Setting the teacup in front of Velacera before sitting down myself taking a sip from my own cup. "Kur?" I looked up and saw that Velacera had taken off his hat, setting it off to the side. "Sorry, I wasn't able to protect you... I failed..." he sounded sad. He felt like a failure as I am taking it all because Vesuvius threw him to the side and fought me.

"You did not fail, Velacera," I shook my head, "It was bound to happen... as you said before every Hellspawn will act differently with my presence." I set the teacup down before sighing myself. "If anything I would have failed if not my thoughts had made me react faster than what I was thinking about... My thoughts were what truly got in the way, while frozen in place instead of immediately reacting. If I had reacted faster then the outcomes would have been different."

There was a sudden knock on the front door. Before either Velacera or I could stand the door opened and there was the rush of steps hitting the hardwood floors where Chuma came from the doorway. "I only leave back to the clinic and already you two nearly encountered injuries?!" Chuma's voice was hitched with a tone of worry. "Why were you two in harm's way to begin with?!"

"For reasons not even I know," I spoke picking up my teacup, "the Hellspawn in question attacked first but we were not injured... And I believe I had made another friend." Velacera sighed shaking his head.

"Kur more of that Vesuvius has come to terms to trust you... not quite your friend," Velacera sighed setting his teacup down, "but Kur is right other than losing my glasses and becoming unconscious we both didn't get injured." Chuma stood a foot into the doorway and sighed from underneath his mask.

"I don't know who's worse your or Kur," Chuma shook his head, "but at least both of you are unharmed. My only concern was the thought of injuries or the possibility of Kur's eye wound becoming worse. It shouldn't go unchecked after all they are purely made up of Purification magic and can become dangerous if strained... But at least both of you are resting it seems. I'll come by tomorrow to check on Kur's eye since I don't sense any purification magic leaking at the moment."

Chuma sighed again before turning around, "would you like a cup of tea since you did come all this way overdue to concern?" I asked as Chuma waved.

"Thank you but no thanks I have to attend to something else and need to head back to the clinic for the day," Chuma waved once more, "I'll see you both tomorrow have a good evening." As Chuma left closing the door behind him.

"Strange," Velacera spoke under his breathe, "if news about your's and Vesuvius's fight got to Chuma I believe it would reach to King Enma in merely seconds before him... I won't be surprised if we get summoned tomorrow to explain today's events. We should head to bed since Chuma did say we should get some rest." Velacera picked up the tiny plate that rested on the table and walked into the kitchen before the clattering of the dishes sounded in the sink. Humming I stood as well grabbing the small plate and headed towards the kitchen. Walking into the kitchen I saw Velacera reaching into a cupboard and pulling something out before huffing and setting it back in the cupboard.

"Is everything alright," I asked as I set the dishes into the sink. I rolled up my sleeves and took off my gloves as I grabbed the soap and sponge. "You seem a bit distraught?"

"It's okay Kur," Velacera gave a small smile, "just something that is nearly empty that I need to stock up on... maybe after King Enma and Chuma we can stop around the markets and pick it up tomorrow since we'll be nearby." He sighed and scratched the nape of his neck, "anyways I'm going to head to bed... I still have a slight headache from when I lost my glasses... Don't stay up too late Kur." Velacera waved good night before heading up the stairs. As I finished rinsing the last dish I placed it onto the towel and grabbed another to dry my hands. Closing the cupboard Velacera accidentally left open I turned off the lights and headed to my room as well. Reaching my bedroom I opened the door and walked into the darkened room taking off my coat and untying the jabot placing them on the chair that sits in the corner.

Sitting on the said chair I took off my shoes before taking the handkerchief from my coat pocket and looked at it closely. It was plain crimson red, but there was a slight spark before it faded away. So lava protection he mentioned... So I was right in guessing he was one of a Volcanic creation. But why this as a means of boundaries of trust... may it be a tool for later use? Thoughts swarmed before I shook my head and set it on the nightstand next to my bed. Some answers will come in time but I need rest today was surely a straining day. Getting up from the chair I took only a few steps before sitting on the bed taking out the ribbon holding my hair back. Sure it was long but not a nuisance long. Shaking my head again I sighed before laying down grabbing the sheet and pulling it over me. Closing my eyes I let the warmth of the black surround me and drift into sleep.

----- Next Day -----

Hearing the clatter of something fallen I opened my eyes. Did something fall? Sitting up as I saw the red glow of the morning sun shining through the window. Looking around I saw nothing out of place. Must have been something from downstairs? Standing up from my bed I walked over to the chair grabbing the jabot from the chair before tying it around my neck, fixing it, and grabbing the ribbon tying my hair back before slipping my coat on and putting on my shoes. Looking up, I saw that the handkerchief was still laying there. How would I add this to my attire? It's bound to come in handy? Humming as I thought before my thoughts wandered to how Orcus, Futsura, and Chuma had bandages wrapped around their limbs. Then it dawned on me, I could tie it around me for it to still be effective but would be mundane enough to always remember it.

