CHAPTER 34 - Departure

The first thing that came to Azee as she awoke was an intense pounding and throbbing in her head. Each beat of her heart felt as if cannonballs were ricocheting merrily about in her skull. The sound of carriages and voices from the street made her feel dizzy, like she was drowning in chaotic noise. Even the pale light of a cloudy morning was excruciatingly bright, and the inside of her mouth felt as if she had tried to eat a whole Bahfloof before shearing it.

So intense was her discomfort that it took Azee almost a full minute before she noticed the arm around her waist and the feeling of someone else's breath on the back of her neck.

Her eyes widened as fuzzy memories of the previous night began to slink back into her mind. She remembered the lounge, some fragments of the carriage ride home, Luke carrying her into the room, drinking coffee, and then...

'He said he loved me... and then... Oh no!'

Azee put a hand to her face and let out a low groan, they'd had sex. Not only that... it had been damn good. Luke had been so gentle and tender, yet passionate and strong. Worst of all, Azee had vague memories of rolling over, pinning Luke down, and whispering things in his ear.

"By the Tyrant..." Azee groaned quietly, pinching her nose. "I told him I forgave him..."

As Azee twitched, Luke grunted softly and shifted in his sleep, his grip around Azee's waist tightening. His whole body was pressed up against her back, his face buried in her neck fur. As Luke moved about in his sleep, Azee felt something stirring against her rump, something familiar.

"NOPE!" Azee yelped, frantically pulling herself free of Luke's grip and leaping from the bed. In an instant, she was struck by the full force of her hangover and pitched over, dropping to the floor and curling into a fetal position with a loud whine.

By the time she was able to see straight again, Luke was peering at her over the side of the bed.

"Good morning to you too," he said casually, propping himself up on one arm and raising an eyebrow. "Gotta be honest, not quite the reaction I was hoping for."

"Y-you..." Azee growled, massaging her temples. "Dammit..."

"I can get you some coffee if you like."

The mere thought of drinking or eating anything created a sickening wobble in Azee's stomach. She could almost hear Chara's voice scolding her for her foolishness, just as she had the last few times she had been drunk.

"No more coffee... no more alcohol, maybe ever."

"Coffee seemed to make you feel better last night." Luke paused for a moment. "You know... speaking of last night, maybe we should talk."

"I don't wanna talk." Azee winced as her own voice rang loudly in her ears.

Luke smiled a cocky half-smile. "Come on Azee, we really should... at least talk."

Taking a deep breath, Azee's ears pressed against the side of her head. "Get out, I don't want to see you."

Luke blinked in surprise. "Wait-"

"Get out!" She snarled, baring her teeth. "Get out of my room you... you...letch!"

"Please, just wait and-"

"Get out!"

Luke grimaced as the crystal in his chest visibly glowed. "Okay, okay, fine! But can I at least get my pants on-"

"GET OUT!"

Unable to bear the pain in his chest, Luke got up and rushed out of the room, hurriedly wrapping a sheet around his waist as he did.

The door slamming shut behind Luke sounded like a thunderclap inside Azee's head. With a low moan, she stared up at the ceiling, quietly cursing every decision she'd made over the past day and a half. Shakily she picked herself up, flopped back onto the bed, and dragged a pillow over her head with an agonized groan.

***

As Luke stumbled out of the master bedroom and into the main sitting room, he was greeted by the sight of Eloise sitting on one of the couches.

"You look like you had an interesting night," Eloise commented, taking a sip from a cup of tea.

Luke blinked in surprise, staring wide-eyed at Eloise. Her body was a patchwork of different ages, one of her hands was gnarled with age, while the other was smooth and unmarred. The left side of Eloise's face was ancient and wrinkled, her left eye a pale milky white, as was half of her hair.

"What in all ten layers of damnation happened to you," Luke demanded, releasing his grip on the sheet around his waist in surprise.

Eloise raised an eyebrow as Luke frantically grabbed hold of the sheet and pulled it back up. "Well well Windhill, I never would have suspected. It would seem that Azee was a lucky girl."

"J-just, don't worry about that," Luke shot back, his face quickly turning crimson. "Are you alright?"

"Is that concern I hear in your voice?"

