“How is Natalia?” My questions to Perideen just get a little shake of the head. For some reason, he hasn’t let me see her this entire time. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“Nothing. It’s just, her condition is delicate. The bone has already healed poorly. Our Sect’s healer is skilled…but she’s not omnipotent. Don’t worry though, it will be solved.” Perideen’s reply is not exactly what I want to hear, but it’s not the worst thing ever. “You should see her actually. Before the trials begin, that is. Afterwards, you may not get the chance.”

“I can see her?” For some reason that comes as a bit of surprise to me, considering how Perideen has been acting. “Now?”

“Yes.” He darts forwards, and offers his back to me. “Climb on. Hurry up, before anyone sees us.”

“Okay.” Clambering onto Perideen’s body, I lock my hands around his neck. He vaults away from the dormitories near the bottom of the cliffs and swiftly ascends up a steep route with breathtaking speed. The grace of a mountain goat combined with the strength of an ancient god, for once, I can properly enjoy the feeling of rocketing towards the heavens without having to worry for my life. However, the thought of the broken little girl waiting for me at the top nullifies any glory in the ascent. Atop the cliffs, there are many buildings on the plateau, but Perideen brings us to one lonely hut amidst the white stone. Little belches of smoke come out the top, and I am briefly reminded of the sight of our houses burning in Sines…that unspeakable thing inside. It seems that the memory will never leave me. This world…why does it torment me so?

“Go on then. I’ll…be out here.” Perideen nods to me as we arrive. Taking a last look at the clear blue sky, which I’ve never been closer to in this world, I leave him behind on the Cliffs of Sisyphus. Knocking on the door, I wait for an answer. It takes a few moments before the one inside answers. The voice is clearly female, light, but husky, weary even.

“Who’s there?”

“Myrr.” I answer simply. However, then I realize that my name may not be sufficient. “I’m the Demi-Cat’s brother.”

“Ah. Come in. The door isn’t locked.”

*Tap Tap*

The little creak as the door slides in feels more ominous than it should. Immediately, the faint smell of herbs and incense intensifies. It’s a much more pleasant smell, more of a mixture than the pure stench of Asha Wood. This isn’t meant to cover up evil. More…cleanse it. Stepping across the threshold of the hut, I find the insides to have a fair amount of light. There’s a big circular hole in the ceiling which lets in the sun. As if God should have a clear line of sight to what occurs inside. The hut is more spacious than one would expect. There’s plenty of room for multiple cots, as well as an a slightly more permanent looking bed. It’s atop the bed that Natalia lies. She does not stir at the sound of my entrance, although I do see her ears twitch in my direction. Suddenly, one of the shadows rises up, it seems even the healers of the Rainstopper Sect move like ghosts.

“My name is Elina. I’ve heard of you.” She says before I can react. Though her eyes briefly wander up and down my body, she makes no move to introduce herself beyond that. I get the feeling that she doesn’t like me. “Come out when you’ve assuaged this one’s fears. She’ll wake if you touch her.”

“Thank you-!” My gratitude is not necessary. Elina disappears before I can catch more than a flicker of her face. The entire time, she stays out of sight, dancing the shadowy line between light and night. Did I do something to piss her off? Within a split second, she’s out the door, although not as fast as Perideen. There’s something strange about her. But I can’t quite place it since she disappears so quickly. Regardless, I don’t have time to consider such things. Natalia’s still form, and her poor leg somewhere under the blankets soon draws away my attention. My priority is right here.

Coming near to her, I stand beside her, considering her condition. At the very least, she is entirely transformed back into human form, which is an improvement. Her fluffy ginger tail peeks out from beneath the blankets. It’s already healed, although the fur is still in process of growing back. All of the minor injuries, dirt, and soot have been cleaned off. However, observing the shape of her leg, even through the bedding, I know that it is not right. Even the Rainstopper healer cannot heal something like this instantly? How much must it have hurt? Trapped under the cellar…crushed by the very house which she wanted to move into? Not knowing if anyone would find her in time…knowing that her parents were in danger…I…I…who did my parents offend so badly that they’d hire scum like the Daggas Clan to hunt me down?

