[70.2] Time Keeps on Ticking

[****Disclaimer: This chapter contains a brief description of injuries that may be uncomfortable to some readers.]

I waved to the villagers before jumping on my ice chunk and soaring to the ocean. Luckily, it wasn't too far from the mountain, but unfortunately…

After searching for several hours, I couldn't find a single flower growing on the cliffside.

I groaned as I raised my head to see the sunset.

I really thought I would find it right away…

I soared back to the mountainside, arriving back before Lene woke up. Over the next few weeks, I continued to scour the cliffsides along the ocean. Every other day, I would take off to catch up on much-needed sleep before heading out to search again.

However…

Several months passed and I still wasn't any closer to finding the flower.

I arrived in a town not too far from Vira's stronghold and showed the merchants the picture, "Have you seen a flower like this?"

Just like everyone else, he shook his head. "I haven't. You should check with the Holy Goddesses' soldiers."

"Huh?" I felt sick to my stomach, "Why them?"

"They've been all across this land protecting us from the evil of demonkind. If anyone knows where to find it, it would be them."

I pursed my lips, "But why would they help me?"

"They can be bribed."

Why am I not surprised?

"Do you know where I can find them?"

"They are usually drinking at a pub near their headquarters in town. I would try there."

I thanked him and continued walking, making my way to the soldier's pub.

Although I'd rather stay away from them as much as possible, desperate times come for desperate measures. 

I entered the pub and immediately felt uncomfortable.

There…

There are only men…

-And they are all staring at me.

One smirked at me, "What's a pretty thing like you doing here?"

I pursed my lips in disgust, "How do you know I'm pretty? You can't even see my face."

"I don't need to see your face." He grabbed me by the waist and pulled me in so close, I could smell his alcohol breath. "I know you bashful types are usually the prettiest."

Gross gross gross gross!

He reached up to take off my veil, "So let's see that pretty-ARG!"

I grabbed his hand and twisted it, causing him to bend to one knee in pain.

"LET ME GO! LET ME GO!"

I tossed his hand away and crossed my arms, "It's impolite to touch someone without their permission."

Another soldier broke out into rambunctious laughter, "AHAHA! That's the third time you lost to a woman today!"

The other snapped back, "Shuddup! The first two times were one person!!! And that was a demon so it doesn't count!"

 My eyes widened under my veil, "Huh? Demon?"

Another soldier put his arm around me, "Don't be scared sweetheart. That demon is no danger to you. She follows our commands just like a dog."

I nudged off his hand in annoyance, "Your commands?"

Another added, "She's great for training. Only demon who has managed to live as long as she has."

Another scratched his beard, "But judging by that disgusting face of hers, she won't be around much longer."

My expression darkened under my hood.

How is this story so common?

Do they really only see demons as tools?

The soldier pulled me closer to him while I thought, "So why'd you come in here looking for us?"

I shoved off his arm and walked out the door, "Never mind. I don't need help anymore."

I will never stoop so low to need help from these degenerates.

I will keep searching for the flower.

Eventually, I have to find it.

I have at least ten years…

I have to find it.

I will.

But first-

I used my magic to silence my footsteps and snuck into their headquarters. Behind the building was a training yard where a few demons were shackled up. I was shocked to see that they were all around Asmonious's age. While Asmonious still had slightly grey skin, he was growing tall and was no longer malnourished.

However, these demons looked even worse than he had when I found him.

They all had missing limbs, bruises covering all their skin, and looked as if they would collapse and die at any moment.

They need help.

I raised my finger once I got near them, "Shh."

They all watched me with sunken faces as I broke their chains. I looked around to make sure it was still safe before I created an ice chunk, "Climb aboard."

Seeing them all stare at me with empty looks, I pulled them up one by one. Then after ensuring they were all onboard, I flew quickly to the village to get them medical treatment.

The medical matriarch came to me after her entire family went to work, "...Great Fairy. You really are a saint. Do you save every demon that crosses your path?"

"Only ones that want it…" I muttered to myself, "So yes."

She smiled sweetly, "Well, it will be a long road to recovery… Some of them have injuries that will bother them for the rest of their lives, but they should all live… It's just that-"

She motioned to one of the group members staring off into space with bandages covering most of the bodies. Within that crowd was one single girl with her hair cut shaved short into patches.

And-

My eyes drifted to her forehead which had a broken horn.

-The only one who can't stay here.

I frowned at the sight of her face. While her eyes were beautiful, with thick, dark eyelashes, and her facial features flawless no matter how malnourished, there was one ghastly sight that contrasted such a beautiful image.

