A/N: Well I've finished this chapter! As I said in the last chapter this one is a backstory and I'm guessing you all know it's Elaine's now. I like this one as it's a bit different from the others in terms of the hardships and issues she's faced with, as well as being related to King, so some of those issues link into his past as well. So some things will differ in how she remembers them and how he remembers them. I wonder which is the true perception...
Anyway, I'll stop being a writing nerd and let you guys read on :)
Silver - I guess you're right about the great minds think alike thing and thanks for calling me a good writer XD. Your points and evaluations on the story are honestly amazing and once again I enjoyed reading another of your reviews. The King and Ban moment was really just added in through me not thinking. I honestly just typed away, ending up with that as well as Meliodas trying but failing to get drunk. (Glad they were well received). And King and Ban teaming up to take down Melascula is something I'll note down for later (I can already see an epic showdown). And finally the point of Elaine and Elizabeth: you have read my mind again, or thought the same.
Till next time,
D.L.D
Elaine's Backstory
In the Fairy King's Lands
"Harlequin! I bet you can't catch me!" I squeal as I run between the groves of trees, swiftly going through the gaps as I run away from my elder brother.
It was a nice day today, the sun beaming gently down on the land below it. Golden rays seemed to touch everything, creating an idyllic scene for the day. The trees and flowers seemed to bloom with the sunlight too, all sorts of plants colouring or producing pretty fruits and flowers to look at. It was a beautiful sight. One that I saw everyday within the grove of Youth Trees my family produced. They were beautiful trees, the trunks wide and thick and leaves lush and green. They were evergreens, the leaves never yellowing or turning to dry dust in the winter. Instead they had colour all year round, the lights of the fireflies who often clustered around them making the sight even more enchanting.
"I bet I can!" My brother had given chase, his laughter following me through the maze of trees.
The both of us had grown up here from birth, rumored to have come straight out of the Sacred Tree itself. Among the trees and all of natures creations, we learned to grow and cultivate them to live long and healthy lives. Our parents had explained that they were the source of our country's wealth and trade. The reason why the royal family, my family, was graced with protecting the thing that made the durability of the Youth Trees possible.
The Fountain of Youth.
King had already begun his training to look after the Fountain, often waking up earlier and heading to bed late. He told me all about what it was like, about how it felt to do certain things as well as have his own spirit spear. It seemed to live up to the legends of the former kings, being extremely powerful and breathtaking. However soon I had followed his footsteps, becoming a backup in case my brother couldn't protect the Fountain. The one who would take on the burden if he couldn't. But we didn't think of that as children. Instead we thought of all the cool things we could learn and how amazing it was to be guarding a Fountain of Youth. To be in charge of something so important.
Of course we did do normal schooling, learning about history and all sorts of other subjects. Many of them were tedious, but my governess, Lady Gerheade, made it more fun than anything. Lady Gerheade has long light brown almost honey blonde hair and deep purple eyes. She often wore a long white dress that had a v-cut skirt once it reached her knees, two earrings that dangled from her pointed ears and a hat with a flower pinned to it. She was a sweet woman, her natural prettiness outshining her quirks and she had a lovely nature. Although she could be sharp at times.
Nevertheless she had allowed me to have the day off to play with Harlequin, both us enjoying the summer sun.
I now was nearing the other end of the grove, the one that opened out into the castle gardens, smiling widely as I spotted the open. Once I reached there it'd be difficult for Harlequin to catch up. I run faster, legs working at a quicker pace, when suddenly there was a loud boom, a wave of heat following it. It was blistering, unnatural and boiling. I could feel it trying to harm my flesh, but it was too soft to do any real harm.
But I stopped running and began to float upwards towards the canopy, curious as to what happened. To see what was going on. I had to know what had caused that sudden wave of violent heat and sound. It felt like it was harming the trees.
"Lady Elaine!" I heard Lady Gerheade call me, urgency and panic in her voice. I stopped floating, fear coming into me as I caught a small glimpse of what was above. It was black and curling, floating into the sky. It covered the sun and brought down a cold draft. It was something bad. Something very bad.
Smoke.
"Lady Elaine!" This time the voice was closer, but it was still panicked.
"I'm here!" I zip towards the noise, hoping that everything was ok but knowing better.
