at a bargain, "I'm fine, Niko. I'm just here to pick up medicine for Laphicet."

Now caught up on her needs, "Oh, Velvet. I already told Arthur, but... I'm afraid the medicine hasn't come in yet."

Bewildered by the strange situation, the girl yearned for a reason, "What? Why not? Is it because of the daemons?"

The owner solemnly nodded. "Seems like the daemonblight's really taken a toll on the city. There's even a group of them lurking around here now."

"When's it coming, then!?" Velvet desperately asked.

The man stood still, brows furrowed as he sadly relented in giving the answer, "I can't say. And I don't know how much it will cost," he stated, crossing his gloved arms and looking away from the worried sister.

"Oh no..."

Niko let out a disgusted sound, and crossed her arms in an angered manner, "Ugh, what is WRONG with Midgand? Don't they have army or something?"

"Those guys? The daemons already routed them a while back."

Niko's anger suddenly disappeared, as the fear of the reality steadily settled in. "...But we're safe here, right? After all, your brother-in-law's an exorcist." She asked, turning to Velvet, who trustfully responded with a confident nod.

Unfortunately, the shopkeeper wasn't so faithful in the older man's abilities, "You so sure about that? Arthur can't even use his right hand anymore," he said nonchalantly. "Poor fellow couldn't even protect his own wife and child."

Velvet's hand tightened into a fist as he insulted him so casually. "...Let me know when the medicine gets in."

Now realising the mistake in his free speech, he haphazardly tried to rectify his fumble. "A-Ah... O-Of course. For now, here. On the house." The owner shakily gifted a bottle of different medicine, for a brief pain-relief.

Without a hint of thanks, Velvet stalked off for the second time today in seetheful mourning. Watching her go, Niko began to berate the shopkeeper for his actions; her two dogs staring as the woman left.

"Velvet!" The same voice carelessly called after her. The woman stopped and turned in mild annoyance. Niko still attempted to keep on, "You didn't forget, did you? You promised to teach me how to make your special quiche," she sarcastically moaned like a child.

Eyebrow raising in slight disbelief, Velvet was surprised to hear such a request. "You mean for that apprentice animal doctor you had your eye on? You were serious?"

"Beyond serious! Please. This is life or death for me."

"But I thought your folks weren't keen on the two of you dating."

Raising a hand to silence her, Niko passionately voiced her thoughts, "Who cares what people think?! The important thing is my feelings!"

Seeing her emotions get the better of her friend, Velvet couldn't help but appreciate it in sarcastic irony; "I like the way you talk. If I were a boy, I think I'd be in love."

Seeing the painful mist fall from behind her eyes, Niko let out a hefty chortle, "Darn right! Jeez, you can be real scary sometimes, you know that Velvet?"

"So I've been told," she replied, thinking of her brother; Laphicet.

Minutes later, Velvet found herself in front of the two graves she had looked at the hours before. The one on the left was quite a bit larger than the other.

"Hi, Celica. I'm back," she painfully began, her hand gripping her left. "I can't believe it's been seven years since we lost you... and the baby you carried." Suddenly, she remembered something important she had forgotten as she looked to the slowly withering pink flowers next to the gravestones. "Drat! I forgot to bring your Princessias. I know how much you, Mom, and Dad all loved those flowers. And I know your child would have, too. I'm sorry. I'll pick some from the cape tomorrow."

As the soft lighting that flowed through the glass dampened, she stepped through the wooden door into her warm home.

"Uh, welcome home, Velvet."

Laphi sat at the living room table, a nervous expression on his face, as his feet only briefly touched the floorboards in instinctual escape. Immediately, her golden eyes sharpened like metal as she disappointedly glared at the boy. "Laphi! I told you to stay in bed!" she harshly reminded with a roll of her eyes and exhausted sigh.

She briskly approached him and felt his forehead for any brimming heat as he tried to excuse himself, "I was only up for a little."

Feeling the same discomforting warmth, she sternly placed her hands on her hips. "Look, your fever hasn't gone down a bit! Go lie down and I'll cook dinner."

Obeying her command, he whispered a sincere apology, "...I'm sorry."

Shaking her head in mild dismay, her eyes soon caught a slip of marked paper on the table, with a scattered assortment of pencils. Above them, were two books of different colour but exchangeable unique sigils. "What's this?" Velvet questioned, getting a closer look at the picture. On the parchment, was a detailed and expertly shaded sketch suspiciously similar to the one she had seen earlier.