…Her lower jaw was ripped apart, turning a blueish-black from infection.

I watched as another medicine demon bandaged it up to hide it.

I gulped, "What… What happened to her jaw?"

The medicine matriarch sighed, "We had to remove most of it. It seems that her skin was decaying on her face, most likely from an injury that was never treated and went into sepsis. It shouldn't be life-threatening as long as you treat it with medicine."

"So it will get better?"

She shook her head, "No. I fear it will always look disgusting." 

My lips curled in distaste at her comment.

I meant her health, not her appearance.

"Will you be able to take her in, Great Fairy? She won't be able to eat normally nor will she be able to speak. You will have to feed her soup or liquid food as she won't be able to chew."

I let out a large sigh, "How… How has she survived this long?"

The matriarch shrugged, "By sheer luck… And a bit of strength. So? Will you take her?"

I clicked my tongue, "Is it like I have a choice? I can't leave her here with that broken horn."

She grinned as if relieved, "You are making a good decision, Great Fairy."

I rolled my eyes and approached the girl. I smiled at her, "Hello… What's your name?"

She answered, "AhAh."

I blinked as I realized my mistake, "Right… You can't speak… Well, I have paper at home if you can write it."

She tilted her head.

I turned and pointed to the far distance, "I live on top of that mountain and take care of three other demons. You are around my eldest disciples' age."

She stared at me blankly as if waiting for an order.

I asked, "Would you like to come live with me?"

As soon as I said the word come, she jumped to my side, staring at me as if awaiting her next order. I was so taken aback, I didn't know what to say.

I… I guess that means yes?

I summoned my ice chunk and flew toward the mountain with her onboard, "Don't worry. You won't ever have to do anything you don't want to. On my mountain, as long as you don't harm any innocents, you'll be free."

I arrived back at the mountain when the moon was already in the sky.

Asmonious, Lene, and Lovi were standing at the doorway, patiently waiting for me. Once Lovi saw me, she let out a sigh of relief, "I thought you died!"

I laughed as I lowered my ice chunk, "Ah, Lovi. I've missed you, my melodramatic loli."

Lene waved at me, "Miss me? Did you!?"

I grinned and went to squeeze her cheeks, "I did! I'm sorry I wasn't here when you woke up."

She giggled, "S'okay! Big brother woke me up!"

I turned to Asmonious and grinned, "Hello, my precious boy."

Asmonious smiled at me as he politely nodded, "Welcome back, Master."

Lovi's expression dulled when she watched the girl follow me off the ice chunk, "Who's the girl?"

"This is-" I paused, "Actually, I don't know her name… She can't speak. But she will be living with us in the meantime."

Lene walked out towards the girl and stuck her hands out. As she touched the girl and felt for her face, the girl stood up straight, staring at me as if she was waiting for something. Once Lene felt her lower jaw, she frowned, "Something's missing, Mother!"

I quickly removed her hands, "Don't touch there, Lene! She's hurt at that spot."

"Ohhhh." Lene pointed to her opaque eyes which had a large scar over them, "Like me?"

"That's right. Just like you."

Lovi smirked, "Wicked."

I let out a sigh, "No. Not wicked. It's painful and traumatic… Now will you girls go show her to her new room?"

Lene grabbed her hand and started pulling her, "Come on, older sister! You can sleep by my room!"

Lovi followed them while scowling, "Why am I sissy but she's older sister?! I'm older than you by a summer Lene! You should call me older sister!"

Lene stuck out her tongue, "Nope! Calling her older sister is a sign of respect!"

Lovi stopped in her tracks, "Wait. Are you saying you don't respect me!? Oi! Don't ignore me! LENE!"

As I watched the three of them leave, I didn't even realize I was smiling.

Asmonious gave a light chuckle, "Master… Are you going to bring home a new disciple every time you go outside for supplies?"

I nudged him playfully, "Hey. It hasn't been every time… Just twice now."

As I stared at him and his soft, smiling face, I realized something.

He… He's getting so tall. He's almost at eye level with me now.

I tilted my head, "Asmonious… How old are you now?"

He shrugged, "I don't know. I was never told my birthday… But I've been with Master for five winters now."

"Five winters…" I let out a sigh, "Time is passing by so fast…"

I've been so preoccupied lately with the children, I never noticed how many years had passed.

They were growing up and I never realized it.

I wonder how everyone else is doing in the future…

And Cyrus…

Will he even recognize me when I finally figure out how to return?