For Someone We Care About

Morning arrived, bringing another peaceful day. As always, Ms. Finecia was cheerful and kind. Like usual, we ran errands--gathering herbs and shopping in town.

The day passed in quiet routine, and before we knew it, another morning came. And just like before, we spent our time running errands, helping with chores, and sharing meals together.

As the days went by, Strixx grew closer to Ms. Finecia. Whether it was cooking or tending to the house, Strixx was always by her side, eager to lend a hand. And with each passing day, Ms. Finecia grew even more fond of her. Watching them together filled me with warmth.

Like this Three days went by.

The next morning, after breakfast, Ms. Finecia turned to Strixx with a gentle smile. “Strixx, can you come with me for a bit?”

Strixx, now completely comfortable around her, immediately stood up and ran over, her face bright with curiosity.

I remained at the table, finishing my breakfast, watching them go.

“Strixx sure has gotten along well with Ms. Finecia,” I thought, smiling to myself.

“It makes me really happy.”

A short while later, they returned. Strixx was now wearing a brand-new cloak. The hood had small, cat-ear-like parts that perfectly concealed her horns. Since her horns were the only feature that could identify her as a demon, with them hidden, she looked just like a cute feline girl.

She was absolutely adorable. More importantly, with her horns covered, she no longer needed to keep her head down or wrap herself in her old cloak. Now, she could walk freely without the weight of fear.

It was a cloak Ms. Finecia had carefully tailored by hand--just for her.

She must have noticed how Strixx always hid beneath her old one whenever we went out.

Strixx turned to me, her golden eyes filled with anticipation. “Luca… does Strixx look good?”

I met her gaze and smiled. “Yes… you look really cute, Strixx. Just like a little cat.”

Her face lit up instantly. “Strixx is a cat now!”

Ms. Finecia chuckled and patted her head. “I’m so glad you like it, Strixx.”

Ms. Finecia smiled and looked at me. “Luca, Strixx, why don’t you take a walk around town?”

“There’s a flower shop where you can pick up some medicinal flowers for me. While you’re at it, take your time and look around—the town should be lively with people decorating for the festival.”

I smiled at Strixx. “What do you think?”

Strixx hesitated, lowering her gaze. “Strixx horns… covered. But… Strixx’s face… Don’t humans hate demons?”

I shook my head gently. “Your face is adorable, and it has nothing to do with you being a demon.

She looked at me uncertainly but then, after a pause, a small smile formed on her lips. “If Luca says so… Strixx will try.”

Ms. Finecia beamed. “That’s the spirit! Go on, have fun. The town must be even livelier now with the festival just a week away.”

With that, Strixx and I left Ms. Finecia’s home and wandered through town. Her new cloak revealed her face while keeping her horns hidden, but I noticed she was still hesitant. Whenever we passed people, she would either lower her head or cling to me, her steps uncertain.

As we wandered through town, we saw people busy decorating the streets for the Flower Festival. The town felt more lively, with only a few days left until the event. After roaming for a while, we decided to find the flower shop.

As we were looking for the flower shop, we ran into the three kids we had met a few days ago during the delivery.

The moment they saw us, they ran over excitedly--but all their attention was on Strixx. Last time, she had kept her face hidden under her old cloak, but now, with her horns covered and her face fully visible, they could finally see her.

Bred, the boy who had gotten stuck in the tree, rushed over first, his eyes sparkling. “Big sister Strixx looks super cute!!”

Leney nodded eagerly. “Yeah! She’s so pretty!”

Kevin grinned. “Well, she’s a hero, after all.”

Strixx glanced at me, unsure how to react. I smiled at her and gave a small nod.

Bred beamed. “We couldn’t see big sister Strixx’s face that day, but she was already super cool! And now that we can see her… she’s even cooler!”

Strixx hesitated for a moment before giving a soft smile. “Thank you… three of you.” She tilted her head slightly. “You all… are pretty too.”

The kids turned red, clearly delighted.

I chuckled. “Bred, Kevin, Leney--actually, we’re looking for the flower shop. Do you know where it is?”

Bred’s face lit up. “The flower shop? My family owns it!”

I blinked. “Eh? Really?”

He nodded proudly. Leney and Kevin chimed in, “It’s the biggest flower shop in town!”

I glanced at Strixx, who looked excited. She had always seemed interested in flowers, and now, her eyes were filled with curiosity.