"A compass! It uses a magnet to tell you which way you're facing." Laphicet excitedly explained, bouncing in his chair.

Velvet, not seeing the use for such an item, shook off the magnificent presentation. "Woohoo," she sarcastically responded, "You can use the sun and stars for that." Her words were ignored, as Laphi had a quick answer for that.

"And what'll you do if it's cloudy, huh? Thanks to this invention, we'll even be able to voyage across the ocean!" he smartly countered, looking straight a plastered map on the wall that was underwhelming for its size. "See? It's designed to stay level, so your heading will be true even when the ship is rolling with the waves." Looking back at his sister, she quickly tried to hide the confused itching of her head during his explanation. "Pretty neat, right?" He asked earnestly.

Her arm still raised in pause, she responded the best way she could, "...If you say so, Laphi."

Mildly disappointed in his sister's lack of immediate interest, Laphi pushed for a more enthusiastic response. "C'mon, it's a must-have for any adventure! Can't you see how useful it is?"

Stepping around her irritated sibling, she patted his shoulders, and guided him towards his bedroom, "You can tell me more about it later."

Pleased by the answer, the blonde boy enquired about her hunting, "Did they hurt you?"

Unwilling to admit that she had used an Apple Gel to heal her mild wounds, she kept up the strong sister image she'd projected, "Not a scratch, and I bought back plenty." Velvet pumped herself up, jumping in a variety of stances. "I can hear Arthur already, 'Gosh, Velvet, I think it's time you learned all my secret artes!'" she proudly impersonated in a jokingly pompous voice.

"He isn't coming home tonight, is he?" Laphicet seemingly predicted.

Slightly baffled at his knowledge, Velvet asked him, "How do you know that?"

Cheerfully, her brother spoke, "Seres stopped by and told me."

"Arthur's malak?" she uttered in mild disbelief. "Huh. You really can talk to malakhim, can't you?" Velvet proudly announced.

"Yeah. Arthur says I've got exorcist potential."

Sitting down next to him on the springy bed, Velvet continued her praise, "No kidding. I think you'll be an exorcist to rival even him. I can tell you've been learning all sorts of things from his book collection."

"I really want to become an exorcist. I want to go travelling with you and see all the wonders of the world. I'll hunt and chop firewood. And if daemons come for us, I'll defend you. I wish... I wish I could do that..." Laphicet's head sunk in sadness as he realised all his wishes were only unachievable dreams, that his bedridden self couldn't realise. It broke her heart.

Enveloping him in a hug, she spoke to him dearly, "You'll get there, Laphicet. It should only take..." she looked him in the eyes, "Oh, twenty years, tops."

"It won't take me that long!" Laphi enunciated, as Velvet got up from the bed and stood in front of him, before guiding him down to lay on his pillow.

"Oh yeah? You better prove it to me, then. Start with this lovely meatball stew I cooked. Eat every last mouthful, even if you don't feel hungry. And take your medicine..." she leaned in close with a stern pointing finger, "No matter HOW nasty it tastes. No tricks. Am I clear?"

Laphicet nervously nodded, "Yes, Ma'am."

Exiting the bedroom where her brother lay, she went over the order of instructions in her mind. 'Right! Cooking time! First I need to light the stove...' As she went to approach said stove, the desk of scattered work caught her attention once again. Carefully, she picked one of the thick coloured books and read its title, 'Observations of the Nameless Empyrean'. "Isn't this Arthur's book? Is Laphi really reading stuff this dense?" She let out a hum of thought, "Poor kid's gonna squint his eyes right out." Casting her gaze over to the other side of the desk, her eyes caught the sight of a thin green book splayed out carelessly on the table. It was Laphicet's Journal.

'Laphi... you need to take better care of your stuff,' she silently scolded, until some of the writings caught her attention. 'Surely, he won't mind...' Opening the first page, she began to read the entries.

"The day before Scarlet Night. Sis went prickleboar hunting on her own. She's almost a good a fighter as Arthur, so I know those prickleboars don't stand a chance. But I worry that she's too athletic to land a husband. Maybe she should try to be more ladylike."