Grabbing it off my nightstand I held it outstretched. But where to tie it? Need to make it as natural as possible without causing any misjudgment. Frowning, I thought before it came to me that it would fit in well if I tied it nearly 5 inches up from my knee on my right leg. As my shirt was long enough to merely camouflage it enough so others won't see it at first glance. Smiling as I sat down and did as I thought before standing and looking at the door as I heard slight cussing. So the clatter was from downstairs. Well, I better have a look at the damage. Opening my door and walking out I could hear the mumbling more clearly.

"Dang it, why does this have to keep falling in the morning," Velacera mumbled as I reached the bottom step to see him picking up the stand-alone coat hanger he normally has by the door. The floorboards creaked when I stepped onto the floor and Velacera looked up at me, "Good Morning Kur," he gave a warm and welcoming smile, "how did you sleep last night?"

"I slept splendidly, Velacera, and how was your rest?" I smiled back as I grabbed the scattered hats and articles of random cloth before grabbing the pole of the furniture and hoisted it to a standing position and placed the items back on it. It slightly wobbled with the weight. It might be broken or need replacement? I thought as Velacera sighed.

"It was actually a peaceful rest," Velacera looked at the coat hanger, "I guess its days are numbered since it keeps falling each morning... I'll replace it soon. But anyways, King Enma is summoning us. One of the creatures that lay dormant in the castle came with a scroll asking us to go to the castle. I was going to come and get you before this fell over again." So Velacera was right from last night, I nodded my head.

"Very well, we should get going in order not to displease King Enma," I gave a sighing chuckle as Velacera nodded his head. As he walked over to the door and opened the door grabbing his hat and placing it on his head.

"Well, he has the patience since I told the creature to inform him that you had yet to rise and we would head over once you woke up," Velacera gave a sigh, "We should head out now." I nodded and followed him as I shut the door. We walked down the path in silence. The sounds of Twisted Forest were all I could hear besides the occasional shout of others. They must be battling again this early in the morning. "Well, that's interesting that Vesuvius and another hellspawn are fighting... there must be a dispute about Zandkooi being bullied."

"Does Vesuvius have an intimate relationship with Zandkooi?" I asked as I had read many romance stories at the request of Encre and Pinpale.

"It's unknown for sure but Vesuvius has proclaimed to protect her the most," Velacera sighed, "but some do take his overprotectiveness as a sign of him having that type of relationship with Zandkooi as only she can give him a nickname," Velacera smirked shaking his head, "it wouldn't surprise if that was the case in all honestly... but it's not civil to spread rumors of false claims." I nodded in agreement as it was not nice to spread those types of rumors about others. Smiling we reached the pathway that leads to the castle as the trees lessened and became filled with shops and buildings on each side. It sure was a scene change but this is very normal compared to other scenery here in Makai.

Reaching the entrance Encre was talking to Pinpale holding a book. They must be heading to the library again. I'll have to ask later if they need help in the library again. They waved and said good morning in their signature way before we headed inside. Like many times before we found King Enma in the throne room, he was mildly pacing on the top of the seemingly contemplated steps. I wonder if he might be worried about what happened yesterday. "Good morning, King Enma," Velacera bowed slightly as I did as well, "you summoned both Kur and I." King Enma gave a relieved smile before stepping down onto the tile floor below his throne.

"Yes, as Chuma reported before heading back to the clinic, the two of you were fine yesterday after the battle with Vesuvius. None of you received injuries, however, I wanted to hear it from the both of you personally as I need to correct any behaviors that might become a danger in later terms," King Enma said as he looked over to me, "Chuma also reported that there were no signs of purification magic even though he mentioned putting too much strain on you could cause the wound to reopen and such purification magic to leak out."

"I am well," I gave a bow to King Enma, "I didn't feel as stressed, more of a friendly battle like how Fundicarne and I do occasionally. Mere learning experiences." I gave a friendly smile before I looked to the side to see Velacera had moved from my side to look at the new collection of books that were brought from the outside world King Enma brought back with him after visiting his family. "King Enma," I gave a questioned tone, "I thought about what you said yesterday about how there were reports that the corrupted celestial was now targeting Eldritch abominations and of the sorts... I still have yet to avenge what that corrupted being did to my star and the beings I protected on that star. I know 'Creator' would get upset but I wish to settle my own grief and prevent other's grief from happening due to the actions of the corrupted celestial."

"So what might you be asking Kur," King Enma asked, "Might you be asking permission to leave Makai?" I nodded my head, I knew if I tried to say it myself my voice would fail me. "A year from now I told you... you are free to leave whenever you want or stay. It all depends on you... But if you feel that you are ready to leave and finish a battle, you barely escape death the first time around... As much as you have grown on me, I wish I could keep you chained here to keep my word on protecting you... But I will understand your wishes and will advise you the best I can and offer support to much as my advantage..." King Enma frowned and nodded his head, "from what father had told me, the winds have changed drastically and it's not wise for a fools gold to be loosely on the run... keep your wits and be careful as it is much different from either your star and Makai..." I nodded my head once more.

"Kur's leaving," I heard the frantic tone of Velacera as I turned to face him, "but they can't leave?! They have yet to heal fully... You can't be serious in letting Kur go out in the open injured?!" Velacera cried out. He was worried and being protective of me again. "If anything if Kur goes out there then I need to go with him!" What? No, he can't be serious?!