"Of course it is! You look like-" Luke paused.

"Yes?"

"You... You look..." Luke shook his head. "By the Lord I don't really know what you look like! What happened to you? Where did you go last night? And why.... Why are you wearing an Order Agent outfit?"

Calmly, Eloise took another sip of her tea. "I had a run-in with an old friend."

"And she... did this?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes."

Luke could do nothing but stand and stare open-mouthed at Eloise, half a dozen questions fighting for the chance to come out first. But as he struggled to decide on his first question, the reality of his wardrobe situation came to him first.

"J-just one moment," Luke said, holding up a finger as he made his way toward the second bedroom.

Eloise said nothing and instead watched as Luke hustled across the room and threw open the door to the second bedroom.

As he stepped inside, Eloise lowered her teacup to its saucer. "Three...Two...One..."

Right on cue, Luke stepped back into the sitting room, an unreadable expression carved on his face.

"Eloise... I have a question."

"Mhmm."

"Why... is there... a woman tied up in that bedroom?"

"That's Wulfe, a guest of mine for now," Eloise replied simply. "Oh, and not a woman, not entirely anyways, not a man either oddly enough."

"I-"

"And not entirely human as it turns out, part Drathain, probably a grandparent judging by how human they appear."

"And how in... in.... how could you possibly know that?"

"Oh, well I had to search them, of course."

"Search them?"

"Well, they were working with the Order, I had to be sure they didn't have any weapons."

"S-so that's an Order Agent in there?"

Eloise waved a hand dismissively. "Oh no. I think they are more of a scientist working with the Order."

"I... You... But how did you.... WHY?!"

"Would the two of you please keep it down?" Azee groaned, poking her head out of the master bedroom. "I'm dying over here..."

"Apologies sweetheart. Drink some water and go back to sleep, I'll explain everything later."

"Fine. Here," Azee threw Luke's trousers at him before closing the door.

With a small smile of amusement on her face, Eloise watched as Luke ducked behind the bar and emerged a few moments later wearing his trousers.

"Alright..." Luke sighed and ran his hands through his hair. "Could you, for the love of all that is holy, please explain just what in the fuck is happening?"

"Of course. But first, I do have a question for you."

Luke raised an eyebrow as he set about pouring himself a drink. "Oh?"

"I'm going to ask you a question, just one, and I will ask it only once. Answer me truthfully, and maybe, just maybe, you'll get to keep that little thing between your legs."

Luke instinctively gulped as the room suddenly seemed to turn cold.

Eloise leaned forward in her seat, her calm voice replaced by one that dripped with threatening venom. "Did you take advantage of Azee while she was drunk?"

Breathing a sigh of relief, Luke shook his head. "Is that all? No, no I did not take advantage of Azee."

"No? You're sure?"

Luke shrugged. "Was she drunk, yes, but she insisted. And since I am bound to follow her orders, thanks to you and this thing you put in my chest-" Luke raised his glass to Eloise with a sarcastic smile, "- great thought of yours by the way, thank you very much, I couldn't exactly refuse."

"So you were just following orders?"

Luke paused for a moment before he swallowed his drink in one gulp. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he answered. "No."

"Would you care to explain?"

Setting down his drink, Luke stepped out from behind the bar and crossed his arms. "You want an explanation, here it is: I've been in love with Azee since I was ten years old and I've had to hide that from everyone, including her, for most of my life. I had hoped to tell her someday when the time was right. Instead, thanks to you, and this wonderful, wonderful rune you put in my chest, I was forced to tell her how I felt while she was drunk, frightened, and asking me why I 'hated her'."

Eloise looked up at Luke, preparing to draw her guns as he stepped forwards, black anger rising in his voice with each word.

"And to make things better," Luke continued, "I was forced to tell her something I had hoped she would never hear, namely that I don't know how to choose her over my own family, a family I loathe, by the way."

Stopping in front of Eloise, Luke leaned close to her. "So, when Azee suggested we make love, I decided that, rather than wait for that precious thing to be ruined as well, I made a decision. Now, if you find something objectionable about that, by all means, make a move, otherwise, I suggest you get off my ass."

"Astonishing."

"What is?" Luke demanded.

Eloise sighed, leaning back and picking up her teacup again. "That so much can happen to you, and you still don't get it."