She huffed at his critique of her mannerisms, 'Too athletic? Well, IF I get a husband, he better be able to keep up with me!' She closed the journal with a slightly harsh slam, "Little scamp. He just knew I'd be reading this, didn't he?" 'Nevermind, let's get back to cooking.' Heading back over to the stove, she flicked her fingers together, as a minor fire arte set the wood alight with ease. "It's so easy to light Arthur's firewood. I wonder what his trick is..."

"Uhm, Velvet?" She heard the voice of her brother begin. "...Could you not put any spinach in the stew?"

Clicking her tongue, Velvet was quite surprised to hear the boy make such a demand. "Huh. You'll never grow up if you're picky with your food, you know."

"Aww... I know, but--but just for today...?"

Seeing his moping at such a small ingredient, led her to relent out of the kindness of her heart. "Heh. Fine, fine." Or, to her playful amusement. "I'll leave out the spinach, JUST this once. And I'll make it that curry flavour you like." Velvet generously allowed with a shining smile brighter than any star.

"Really? Thanks, Velvet!"

Back to her cooking, she recounted where the ingredients she needed were kept. 'There's some of Arthur's special curry spice upstairs, isn't there?' Making her way over to the sturdy wooden ladder that led to upper storage, she steadily made her way up, the roughly cut rungs harsh on her calloused but still feminine hands. Passing by the attic's misty diamond-shaped window, she approached a wood and steel manufactured chest, and dug out her desired item. "There ya go! Not spicy-hot, but ohhh so delicious." Pointing her head downwards and over the floor, she spoke overhead to the boy waiting downstairs. "Oh, yeah. I saw Niko today, and she had very important things to talk about. She's coming over in the next couple days, so be on your best behaviour."

"I will. I'm glad you've got a good friend."

"Yeah, we've known eachother since forever." 'Still, Niko falling in love. I can barely wrap my head around it...' she thought with a smug smirk.

"Laphi... You know, if there's a girl you like, you'll tell Big Sister all about it, right?" Velvet mischievously goaded him, hearing his surprised mass of flailing from downstairs.

"A g-girl?!" He yelled out, streaking with burning red stripes of embarrassment.

Velvet continued her plan of teasing, determined to get revenge for his behind-the-back insult from his journal. "Hmm... You're a stubborn little brat, so you might need an older girl to keep you under control," she figuratively mulled over, a hand pressed to her chin. "Oh, and she's gotta be a good cook. A pro in the kitchen is a success at life."

His desperate shouts echoed from the room below, "Knock it off, Velvet! You should be more worried about your OWN love life!" His sudden bite back stunned her.

Taken aback, she could barely formulate a response, "Me?! I-I've got enough on my mind!" She closed her eyes as hundreds of potential desperate excuses were ready to flow from her mouth, "For one thing, I've got to cook for you and Arthur since Celica is gone." Velvet looked down, hand to her chest as some of her thoughts spiralled out of control, "Besides, getting crushes on strange men? I just don't see what's so--"

She was cut off, as Laphicet exploded into several harsh coughs from below her. Letting out a quick gasp of fear, she called to him, "Laphi, what's wrong?!" Sprinting from the chest above, she paid no attention to the ladder as she leapt down from its clearing. With a heavy thud, and a stinging pain in her knees, she rushed into Laphi's bedroom to check his state. "Are you all right?! I'll bring you some water!"

Waving off her worry, Laphicet sat up and spoke dryly, "I'm fine. You just said something funny, is all, and it made me choke a bit."

Not bothered to decipher whether he was lying, Velvet let out a tired sigh, "As long as you're OK... Sorry, I went off on a tangent there."

"Haha! Who knows what the future holds?"

Putting on a prideful front again; "Yeah, but what more can I do?" Velvet then looked with relative seriousness to her younger sibling, "I've got a duty to look after my little brother, and I'm serious about it." She grew a bright smile on her face.

"I know. But, I'm trying to look after you, too. I want you to be happy, that's all." He spoke with sincerity, "And it's not just me. Arthur worries about you, too."

"...Well, we're family, right?"

"Yeah. That's what families do."

"Thanks Laphi. For you, I'd kill every last prickleboar in the forest if it came down to it."

Laphicet looked down at his covers, somehow saddened by the claim she had made.

Suddenly, Velvet let put another gasp, "What am I doing? I need to hurry and get dinner ready."

After a while, Velvet and Laphicet were both seated at the centre table, a bowl of delicious meatball curry stew in front of them. Their last meal before the lights of Aball died out, and the silence of the night expanded.

