Interlude 2

 The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow that painted the sky in vibrant shades of orange and purple, the colors reflecting off the school's tall windows, creating a kaleidoscope of light. The cold air nipped at their cheeks, carrying the scent of damp earth and fallen leaves, a reminder of the changing seasons and the passage of time. A biting wind rustled the leaves, sending shivers down the spines of the students hurrying home. One by one, students left the school building, eager to go home and enjoy their dinner. But not her.

Her face was hidden in the dimness, but her fingers tightened around the window frame, her knuckles turning white as she struggled to contain the flood of emotions within her. She was fixated on a boy, her mind replaying the moments they had shared. Memories of their time together played in her mind, each one a bittersweet reminder of what could have been. She stayed behind, watching from the window of the west wing. Her slender figure was silhouetted against the fading light, reminiscent of the ancient spirits described in old legends.

"Airi," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.

Hearing the name, one might think she was addressing another person, but there was no one else around. At least, not visible to the naked eye. As soon as she uttered the name, a faint glow appeared on her left shoulder, growing brighter and brighter until it took the shape of a small girl with wings. The delicate form fluttered to and fro, almost as if warming up its muscles.

"What is it, mistress?" Airi's voice was high-pitched, impatience barely masking the underlying concern she felt for her master's unusual behavior. "You hardly ever summoned me. Is something troubling you? You seem different tonight."

The mysterious girl did not answer right away. She kept her gaze on the boy until he finally disappeared around a corner. The rustling of the leaves added a melancholic soundtrack to the evening, the sound mingling with the distant hum of the city, creating a symphony of solitude. Once she sighed and turned to face the fairy, her expression became serious. It was an odd feeling for Airi, seeing her lady like this.

"Airi, I have a very important task for you," she said firmly, her long hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of shadows. "Follow that boy and make sure he stays safe."

"SERIOUSLY?" Airi exclaimed, flapping her wings in frustration. 'This is ridiculous!' she thought. 'I'm a celestial spirit, not a babysitter!' Airi felt a surge of anger at her master's request.

Airi's wings fluttered furiously, her tiny fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white. She hovered in the air, her whole body trembling with frustration at her master's request. She was a divine soul, one of the most powerful and noble beings in existence. And she was being asked to watch over a human boy? That was beneath her dignity.

It was like asking a quantum physicist to teach children how to make a volcano using vinegar and baking soda—an insult to her abilities and status. ‘This is absurd! Ridiculous!’ she thought, her mind racing with indignation. She had sworn to serve the girl faithfully, but this was too much. She had the power to manipulate time itself, to freeze it or rewind it as she pleased.

"Airi!" The girl's voice rose, something she rarely did. Her eyes flashed with determination, a fierce light that seemed to pierce through Airi's defiance, making the fairy pause mid-air. "You will do as I say and complete the task I have given you. Ellis's safety is paramount, and you are the only one I trust with this."

Her usually composed demeanor was replaced by an intensity that startled the fairy. The room seemed to grow colder, the air thick with the weight of her command, as if the very walls were holding their breath. The fairy was hot-headed and often complained, but this was the first time the girl had shouted at her. The servitude contract they had made glowed faintly on Airi's wrist, its intricate runes a constant reminder of her binding duty to obey the girl's commands, no matter what. Even if it meant risking her own life.

"As you wish, mistress," Airi said grudgingly, bowing her head. Her wings drooped slightly, the usual vibrant flutter now a slow, reluctant movement, reflecting her inner conflict.

The girl’s shoulders slumped as she cleared her throat. The tension in the air eased slightly, but a sense of unease lingered. She rubbed her temples, trying to soothe the headache that had formed. She looked at Airi, her eyes softening with regret.

"Sorry, Airi," she sighed, rubbing her temples as if trying to massage away the guilt. "I didn't mean to snap at you."

The apology carried a weight of unspoken emotions. She felt a pang of guilt for snapping at Airi, knowing how much she relied on her.

"No, the fault is mine, mistress," Airi said, hovering behind her master. "But why do you want me to do this in the first place, mistress? Is there something special about this boy?"

The question hung in the air, laden with curiosity and concern, Airi's tiny form hovering closer as she awaited an answer. From that, a small smile appeared in the reflection of the window. Her eyes were filled with a mix of emotions: sadness, anger, and love. The vulnerability in her gaze was palpable, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. The mysterious girl stopped in her tracks, her shoulders sagging slightly, and slowly turned around to face Airi.

"Really?" The fading light from the window cast a soft glow on her face, highlighting her inner turmoil. "That's because it's a big sister's duty to watch over her little brother."