Luke tilted his head slightly as he stepped away. "Get what, exactly?"

"That all of this is a direct result of what you have done. Azee came to me because of you, that rune in your chest is the result of choices you made, decisions you made for everyone else. And now, finally, for the first time in your life, you are having to compromise."

"I've done nothing but try and make Azee's life the best I can, to make the best of a bad situation!"

Eloise shook her head. "No, you tried to be the 'gentleman slaver', you tried to be a good person while doing something that you know in your heart is wrong. You built your entire life on a foundation of little lies, and the tragedy is, you don't see that the one you've lied to the most is yourself."

"I... You..." Luke's voice caught in his throat.

Eloise sighed as she watched the skin on her left hand return to its normal age, the wrinkles and veins finally retreating back into her flesh. "But if you haven't learned it by now, it may be too late, for both of you."

Luke blinked in surprise as Eloise got to her feet. "The fact of the matter is, Windhill, we are all out of time."

***

With a heavy, exhausted groan, Azee emerged from the master bedroom. After peering around the main room to make certain it was empty, she crept out and began making her way over to the bar. The sound of carriages and passersby outside hammered at her skull, and even the soft carpet felt like needles in her footpads.

As carefully as she was able, Azee picked up a large, metal basin with a rune stamped onto the bottom. Azee pressed the rune and immediately a flood of water filled the jug. With the press of another rune, the water turned ice cold.

Without hesitation, Azee plunged her face into the basin. Her whole body shook as some of the water dripped down her back and front as she drank, feeling the cold water running down her throat.

Azee gasped as she pulled her head out of the basin, water dripping from her fur and hair as she turned to the ceiling and closed her eyes.

"You know it's not often that I get to see this."

Azee's eyes flew open and she stared as Eloise stepped out of the second bedroom.

"I see people who are drunk often enough, but they are usually long gone before any sort of hangover kicks in."

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

Her face burning despite the cold water. Azee looked away in shame, unable to meet Eloise's eyes.

A motherly smile crossed Eloise's face as she walked over to one of the couches and sat down. "Come here," she said softly, patting the seat beside her.

"I-I'm all wet..."

"Don't worry about it, just come over here."

"I had a talk with Windhill, he told me what happened," Eloise said as Azee padded over and sat down beside her.

"H-he did?"

"Mhmm."

Azee recoiled at first as Eloise reached out towards her, but relented as Eloise guided her head down onto her lap.

"You were upset, there is nothing for you to be ashamed of. I'm..." Eloise paused for a moment, before gently patting the top of Azee's head. "I'm glad you were able to find some comfort with him. I should never have let you go to that awful place. I'm sorry Azee."

"It's not your fault... I wanted to go with you."

"You were very brave. And I am going to need you to keep being brave, now more than ever."

"Where's Luke?"

"Windhill is out getting supplies. We have to leave this place by tonight."

"Tonight?" Azee's ears twitched as Eloise started gently scratching them and stroking her hair.

"I'm afraid so."

Azee shuddered a little. "Good... I don't like this town..."

"I can certainly understand that."

"Can we visit Shinra again?" Azee wasn't certain why she asked, she knew the answer before she even spoke.

Eloise chuckled to herself as she played with a few strands of Azee's hair. "No... no, I am afraid we can't."

Azee let out a low grumble of satisfaction as Eloise switched to scratching her between the ears.

As Eloise scratched her, Azee's eyes opened a little. "Miss Eloise..."

"Mmmm?"

"There's something... I've been meaning to ask you for a while."

"Oh... yes, of course, go ahead."

"You're... very old, aren't you."

Eloise blinked in surprise and then let out a soft chuckle. "A somewhat indelicate way to put it Still, what makes you think that?"

"I don't want to offend you..."

"Do I seem offended?"

Azee squirmed a little. "Well... no... but-"

"Then go ahead and tell me."

"Well... some of the things you've said... and some of the things Chess said... plus the rumour in town was that you don't age."

"Oh really," Eloise crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly. "And what 'rumours' are those?"

"Well... Mr. Rosetti said you've been around since he was a boy, but you look the same now as you did then. And Mrs. Conallay... she says the same thing, and she's even older."