"Velacera you can't," I felt the words leave my mouth, "It's too dangerous... I don't want you to get hurt because of coming with me. I would never forgive myself if you got harmed outside of Makai.. this is my battle alone and I wish no harm to anyone." Velacera took off his glasses and wiped away the forming tears.

"But you are still not fully healed," Velacera choked out, "why must everyone be cautious around me about the outside world... I know I've been injured twice already and did a horrible thing in the past but, I am still responsible for you." Frowning as Velacera won't listen to me alone I looked over at King Enma giving a side glance towards Velacera.

"That was said over a year ago, I did not have full trust in Kur at the time and that's why you have placed responsibility for Kur but the destination that Kur is heading to is definitely no place where any Eldritch or hellspawn should go... I have voiced my worries and wish to keep Kur safe as much as you do but I shall respect their wishes in going as they still feel the grief and wish to settle their own grief before it causes any more harm... maybe their wound will fully heal once they have avenged their grief and finally settle the score only time will tell," King Enma said with a twinge of remorse in his voice. Did he know something that I did not know? He must as he relaxed his stare before shaking his head, "Kur needs to do this alone... It's too dangerous for anyone to join them as to where they are going they will encounter many Celestials and other purification beings that won't hesitate to harm hellspawns or those of a negative pull."

Velacera tensed up and shook his head as he began another mouth full of words but I had already tuned it out but I noticed in the corner of my eye the throne room door opened and Chuma walked in. Stopped seemingly shocked before sprinting over and I looked directly at him, "then let me go with Kur if you wish to keep an eye on Kur's injuries..." The room fell silent. The air was standing still as Chuma coughed before taking off his mask and took the thin layered fabric off his face. "I have more knowledge of the outside world and if it's the concern of Celestials then I, being a lich, won't bother me nor affect me as most Celestials do not dare defy a lich or cause harm to one... I would easily be ignored or left alone to travel with Kur..."

"But Chuma," Velacera gave a sombered look. He wanted to go so badly, I could tell. "It isn't fair I'm still responsible for Kur and-"

"Vel," Chuma sighed walking up to him and placing his hands on both of Velacera's shoulders, "King Enma has a point, Kur may be docile and not fully rely on their purification magic but other Celestials are ruthless and cruel... there are only a few like Kur and they mostly hide within comfortable and relaxing scenery. However, I am undetected by Celestials and they mostly leave my species, the liches, alone because it is a bad omen to dare cross a lich or cause one harm..... I'll go instead... think about how Kur would feel if you got seriously harmed?"

Velacera fell silent before frowning, looking down. He now understood and the realization is hitting him. "Velacera?" I asked hesitantly. He looked up sniffing before taking off his glasses and rubbed his eyes.

"I-I understand," Velacera stuttered as his breath hitched, "If this is what Kur needs to accomplish then I understand... Just promise me Kur you will come back uninjured?" He moved his arm away from his eyes and stared at me with tears brimming in the corners of his eyes. He was being sincere about my possible return.

"Yes," I answered to see the relief wash over Velacera's expressions, "I will return once I am done with my goal." I gave a smile as Velacera gave a sad smile and nodded his head. He's cheering up a bit, that's good I am glad he's understanding.

"When do you plan on leaving Kur?" I turned to King Enma who was stepping onto the steps towards his throne.

"I plan soon as the moon reaches the third cycle," I gave a small smile as King Enma reached his throne and sat down.

"Very well, I do suggest taking some supplies as from what I learned from experience other Celestials aren't very fond of those who have no idea on what they are doing," King Enma sighed in annoyance. So he has had plenty of run-ins with unsavory others. "I will see you off when you leave in two days," King Enma sighed but this time sighed in defeat. He was hiding something but it was not of my concern unless it concerned me. We left the throne room as Chuma walked ahead.

"I should prepare a travel kit then see you two around," Chuma waved and headed off quickly leaving both me and Velacera standing there in the hallway.

"Are you confident in going, Kur?" Velacera asked as I looked over towards him.

"Yes," I sighed as I looked over to Velacera, "I need closure and from what I have learned and come to understand... closure may never be pleasant but it's better than being blind to the outcomes... I am prepared to face my past and fend off this corrupted celestial once and for all." I heard Velacera hum, his tone was filled with sorrow.

"I see," he spoke softly, "please be safe... both you and Chuma... please I wish not to lose any friends... I heard it's very painful for those with who you made memories only to become memories themselves... I wish not to experience that pain... And I do hope you and Chuma do keep in contact. I'm sure Chuma will teach you more spells, especially ones to communicate long distance." Velacera gave a small smile, "We should head home cause I kind of wish for some tea... oh! We need to stop at the market to get more mint leaves for tea!"

I chuckled as we walked out of the castle and towards the market passing many other hellspawns who normally waved and chatted a tad bit. It seems so normal here, it feels natural to be here. I will certainly feel sad once I leave here to finally settle my personal score with the corrupted celestial. Creator, am I making the right choice by settling this score personally instead of letting others settle and suffer in my place?