*Sniff Sniff*

Natalia’s little nose quivers ever so slightly as the breeze from my presence disturbs her rest. Coming beside her, I’m somewhat at a loss. Comforting people has never been my strong suit. Fooling them yes, but genuinely expressing my guilt and feelings in a non-fake way? Heh…I’m the worst kind of person for that. What would Glacia do? Drawing deeply, I don’t shirk my responsibility though I am terrified that Natalia will one day turn on me. Should I tell her who those people were looking for?

“M-Myrr?” Natalia’s voice breaks into my thoughts and I realize that I’ve unconsciously put my hand on her sweaty forehead. Though it is unnaturally warm, it’s better than the terrifyingly weak coldness I felt from her on the way here. It proves that she is still alive. “Is that you?”

“Mhm.” Doing my best to control my features, I stand on my tiptoes so that she can see me better. My short form barely creeps over her head since the cot is kind of high, but it’s enough. “I’m right here. We’re in the Rainstopper Sect. Their healer is working on you. Do you remember her?”

“Yes.” She replies. “Is Myrr, okay?”

“Me?” My voice falters at the end, but fortunately, I don’t think Natalia notices. “What do you mean, Natalia? You’re the one who was hurt!” My sister doesn’t understand to think for herself sometimes. Her damn fool parents really taught her some strange things. “Look at me. What part of me doesn’t seem okay?”

“If Myrr is okay then why is he crying?” Natalia surprises me. Her hand reaches out with that Demi-Cat speed of hers and touches my cheek. Up on her cot, she is the same height as me. My cheek is within reach. She holds out her palm and indeed, perhaps there is some wetness. I have to look up at the roof to avoid the evidence. “See?”

It’s not my fault.

There’s a hole in the ceiling.

Did Mark build this hut too?

“Maybe it’s raining.” I wipe out cheek and finally find the courage to look back down at her. “Look, Natalia. I’m fine. Quite good actually. How do you feel? Does it…hurt?” When I ask that, Natalia’s whole body shivers and when she winces, I see how hard she has to try to hide it. Immediately I feel even worse. Apologizing, I try to change the topic. “Sorry, stupid question. Anyways, I…I should get going. There are some things…”

“It…it doesn’t hurt!” Abruptly, Natalia tries to put up a tough front. She’s really trying, but in front of a master of lies such as myself, her attempts at deception can be nothing but hopeless failures. “I’m okay! Auntie Elina will heal me soon and then I’ll be able to walk with Myrr! So please don’t go!” She catches my sleeve and I can’t bring myself to tear myself away. “I…I don’t want to be alone!” Her deadly cuteness has always been a trap. I should go. Save this conversation for another time. But Perideen said that there won’t be another chance.

“Okay…okay…” I resist against my better instincts even though there is little time for this. The trials are coming soon. I’m running out of time to train. “Hey, Natalia…I need to talk to you about something actually.” Perhaps I’m not as good at this as I thought. Or maybe she really is sharper. Because Natalia senses my discomfort.

“W-What does Myrr want to talk about?” She says, almost nervously. “You…you know…Auntie Elina says I will be okay! You don’t…need to get another maid…or anything…”

“No! Jeez, no! It’s not that!” Cringing at myself, I soothingly grab her hand. Except I clench down a bit hard and she winces. Goddamit, Myrr, control yourself. Just get it over with. “I…I may need to go away for a while. But I’m not leaving you. Do you understand, Natalia?”

“G-Going away? Again?” She whispers and the fear in her voice is heartbreaking. “But you said…”

“I just…!” Wiping my forehead with my other hand, I sigh. Okay, no more playing around. “Your parents…their…situation.” At this, I pause and make sure that Natalia isn’t going to freak out. She seems stable, although her eyes are wide, and her grip on my hand is now tight. “Their situation was caused by someone. Actually, more than one someone. It was a horrible thing. A crime, really, although this stupid kingdom may not pursue it. You understand this, right?”

“Crime…” She whispers back, and beneath the confusion, I see the pain just thinking about her parents is causing her. It must be done. For her own good. “Yes…I think I get it.”

“Good. Well, there’s nothing good about this.” Swallowing the suddenly overflowing spit in my mouth, I continue, “Then you understand that someone needs to be punished. The person responsible.”