"I see."

'Suppose I may have to move on from Lillyvale before too long,' Eloise sighed to herself. 'Shame... the Crow was just starting to grow on me...'

"I'm just curious..." Azee lowered her head. "I don't mean to upset you..."

"Well, then we are about to be one-for-one in this conversation..."

This time it was Azee who blinked in surprise. "One for... what?"

Eloise sighed and shook her head. "Never mind. Yes, I am, as you have guessed, very old."

As Azee looked up, she could see a look of exhaustion on Eloise's face that sent a shiver down her spine.

"I was born... in seven eighty-three."

"Seven eighty-three... B-but it's ten ninety-nine! That would make you..." Azee paused for a moment, her mind racing as she counted on her fingers. "That'd make you t-three hundred and sixteen years old!"

"You know arithmetic, I'm impressed." Eloise tilted her head. "I wonder why Windhill taught you that..."

"N-never mind that, you're three hundred years old! How?!"

"That... is a very long story. To make it simple, I was... I'm not sure if it was a gift or a curse, but I was given... or rather I received, a great deal of life at the end of the war against the Drathain".

"You fought in the great war? Th-that's amazing!" A grin spread across Azee's face as she looked up at Eloise. "With your powers, and... and all that energy, no one can stop you! Once we get to Luke's friend, we can find out who that white-haired man was, then we can get Chara back."

Eloise sighed heavily. "I'm sorry Azee... but I won't be going with you anymore."

Immediately Azee's head shot up. "What?! Why?"

"I found out about some things... some things I need to take care of, things that are... that are more important."

Azee stared wide-eyed at Eloise, her mouth hanging open. "M-more important?"

Reaching out, Eloise gripped both sides of Azee's face and stared directly into her eyes. "There is something very important I have to do, something... something that could affect this entire world."

Azee fought to keep her lip from trembling. "B-but... but I need you..."

"I know... and I am so sorry to leave you." Eloise managed a smile as she stroked Azee's cheek. "Believe it or not, travelling with you and Windhill has been the most fun I have had in a long, long time."

"S-so why not continue?" Azee begged, gripping Eloise's wrists. "We can... we can save my sister, then we can both help you! Chara is good in a fight, and she's strong!"

Eloise shook her head. "This can't wait... I'm sorry." She leaned forward and put her forehead against Azee's. "I can try and explain why it's important..."

"No!" Azee pushed Eloise away and leaped to her feet. "No, you can't leave! You... you promised!"

"Even if I did promise, it doesn't matter."

"Yes, it... it does!" Azee's voice trembled as tears started running down her cheeks. "I... I need you!"

"I know."

"Then stay! Help me, please!"

"I can't."

"Why?!"

"Because this is too important."

"I... I can't get Chara back without you!"

"Yes you can, and I am certain you will." Eloise stood, extending a hand to Azee. "Please, sweetie, let me explain."

"No!" Azee barked, taking a step back. "You... you're just the same as Luke! You're betraying me too!"

"Azee-"

Before Eloise could say anything else, Azee turned and ran back into the master bedroom, slamming the door behind her.

With a defeated sigh, Eloise sat back down on the couch. For a few moments she stared down at her hands, the last traces of the ageing still visible on a few of her fingers.

'Too important...' Eloise's jaw stiffened as her hands curled into fists. 'The fools... they're going to take everything away from me again!"

***

Azee's world was a blur, her breathing coming in gasps as she stumbled into the bedroom and slammed the door behind her. She gripped her head as it pounded, the combination of grief and rage threatening to completely overwhelm her.

It couldn't be, it just couldn't, it had to be a bad dream. But no matter how hard Azee tried, she couldn't force herself to wake up. She was going to be alone again, left adrift.

One of the pillows exploded into a storm of feathers as Azee's claws tore into it. Her teeth shredded a second pillow as she attacked the bed in a blind rage. Next was the dress that she had worn the night before. She attacked the garment with claws and teeth, and in moments the fabric was torn to rags that fluttered to the floor.

Spying the book that Eloise had gotten her sitting on a nearby desk, Azee let out a snarl. She swept her arm across the desk, sending the book and the bottle of ink crashing against the wall. The ink bottle spilled, leaving an ugly black stain upon the wallpaper and splattering across the green leather cover.