Smoke always meant something bad was going to happen. That was the first thing I was taught and I knew it by the age of five. Smoke was bad and it led to fires. The thing that could destroy us all. Fires were what caused the most damage. They ate everything in their path, burning all away into ash and rubble. Fires were no good for fairies other than to utilize for craft or to make food. We didn't have use for them like all the other races do. After all we were a peaceful race, not a warring one. We had no need for real weapons.
I crash into Lady Gerheade, her arms wrapping around me as she gives out a sigh of relief. Her hair fell into her eyes, clearly frazzled from hands running through it. She had been worried. Extremely worried. In fact she had risked getting burned away to make sure I was safe and well, just as every guardian should.
"Where is Harlequin?" She looked at me, her amethyst eyes set with panic. She frowned as she took in my slightly dirt-streaked face. "We need to find your brother."
I frown, matching hers, as I knew that I didn't know where my older brother was. I know that he had been chasing me, but I didn't know much more. For all I know he could've ended up on the other side of the grove. The side closest to the sudden explosion. I'd hate to think of what could happen to him if -
"I'm here Lady Gerheade," He appeared before us, his form unharmed apart from a few streaks of dirt and something else on his face. His clothes were slightly torn, as if he had been caught on something, and his expression seemed a little different from usual. Beside him floated Chastiefol, his spirit spear. "What's going on?"
"I have no time to explain," The usually calm Lady Gerheade frowned even more as she dragged me along, making sure that Harlequin was following us as well. "My instructions were to keep you two safe. The King and Queen rushed off before I could do anything."
This caused me to grimace as I knew it was unlike my parents to run off in such a manner. They were usually calm and collected, knowing what to do next. That's where Harlequin had received his levelheadedness and I the same to a certain extent. But for them to just tell Lady Gerheade to look after us and make sure that we were safe was odd. Usually they would've come up with a whole plan or phase, but it seemed nothing else was said.
We had been floating away for what seemed like hours now. The grove was now gone, the trees a line in the distance surrounded by ominous, curling smoke. Our home was gone too, the latter most likely engulfed in the flames that were steadily approaching the end of the grove. All of the things I owned had been there. All of the gifts and small things that some would call material possessions. However to me they seemed so much more - especially at five.
Lady Gerheade, however, had shown no end to our floating away. Instead she urged us to continue, her eyes staring straight ahead at the road. The blank and empty road that seemed to stretch into forever. Over the hills are far away...
"Where are we going?" I find myself asking, rubbing my eyes out of sleepiness. I try to stifle a yawn, but it fails.
"Oh, Lady Elaine," Gerheade sighed as she picked me up and rested me upon her shoulders. A silent thought seemed to pass through her, a sort of sadness fixed in her eyes, as she looked at me and then Harlequin. She then patted my head, smiling softly. "Don't worry I'll keep you both safe. I'll make sure of that."
I didn't know the meaning of her words back then. Not when I was on her shoulders, falling asleep and trying to stay awake. I remember tiny me doing her best to will her eyes to stay open so that I could see the whole journey, see where we were headed, but eventually I drift off. Five year old me not knowing that my whole world had changed forever.
In A Broken and War-Torn Cottage
"Why aren't you ever around Harlequin!" I glower as I tug on my brother's arm, willing him not to go again. He always disappeared at random, appearing at late hours and wishing me a goodnight or sneaking a gift. He always said it was for the best, to keep me safe, but I wasn't so sure anymore. Even Lady Gerheade had began to protest against his frequent trips. Trips that we didn't know anything about.
"I'm sorry, Elaine, but I have to do this," He plucks me off his arm, giving me a sad smile. His hand lingers on my arm before he finally lets go. "You'll understand when you're older."
I pout in return, turning my back on him. It wasn't fair and it wasn't right. Harlequin shouldn't be disappearing all the time and leaving me to deal with Lady Gerheade's constant rules and protective manner. If it wasn't to keep me safe, it was to keep me busy. It seems that ever since I can remember she's been following me around like a loyal guard dog, scaring away people but working too well. No-one ever visited or even tried to talk to me these days.
"I just want to see my older brother for once ok?" I say, turning to face him with a sadness in my eyes. I sniffle as I hold back distant tears. "We used to be really close, Harlequin. What happened?"
He paused at this, seeming to falter before biting his lip. He then turned away, a look of scorn on his features as he clenched his fists.