After dinner, the ravenette assisted her brother in getting ready for bed, the delectable food warming his stomach and soothing the sickly pain he felt pounding in his head. With a quick check over, Velvet was pleased at the change in the medicine bottle's position, "Good boy. You didn't forget your medicine."

"Well, I did promise." The blonde boy shifted with a gleaming smile. Switching his loving gaze to a cold one at the night sky that bloomed outside his window, he remembered the forecast that crept upon them. "Tomorrow's a Scarlet Night."

"Yeah. Just like that night that changed our lives." Moments before the girl slinked away to her own rest, a gentle grip on her wrist stopped her in her tracks.

"Um... Velvet? Maybe I sleep next to you tonight?"

Seeing the worry in his eyes as the blood moon draws closer, how could she say no? "Of course." Velvet sweetly accepted, tapping his hand with a calming press of her palm.

~~~

The tweeting of birds was her greeting as she walked out of the bedroom, the soft morning sun gazing through the windows. Yawning as she stepped out of the room, she immediately began her daily planning of what to do inside her head; 'OK, let's see. Today I've got to dry some meat and use that cheese I've been saving to make a quiche for--' Suddenly, Velvet realised the emptiness and deafening silence of the house. "Hmm? Laphi?" she wondered, her sight slowly rolling over the household decor in search for a tuff of blonde hair. Velvet made sure to check every area of the house; bedrooms, living room, kitchen, attic... "You little... Where have you gone?! she strongly shouted - tiredness vanishing in an instant - upset as a feeling of anxiety crept up her spine.

Rushing out the front door with a loud crash, she did a once over of the still beautiful garden before immediately sprinting down the path desperately. 'You better not have gone to the village alone!', she warned in her mind, especially as the idea of his sickness worsening came with it. Letting out a annoyed growl, "I bet your fever hasn't even gone down!" she inwardly berated such a stupid decision.

Finally reaching the village centre, a good few of the residents were alarmed by Velvet's big rush. Feeling the wind blow back against her face, she soon ran over to the store, and it's working owner. "Hey! Has Laphicet been here?" Velvet quickly asked.

As the older man gradually turned, it didn't take long for a bead of nervous sweat to trail down his forehead; holding a hand behind his back. "Uh, no. I haven't seen him," he tried to deny, stumbling over his words. However, the woman's simple stare seemed to become more intense by the second, boring into his dark eyes that shifted side to side.

Thud

Both confused by the sudden sound, the pair looked to the floor, noticing a cocoa-coloured cover of a uniquely sigiled book laying there. The shopkeeper seized up slightly upon feeling his hand was now empty. "Wait! That's one of Arthur's!" Velvet spoke in alarm.

Letting out a sigh of defeat, the owner crouched down to pick up the fallen object, his brown apron smothering the leaf-covered ground, "Actually, it's a copy that Laphicet made." Finding it now difficult to look into the worried sister's eyes, he still managed and told her more about the copy. "A smart merchant would pay a pretty penny for this book. I gave him a fair trade," he reasoned.

Nevertheless, Velvet, more shocked at Laphi's skill then angry at the merchant, could only utter in disbelief at the perfect recreation. "Laphi... Did he really copy all that by hand?" she asked, her pale hand laying gently on her chest. Until, the glint of gold out of the corner of her eye caught her attention. "Oh! He must've done it to buy that compass!" she theorised.

On the table, still in the same place, was the antique and articulate auric compass he had been drawing at home. "No, though he gave it some puppy eyes," the merchant corrected. "Told him I'd throw it in for free, but he said it would be a bad deal for me. He's a good lad, but not the merchant type," he finished retelling.

Another question still prodded at the girl's mind, though. "So, what did he use the money for?"

Turning to get back to work, the salesman waved off her question in favour of keeping a promise, "I'm afraid my lips are sealed. You'll have to ask him." Realising that her lead was lost, she looked down in anxious worry, despair controlling her thoughts.

"Velvet!"

Whipping around to see who called her, the woman saw her best friend Niko make her way towards her, the two dogs; Orthie and Russ, at her side.

"I saw Laphicet walking around. Is he OK?" she asked worriedly.

Velvet rushed up to her, "He's not OK! Where'd you see him?"

Looking out to the pathway leaving the village, she pointed that way, "He was headed for the forest. I'll help you look for him."

"Thanks. Do a sweep of the village, just in case. I'll check the forest." Velvet stated with urgency, before dashing off in the direction of the Tranquil Woods.