Caught up in her anger, Azee seized hold of the book and, with a howl of fury, gripped the pages in one hand, and the spine in the other. With all of her strength, Azee pulled, and with a horrible ripping sound, the cover was torn free.

As she held the two pieces of the book, Azee's anger evaporated. A powerful wave of regret washed over her as she dropped to her knees, staring at the wreckage in her hands.

"No.... no no... no please... I'm sorry... I'm sorry... Please... " But no matter how much she pleaded, the book was still sundered.

Clutching the remains to her chest, Azee began to sob.

***

"One hundred."

"Price tag says two hundred."

"And you and I both know it ain't worth that. One hundred and ten, and that's me being generous."

"If that's you bein' generous, then you been dealin' with some right fools. One seventy."

"One twenty-five."

"Hundred and fifty laric's mate, that there is the best I ken do."

Luke frowned, crossing his arms as he looked over the hound and the cart sitting in front of him. The hound seemed strong enough, even if his coat was a little mangy, but the cart was an ugly little thing. The seat was little more than a wooden bench with no shocks to speak of, and wheels that looked as if they had seen more than a few rough miles. The brown paint was peeling, revealing at least two previous coats beneath, one red and one black.

"I know she don't look like much, but she'll get you where yer going." The salesman said, his face splitting into a yellow-toothed grin. He had the look of a frog that had just caught sight of a fat, juicy fly as he watched Luke, stroking his chin.

"Arthur is a good hound too," he added, slapping the animal on his haunches. "Been pulling this cart since he were a pup."

"Arthur? Sounds a bit human, doesn't it?"

The hound raised his head, staring forlornly at Luke for a few moments, before returning his attention to the dirt and some tragedy unfolding in the ant kingdom between his paws.

"Yep, t'was my papa's name."

As he stared at the miserable cart, Luke's gaze was drawn to a buggy sitting nearby; pitch black paint, with silver trimming and deep red leather seats.

"I see yer eyeing the beauty just over yonder."

Luke cleared his throat quickly. "Uh, yes, it's a fine looking thing."

"Built just last season, all hand-made from northern cedar and walnut.

"She is rather beautiful," Luke admitted. "Her springs, steel or iron?"

"Pfft, iron, no sir. Solid treated brass."

Luke whistled between his teeth. "And the wheels?"

"Eighteen copper reinforced spokes, brass tire and hub-band, with stainless steel ball-bearing hub."

"Axel?"

"Heart of oak, attached to stainless steel leaf-springs. Got her up to about thirty miles per hour on the testing track."

"By the lord..."

"Yeh got yerself a good pair of eyes in that 'ead of yours. Five hundred and eighty larics, an' she's worth every last bit. Got a pair of Almstead hounds to go with her, not included in the price of course, though I'm sure a man with your bargaining skill could work out some kinda deal."

"It's uh... it's a bit out of my price range at the moment."

"Ken set you up with a payment plan iffin yer interested."

"Thank you, no. This one will do just fine." Luke nodded at the cart. 'Low profile Windhill, keeping a low profile...'

"So long as yer sure."

"I'm sure I'm willing to pay one forty."

"Gah... fine, one forty, and may the lord curse yeh."

Luke scoffed a little. "You have no idea, my friend..."

As Luke set about counting out his money, the salesman leaned against a nearby hitching post. "So, you catch the match last night?"

"No, I was... working."

"Huh, too bad, you missed a damn fine upset. Cero had that lapine dead to rights, then-" the salesman clapped his hands together, '-my boy Kard sticks him in the 'ead with a spike from Cero's own weapon!"

"That right?"

"Aw, was glorious. The look on that Canine's face, didn't even know what hit him. I tell yah, that Kard is going places. Also doesn't hurt that he made me a pretty penny, probably the only reason I'm letting you get away with one hundred and forty-five."

Luke raised an eyebrow. "One forty, remember?"

"Oh yes, tha's right." The salesman grinned again. "My mistake sir."

"Uh-huh."

"Still, you hear about what happened after?"

"After the match?" Luke shook his head. "No, what."

"They're saying there was some kinda fire or something, big ol' commotion, got the arena closed off fer a while.