"Nothing. I wish more than anyone that we're still that close," King sighed as he opened the door. "But it's for the best."
He then closed the door, leaving and heading on another one of his stupid errands. Again. They seemed to be getting more and more frequent these days. All errands and no seeing your own sister. Let alone protecting the Fountain of Youth like he should. That seemed to be my full time job now since Gerheade got it back.
I don't know how she did, but Gerheade had gotten the fountain after heading back to my old home. She had said it was hard and something that she'd never want to go into detail of again, but had told me to be thankful that she thought to have grabbed it. A change from the kind Lady Gerheade that King had told me about. He said that she had been a nice woman and that I had adored her as a child. However now I see her as one of the constant reminders of my trapped and boring life. A life filled with endless tasks that she had found for me to do, instead of going out and exploring the city we happen to live near.
All the Lady ever seemed to do was occupy me. If I wasn't enduring a class on how to master an ability, it was a chore or upkeep task that was assigned. I never got the chance to see the world beyond our small home and garden, and so I yearned to see it. I wanted to know what it was like to live in a city, to see all of the wonders that could be found in these lands. But Lady Gerheade and my brother seemed to hold me back, both filling me with tasks and responsibilities. Leaving no time at all for what I aspired to do.
"Ok, I think it's time we had this talk," Lady Gerheade sighed, her face drained from all of the extra work she had taken on over the years. Raising two children had been challenging, especially alone, but the Lady had somehow managed to do it. She had even gained a well earning job, while maintaining a low profile around. She had said it was because she didn't like people that much, but a lot told me it was much more than that.
"What talk?" I float over to the small table that occupied the corner of the room. It was rather old, the wear and tear showing, however the table still stood, the polished surface gleaming in the light. It was a pretty table with ornate carvings on the surface and legs. Something that was worth a lot these days but Gerheade had insisted on not selling.
"A talk about the world," Gerheade gestured around herself, before looking at me her violet eyes hard. "And your past."
"My past?" I laugh, knowing that I already knew my past. Harlequin and I were born as members of the royal family, having to protect the Fountain of Youth. However we were under threat and had to live as normal people in the countryside. Once Harlequin was of age we would be transported back to the capital and reunited with our parents. Hence why I had to not be outdoors often and stay busy.
"You're laughing, but you know it isn't the true story," Lady Gerheade looked at me, a smile on her lips as she caught my attention. "Exactly. You and Harlequin are members of the royal family, there's no doubt about that. You both emerged from that tree," Gerheade chuckled, before frowning, "But I've lied to you over the years. Forgive me for that. Your parents aren't really that by blood, they were elected leaders to take the place of raising you both. However they loved you dearly, they really did Elaine. But a few years ago they ran into some trouble..."
Gerheade seemed saddened by this, her features quaking. She had to clasp her hands together to stop them from shaking.
"There is a war raging in this country as we speak," The words came out slow and clear. "It started that day in the groves. When I had to rush you and Harlequin out. That day I had never been so frightened," She gave me a sad smile as she chuckled, "Your parents had at first told me to take you and your brother into the countryside until everything lightened up. But I ended up defending them to the end..."
Gerheade paused, her lips pursing as she glanced away from me. Once again the look of sadness I often caught in her eyes was evident, the Lady swiping away invisible tears. She then looked at me, smiling although knowing the news she's delivering is dizzying. I can feel myself freezing from all of this, my brain going in all directions but mainly anger. It was looking for something to blame in all of this, to let out all my frustrations on my brother and Gerheade. For all the things I had believed so easily. For believing that things would get better. For things that had happened beyond my control.
"Your parents aren't waiting for you Elaine," The words slipped from the Lady's mouth so quietly. So small that I had nearly missed them. "Their last command to me was to protect you and Harlequin with my life. To let the line of the Fairy Kings continue... But I want you to know that they loved you dearly. Both of you. So after receiving those final commands I went to protect you and your brother."
"I had never been so clueless in my life," Gerheade chuckled as she looked at me, tears ebbing in her eyes. "Raising two children was never in my list of skills. It had its ups and downs, but I feel like it was the greatest adventure of my life."
"How do you know?" I ask, tears threatening to spill from my own eyes. The words Gerheade had said, somehow quelled the frustration within me. Soothing it down to a sadness and understanding. A way of seeing how she was forced to act. How she was forced to be the way she is. "I mean there must've been better things you've done."
