Waking Darkness

-----Leon's POV

For a while now, I felt like I've been drifting through this endless darkness, unable to hear, feel, or see anything. But-

?: "He still hasn't woken up?"

In the darkness, I hear a voice echo through the space. I try to look around but to no avail. But I'm filled with relief, knowing that I can hear something, knowing that I'm not dead. Or maybe I am and the voice I'm hearing is god? But I didn't expect god to be a woman. Suddenly, the darkness becomes more suffocating as I'm reminded who this could be.

That's right... I was just fighting Kaede and that demon, and that black haired demon from before was all just an illusion. Which means that I'm still trapped there, probably being tormented by her all over again. Maybe that's why my body refuses to feel or see anything...

?: "-I guess we have no choice."

We?! So now I'm being tortured by multiple monsters now? Body... If you can move right now, please move! But through all my desperate pleas, my body remains stuck in this darkness, unable to feel anything. Get away from me!

-----Yui's POV

Yui: "Do you think his body will even accept this?"

Natalie: "Well I made it as easily digestible as I can."

I returned back to the mansion to check up on Leon while also seeing if we have a spare bed to bring over to the cabin. Some of the butlers have already started to load a mattress into a carriage for us, leaving Natalie and I to focus on Leon.

I watch as Natalie gently opens Leon's mouth before spoon feeding some porridge down his throat.

Yui: "Don't you think he'll choke?"

Natalie: "Don't worry, I'm paying close attention. His body seems to be receiving it well."

It's so strange though having Leon in our home. Inasdale might be the home to a bunch of monsters now, but he's still a prince in my eyes. I feel as though he'll be more suited to live in the castle being treated by the queen and her daughters rather than Natalie and I.

Butler: "My lady. The carriage is ready."

Yui: "Thank you."

Natalie: "You can go on ahead. I'll look after Leon for a bit longer."

Yui: "You sure?"

Natalie: "Mhmm. I'll be there soon."

It's become a rare occurrence for Natalie not to accompany me, but I guess we do need someone here to take care of him. His body looks quite emaciated so hopefully Natalie's food can help with that.

Yui: "Okay. I'll see you there."

We smile before I end up taking my leave, walking down the stairs.

Iris: "Ah! Ellen. How's the prince?"

But my mom catches me at the bottom of the stairs. She's been so busy that I haven't truly got the chance to talk with her lately.

Yui: "He's still unconscious, but it looks as though he's beginning to take in food now."

Iris: "I see. That's relieving to hear."

Yui: "More importantly. What about you? You're still busy?"

Iris: "Fufu. You think I'm more important than Leon right now?"

Yui: "Of course!"

In my eyes, Leon's just living the life. being treated by a cute maid, not even needing to lift a finger to get what he needs. Meanwhile mom's been working tirelessly for a while now.

Iris: "Well. It's dying down now. I had to work on my own for a while with Neri gone, but the queen has sent more helpers my way, giving me a lot more free time."

Yui: "So you saying you're free now?"

Iris: "Mhmm! But it looks like you've been busy. You going somewhere with that carriage?"

Yui: "Yeah, to the cabin that everyone built."

Iris: "You mind if I come with you then?"

Yui: "Sure!"

It's been a while since I've had time alone with mom, and even though we won't be alone when we get there, at least we'll be alone in the carriage.

...

And so, mom and I both hopped into the carriage before the driver takes off down the hill. I take a moment to inspect the mattress that the butlers loaded inside. It's definitely soft, but without a bedframe, it might still not be enough. Well at least this will be better than sleeping on blankets on the hard floor boards.

Iris: "I'm guessing this mattress is for Lilith?"

Yui: "Ah-"

Shoot. I didn't think of that. I was so pre occupied with Rina and her mother's comfort that I completely let Kaede's mother slip past me. She might be unconscious but I'd hate for her to wake up only for her to have serious back problems. But I guess she's being constantly healed by the trees, so maybe that gives some comfort to her maybe?

Iris: "Do we need to go back and get another?"

