Intermission

-----Kaede's POV

While Yui was busy checking in on Luna, I wanted to make sure how Faye is holding up. I'm still furious at myself for not being there sooner, even if Faye said that it wasn't my fault. I just, could've done more...

Faye has not once left her sisters side ever since we boarded the caravans, not even saying much either, leaving us all to leave her be. But I think now's the time to comfort her as I take my seat beside her. Mell, for the first time, is staying outside with Sicily and Lillian, leaving just her and I, along with Fleur inside the caravan. With me being this close to Fleur, I still can't sense any bit of life coming from her, but I still go ahead and trying healing, regardless of how futile it may be.

Faye: "I don't think healing magic will cut it now..."

Kaede: "One can try."

I have so much energy thanks to all the blood I've been drinking recently, so this much shouldn't be an issue. Silver stayed laying on top of Faye's feet, trying to give her extra comfort. Silver's grown up with Faye and Fleur for a long time now, to the point where I could free him from my charm magic and I don't even think he'll try to do any harm.

.....

...

We didn't end up talking all that much after that brief talk. It wasn't because she was mad at me or anything like that, but more so that we just didn't have anything to talk about. That said, I'll stay by her side and watch over Fleur with her.

Mai: "Still stressing over Fleur?"

Kaede: "Yeah."

Breaking the silence, it wasn't Faye, or even Silver, but instead it was a voice echoing inside my head.

Mai: "I don't see what the big deal is. Her race lives even less than humans. She looked to be quite mature, so I'd expect her to live maybe a couple more decades at most."

Kaede: "...Do you really think that makes this situation any better? Even if its only 20 years, that's still plenty of time to enjoy life. So don't spout that bullshit on me."

I tried to not look too visibly angry while talking with Mai through my mind, but I can't help but furrow my brow at what Mai just said to me.

Mai: "Sorry. I was just thinking more from her perspective. She's the older sister, right? I just thought in her mind, she'd rather sacrifice herself for other's, as she likely knows how much time she had."

Kaede: "...Stop."

I get what Mai's trying to say, but it still pisses me off to hear her trying to reason Fleur's death like this.

Mai: "It's like when mothers do anything to protect their child. Just like when Lilith tried to save you, risking her life to lead you into a better life."

Kaede: "I said stop. No more."

Mai: "...Okay."

I finally get to relax my face as silence was brought back inside the caravan. Actually it'd be more accurate to say my head instead.

Faye: "Hey... It'll be okay."

Suddenly, Faye is now the one trying to comfort me, completely opposite of what my original plan was. She must've saw me getting angry with Mai, misinterpreting the situation.

Kaede: "It's not though."

Faye: "You might not of know this... But sis was pretty sick, even before you came into our lives."

Kaede: "Huh?"

I did not expect this to come up. Fleur was sick?

Faye: "Don't worry. It wasn't anything serious and she could still manage the guild just fine. But our kind is known for our good health, we hardly ever get sick... You ever wondered why we never flew around when you were around?"

I actually never thought of that, but now that she mentions it, I do forget that Faye and Fleur are both bird-like demi-humans; avian I think is the correct term. 

Kaede: "Because you two were sick?"

Faye: "No no, not quite. My sis, yes. But I chose to not use my wings for her sake. With her sickness, her physical capabilities were hindered, making it too difficult to maintain flight for a long period of time. I felt like it was only the right thing to do to stay with her, on the ground."

As she's saying this, she's brushing through Fleur's hair, finding small knots occasionally as she gently untangles them.

Faye: "Hah~ I guess maybe she valued mine and everyone else's lives more so than hers..."

Exactly what Mai just said to me... I can just imagine the smug look on Mai's face.

Kaede: "I don't think that's it. She's always been a bit selfless, right? I remember growing up when Fleur was so worried about me becoming an adventurer that she went out there with me in the beginning. I think that's just part of her nature."

Faye: "Hehe, maybe you're right."

Just that small chuckle from Faye did wonders for the atmosphere of the caravan as I end up smiling bitterly along with her as we reminisce on the past.

Faye: "She even did the absurd thing as to register you, not even knowing what you were. If it was me, I don't think I could've done that, but I'm glad that sis brought you in. It's a bit corny to say this, but you were like the last piece of our lives in a way. When sis first got sick, we started to talk less and less as the only things we could talk about were about our past, and think of what the future could be. But you made the present so much more enjoyable Kaede." 

Finally, she made eye contact with me as she finished the last bit of her sentence, smiling as she does so.

Faye: "All of a sudden, we were back to talking again. Not about the depressing future or the now distant past, but the fun and bright present you brought with you. It still makes me laugh at time when you brought Silver here back with you. You never failed to lighten the mood."

Growing up, I just figured that I was a nuisance... And regarding enjoyable memories, most of what I can remember was painful, having to hold back the urge to drink blood everyday. It sure was a rough time in my life, but I've gotten quite used to it now.

Kaede: "You make me sound like some sort of saint, hehe."

Faye: "Well, in a way, you were."

Kaede: "It was hard for me though. You know about my situation now, with me being a vampire and all that."

Faye: "Mm. Yeah it all made sense in the end when I heard that."

Kaede: "But, this sickness. Will it come for you as well?"

Faye: "In time, yes. But I'm still healthy for the most part."

Kaede: "Maybe we could fly around together then? Might help you take your mind off of things?"

Faye: "Hehe, thanks... But I think I'll stick to the ground. It doesn't feel right for me to soar where my sis could no longer go."

So even if Faye isn't sick, she's still going to follow through as if she does have it? I understand where she's coming from though, she loves her sister to the point of doing this this. Hmmm~

Kaede: "Then what if I fly you?"

Faye: "Eh?"

Kaede: "You never said anything about that. So this could be a compromise?"

Faye: "Pfft. Didn't you just learn how to fly? You didn't even know you had wings until recently."

Kaede: "I think I'll manage. Although if you accept, you'll have to wait in line. Yui and Mell seem to want to fly as well."

Faye: "Hehe. Then, I'll queue up for a fly as well then. If that's okay with you."

Kaede: "Of course it is."

Faye might arguably be the hardest person to fly among the three of them. With Yui, I'm a bit taller than her, and with Mell, she's even shorter, reaching as high as my chest. Faye on the other hand is roughly the same height as me. At least there is the safety net where if I do drop her, she can fly on her own, but I'll try and not let that happen; for her sake.

Faye: "Then I'll be looking forward to it."

Kaede: "Mhmm!"

Well, this was completely unexpected. I walked into this caravan, only to feel such a depressing atmosphere, but now it feels just a little more lively as I see Faye now smiling bitterly as she looks back down onto Fleur. Actually, it might not be much, but I could also try and fly Fleur as well. Like maybe have Faye holding onto my back while I carry Fleur in my arms. Not sure how awkward that'll be, but I think it'll be nice for both Faye and Fleur to soar through the sky; together.