"War changes people Elaine," Gerheade sighed, a hand coming to her face. She wore a soft smile as she looked at me. "Even after all of the trips and fun things I've done, I've come to value the small things. I enjoy living the life I have and can say that I'm glad to have raised you both. I consider you as my own."
The rare tender words from the Lady are what causes me to hug her. She reacts in surprise, not expecting me to hug her. I think she expected anger and frustration, but I understand too much to even attempt to attack her.
Tears spill from my eyes as I embrace Gerheade, her words still swimming in my head. Words that made sense but at the same time didn't. After all they shattered all that I had believed in for the past couple years. However gratitude seems to take over my emotions.
"Thank you," I whisper as Gerheade hugs me back. "Thank you for keeping us safe."
Gerheade only chuckled as I said this, her old demeanor returning. The one that Harlequin had told me about.
"Well, you're very welcome," She gave me a smug smile, taking off her hat to bow. "But I expect you to apologise to your brother by the end of today. Trust me you'll regret it if you don't."
"You're just playing favourites," I say, smiling lightly.
Gerheade only laughs in response.
In The Nearby City
"I can't believe you've grown up so quickly!" Lady Gerheade sniffs as she collects me from school, nitpicking at small things on my uniform.
After having the talk we got on a little better, her loosening up in exchange for be being more proactive. As a result I was allowed to go to nearby places such as shops, meadows and even school. So that meant I attended a class with other fairies my age, learning all sorts from teachers that all were experts in their own subject. A nice change from always seeing Lady Gerheade throughout my day, whether that be for lessons or motherly scolding.
However since it was a special event, my guardian wanted to pick me up from school and take me somewhere special. She had tried to get King (the name Harlequin often went by now) to attend with us, but as usual he had declined saying that he had to get started with work. That's all he ever thought about these days really. Work. Work. Work.
I wrinkle my nose at the thought, knowing that he must lead a very boring life. However the income King made had allowed us to move into a better area. An area where the water was always running and the building wasn't on the verge of collapsing. A nice, safe place for all of us to live in. Except he was never there.
"Now, don't give your brother such a hard time," Lady Gerheade sighed as she spotted my face. "He's just troubled at the moment. I believe he's bitten off more than he can chew this time though..."
"What do you mean - "
"Shhh," The older woman frowned, her hand covering my mouth. Her purple eyes then scanned around us, before she released her hand. "There's ears and eyes everywhere Elaine, your brother hasn't exactly chosen the safest profession. Let's just get to that place before it closes. I don't trust anyone around here."
Trust anyone? Around here?
I frown as I look around us only seeing the fellow students of my school as well as a couple teachers. All of them seemed fine, in fact they had all proven to be trustworthy and innocent, however Gerheade doubted that.
Dragging me down the street, she trekked towards the location she had picked out for the celebration. But instead of talking like she usually did, she was oddly silent. Her eyes kept darting about, watching as people passed by. People that seemed to be doing everyday tasks and minding their own business.
"We're being followed," She tilted her head and I looked over my shoulder to see a group. They all wore black with the insignia of a gang that was known to frequent around here. A gang that involved in trading fairies to Demons and humans.
"Turn that head back round!" Gerheade snapped and I did as told, following the woman in her quicker footsteps. "I've noticed them for a couple days now and planned this outing just because of it. Now follow my movement and you'll be fine."
She then ducked into an alley and I followed. Soon we were taking all twists and turns, my shoes ending up scuffed from trying to quickly clamber over walls. However not long after we ended up on a main street once more, but with no-one following. All that was left was the people passing by and few cars that were owned by the elite. Gerheade whooped as she saw this, a look of triumph and excitement in her eyes. Triumph expressed too soon.
Before I could even blink, I felt a sharp pinch to my neck. Reaching to the spot, my hand shakes as it finds a dart. It was blue and had a feather on the end, the needle sticking out against my skin. Gerheade had one too, her purple eyes hazy as her eyelids began to droop. However she still had her wits about her as she still looked vigilant.
"Lady Elaine!" The Lady dived, moving towards the attacker but fell onto the ground.
I followed, sleep taking over my body.