"That right..."

"Mhmm. 'pparently ol' Colmstock got 'imself caught in it. Burnt to a crisp they say."

Luke finished counting out the money and passed it over. "Here you are, one hundred and forty, with a five laric tip."

The salesman's chin wobbled excitedly as he counted the money. "Awe, now that there's sweet of you sir, thank you."

Luke hopped up onto the driver's bench and gave the reins a little jerk. "Alright, let's go."

With a glance back at his new master, followed by a heavy sigh, Arthur began plodding forwards, his nostrils kicking up a small hurricane of dust from the road with each breath.

'So Colmstock is dead.' Luke smiled to himself. 'Well... good riddance then."

***

Azee stiffened as there was a soft knock on her door.

"Go away..." She whimpered, still clutching the remains of her book as she lay curled up on the bed, her fur matted with ink and feathers.

With a low creak, the door opened and Eloise stepped inside. Gently closing the door behind her, Eloise stepped over and sat down on the bed beside Azee.

"I'm really very sorry sweetheart," She said softly, reaching out to touch Azee's shoulder. "Can I please explain?"

Azee shivered as Eloise touched her.

"I'm... I'm sorry..."

"You have every right to be upset, I understand."

"It's not... It's not just that." Azee whimpered.

At first, Eloise tilted her head, but then she noticed the splotches of ink on Azee's fur, and the stain on the wall. A moment later she caught sight of the ruins of Azee's book.

"Oh... you silly girl."

"I'm sorry..." Azee continued to whimper. "I just... I wasn't thinking and-" Before she could say another word, Eloise grabbed hold of the scruff of her neck and pulled her into a sitting position. Eloise gripped Azee's face, staring directly into her eyes. Azee shook in fear, but there was no anger in Eloise's expression, only a glare of steely determination.

"Now you listen to me," Eloise commanded, fire burning in her eyes. "I need you to be stronger, and smarter, than this."

"But-"

"No buts," Eloise snapped, startling Azee. "You need to be strong, you need to have strength and control! You're upset with me, that's fine, but you have to harness that anger, not let it spiral out of control."

Azee gripped the remains of the book tighter against her chest. "B-but I-"

"I didn't get you this far just so you could get yourself killed doing something foolish! Do you want to save your sister? Then you are going to have to have the strength and courage to get it done!"

Azee looked away, her lip trembling. "I can't... I'm not as strong as you..."

"Yes, you are." Eloise leaned closer, gripping Azee's muzzle and forcing her to meet her gaze. "When your sister was sold, you had the brains to wait and bide your time until you struck back. You were smart enough to lock him up, and you had the courage to seek out help. Azee... you are so much stronger than you think you are."

"But I don't know how to fight! I'm..." Azee's shoulders slumped. "I'm scared."

"I know sweetie, please believe me, 1 know how you feel."

"Please... please don't leave."

"I have to."

"Why?"

Eloise sighed heavily, releasing Azee's chin and instead stroking her hair. "Because once, a long time ago, I made a terrible mistake. I can't, I won't make that same mistake again."

As Azee stared at her pleadingly, Eloise took a deep breath. "A long time ago... I fought in the war against the Drathain." Eloise shuddered a little. "It was horrible... like you can't imagine. The Drathain had runes and technology, far more than we had. They tore through us... burned cities to nothing, annihilated entire armies."

Despite her anguish and fear, Azee felt a twisting in her chest. When they were younger, Luke had enjoyed reading Azee tales of the Drathain war. In those days, wrapped up in a blanket or relaxing beneath a tree, the tales had seemed exciting and adventurous, filled with strange sights and great heroes. Now, as she felt Eloise's hand shake ever so slightly, Azee couldn't help but think back on those same tales with dread.

"There was a group of us who were trained in the use of runic weapons." Eloise continued, gently scratching Azee between the ears. "There were seven of us: myself, Edrin, June, Laurel, Marie, Oliver, and..." Eloise's tone darkened, as like some great beast whose long slumber had been interrupted, memories deep within her were beginning to shift and stir. "And... Miria."

"But... I thought you said... humans didn't have as much runic technology?" Azee spoke up, her voice little more than a whisper. "So how did they..."