~~~

Her boots pounded the tough dirt, crushing fresh flora as she searched the dense forest. Leaping over tiny puddles and fallen nature, she soon ducked into the rock passageway that dug straight through a hillside, her rushed footsteps echoing in the small cave system. 'He must've headed off to the cape to pick flowers,' Velvet thought to herself, ignoring the startled squeals of prickleboars that she sprinted past. 'Ugh! I swear, if he gets hurt...'

Soon enough, she quickly ducked under the collapsed tree that marked the entrance to the cape, and rapidly scurried up its slope. Rays of sunshine lit up the horizon, a beautiful landscape depreciated by the harrowing ruins ahead. Nevertheless, as Velvet stepped out into viridescent surroundings and the scent of the sea penetrated her nose, a head of blonde hair shot up from a nearby mass of grass blades. "Laphi!" she shouted in alarm, running over to the surprised boy.

A variety of emotion flashed through his eyes as she crouched before him, "Velvet...!" he jolted.

Bringing him close, she swiftly checked over his form for injuries or blemishes, "Can you walk? How's your fever?" the woman quickly questioned, distressed.

"I'm fine," he attempted to lull, "I was just taking a break."

Still annoyed about his incessant attempts at ignoring her warnings, she reprimanded Laphicet once again for his reckless actions. Letting out a tsk, she began, "You little... You know better than this, Laphicet!" she sternly stated, her golden eyes boring harshly into his own. "Running off without telling me... What if something happened to you!? You wouldn't be the only one hurt. Do you understand that?" Velvet fiercely scolded, hands clenching his tunic with a slight shake.

Laphicet looked down, "...I'm sorry," he mumbled, ashamed of himself again. If he had looked up at that moment, he would of seen the sorrow and sadness in her eyes flood away the irritation she felt.

"If you want to do something, just ask." It was Velvet's turn to face her gaze to the smothered grass, eyes slammed shut and head turned downwards in apology. "I know I'm a crummy big sister and I can't afford to buy you all the things you want..."

At her words, the young brother's face shot up in saddened shock, "No! That's not why I went out! You see, it was just..." he found he could no longer speak, seeing his sister display such a regretful expression.

Facing upwards to examine the area, she noticed how the many flower beds had been rummaged. "... I get it. You're right, I forgot the flowers for the graves," she said in understanding, a slight upwards curve on her pale lips.

"Yeah... So I went out to the cape... and I thought..."

"You want to see the ocean, too, don't you?" she objectively announced, rising from her crouch at Laphi's side.

"Well, yeah. That too..."

Placing her hands on her hips, she stared out to the cliffside not far from them. "Fine. Just for today, though." Velvet assuredly allowed, a pleasant smile glowing on her face.

Standing up in mild disbelief, "Are you sure?" Laphi questioned, a similar expression appearing on him, elevated by the situation.

"I am. But next time you run off like that, I'm strapping you to your bed," she figuratively warned, crossing her arms seriously.

"...Yes, ma'am."

Velvet, with Laphicet in tow, began her short walk to the other side of the cape to get a good view of the never-ending blue that surrounded them. Jogging up to her side, Laphicet suddenly held out a small leather bag for her to hold. The pungent but aromatic exotic smell that emanated from the sack already told her what it was. Looking down into the flower-filled bag, the black-haired woman halted as a shower of memories materialised in her mind. "Laphi. Remember how we went out together to pick Princessias on the morning of Celica's funeral?" she asked, delicately holding her left wrist in thought.

Taking the bag back to his chest protectively, Laphicet also reminisced about the time as a bittersweet smile appeared on his face. "Yeah. I was only four, but I remember. We couldn't find any in the village or at the cape."

"Right, because the daemons had made a mess of them," she stated with a sad smile, before breaking out into a wide amused one. "And then you suddenly started climbing down the edge of the cliff."

"You ran over and grabbed me. You had the scariest look on your face."

Velvet's face turned into one of worry and sorrow, as if the very thought hurt her, "Of course I did! Do you have any idea what I'd do if I lost you, too?" she inquired, gripping her left arm tightly.