In Clan Academy's Fairy School
I sat in the gardens specially grown for the fairy students of the school, a wave of sadness washing over me. It's been years since I have seen my brother and Lady Gerheade, yet alone been outside of these school walls, but I can remember those days so vividly. All of the cozy afternoons and fun times spent in the Youth Tree groves, to the boring and tough years I had spent growing up in a war. The laughter, frustration and tears. All of these things remained within me despite the school's efforts to erase them.
The Demons had tried everything they could to make me forget who I was. What I had come from. But they had failed terribly. I still remembered my past and who I was. I still remembered my purpose to guard that Fountain of Youth, which now resided in the garden at this school. My only tie to this dreadful and dark place. A place I yearned to escape from.
The students here are treated like cattle. The only reason I'm valued is because I remember who I am and am the only one who can guard the fountain. Well me aside from King, but he has been announced dead according to the school's best pupil/vice head, Gloxinia. No-one has seen my brother for years now and it's just known as a fact that he is gone. That he is no longer alive. No matter how hard it is for me to admit so.
"Watcha writin' there Elaine?"
I squeak as I feel his presence above me, his shadow covering my form on the bench. I quickly work to tuck away the diary I've been keeping while I lived my days here, knowing that he'd probably tease me to death if he got hold of it. My face reddens as I tuck it away, the intruder taking a seat beside me on the bench. I instinctively stiffen from him sitting beside me, unused to company.
"It was nothing," I say quickly, hair hiding my expression.
"Didn't look like nothin'," He chuckled, "I saw something about a secret past in there. Oh and I think I saw my name too ~"
My face erupts into a blush at his words, my mind thinking to bash his head with my diary. That would be justice for reading my personal thoughts and the teasing me about it. Right after coming in here unannounced too. But of course he would just steal it and read through it, making sure to tease me about it and make a game out of getting my diary back. I'd rather just reply verbally.
"Well of course you'd be in it, dummy," I fold my arms across my face, pouting as I did so. "You're the only person who's come to visit me in these gardens, even if it was to steal the fountain at first...But in the seven days you've been here you've wiped away years of loneliness. Thank you for that Ban."
He seemed surprised by my response, however a grin was still on his face. A grin I knew all too well.
"So you enjoy my company?" He smirked, nudging me and I let myself have a small smile.
"Yes Ban, I enjoy your company," I roll my eyes as I let the words slip out, my blush dying out. "But you know you shouldn't be here. You can get punished severely if you do."
"Screw it, I'm not even a real student," He shrugged, an indifferent expression on his face. That had always fascinated me. The way Ban was always so nonchalant in the face of danger, or when something was clearly not possible. "Plus the fun part is the chase."
"That's what you always say," I giggle as he begins telling me about all the crazy things he's done while running away from people.
For some reason Ban's tales of all the stuff he's done were amazing. Maybe it was because I hadn't been exposed to the real world before, or maybe because I was unaware of everyday adventures, but I found small stories such as running away from grumpy neighbors or playing stupid games interesting. So interesting that I could spend a whole afternoon listening to them.
Which I did.
Sooner than I'd like, the afternoon was fading and I know Ban had to go. There was usually a guard that came to check on me, giving me a meal and checking on the Fountain, before leaving me alone again. Visitors were forbidden and the closest thing I got to that was Gloxinia, but that was when he wasn't busy, which wasn't often. But Gloxinia was quite good company and often treated me like a little sister, although he was a little odd and had a dark manner to him. Which was why I could never talk about King around him either.
But with Ban I could and I felt comfortable with that. He was the first real friend I made, and I had grown comfortable with his frequent visits. Usually he would leave by now, promising to come back the next day, but today he seems to stall, an idea forming in his mind.
I frown as I try to focus on it, but he shakes the thought away before I could read it.
"Why don't you come with me this time?" Ban grinned sheepishly, a hand reaching to scratch his head.
I sigh at this, knowing that I wanted to leave more than anything, but there were a bunch of things holding me back. These things being responsibilities that I couldn't ditch due to personal and moral dilemmas. In fact the Demons had made sure to make it near impossible for me to leave. For me to even have the chance to escape. But Ban seemed to overlook that, something else working behind that mind of his.
"But what about the fountain?" I ask quietly, looking at the object. Even after all these years, after the grove and my country had burned down, it was still full. The metallic, cylindrical cup was overflowing with the life-giving water, flowers and plants blooming from where the water dropped onto the grass.
"We'll take it with us," Ban grinned, excitement seeming to fill his eyes, "Come on Elaine you can't spend your whole life trapped here."
