Zaine Part 4

The next day began with an eerie stillness. The dark crater covered by dark clouds, in combination with the ruins around us, makes for a somewhat lugubrious atmosphere. Every sound, every flicker of movement seemed amplified in the silence of this desolate place.

When I woke up, I realized that Zaine was awake. She sat on a broken pillar nearby, her legs crossed gracefully, her eyes scanning the horizon with an expression that was both serene and calculating. Even without her memories, she has this commanding aura of royalty, which has become more noticeable in recent days, especially since her demonic power began to return.

"Morning," I said, my voice still rough from sleep.

She turned her gaze toward me, her sharp, piercing eyes softening slightly, "Morning, Darx. Did you sleep well?"

"As well as I could on cold stone," I replied with a wry smile, "You seem... better."

"I am." She replied.

As I stood up, I saw that Zaine's gaze was still focused on the ruins around us.

"This place feels so familiar," Zaine spoke, "I can't explain it, but it's as though the ruins are speaking to me."

I watched her for a moment, unsure of how to respond. She was a puzzle—a woman of immense power and mystery, yet someone I felt drawn to despite everything.

"You've changed since we found you just a couple of days ago," I said finally, "There's something different about you."

She tilted her head, a faint smile playing on her lips, "Is that so? Perhaps it's because I feel more like myself. Although my memory has not yet returned," Zaine paused briefly, and her smile became a little more provocative, "But tell me. Do you like the change?"

"Ah!!"

Her words took me by surprise. I wasn't sure if she was teasing or what, "W-Well, I mean-"

Before I could dwell on it, a familiar, high-pitched voice broke the tension.

"Well, well, look who's having a moment!"

I turned to see Sunshine fluttering toward us, her tiny form descending from the sky. The mischievous fairy landed on a nearby rock, her arms crossed and her signature smirk firmly in place.

"Sunshine," I said, relief flooding through me, "You're back!"

"Of course, I'm back," She said, tossing her green hair, "Did you really think I'd leave you two lovebirds to fend for yourselves?"

I groaned, but Zaine's lips twitched in amusement.

"Did you find Namy and Usofra?” I asked, eager to know.

Sunshine's expression grew serious, a rare sight, "Yeah, I found them. They're hiding out in a cave not too far from here. And guess what? They were thrilled to hear we managed to rescue Zaine. Namy was so happy she cried. Usofra tried to hide it, but I'm pretty sure she was tearing up too."

"That's good to hear," I said, a weight lifting off my shoulders, "So, did you come up with a plan? How are things outside?"

"Outside, everything seems the same as it was when we arrived, yet it took me a long time to find the two of them. When I did, I entered the cave where they were and told them everything that happened," Sunshine responded, "However, while we were discussing the plan, all of a sudden, a black crow flew into the cave. At first, we didn't know what to think, but then it started talking."

"T-Talking?" I repeated, my stomach sinking.

"Yeah! I always told you that birds are the real enemy, but you don't listen to me! The crow said her name was Stella and that she needed to speak with you," Sunshine continued. "Apparently, she's been watching us for months and has a message from Queen Zara. She wants you and Zaine to return to go back to Riledo. Promised protection and all that."

"S-Stella..." The name hit me like a punch to the gut.

"Yeah, I felt like I had heard that name before, but it was Namy who reminded me that she is the guild master to which you belonged," Sunshine added, "Now I remember who she is."

I knew it! The crows that I saw so many times throughout our journey could not be a coincidence. But how did Stella manage to spy on us for so long and so far into demon territory? It seems that she is more capable than I gave her credit for. But for what purpose did she do it? Although I was never able to interact with her too much, the guild master, Stella, is undoubtedly someone I respect and whom I used to trust. However, given the circumstances of my departure, I cannot understand what she wants from me. It seems like she was spying on us on the Queen's orders, but why?

"What happened next?" I asked, my voice tight.

"Namy didn't trust the crow—or Stella, for that matter. Before it could say much else, she killed it," Sunshine shrugged, "Honestly, I'm not sure if that was the right call. What do you think?"

I hesitated, my mind racing, "I think Namy did the right thing. We don't know who we can trust, and Stella's motives are questionable at best. Whatever Queen Zara wants, it's not worth risking our lives over."

Sunshine nodded slowly, "Fair enough. Anyway, Namy and Usofra have a plan. They want you and Zaine to leave the ruins immediately and meet them at the cave. They think the Demon King doesn't know about Zaine's escape yet, but it's only a matter of time before he finds out. When that happens, he'll send everything he's got to hunt her down. At least that's what Usofra said."

