Family Flight

-----Kaede's POV

It's rare for me to need sleep, but I feel like last night was a good of a time as any... Especially if our last days are numbered.

Which is why today, family is the most important. Everyone from the slumber party went back to their homes, including me. To be honest, I'd like to spend more time with Yui, but I do need to spend more time with my own family. And upon moving through the front door with Mell, Fleur leaps into my arms as I end up catching her in surprise.

Kaede: "H-hello?"

Fleur: "Let's go!"

Kaede: "Oh? Where to?"

Faye: "Pfft. You'll see."

We end up moving out the back where everyone else has gathered, including Mai's siblings. However, there's still no sign of Mai.

Kaede: "Mai? You there?"

I try once again to get through to her through our minds, but again... Nothing.

Neda: "Ah! Kaede~"

And just like when I entered through the front door, Neda leaps runs into my arms. Don't tell me she's somehow imprinted on me... At least now she's wearing her dress now and not naked.

Erytheia: "Did you really miss Kaede that much?"

Neda: "Mhmm!"

Erytheia: "Hahh~"

From the looks of it, Erytheia seems to be a little jealous. pretty funny considering how she didn't like hugs at the start.

Kaede: "So? What's happening?"

Fleur/Faye: "..."

I watch as both Fleur and Faye look at one another, before they both simultaneously spread their wings out.

Kaede: "Wait. Is it time?"

Fleur: "Mhmm! Let's take that flight."

She extends her hand out to us as I gently take her hand before growing out my own wings.

Mell: "I uhm... Could you do what you did last time?"

Kaede: "Hehe, of course."

I end bending down just a bit for Mell to climb onto my back before wrapping her arms around my neck.

Lillian: "Good luck."

Sicily: "Mhmm!"

Faye: "Thanks guys."

It's impossible for me to not smile in this situation.

Fleur: "On three?"

Kaede: "One."

Faye: "Two."

Fleur: "Three!"

And in the next instant, we take off into the sky, leaving a cloud of dust beneath us. But I quickly realize that I got too ahead of myself and took off too quickly. I end up slowly myself down for Fleur and Faye to catch up while Mell is still clinging onto my back.

Kaede: "Whenever you're ready Mell!"

Mell: "Mm!"

In the next moment, after gaining some more altitude, I feel Mell let go as I quickly turn around. I got a little worried for a second, but Mell's wings soon grew out as Fleur, Faye and I hover where we are while we wait for Mell to catch up.

Fleur: "Ah~"

Faye: "We finally did it, sis."

Fleur: "Mhmm! I forgot how refreshing this felt.

In the next moment, Fleur takes off first.

Faye: "Hehe."

Followed by Faye as she tails her sister from behind before catching up to her side.

Mell: "Hah, hahh~ I'm here!~"

Kaede: "Fufu. Come on. Let's catch up to them."

Mell: "Mm!"

-----Yui's POV

Today with everyone out doing their own thing, I decided to stay back with mom, Alice and Natalie. Fabian didn't come by yesterday, but I guess Mai is busy so that's to be expected. But I can tell that mom wants to see him, especially with all the recent news.

Alice: "Alright, you ready?"

Yui: "Mm!"

We're all outside in the courtyard as mom is sitting down at one of the benches with many of the butlers and maids, including Natalie. Alice and I both draw our swords before we finally begin our sparring session.

So far, it's what I normally expect. I've spared with Alice god knows how many times, so we both know how the other fights, however, I don't plan on following by the rules now. And after deflecting one of Alice's attacks, with my off-hand, I quickly conjure up a water ball before firing it off towards Alice's face

Alice: "!"

And as she dodges my little water ball, I use the opportunity to get her on the backfoot, pressuring her with quick thrusts.

Alice: "Hehe, two can play at that game."

Here it is! Before Alice could even fire off any of her water magic, I quickly take control of it, using her water to create a whip from behind her before quickly sweeping it under her feet.

Alice: "Hah!"

But she expertly dodges it with such finesse. reminds me of a ballerina in a way.

Alice: "You're pretty quick with it now, fufu."

Yui: "So you admit defeat?"

Alice: "Don't get too cocky-"

It was Alice this time to come forth as our swords clash with one another once more. However, after 30 or so minutes, both of us were tired out, panting for breath. I think this is the first time where I've matched Alice's stamina, but there's no way I can continue any longer.

Yui: "D-draw?"

Alice: "...Sure."

And so, we had our first ever draw. But I like to think that I've finally caught up with Alice now.

...

Natalie: "Yui~ Water."

Yui: "Thanks."

We take our seats at the bench as I take the glass of water Natalie prepared for me, almost drinking it all in one breath.

Iris: "You've become quite a fine young lady."

Yui: "M-mom..."

Iris: "Fufu. I'm serious. There's not many people that can keep up with Alice."

Even still... Hearing mom calling me that is quite embarrassing.

Alice: "I'm just happy that I taught you everything I know."

Yui: "...Alice."

During our spar just now, I could only think about our fight, but now I'm stuck thinking that this was probably the last time that I'd get to spar with Alice... That's of course if Kaede and I are actually disappearing from this world. I just hope Mai figures something out soon.

Neri: "Lady Leinhart-"

But suddenly, Neri enters the courtyard. I almost forgot that she's working for my mom.

Iris: "Ah, could you handle that? I'd like to spend some more time out here. Thank you."

Neri: "V-very well."

She takes her leave, leaving us as I end up finishing the rest of the water.

Yui: "Busy?"

Iris: "Just a bit. But I'd rather spend some quality time with you. At least until we know we're in the clear."

Yui: "Mm."

I feel the same way. It's scary... The unknown. But no matter what happens, I want to make sure I enjoy the present. But tomorrow I hope I can spend some time with Kaede, considering tomorrow is our "last day" according to Mai. Still though, what will happen? If we do disappear, will we just go "poof?" Or will the world literally crumble to dust. 

Maid: "My lady!"

My thoughts would be broken by the sudden yell from one of the maid that has also entered the courtyard.

Iris: "What is it?"

Maid: "It's the prince."

.....

...

We all make our way upstairs, heading towards one of the quest rooms where Leon has been resting. And upon entering, Leon was sitting up in bed with a butler attending to him.

Leon: "Ellen?"

I guess he finally recognizes us.

Yui: "Haha, long time no see."

Leon: "Where am I?"

Iris: "You're safe now, don't worry. This is one of our guest rooms."

Leon: "In Inasdale? I thought it was-"

Iris: "Yes. Inasdale is no more. We're now in Yarene."

I watch as shock quickly spread over Leon's face.

Alice: "Apparently you had magic placed on you that interfered with your senses. But Mai removed it, so you no longer need to worry."

Leon: "...Father."

Seems like he doesn't really care about his current situation. I can't really sympathize with him as much since I was never really attached to that place, but for a prince like Leon, I can imagine that he had quite an attached to the place. Actually... Maybe I can, in a way. It's sort of like how I'm still attached to my past life. I guess the only difference is that I've lived with that pain far longer than Leon has.

Yui: "It'll be alright. Everything's been taken care of."

Leon: "You mean the monsters?"

Yui: "...Well~"

Iris: "Inasdale is still currently ruled by the monsters, however it seems like we're to do nothing about it."

Leon: "What do you mean?"

And so, we caught Leon up to speed with what's happening regarding Inasdale, with how we signed a peace treaty with Ilfa and that we're trying to build good relations with the monsters and demons in Inasdale. But let's just say that didn't sit well with Leon.