“M-Mhm…” Natalia’s voice is so quiet. Unbearably soft as she awaits my words. For once, I don’t want to answer the question in her eyes. But she deserves to have justice. That’s why I saved it for her. That animal…is Natalia’s alone to cull. Only that way will she be able to find peace. If it’s even possible…God I hate this.

“Sheila Portas.” I say the words through clenched teeth. Still, the raw hatred I feel for such a woman is indescribable. “You know her. And even if you don’t, you’ll know the mark I left for you. Her face is burned with my handprint. My magic has blackened her front and back. No matter where she runs, you will not need to look far to find her.”

“F-Find her?” Natalia’s expression is stricken. She is but a child. One raised by a peace-loving idiot and a caring mother. She doesn’t understand justice. But the wrongness of Sheila’s sins cannot be ignored. It has stained her soul. “I-I…Myrr…why are you telling…”

“Just know that you can find her one day, if you choose to do so. Burns on her face and back. An ugly face to match an ugly soul.” I forestall her protests by stroking her hair. Perhaps I look at her with love. But I think based on her reaction that she might actually be afraid of me for the first time. It’s a shame, really. If you had understood how dangerous I am a little earlier, this all could have been avoided. But then again, I’m the one who can see the future. It is my fault for not being more careful. Finally, I finish saying the things that need to be said. “Whatever you decide to do, understand that I will protect you no matter what. Come find shelter here, at the Rainstopper Sect, should you offend anyone. That dirty place, Sines? It is no longer anything to you. This will be your home from now on.”

“What?” Natalia’s eyes couldn’t be wider. But I’m not done yet. “But my home is with Myrr!”

“Not until you’re strong enough to fulfil our promise, remember?” I entrap her with my words and don’t think of the consequences. Backing away, I don’t give her a chance to hold on. “Perideen tells me that your operation will take a while. The healer will need to put you into a deep sleep. I may not be here by the time you awaken. There are a few things I need to do. If I’m not around, don’t be afraid. I will return. It may take a long time, years even, but I will come back and find you. And you’ll be my maid.”

“No! NO NO NO!” She tries to get out of bed, but I’ve already silently frozen her wrists to the bed. In her weakened state, she can’t break away. A dirty trick. All I can do. “Wait! WAIT! Don’t go! I’m scared! Myrr, I’m scared! Where are you going! Tell me where!” Natalia’s beginning to transform. I’m worried that she’ll break through the restraints trying to get to me and hurt herself. “P-Please? Just tell me where you’re going so I know!”

“Aish…” Her anguish reminds me of myself when Romy left. At the very least, Romy left a note. I…I shouldn’t tell Natalia. But she deserves to know. It’s as much her right as mine. Doing my best to moderate my explanation I explain the future that I haven’t seen, but that I know will come. “If I tell you, will you promise to be good?”

“Mmm! Mhm!” Natalia hums in agreement loudly. She listens quietly. A frightened mouse. “I’ll be good!”

“Okay.” Shaking my head, I stop trying to run away. The manacles I made begin to melt. “Sheila…was not the only one at fault. She may have told them where to find your parents, but she didn’t kill them. Those men…the ones who…hurt you? They were searching for me. Hunting for my family. Yours just happened to be in the way when they came. It’s my fault. And I’m going to make it right.”

“R-Right? I don’t understand?” Natalia shivers, and one of the manacles cracks. She reaches out to me, drops of icy water falling from her wrist. But the other restraint holds strong, tying her down. “Myrr?”

“You know what I mean. Sheila is yours to hunt. But these people are my enemies. Mine. They wont escape. So don’t worry. Pretend they don’t even exist. You’ll never see them again. I promise you.” That’s it. Not very comforting. Not how I should have done it. But how I said it. Natalia doesn’t like it. She howls, cries out for me, but she’ll come to accept it. I’m sure of it. Revenge…it’s a dark and bloody road. For you, I want it to end soon. Forgetting…forgiving…yourself, Natalia, I think you can do it. For your sake, I’ll make it easy. You will never know the clan which was truly responsible. You will never need even consider that you missed one of the perpetrators. Your bloody hands…paws…heart…soul…I will let the winds of time dry them. Someone who isn’t beautiful, and stains less easily should take on that burden.

Someone like me.

“I’ll see you again, Natalia. And you will be happy.”