I glanced at Zaine, who was listening intently. Her expression was unreadable, but I could deduce that she was waiting for me to make the decision.

"Then we leave now," I said firmly, "We've wasted enough time already."

Zaine nodded, her lips curving into a small, approving smile, "Let's go then."

As we gathered our belongings and prepared to move, I couldn't shake the feeling that the days ahead would test us in ways we couldn't yet imagine. After collecting our things, we headed back, following the same path we had come down. Beside me, Zaine walked with elegance while Sunshine flew ahead of us. It took us about an hour to reach the crater wall, which we began to climb.

We climbed in silence, and when we were about halfway, Zaine suddenly stopped; I turned to see her standing at the edge of a narrow ledge, staring back down into the crater's depths with what seemed like a sad look. The ruins below looked so vast, shrouded in the eerie mist that never seemed to lift.

"We need to keep moving," I said, though I softened my tone.

"Y-Yeah..." Zaine murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sunshine landed on my shoulder, her tiny form unnaturally light. "Come on, you two! Namy and Usofra are waiting, and if we don't move, some demons are gonna catch us."

Zaine's lips quirked into the faintest smile, and she gave a single nod before turning away from the view. Her steps quickened, though she paused just once more to glance back before the ruins disappeared from sight once we started to go through the dark clouds.

By midday, we'd emerged from the crater, the oppressive, dark clouds giving way to the barren expanse of the demon lands. The terrain was harsh, a mixture of jagged rocks and swirling sands that stretched endlessly in every direction.

"You know," Sunshine began, flitting around my head, "This place is the literal worst. No fruits, no flowers, not even a patch of grass to nap in. How could they build such a big city here?"

"Something tells me this place didn't look like this hundreds of years ago," I replied.

"It's true...I'm sure at some point this was a beautiful place." Sunshine said before going silent.

"Uh? Something wrong, Sunshine?" I asked when I saw her strange attitude.

"Dox, I have to tell you something," She said after pausing briefly, "The truth is, I lied to you."

"You lied? About what?" I questioned, confused.

"The truth is that when I left the crater, I didn't go look for Namy and Usofra right away." Sunshine continued looking at the ground.

Sunshine didn't have to say more for me to understand what had happened, "You went to visit the ancient fairy forest, didn't you!? It's near here, after all."

Sunshine raised her head, and I looked at me, surprised that I was right about what she had done, "Aren't you mad?"

"Why would I be angry? After all, I promised you I would take you there. If anything, I feel bad since you have been helping us a lot, leaving aside the true objective for which you came from so far away here," I replied, "So tell me. What did you find? Did you manage to find any trace of what happened to your Goddess?"

Sunshine remained silent, and tears began to fall from her eyes.

"S-Sunshine..."

"There is nothing..." Sunshine said between sobs, "The vast forest no longer exists...only the mark remains of where the enormous tree that is so talked about among us fairies once was. The lake where the purest water was supposed to be is dry. I searched for a whole day but found nothing that could indicate what happened to our Goddess."

"I'm sorry, Sunshine...." It was the only thing I could think of to say.

"I haven't given up yet!" Sunshine said with a determined face, although she still had tears on her face, "There is still hope," Sunshine pointed her finger at Zaine, "She is an old lady who has lived for hundreds of years, isn't she? If she regains her memory, she could tell me what you know."

"Don't call me old lady," Zaine said without showing any expression, "If you want me to help you once I get my memory back, you better stay on my good side." Zaine continued looking menacingly.

"Aghggg, O-Okay...." Sunshine responded, looking scared of Zaine.

I couldn't help but chuckle. "I think you've finally met your match, Sunshine. Zaine's got more patience for your antics than I do."

Sunshine pouted, crossing her tiny arms. "She just doesn't know me well enough yet. Give it time."

It's amazing that despite everything, Sunshine always remains positive, and it's true that although she can't find the answers she was looking for, there are still possibilities once Zaine recovers her memory. Now, both she and I are in the same boat.

The rest of the journey toward the cave mainly passed in silence, save for Sunshine's occasional grumblings about the lack of snacks. As the sun began its descent, painting the horizon in hues of orange and crimson, we finally reached the entrance to a small cave nestled in the rocks. The moment we stepped inside, I felt a shift in the air. The faint glow of a fire illuminated the figures of Namy and Usofra, who rose to their feet as soon as they saw us. Namy's eyes widened, and a wide grin spread across her face.

"Queen!" She cried, rushing forward. Her usually flirtatious demeanor was replaced with raw emotion as she threw her arms around Zaine, "You're alive. I knew you'd make it. I just knew it!"