Laphicet strangely didn't flinch at her worried question, "You'd still have Arthur. He'd help you. He'll help the world," he spoke matter-of-factly, his eyes closed in serenity as the wind stroked his golden locks. "He's quite the guy."

Velvet softly sighed at his words, and sank slightly, "That's probably true." However, her straight eyebrows still furrowed in conflicted anguish, "But I'd still miss you like you wouldn't believe!" the girl sternly reminded.

Once again, Laphi's expression fell downcast, "I know. I'm sorry, Sis."

Thinking back on their little story, "But down the cliff from where you were, a lone pair of Princessia were blooming " she fondly remembered, her face uplifted by the memory.

"I remember! A gentle breeze came in, and it smelled like Celica."

"That's right. That's why I believe those flowers were a message from her." Velvet began her next words with a loving expression and soothing smile, "Do you know what Princessia flowers signify?" She teasingly asked leaning forward with a raised finger.

Laphicet stood still in the waving grass as he racked his brain to come up with the definition, "Um... An irreplaceable treasure," he finally remembered, "and wishes for good health for many years to come."

His intellect shining through, Velvet leaned back with a proud smirk and hands on hips, "Right. And that sums up my feelings nicely, Laphi."

"Yeah. Me too, Sis."

Their short but pleasant discussion coming to an end, they soon reached the cliffedge that overlooked the sea. "Ah! Just look at all these!" Velvet cheerfully cried out as they came upon a large bed of untouched Princessias, easily enough to join the rest in Laphi's bag. Their petals were a noble white, a beautiful milky colour that stood out among the lime landscape. While the happy young woman looked through the mass of lilies, Laphicet looked back in melancholic silence; the small smile he held empty. It didn't take him long to find a comfortable position on the cliffside, nature's scent tickling his nose and blades of grass rough against his impurpose trousers, while looking over at the incredible ocean.

Its azure surface seemed as thin as silk, and as the waves gently lapsed against the rocky shore, the sun's gleaming rays skated over the glimmering water, reflected in a heavenly light. Birds of all types sang and whistled in the countless trees at his back, the wood very much alive with diverse fauna. He drank in the breathtaking view; hair and irises of similar gilded colour beaming in the light.

"This place never changes, does it?" His sister stated, sitting down next to him, resting her arms on her left knee. Velvet gazed out into the calm waters; beautiful midnight black hair shifting in the sea breeze, various shaggy locks shuddering in the mild gales. Despite being the same colour as his, her eyes seemed to shine just that bit brighter at his side.

"It does too change. The seasons, the wind, the weather... Change one, and the sea's totally different. And the same goes for what lies across the sea..."

Looking out into the endless horizon of blue, "'Across' the sea? Sometimes I just don't know what you're talking about," was all the woman said, settling for a comfortable silence as they took in the air.

Eventually, Laphicet decided to speak up, "Hey Velvet? Thank you for taking me out here today," he genuinely thanked, a sincere look in his eyes.

Velvet smiled back brightly, "You don't have to thank me."

Caw!

Looking skyward, the pair noticed a bird of prey circling the area. The sudden appearance of the animal caused Laphicet to rise from his position to get a better look. "Do you know why it is that birds fly?" Arthur's words echoed through her head as she laid eyes on the bird. "Hey, Laphi... Do you know why it is that birds fly?"

"Well, if they didn't, they couldn't catch food. Or escape from predators."

'Thought so...'

"But you know, I think there's more to it than that. A bird that's born with wings HAS to--"

Growl

Laphicet gasped as he turned and witnessed where the devilish sound cane from; Velvet jumping up in warning as he did so. Unfortunately, what prowled towards them was the worst that could've appeared.

"A daemon!"

The daemon that approached was nothing either of them had ever seen. It was covered in dirty, torn fur and flesh exposed in large gaps between ripped garments. The beast bore great wolf-like black claws curved and poised for carving prey, and it's feet created a hefty crash every time it took a step. Lastly, it held the face of a hellish monster; volumous onyx hair that jutted down its muscular back in a frenzied mess, and its eyes were blank and a beady crimson. Enhanced by its canines that were sharp and vicious, with a deathly pink tongue sliding over them in hunger.

Seeing the most formidable foe yet begin its approach, Velvet did the only thing she could. "Laphicet, run. No matter how much it hurts, run!" she commanded harshly, entering the steadiest stance she could.

"Velvet!?"

