Scared, but relieved

Youko trembled in fear at the sight of such gory bloodshed, her throat full of unsaid words she lacked strength to speak. Most people would lose control of their bowels or bladder or both, shrink away in fear of their supposed rescuer or even faint on the spot.

Eothai's eyes, however, made her feel a sense of relief she never felt in her entire life - a sense of true safety and security. His eyes, once so full of burning rage and bloodthirst, had melted with compassion and kindness, and it was those eyes that made Youko embrace Eothai. She shuddered with fear, the memories of the past hour still raw, her eyes teary and her hands unsteady.

"Youko," Eothai called to her, "Everything is alright, now."

And the dam broke.

"Eothai!"

Youko hugged Eothai as hard as she could, bawling like a little babe returning to the warmth of her mother's embrace. Her tears stained the fabric beneath the Elf's armour, but Eothai did not mind, returning the embrace and petting her head.

Once she had managed to calm down, Youko wiped her tears and sniffed, blowing her nose with an offered pocket tissue. Once used, Eothai helped burn the used tissue to ash.

"We ought to leave, Youko," Eothai suggested, "Can you lead me to your house?"

"I can, but how do we... you know?" Youko asked, pointing to the huge pool of blood at the entryway.

Eothai hugged her again, making Youko gasp and blush, and he said, "Hold on tight, and try not to scream."

"Wait, what do you-"

With a wave of his hand, Eothai teleported the two of them outside the warehouse premises, floating mid-air just three stories above. Youko's eyes widened, and she held on to Eothai for dear life.

"It's alright, we won't fall," Eothai smiled.

"H-How?" Asked Youko.

"Magic," Said Eothai, before snapping his fingers and casting more motes of light, covering them in a turqoise shimmer, "And this will conceal our presence from others."

"Wow..." Youko muttered in wonder, "That's so convenient."

"It is," Eothai smiled, "Now, can you find your home from here?"

"I can, but first we need to buy ingredients for tonight's dinner," Said Youko, "Fly in that direction."

As Eothai glided over the skyline of Kobe Prefecture, Youko could not help herself 'wowing' like a little girl full of innocence, and she giggled in excitement.

"This is amazing," Youko said, "I don't think my friends would ever be able to believe me if I told them I was literally flying, or that you actually use magic."

"I'd rather you didn't," Eothai said, looking slightly apprehensive, "I appreciate the anonymity I enjoy right now."

"I'm just joking," Youko giggled, "I'll keep it a secret, you have my word."

"Thank you for that," Eothai sighed.

Youko's smile faded, deep in thought.

"Hey, Eothai?" Asked Youko.

"What is it?"

"Have you... have you had to fight before, as a warrior or something?" Asked Youko, "I mean, you don't have to tell me, but..."

"I did," Eothai said, his eyes unbearably heavy with the weight of countless nightmares and sins committed, "I fought in many wars as a soldier for my people. I fought to the best of my ability, won many victories and suffered just as many defeats. I killed countless people, and even now, there are nights when I dream of the faces of the dead - those I killed, those I could not save."

"Was your cause righteous?" Asked Youko.

Eothai's eyes darkened with shame and regret, and Youko said, "Nevermind, forget I asked."

"...I truly believed I and my men were fighting for the right thing - the sovereignty of my homeland," Said Eothai, "But we were betrayed by our own, corrupt politicians who lacked the resolve to fight and the shrewdness to see through the enemy's schemes."

Eothai sighed heavily.

"It was at that moment I realised I trusted my enemies more than my own allies," He concluded.

Youko hugged Eothai tighter, burying her face into his chest. She wished she could heal all his wounds and hurts, if only there was a miraculous magic to perform this miracle. Yet reality was a harsh mistress, and she could do nothing but offer her sympathies - a powerless woman.

They arrived at a local supermarket, Eothai changing into casual attire.

"So this is the supermarket you frequent?" He asked.

"Yup. I'm thinking of making fried rice for tonight, with some veggie side dishes," Said Youko, who then blushed and fidgeted with her fingers, "Actually... would you mind joining me for dinner tonight?"

"At your house?" Eothai questioned, looking bewildered.

"Yes, that's right," Youko answered, "My sister's joining us too, by the way."

"That is fine," Eothai nodded, though he seemed slightly disappointed, "Shall we get to shopping?"

Youko smiled brightly, grabbed Eothai's hand and led him inside as if visiting a candy store.

Otake Miyoko parked her car at the family home's garage, and after killing the engine and getting out, she stretched her body to loosen the knots in her back.

"Finally done with work... I really hope I get to finish work this early more often," She muttered to herself, "Oh, looks like Youko's cooking."

Locking her car, she went inside the house, and was treated to a sight she never thought she'd see in their family home.

"Now, chop the cabbage finely, we need this much to have enough for us three," Youko instructed to a tall, handsome boy dressed in school uniform and a white kitchen apron.

"Like this?" The boy said, slicing the kitchen knife downwards in a very awkward and stiff manner.

"No, you need to angle the knife like this, then bring it downward, like this," Youko demonstrated, the boy repeating the motion, managing a more accurate slicing.

"Yes, that's it," Youko smiled approvingly, "Keep on chopping while I prepare the onions and seasonings."

"What's this, you brought your boyfriend home?" Miyoko asked.

"Ah, nee-chan!" Youko exclaimed happily, "Welcome back!"

"I'm back," Said Miyoko, "By the way, who's this ikemen here?"

"Oh, this is-"

"A pleasure to meet you," Eothai bowed regally, one hand across his chest and the other behind his back, his knife on the chopping board, "I am Eothai Aiandil, President of Gohanyama High's Archery Club, at your service."

Youko seemed exasperated at his overly polite manner while Miyoko cocked an eyebrow.

"No need to be so formal, Eothai," Said Youko, "Anyway, nee-chan, Eothai. Eothai, this is my older sister Miyoko, she's a detective at the Kobe Police Department."

"Charmed," Miyoko said, then stepped closer to take a good look at Eothai.

"Is there something on my face?" Asked Eothai, feeling uncomfortable at how deeply Miyoko scrutinised him.

"You know, I never thought you'd get such a handsome boyfriend," Miyoko smirked, to which Youko blushed furiously.

"He's... well, he's a good friend at school," Youko replied, looking away briefly, "He's not my boyfriend... yet."

"Sorry, what was that?" Miyoko asked, unable to hear Youko's soft whisperings.

"It's nothing," Youko shook her head, "Anyway, dinner won't be ready so soon; we just need another hour."

"Sure thing," Said Miyoko, "Did you prepare my favourite karaage?"

"Garlic-miso flavoured," Youko winked.

Miyoko smiled, "I'm looking forward to it."