"But I can't just leave either," I frown as I think, knowing that this was my chance to leave. My chance to escape. Ban had managed to evade the system, to get into the school and nearly steal the Fountain of Youth. If anyone could help me escape it was Ban. So why was I fighting against it? Why was I resisting my one chance at freedom? Shouldn't I want to go?
Tears form in my eyes as I think it over, my heart wanting to escape more than anything, but my logic rooting me down. It told me it was unwise and dangerous to trust someone to get me out of somewhere like here. Especially someone I've only known for a week. Instead it was much wiser to just wait for King and Lady Gerheade to come and find me. For them to save me.
But both have been absent for years...
"I want to go more than anything, but I can't," I glance away from Ban, not wanting to see his reaction. "I'm stuck here protecting the fountain until my brother can come and replace me - or if death beats him to it."
"Elaine..." I could hear the frustration in his voice, but it seemed to be paired with something else. Something a lot softer than what Ban seemed to let others see within him. Something I caught a glimpse of when I read his heart the first time he came here.
The moment was broken by the guard, their voice heavy and alien.
"Hey! What are you doing here with Lady Elaine!"
I cringe at the title, knowing that it was only given for appearances. I wasn't seen as anything here, I was only another student that got lucky when I was born. I was only saved by my birthright as a royal family member and nothing else.
"Why don't you mind your own business?" Ban barked back.
"Why don't you know your place?" The student responded, a look of disgust on their face. "Humans like you shouldn't be associating with Lady Elaine."
Ban scowled at this, a look of hidden fury seeming to be on his face as he glared at the student. However I cut in before anyone else could protest or say otherwise. The last thing I wanted was violence or a showdown.
"Wait, I think it's just a misunderstanding," I stand between the two, arms spread protectively in front of Ban. I can already sense the rising tension, the guard getting ready to attack and Ban seeming to take that cue as well. "Why don't I just - "
They clashed before I could do anything else. All I can remember was watching the blood splatter all over, the demon heart on the grass and feeling an intense pain. I then looked down to see a gaping wound in my midsection, the bow of my dress fallen to the grass and stained crimson. Immediately I collapse, looking over to the student who wore a glare as they looked at us both. Ban wasn't in much of a better state, his shoulder seeming to hang on by a thread.
He's injured. Oh no. He could die from that! I have to find a way to make sure Ban gets out ok, this is all my fault after all. If I just didn't hesitate maybe we would've escaped together. Maybe I would've had a chance to see the world. But now all I can think to do is to grab the fountain and tell Ban to take it. He has to. I'd hate myself if he died while I lived; that wouldn't be fair to anyone.
"Ban you have to drink it," I somehow find the strength to speak, using my powers to move the tree branches.
The Fountain of Youth was now within my clasp, the cup feeling cold and heavy against my skin. Painfully, I crawl towards him. Blood trails after me, the grass turning crimson from the wound leaking it. Even the daisies seemed to be stained by the liquid, the white petals a slight pink or deep rose.
"What no, you do it," He shook his head, a stubborn look on his face as he refused the fountain.
"Please," I plead, but he remains firm.
I frown at this knowing that I couldn't continue to live on here if I drink the fountain. I'd be tested on and used for all sorts, but if Ban drank it he'd have a chance to escape. A chance to fight back and live a free life. Maybe even find King for me and tell him that I died protecting the fountain. Died knowing that I did it for the best.
Not thinking, I take the fountain and drink the contents however I don't swallow it. I know that if I do then I'll be healed and Ban will die. I can't have that happening. Not after the kindness he's shown me. So as a final parting gift and a way of saying goodbye I kissed him, making sure that he took the fountain instead of me.
"You idiot," Ban grunted, tears seeming to form as his wounds began to heal. He was now well enough to pick me up, his forehead resting against my own. I on the other hand remained injured, steadily losing more and more blood. Steadily slipping away. The pain was intense, but it was worth it. It was worth knowing that the fountain would be in good hands now.
"Live for me Ban," I smiled softly, the words disappearing into the breeze. "I want you to."
"I promise I will Elaine," He responded, the words seeming gentle against my skin. "And I'll find a way to bring you back."
He then placed me down, glaring at the guard. After that, all I remember is the world fading to black before waking up with Melascula looming over me, my own soul now in her possession.