Yui: "No, no. This will be fine."

This mattress is a decent size. It can hold two people comfortably, so in the worst case scenario, I guess Rina or Alenia can share this bed with Lilith.

Iris: "Dark elves though..."

Yui: "They're not scary. Far from it actually."

Iris: "Oh, I'm not that frightened about that. It's just that they're quite elusive, right? It's rare for people to see them and return to tell the tale."

Mom's words makes me recall Alenia's face. Yeah, she's definitely scary looking, quite intimidating. But she shares the same soft personality that Rina has; actually maybe even softer.

Iris: "Wait. You said they?"

Yui: "Oh, right. Kaede brought back another dark elf, their mother."

Iris: "Ooo! I'm looking forward to it!"

Suddenly, mom feels a bit more excited about the idea of meeting them. I guess maybe she was nervous with not knowing who they were, but now to hear that one of the dark elves is a mother, maybe mom can relate a little with her?

Yui: "Oh, but the daughter, Rina. She's most likely still asleep, so do try and be a little quiet."

Iris: "Got it."

Honestly, it could be the other way around and Rina could be wide awake when we get there. But Rina was awake for a long time until now, so maybe she also needs a longer sleep? I wonder.

...

We soon arrive at the cabin outside the city as mom and I both start to take out the mattress. The driver also gives us a hand before Fleur and Faye spots us. Seems as though they're back to practicing again.

Faye: "Need a hand?"

Yui: "Yes please!"

Iris: "Thank you."

Both Fleur and Faye effortlessly lift the mattress from both ends as if it weighed nothing. A vampire's strength sure is something...

When we move inside, we're greeted by the sight of Lilith still unconscious with Alenia still tending to her. Only this time-

Kaede: "Yui!"

Yui: "You're back!"

I end up going in to hug Kaede impulsively. I left before seeing her yesterday. I was worried that she'd be stuck in Inasdale until her mother wakes up, but it seems as though I was worrying over nothing. 

Iris: "We brought over a bed for you."

Alenia: "Thank you."

Iris: "No. Thank you for helping us. My name's Iris. I'm Ellen's mother."

Alenia: "Nice to meet you. I'm Alenia."

Fleur and Faye carry the bed over to where Rina is laying, however no one wants to disturb her so we leave it next to her for now.

Alenia: "Ah, you can just pick her up gently. She's a heavy sleeper."

Fleur: "O-okay."

With Alenia's permission. Fleur and Faye gently pick up Rina who was on the floor and move her to the mattress. Almost immediately, Rina starts squirming as if getting adjusted to the mattress, and as Fleur pulls a blanket over Rina, a big smile quickly grows on Rina's face. I never knew that Rina could be this cute. I can't help but stare at that peaceful face of hers. I wonder what she's dreaming about?

Lillian: "Didn't know a dark elf could be so cute."

Sicily: "Took the words right out of my mouth."

I don't think anyone could call Rina a monster at this point. Even Sicily and Lillian who despised her seems to have grown to like her.

Alenia: "Hehe."

Iris: "If you need anything, just let me or Ellen know."

Alenia: "Thank you. But who's Ellen?"

Yui: "Ah, that would be me. I go by two names. Ellen and Yui."

Alenia: "Ahh~ I see. Thank you."

Mom and I shoot a smile at Alenia in sync with one another. Seeing her smile makes all of this worth it. The more happier Alenia and Rina is, I feel like the better chance we have at Lilith's survival. I just hope she wakes up soon...

-----Leon's POV

I don't know what's happening, but I'm finding it heard to breathe. A part of me is happy with feeling a new sensation, but it only reminds me of that black haired demon. I can just imagine her claws wrapping around my neck trying to choke me out, using me as her plaything.

?: "You're doing well."

How about you get off of me! Every once in a while, I'm able to breathe just fine, but then randomly, the darkness begins to chokes me. I really want to open my eyes, I try my hardest, forcing myself with all the will I have, but all I can do is just listen... Please, someone save me.