"It was given to us. You see, the Drathain weren't a warrior people by nature... they were just... desperate. They had ruined their own plane, and so they needed ours. But not all of them agreed with the plan to annihilate humanity. Some of the dissidents came over to our side and offered us forbidden runes."

As Eloise spoke, it seemed to Azee that she was no longer truly there, in the room. Instead, she was far away in both space and time.

"We were altered and had runes placed in our bodies to make us faster and stronger. We were turned into... well, beings of legend, greater than regular humans. Once we were changed, we led charge after charge against the Drathain. Us, and other groups like us. We called ourselves 'Linden'."

"Linden?"

"It's a type of tree that grows in the north. One of our commanders, one of the few that treated us like we were still human... he would mix linden flowers into honey and share it with us. It was the most delicious thing... with a wondrous smell, so gentle and sweet. We decided to take the name to honour him after he was killed in battle."

Azee was silent, looking up at Eloise as she continued to speak.

"We were... more than friends. We were family, we trusted each other." A grim smile crossed Eloise's face. "And then there was Miria... She was the best of us, the strongest, always the first one to charge in. That sweet, friendly, beautiful girl would become a whirlwind, tearing through the enemy. They called her the 'goddess of victory', but in truth, I think she simply liked to fight." Eloise scoffed to herself. "I suppose that should have been the first clue that something was deeply wrong with her."

"You sound like you hate her."

"I do hate her. I didn't at the time... at the time I was really quite fond of her... But, what she became..." Eloise looked down at Azee, the sadness in her eyes betraying a wound carved into her very soul. "When we were changed, we left our old names behind and chose new ones. Miria Baker became Wilhelmina Vas Halcyon, the 'Lord of Victory'."

Azee felt her blood suddenly run cold. "H-Halcyon? You mean... the Tyrant?"

"Yes..." Eloise nodded. "The one known as The Lord was once one of humanity's greatest warriors, and my friend."

Azee pulled away from Eloise, her face twisted in horror, the book falling from her grasp. "W-why... You were friends with that monster?!"

"Yes."

"You fought with her?"

"Side by side, many times. She saved my life, and I hers, more times than I can count."

"H-how... how... how could you not know? How could you let that monster live!"

"She wasn't a monster at the time." Eloise shook her head. "She was a brilliant young woman, confident, strong, and with a smile for everyone. She loved her troops, she loved her comrades. Miria knew when to be merciful and when to be ruthless, her troops thought she was an angel... and so did I."

"But... she was the Tyrant! She's the one... the one who... destroyed my people's world! She's the one who is responsible for this!" Azee gripped the collar around her throat, panting frantically.

"I know."

"She... she destroyed.... She's the one..."

All at once, Azee leaned forward and wrapped her hands around Eloise's neck. Eloise made no effort to fight back, and instead just looked into Azee's eyes.

"How could you not know!" She howled. "How could you let her live!"

"She was my friend, I wanted to believe that she was better than what she became."

"H-how many people... how many people died... My sister... my mother!"

Azee's head spun, blood pounding in her ears, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't bring herself to squeeze.

"Why," Azee whimpered. "Why did you tell me this?"

"Because you deserve to know why I am leaving you," Eloise replied simply, forcing herself to meet Azee's gaze. "I made a mistake, letting Miria live... and if I do nothing now... I will be making that same mistake again."

"A-again?"

"Some of my old friends... they are doing something terrible, something even worse than what Miria became, something that could destroy this entire plane. I have to stop them... even if it means leaving you behind."

Slowly Azee's hands dropped to her sides. Before she could speak, Eloise reached out and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"I'm sorry," Eloise whispered, clutching Azee tightly. "Azee... I'm sorry... for all of it."

With a shuddering breath, Azee gripped Eloise back.

"I... I understand."

Eloise blinked in surprise. "Azee?"

Azee clutched Eloise tightly. "I don't want you to go... but, if it's to stop someone like the Tyrant... if it's to save people... like... like how I want to save Chara..." With a sniffling moan, Azee buried her face in Eloise's neck. "I won't stop you."

For a long moment, Eloise was silent, before a smile slowly worked its way across her face

"Like I said... so much stronger than you think you are."

***

END OF CHAPTER 34