The Scornful Gaze of a Silver Lucifer [Part 2]

“Why are you making me feel this way?” 

She quivered. Holding herself with tears falling from her face. Pity doesn’t come close to what I feel towards this woman, not even anger. She’s just lost and helpless, seen as worthless. But I know she has so much more to give.

I sat up and slowly made my way to her… I’ve won.

“Because...” I touched her cheek with care.

With apprehension, she quickly looked at me confused.

“I want to help you.” I said tenderly.

“Huh?” She whimpered.

“You need someone better than Him. Someone that will truly appreciate the things you do.” I said softly, looking into her eyes.

“Wha…? Who-Who will that be?” She asked.

“Simple… Yourself.”

Her eyes swelled with more tears.

“But… How do I.. What...” She stuttered.

“Tell me your name.” I asked as I got closer.

“...Galu...”

“Galu… Breathe. I said I’d help you.” I maintained eye contact.

“But how? Why?”

“We’ll talk of course.” I grew a small smile.

Her breathing became more controlled, blinking rapidly, as her eyes darted back and forth. Her hands scraped the ground, digging into the dirt.

“Come find me. I’ll be at the Guild of Vapula, now known as the Guild of Orobas. When you are ready: find our steed, bring them and our carriage to that location. Then I’ll help you in any way I can.” I looked into her bloodshot eyes, the two of us covered in blood stained dirt. Then with my blood covered hand to caress her cheek.

“... Okay...” She quickly nodded a few times.

“Now, go sit in the carriage and think about it for a while. We’re going to leave… I hope to see you soon.” I said as I stood up, holding my forearm, bleeding slightly.

My friends are at the back of the carriage, waiting for me. Breathing normally and treating any wounds they may have had. Galu slowly got into the carriage, with a disheartening frown, to then curl into herself. Vahaemarr quickly tended to my wound, while the others grabbed most of our belongings.

“Alright, let’s get walking…” I suggested the obvious idea to my friends.

⧫⧫⧫

I looked at my ring… There wasn’t a drop of blood on it. What an unimaginable night. Likely the most frightened I’ve ever been. I’m sure that my actions weren’t perfect and there was a plan that would have been less wicked, especially less reckless. Nonetheless, I was able to save my friends. That’s all that matters.

We had a long way to go still, to get back to the mansion. My arm was throbbing with such aggression the short time we were walking. We were also pretty quiet for obvious reasons. They were probably tired too; I know I was. Although, I couldn’t help but feel like they were scared of me. Why wouldn’t they be? Everyone at my old school was.

“Hey, Ryosuke...” Elros walked by me.

“I suppose, I should thank you...” He smirked slightly.

“... Anytime...” I replied slowly.

“Lady Ryosuke. May I ask you a question?” Vahaemarr walked next to me.

“Sure...” I responded.

“Why did you gesture to me not to execute the leader?” He asked.

During that time, I was forcing my way into Galu’s mind. Vahaemarr had his sword hovering over her head. But I denied the action by shaking my head ‘No’ to him. He could have ended that entire thing at any time and doing that would have even avoided my injury, but I had an alternative idea in mind.

“I know… I figured that she’d be more useful alive.” I slowly explained.

“How did you even know all that about her, anyway?” Elros quickly asked.

“I didn't… I just… guessed for all of it… from small hints that she accidentally gave me.” My hands were starting to shake, my vision turned foggy, the pathway started to twist.

I looked at Quen.

Everything was black.

⧫⧫⧫

My eyes opened: I was on someone's back, by the smell, it must be Írui. I clearly fainted.

“Her hair smells nice.” I mumbled quietly.

“Oh, are you awake? You passed out ya know.” Írui asked, probably smiling.

“... Figures...” I replied quietly.

I passed out again. I did that a few more times. I think everyone but Nel carried me. Each time I had some semblance of consciousness, the first thought I had when I awoke was about how they smelled. Everyone has such a pleasant smell. It was very comforting.

The next time I awoke was because of the sunlight that started to come up. I wonder if they ever took a break? Elros was carrying me this time; I moved around a little, that made him stop.

“I can walk… Now. Thanks everyone.” I said.

“Are you sure?” Quen was the first to ask.

“Yeah… I’ll let you know if I need help.” I smiled wearily.

“Okay...” Quen accepted.

The sun’s light was becoming brighter. We finally made it to the town that was near the mansion. Just a little further. I was kinda surprised that I didn’t think a lot about what happened or what I did on the walk back. I had plenty to think about but I just didn’t want to or something. Whatever, I just want to sleep right now.

We made it back and everyone was expressing their relief. Unfortunately, that faded slightly when we got to the lawn.

“What is that?” Elros asked with an exhausted irritation. He’s tired too. It’s almost funny.

“It appears to be a large archway of some kind.” Vahaemarr examined.

“Great.” I accidentally said out loud. That made some of the others giggle a little.

Oh well. Not that big of a deal. Just another thing to learn about.