[81.4] Alora POV: Finding a Place to call Home

Over the next few days, I listened to my little fox chatter nonstop. I would only speak when he waited for a response, and even that was usually one word at a time. However, that didn't seem to bother him.

I looked over his wounds and commented, "It's healed and the scar is minimal."

He giggled, "It's a war scar. Mama- er. Master is going to be so happy!!!"

I stood up and held out my hand, "Can you walk?"

Although he didn't need my hand, he still took it and let me help him up. Immediately he was stuck to my side like glue and chattering, "It's fine, it's fine. I can walk, I'm completely back to normal thanks to you!"

"Mmn."

"Come on! I can't wait to bring you home!"

As I followed his direction, I was surprised to see no trace of fear on his face.

Is this really the same fox who got attacked by Priestesses?

I thought he would be on edge after leaving the cave.

He must have a strong will.

"Master is going to love you! She's going to spoil you until you-"

He suddenly froze in his tracks, looking out in horror at the sight in front of him.

I followed his gaze to the base of the mountain where there was an army of people belonging to the Holy Temple. However, they were all frozen with permanent screams on their faces.

I felt the corners of my lips twitch, threatening to smile.

I wanted to burst into laughter, but I held back so that Zephyr wouldn't think I was a monster and change his mind about bringing me back.

HAHAHA! 

It seems I owe a debt to the Great Fairy for aiding me in the extermination of the Holy Temple.

Zephyr wasn't enjoying it and stumbled into my arms, "W-What happened…"

I looked at the army with indifference, "Your master happened."

"My Master did this? But she… She never hurts anyone. It's impossible!"

I merely shrugged.

Doesn't everyone kill if they have a reason to?

He suddenly sprinted up and I quickly followed after him. He ran into the barrier, completely forgetting about me. I stood at the edge staring at that blue bubble and contemplated whether to try entering or wait for him to come back and get me.

I took a deep breath and took a step forward, preparing to be rebounded back. 

To my surprise, it actually accepted me and let me inside as if I was already a resident.

I followed Zephyr quickly and stood behind him as he called out, "Mama!"

My breath caught in my throat as the woman he called turned around. Her coarse black hair flew out from around her, but there were strands of wavy chestnut brown hair layering the black. Her dress swayed in the breeze, giving her an ethereal appearance. However, what was the most astounding about her was the fact that she had no face.

Or rather…

Her face was blurred by a blinding light.

I stared at her beauty finally understanding what her name meant.

She truly was a fairy.

She quickly ran over to Zephyr, pulling him into a hug and kissing the top of his head in relief. As if realizing she should be angry, she pulled away and started scolding him, "Zephyr! Oh my little Zephyr! I thought you were dead! What happened!?"

He looked away sheepishly, "I wanted to get justice for you and my family…"

She lightly flicked his forehead, "You silly little fox! You could have died!"

"Hehe! I almost did-"

Her body went rigid, "You… WHAT!?"

Zephyr suddenly pointed at me, "-But she saved my life."

The Great Fairy followed his gaze. As I raised my dull and expressionless eyes to meet her gaze, she immediately reacted. She stood up and yanked Zephyr behind her. Seeing her hostile body language, I suddenly realized something important.

Am I not their enemy?

The Great Fairy hates the holy temple and me by association.

What should I do if she decides to kill me here?

I might be able to escape…

But then what?

Orphelio and the Holy Goddess will hunt me down and would life even be worth living if I can't have Zephyr?

I might be able to kill her or one of the others if I chose to fight back, but…

I can't do that.

I owe the Great Fairy a debt and I could never obtain Zephyr fully if I kill anyone he loves.

So then…

It's better just to die.

My face remained emotionless as I decided to accept my death with my head held high. I politely bowed as my white robes fluttered in the breeze, "Greetings to the Great Fairy, master of the mountain. My name is Alora."

I waited for my head to fall, but it never did.

Her voice was low, "...Alora. How old are you?"

I straightened my back and noticed her body had relaxed. I politely replied, "12."

As she stared at me, I felt as if she was looking through me.

I started feeling anxious the longer she stared.

Why am I so scared?

It's not the same fear as I feel standing across from the Holy Goddess, rather…

It feels like she knows me.

The REAL me.

And that is far more unnerving.

Zephyr tugged on her skirt, "Master! Master! I need to tell you something."

"Huh?"

"It's a secret! Come here!" 

She lowered herself to him as he whispered. I had no idea what he said to her, but her body language suddenly changed. One couldn't tell what expression she was making, or if it was even possible for her to make one, but it was obvious she was pondering over something she wouldn't explain.

Eventually, she let out a sigh, "Alright. You can stay. But there are two conditions. First, no killing. Everyone in my care must treat demons and humans with compassion. Second, you must stay on this mountain and NEVER leave unless I say otherwise. If I find out you came here just to hurt and betray us-"

I panicked and spouted out quickly, "I-I wouldn't! I would never hurt Zephyr!"

She sighed and muttered to herself, "It's good that you're still young. I can still prevent-"

A tall man with a husky voice walked over with a worried expression, "But Master-"

A sudden bolt of lightning ran through my body. I raised my head slowly, staring at the one who just spoke.

She paused and turned to him, "Don't worry. I know what I'm doing."

He closed his mouth and then forced himself to smile warmly, "Yes, Master."

My eyes didn't pull away from him and even though he was smiling warmly, his eyes held a trace of contempt and fear towards me.