Changing Tides

-----Kaede's POV

It's been quite a while since Mai had been gone, but I guess that's fine. Just means that I get to spend some more quality time with-

Mai: "I'm back! Phew~"

And right when I was about to get comfortable, Mai suddenly appears before everyone without warning. But I do find it strange that she was out of breath there, makes me feel like she was running away and had to quickly get back.

Yui: "Did you see my brother?"

Mai: "I figured you'd want me to check on him. Yes, he's doing fine, but that's not all."

My first thought would be that Mai killed the mages despite me saying to not do anything crazy. So if it's not that, then-

Mai: "Inasdale is now filled to the brim with many different species. Monsters in human terminology."

Everyone: "What?!"

Fleur: "You mean the capital?"

Mai: "Correct."

Memories flash in my head back when Yui and I attended the academy. But if the place is now home to monsters, then does that mean everyone there has been killed? Wait, but Mai said that Fabian is doing fine?

Kaede: "What happened to the humans?"

Yui: "Yeah, you said my brother is fine? How can he be fine in a situation like that?!"

Mai: "The humans seem to be used in some sort of labor force. And as for your brother, Yui. He actually seems to be stuck with quite a powerful individual, what I'd presume would be the next demon king. Or queen, I didn't stick around to properly see."

Yui: "What? How is that okay?!"

Mai: "I was honestly at a loss for words myself. I'm not sure what that demon's plans are, but Fabian seems to be of some importance to them."

The term demon king rings a bell, or maybe it was lord? I remember killing that Oboris guy before. If this demon king is around the same level as that guy, then I could-

Mai: "I'd refrain from doing so, Kaede."

Just then, Mai spoke to me through our minds, cutting me off of my train of thought. Mai was with me back when I killed Oboris, so does this mean that she thinks I'll struggle with a fight against this demon king? Mai then gave a slight nod to me as I think that.

Lilith: "What about the castle's mages?"

Mai: "I did investigate the castle to an extent, but the only human inside was Fabian. At least as far as I'm aware of. I'm unsure if those mages are dead or not."

Yui: "Why my brother?"

Yui seems to be wracking her brain, questioning why Fabian is singled out in such a way. I'm also lost as to why he's stuck with the demon king. If the demon king were to take a hostage, wouldn't the king, or Leon be a better pick? But I guess in our case it's quite problematic... Wait.

Kaede: "Could it be that this demon king knows of us?"

Lillian: "I was thinking the same thing."

Yui: "What do you mean?"

Kaede: "It can't be a coincidence that the monsters attacked as we left, right? They must've timed their attack when we distracted the army. Especially with Lucien joining the hunt for us, I could imagine Inasdale's defenses would plummet without him around."

Yui: "Wait, then you didn't see Lucien there, Mai?"

Mai: "I'm afraid not."

Then does that mean I killed him? And in turn weakened Inasdale for it to be overrun by monsters? I would feel guilty about such a thing, but this is Inasdale we're talking about. I can't say I've been quite fond of that place anyways. But it's hard to say whether I prefer the monsters taking over it or not.

Yui: "So then my brother is stuck there..."

Mai: "I wouldn't be too worried, Yui. Your brother was actually smiling when I saw him, even laughing with a dark elf at some parts."

Sicily/Lillian: "Dark elf?"

It's my first time hearing that term as well. Sicily and Lillian don't seem all that "dark" to me. So then are these dark elves a different species all together?

Mai: "Correct."

Sicily: "I'm surprised. Dark elves are a proud race. I wouldn't expect them to communicate with humans."

Lillian: "That's if they even "can" communicate. They live in the far south, away from any human civilization. They shouldn't even know how to speak the human language."

Mai: "Hehe. Well that's the thing. I didn't hear much, but it sounded like Fabian and the dark elf were learning each other's language."

Sicily/Lillian: "You're kidding."

Mai: "I'm not."

Lillian: "I guess a strong enough demon would overpower those darks. I'm starting to think Mai's right about this demon king."

Yui: "Well... At least my brother isn't in any immediate danger..."

Faye: "Shouldn't we relay this to the queen?"

Yui: "Well. She's busy today, so I could maybe try and visit tomorrow... Hah~ I guess our plans for Epillon will have to wait, huh."

She's clearly dejected with the idea of postponing our trip even longer. But this is a matter more important than our trip, so I think this is the correct move.

Natalie: "This is a serious matter, Ellen. I think visiting the queen, or at the very least telling your mother about this news would take priority."

Yui: "Mm, you're right. I'll make plans for that now."

Mell: "Then what about Lilith?"

Ah, yeah... Due to the massive news that Mai brought back with her, I completely forgot about mom. But now that I'm thinking about it again, it's wrenching my heart once again at the thought of doing such a thing to her. I know that I turned Mell in order for us to be a "proper" family, which did work. But it's different this time. Unlike any other human, mom's smell isn't a delicious nature. I clearly see her as my mom, so tarnishing her like that just feels wrong still...

Lilith: "We'll sort that out. You can go if you need to, Yui."

Yui: "R-right! Then uhm. I'll see you soon?"

Kaede: "Mhmm."

She then comes in to hug me as I let go of mom in order to properly hug Yui. Her embrace is tighter than her other ones, almost as if she's wishing me luck with her body.

Yui: "Everything will be fine."

Kaede: "Hope so."

We then let go of one another as we share a final smile before Yui and Natalie makes their way out the door. With Yui now gone, I'm straight back to thinking about how to proceed with mom. I know I said that I've made up my mind to do it, but maybe there's still another way? Surely there's a more safer way than to just skin mom's back...

Lillian: "I wonder..."

Kaede: "Hmm?"

Lillian: "Dark elves know of certain techniques, particularly healing magic. They might have some insight regarding how to deal with Lilith."

Mai: "I'm aware, but those techniques wouldn't be able to rid the crest on Lilith's back."

Lillian: "But maybe it could help while we carve the skin of the crest off?"

Are we seriously still considering that absurd idea? I've already said I'd prefer turning mom into a vampire over skinning her fucking back.

Sicily: "That's if they'll even help."

Lillian: "But if Fabian has befriended one, then maybe we could get them on our side."

Kaede: "You do realize that dark elf is in the middle of a city of monsters. I don't think that's as easy as it sounds."

Mai: "Agreed. I noticed that the majority of the dark elves work in the castle which is surrounded by many powerful individuals. Some that even rival Oboris, Kaede."

Wait. So then people like Oboris are just mere servants to this demon king? I remember the fight being fairly difficult, but to think there's a monster out there that can take control of multiple monsters such as that. Yeah. this is a tricky spot.

Kaede: "Wait, but couldn't you just teleport in, and bring back the dark elf and Fabian?"

Mai: "It's too much of a gamble. The demon king is right there, so breaking in is too risky. Also I haven't actually set foot inside the castle itself so it's not like I can teleport straight to Fabian."

I guess Yui's right then. Fabian seems to be safe, so it's not like we're tight on time. I should just focus on mom instead for now. Yui's taking care of the rest anyways. But if we do somehow get that dark elf, then I would at least like to know about those techniques that Lillian mentioned, so maybe I should wait a bit? Heh... I really am just trying to look for any excuse to not turn mom into a vampire...