I sighed, smiling. “I’m glad we ran into you, then.” I turned back to Bred. “Can you take us there?”

“Of course!” Bred and the others eagerly led the way.

When we arrived, I couldn’t help but admire the shop--it was beautiful, bursting with colors from the flowers displayed all around.

Bred pointed proudly. “This is our flower shop! Welcome, big brother Luca and big sister Strixx!”

A kind-looking woman, Bred’s mother, greeted us warmly.

“Mom!” Bred called. “This is big sister Strixx and big brother Luca! The ones who saved me!”

His mother looked at us, eyes soft with gratitude.

“Ah, so you’re the ones…” She smiled at Strixx. “What an adorable little girl.” Then, she turned to me. “Thank you for saving my son.”

Just then, a cheerful man, Bred’s father, stepped out. He grinned widely.

Yo! Big brother Luca! Big sister Strixx!” He chuckled.

“You two are the heroes Bred keeps talking about!” Then, he looked at me with a grin.

 “And she’s a cute one, too.”

Strixx blushed slightly at all the praise.

The man’s smile softened. “Really, thank you. We’ll always be grateful to you both.”

I quickly shook my head. “No, no, anyone would have done it. We just happened to be there--we’re just glad Bred is safe.”

The father exchanged a glance with his wife before grinning. “Well, as a thank-you, anything you take from our shop today is on us!”

Before I could protest, he chuckled and excused himself.

“Ah, I should get back to helping with the festival decorations take care big brother Luca and big sister Strixx. ”he said before leaving.

His wife nodded. “Of course, whatever you need from here is our treat.”

Bred and the kids grinned. “What do you say, big brother Luca? Big sister Strixx?”

Strixx, still blushing from all the attention, turned to me.

I sighed. “Ah… that’s too much.”

But Bred’s mother shook her head. “This is the least we can do. Please accept it.”

Seeing how sincere she was, we nodded. “Actually,” I said, “we came for some medicinal flowers.”

She smiled knowingly. “For Ms. Finecia, right?”

I nodded. “Yeah.”

She quickly packed a bundle of medicinal flowers and handed them to me. Just then, she noticed Strixx staring at a particular flower--a Dawn Dew Flower, with delicate orange and white petals and soft green leaves.

Her smile widened. “Big sister Strixx, do you like that flower?”

Strixx gave a small nod.

“Well then…” The woman carefully picked a few, wrapped them into a bouquet, and held it out to her. “Here, a little gift. Please take it.”

Strixx hesitated, glancing at me first.

I smiled and gave her an approving nod.

Seeing that, she smiled back and gently took the bouquet. “Thank you… for the flower.”

With our errands complete, it was time to go. We waved goodbye to the shop owners and the kids before heading back.

After getting everything Ms. Finecia asked for, we decided to head back. We had explored enough of the town for today.

On the way, we passed by a familiar fruit stall--the same one where the kind vendor had given us apples on our first day here.

Strixx’s eyes stayed on the fruit, watching the bright, ripe apples.

I smiled. “Strixx, do you want one?”

She gave a small nod. “Strixx want to eat that apple.”

“Alright, let’s get some then.”

As we walked up, the vendor spotted us and grinned.

“Hey! Young boy, young girl—” He paused, looking at Strixx, then back at me.

Wait a second…Is this the same girl who was with you that day? ”

I nodded. “Yes, she is.”

He chuckled. “I couldn’t see her face well that day, but wow… she’s adorable.”

Strixx’s face turned red, and she quickly lowered her head in a small bow.

The vendor smiled.

“So, you two are still in town I see.”

I nodded.

“We came for the Flower Festival after all.”

After buying a few apples, the vendor handed them over in a small cloth bag.

“Eat them while they’re fresh! And if you ever want more, come back anytime.

I’ll give you a special price!”

I laughed. “We’ll remember that.”

Strixx held the bag close and gave him a small bow.

“thank you.”

The vendor waved. “Take care!

Enjoy the festival!”

And with that, we continued on our way back to Ms. Finecia’s place.

When we arrived, she was already waiting by the door.

“Ah, you’re back,” she said with a gentle smile. “Did you get everything?”

I handed her the bag. “Yes, everything Ms. Finecia asked for

She took a quick look inside, nodding in satisfaction. “Good work, both of you.

With that, another day came to an end at Ms. Finecia’s place. As always, we shared a delicious dinner before night settled in.

The end of the day also marked the end of our first week here.