"Don't be scared. You can do it," she attempted to calm him. Although, the evident shake in her poised hands showed who the cheer was truly for. "You're going to be strong, like Arthur."

Potentially about to witness his sister about to be fatally wounded, Laphicet's face contorted in severe worry and desperation. "No! You can't!"

The werewolf's muzzle twitched in recognition, and it let out another grim snarl. Velvet gritted her teeth inwardly as she nailed down her composure. Her muscles tensed as she recounted all her training throughout her days with Arthur, as the smell of dread entered her nostrils. Steadily, her boot put pressure down onto the dirt.

Cruuuunch

"GO!" she fiercely shouted, springing into action as the daemon lunged forward, grasping nothing but air as she dashed to the side. It let out a bellow with gnashing of teeth as it felt a blade burrow into its thick hide.

Velvet leapt back with a huff as the werewolf flailed its arching claws at a blinding speed, the air rippling in tandem. Attempting to control her adrenaline and pace her breathing, her wristblade slipped back into the vambrace. Before she could even survey the situation, the beast violently lunged at her again, its onyx nails gleaming in the light as she skillfully slid under its pounce. As her boot clipped the beaten ground, she quickly jumped up and, with all her strength, kicked the daemon in the back of its head.

Whipping in anger as it ignored the harmless blow, the monster lashed out at her extended limb; scratching nothingness again as she carried her leg through with a turn and struck out with a reverse roundhouse to its jaw. It grumbled and growled again as her incessant blows irritated it to no end. Velvet frowned at this, and flicked her hand again to unleash the blade stored within. Ducking under another feral swipe, she slashed its impenetrable abdomen and dived downwards to catch its thigh, as another claw came crashing down. The blade was getting through, but all the blood that slicked its edge was just from the skin.

Spinning on her heel, the huntress stabbed with a strong thrust at its face for a critical shot, only for the beast's jaw to clamp down on the outstretched blade. 'Damn it...!' Thinking fast, she sheathed the sword, causing it to vanish from the daemon's clutches, and performed a hurried roll through its animalistic legs. Alas, the daemon once being human had its perks, as when Velvet spun around to make a move, it already had caught her with a swing of its limb. The only thing that kept her from being torn to ribbons, was the vambrace she threw rapidly in front of her.

The sheer force sent her careening painfully into the ground, dirtying her clothes and bruising her skin. Velvet didn't even realise how much effort she had expended to keep up with the beast, and was exhausted. Trembling, she willed her legs to keep her steady, and for her body to make do with the heaving lungs that felt like they would burst. "It's... It's just like Arthur said... but..." the wristblade appeared once more, "I have to do this!"

With a fierce roar, she sprang towards the beast recklessly, allowing it to harshly swing its claw right into her chest. The power easily barreled right through her tough skin, immediately forcing all the air out of her lungs. The claws, however, were the worst. They bore right into her side relentlessly, carving terrible marks into her flesh. With no friction to stop her, Velvet's body was easily sent flying into a ruined wall with a crack, sending a paralysing shock throughout her whole body with a scream of agony.

She could already feel a ruby red liquid stain the fresh green grass, as she painfully attempted to heave herself up in vain; the wounds inflicted sending a searing pain with a rapid pulse. Velvet couldn't even look up before the beast was about to be upon her once again. The woman couldn't even hear as the pain clouded her senses, and a sickening crackling filled her eardrums as she was left completely dazed.

"St...p! F...ce me, Daem...!" the sound died in her mind.

Another scream of torment of what could be only one person yanked her mind from the depths, as a smaller body violently collapsed at her side. It's golden blonde hair was now dishevelled and partly discoloured with vermillion. "Laphi...!"

Her younger brother's damaged figure shook in complete silent pain, his left shoulder stained with that same red and unmoving. Laphicet's right arm rapidly quivered as it searched his tunic. "Velvet..." he faintly groaned, eyes wincing. Now in his hands, was that articulate aurous comb that was once laid outside the store in Aball.

Velvet's vision wavered as her mind finally realised what was set out before her. Each limb shuddered in utter agony as she used everything to lie next to her brother. Hands quaking as she delicately gripped the item he held, tears began to pool in her eyes as the beast prowled from behind. "Is this... why..." She showed a bitter smile of a million words as the dreadful feeling grew.

Just before that feeling erupted, in a display of true self, Velvet jumped over Laphicet and shielded his body with her own.

Slash!