Usofra followed more slowly, her expression reserved but no less affected. She stopped a few steps away, her gaze lingering on Zaine with something between reverence and longing, "Your Majesty," She said softly, bowing her head, "You're finally free."

Zaine's body stiffened under Namy's embrace. She glanced between the two women, her brow furrowing slightly, "I'm sorry," She said quietly, "But I don't remember you."

Namy pulled back, her smile faltering. "It's okay," She replied quickly, though her voice wavered, "The fairy told us everything. We'll help you remember. We'll do whatever it takes."

Usofra nodded, "Your memory may be gone, but your presence alone is enough. We'll follow you, no matter what."

I stepped forward, placing a hand on Namy's shoulder, "She's here now. That's what matters."

Namy looked up at me, her usual playful spark returning to her eyes. "You did great, Darx; thank you for bringing her back."

"I'm also glad you two are okay," I replied.

Now, with the reunion done, the conversation shifted to our next steps as we settled around the fire, the flickering flames casting long shadows on the cavern walls. Namy and Usofra were the first to speak, their voices steady as they presented a plan they'd clearly thought about for a long time.

"Darx," Usofra began, "Zaine isn't safe here. The Demon King won't stop hunting her. Human territory is her best chance to recover and remain undetected until she regains her full strength and memory."

Her words took me by surprise, "Human territory? Usofra, I’m a fugitive there. Do you think I'll be able to move around unnoticed?"

Namy leaned forward, "You'll be fine as long as you stay out of sight. Think about it. The humans are stretched thin with the war against demonkind—they won't have the resources to track you unless you make yourself a target. Furthermore, in human territory, there are many places where you can stay hidden."

"And what about you two?" I asked, glancing between them.

Usofra's lips pressed into a thin line, "Namy and I will act as decoys. My sister can alter our appearances to resemble you and Zaine. We'll draw the demon forces in the wrong direction while you take Zaine and head for the human lands."

"That's too dangerous!" I snapped.

Namy shrugged, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of vulnerability, "Danger's nothing new to us, Darx. We've gotten this far, haven't we? Besides, I'm great at improvising."

Usofra nodded solemnly, "Namy can change our disguises if things get too perilous. It will be difficult for them to catch us if it's just her and me. You, on the other hand, have the more important task. Zaine needs to be safe and hidden. If she regains her memories, we may have a chance to rally the demons still loyal to her and fight for her throne."

All eyes turned to Zaine, who sat quietly, her hands folded in her lap. Her golden gaze swept over us, calm yet inscrutable, "I will do whatever you decide, Darx. I trust you."

Her words hit me harder than I expected. I sighed, running a hand through my hair, "Fine. We'll go with your plan. But if anything happens to either of you—"

Namy cut me off with a cheeky grin, "You worry too much. We'll be fine. Now, let's focus on getting Zaine out of here."

After talking about it for several more hours and leaving everything planned, it was time to part ways. Around the dwindling fire, the air was thick with unspoken emotions. Namy approached first, her usual bravado faltering as she stepped close. She grabbed me in a fierce hug, her small frame trembling slightly, "Don't mess this up, Darx," She murmured, her voice barely audible, "And take care of Zaine. She's... more important to the demon's future than you realize."

Sunshine flitted between us, a rare somberness in her demeanor, "Try not to get killed, okay bitch? I'd hate to say I told you so."

"Same for you, stupid butterfly," Namy replied to her.

Usofra lingered by the firelight's edge, her gaze fixed on me with a depth I couldn't quite decipher. She stepped forward, at last, her hand brushing my arm lightly, "We'll meet again," She said, her voice steady though her eyes were red, "Just... keep her safe."

"You stay safe, too, okay." I said, "If things get dangerous, just run away."

Zaine stood silently, observing the exchanges with a quiet intensity. Then Namy and Usofra knelt before her, bowing their heads.

"Your Majesty," Usofra said, her voice tinged with reverence, "When the time comes, we'll stand by your side, no matter what path you choose."

Zaine's face softened, and momentarily, the veil of amnesia seemed to lift, "Thank you," She said quietly, "For everything."

As the final preparations were made, Namy shifted her form, taking on my appearance with startling accuracy. Usofra followed, transforming into a perfect replica of Zaine. The sight of them mimicking us was both unnerving and reassuring.

I adjusted the medallion around my neck as Sunshine entered its protective space. Namy flashed me one last grin, "We'll keep them busy. Your job will be to keep the Queen safe and find a way for her to regain her memory."

I nodded, my throat tight, "Good luck."

With one last glance, Namy and Usofra turned, their disguised forms disappearing into the darkness. I pulled my hood low over my face and set off with Zaine into the unknown.