That meant only one week remained until the festival.

The next morning, Strixx woke me up—way too early.

Still half-asleep, I blinked a few times before remembering. Right… Strixx and I had something important to do today.

I turned to her with a smile. “Let’s go, Strixx.”

Strixx’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Let’s go, Luca!!”

And so, before the sun had even risen, we set off toward Vaeliris Mountain.

By the time we reached the blocked path leading to the mountaintop--where the Vaeliris flowers bloomed--the sky was still dark.

Actually, this all started the day Ms. Finecia told us about her past.

She had done so much for us since we arrived in town.

Now, we wanted to do something for her in return.

This was Strixx’s perfect plan--one she whispered to me that night.

So we decided to do what Mr. Roy did for Ms. Finecia--every year, one week before the festival, for ten years, just like he did 30 years ago.

We were thirty years late… but at the very least, we wanted to make this year’s festival special for her.

And according to Ms. Finecia’s diary, Mr. Roy once said--when the flowers are only partially bloomed, that’s when Vaeliris carries its most beautiful scent.

Without wasting any time, Strixx climbed up the blocked path and reached down to pull me up.

Just as I grabbed her hand, a familiar voice called out.

“Who’s there this early?”

Startled, Strixx jumped back.

Then, we saw him--Mr. Vec.

We stepped forward, standing tall with determination.

“Mr. Vec, please let us pass through,” I said. “We have something important to do.”

Strixx nodded eagerly. “Please let us through!”

Mr. Vec stood there for a moment, looking at us.

Then, with a quiet sigh, he muttered, almost to himself--

“There was a boy… just like you two.”

His gaze drifted to the path ahead, as if seeing something far beyond it.

“Every year, one week before the festival… for ten whole years, he would come here.”

(MR VEC FLASHBACK)

“Mr. Vector, my name is Roy… Please, let me pass through.

There is a smile I want to see more than anything

So please let me pass through

A small chuckle escaped his lips .

Then, without another word, he turned and started walking away.

“Mr. Vec… does that mean…?” I asked hesitantly.

He let out a warm, hearty laugh.

“You may pass through.”

Then, with a gentle smile, he added,

“Maybe… you two also want to make someone smile, just like he did, huh?”

Throwing a glance over his shoulder, he added with a grin, “After all, I didn’t see anything.”

Stretching his arms, he sighed. “I’m too old for my eyes to catch up this early in the morning anyway.”

Strixx and I exchanged glances before bowing deeply.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Vec!”

With that, we hurried back to the blocked path.

Mr. Vec stood there, watching us for a moment. Then, with a small smile, he spoke once more.

“Go on. Finish what you came here for.”

Strixx climbed up the blockade again, pulling me up with her.

We had finally made it to the other side.

As we walked toward the mountaintop, the scent in the air changed.

Just like Mr. Roy said in Ms. Finecia’s diary…

The Vaeliris flowers weren’t fully bloomed yet.

But even so…

It was the most beautiful fragrance we had ever experienced.

With a deep breath, we carefully plucked one of the partially bloomed Vaeliris flower

“People of Vaeliris… we’re sorry for this,”

I murmured softly.

Then, with the flower in hand, we made our way back to Ms. Finecia’s place.

Standing outside her room, we took a breath before calling out--

“Ms. Finecia…?”

Ms. Finecia slowly opened her door, blinking in surprise as she saw us standing there.

Without a word, Strixx and I held out the partially bloomed Vaeliris flower to her, its delicate fragrance filling the air.

Then, with big smiles, we said in unison--

“Here’s a fragrant Vaeliris flower, just for you, Ms. Finecia!”

“Let’s go see this year’s festival together!”

At that moment…

The always composed Ms. Finecia—the one who remained strong even after sharing her tragic past--

Covered her mouth with both hands as tears welled up in her eyes.

The moment she took the flower, those tears finally spilled over.

Her voice trembled.

“Thank you… Strixx… Luca… Thank you so much… really, thank you very much…”

Before she could say more, Strixx threw her arms around her in a warm, tight hug.

“Luca and Strixx should be the ones thanking Ms. Finecia!”

We both stepped back and bowed deeply.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for us since we arrived in this town, Ms. Finecia.”

Ms. Finecia held the flower close to her heart, her tears glistening like morning dew.

Then, with the brightest smile we had ever seen from her, she whispered--

“I’ll treasure this flower forever and ever.”