The next morning, Illumia had yet to leave her home. She lay on a pile of large pillows by the fireplace while hugging a book to her chest. Multiple books were strewn about on the floor around her. She had spent the entire night trying to figure out if the crest on the knife is truly that of Hyland. Mentally exhausted from all the reading, she found herself staring at the ceiling.

Sighing, she closed her eyes and relaxed. She was close to dozing off when she felt something poke her cheek. Opening her eyes, she realized it was Mikleo. She hadn't heard him enter. "Oh, hey. Is Sorey still with that human girl?"

Mikleo nodded and sat next to the pile of pillows she was laying on. "Yeah, and he seems to be really enjoying himself."

She smiled. "That's good."

The boy looked around at the many books lying on the floor. "What were you doing?"

"Trying to see if I could confirm the crest on the knife is indeed from Hyland," she answered tiredly. "It is..."

"Knowing you, you probably didn't take a break."

She laughed exhaustingly. "You know me so well. Maybe too well..."

"Okay." Mikleo stood up and grabbed the hand she wasn't using to hug the book against her chest. He tugged her off the pile of pillows. "You need a break. We're going for a walk."

"Wouldn't it be better if I relaxed here?"

"Nope. You need some fresh air too."

Illumia dropped the book, allowing Mikleo to drag her out of the house and a little ways away from Elysia. They only stopped walking when they arrived at the second archway not too far from the village. They enjoyed the breeze and the warmth of the sun before deciding to sit down at the base of the archway. They sat by each other, their backs leaning against the structure.

A peaceful silence lingered between them until Illumia asked, "Have you ever been curious about the world outside of Elysia?"

"Well..." Mikleo thought for a second. "I can't say I haven't."

Her eyes never left the blue sky. "After reading all those books and thinking about how the world has changed since I traveled with Asura and Altul, I think it's about time I left Elysia."

The water seraph was in disbelief. "What? Why?"

"It's been almost 400 years since I returned to Elysia. There's only so much a place can teach you before you have to move on, and Elysia has taught me all it can."

"You're...leaving?" He asked sadly.

"Yes, but..." She met his gaze. "I was hoping you and Sorey would join me."

Mikleo wasn't sure what to say. All he could do was stare at her.

Illumia, after seeing his reaction and receiving no response, apologized. "Sorry. That was selfish of me, wasn't it? I didn't even consider what you both wanted and just assumed you'd tag along." Feeling embarrassed and ashamed, she stood up and forced a smile. "Thank you for this, Mikleo, but I'm gonna head back."

Without looking back, Illumia returned to Elysia. She entered her home and reorganized the books before continuing where she left off.

Minutes turned into hours and it was nighttime by the time she finished reading the entire book. Placing the thick book down, she sighed and flopped down on her stomach on the pile of pillows by the fireplace.

Suddenly, she heard a knock on her door. Hopping to her feet, she answered the door and was surprised to see Zenrus. It was rare for him to visit her since she was usually the one to go see him. "This is unexpected, Zen."

"Mikleo told me of your earlier discussion," Zenrus explained. He entered the house after receiving permission.

She silently closed the door behind him. "Are you angry?"

"Not in the slightest. Though, it saddens me that you wish to leave. However, I expected this day to come just as it will for Sorey," he sighed melancholically. "When will you depart?"

"In the coming days," she answered.

"You have my blessing, my dear," Zenrus stated. "Though many of your memories are scattered, I do believe you will be fine in navigating the world. Do be careful using your powers. I know you have been using them lately."

She tensed. "Did Mikleo tell you that?"

He shook his head. "No. I could sense the moments when you used them. I am not angry since I know you would only use them to protect others. Those boys are careless, but I am grateful you protected them."

"They've been protecting me all these years. It's about time I paid them back."

Zenrus smiled. "Those two have adored you ever since they were babes, especially Mikleo."

She laughed nervously when she recalled how they were both blushing in the ruins a couple of days ago. "Y-Yes, he does." To save her from embarrassment, she quickly changed the subject. "A-anyway, how is the human girl?"

"She will be leaving tomorrow," he responded. "Will you see her off?"

"Of course," she smiled. "Although she cannot see us, it would be impolite not to see her off."

Zenrus chuckled. "I taught you well."

After chatting for a little while longer, the elderly seraph left. Illumia decided to relax and wait for tomorrow to come.

●・○・●・○・●

Illumia left her house the following morning to see the girl off. At the entrance to Elysia, she found everyone already gathered. She stood in the back as she listened to her talk to Sorey.

"I really owe you. Thank you so much," the girl smiled, expressing her gratitude.

"You gonna be okay by yourself?" Sorey worriedly asked.

She nodded. "I cannot cause more trouble for you than I already have."

"I see."

The girl sighed, almost as if she sounded troubled.

Sorey wondered if it was due to the trek she would have to take to get home and reassured her. "You'll be fine. Just follow that map and you'll get through the forest with no problems."

"Oh, it's not that. I believe you." She paused for a second before saying, "Alisha."

"Huh?" Sorey was confused.

"That's my name," she explained. "Alisha Diphda."

Sorey parroted her name. "Alisha?"

Alisha lowered her gaze in shame. "You didn't even know who I was, and you helped me without asking anything in return. Whereas I thought only of myself, leaving you without even a name by which to call me... As a knight, I am ashamed. Please find it in your heart to forgive me."

"I-it's okay."

She lifted her head. "I must confess something to you."

Sorey titled his head. "Hm?"

"I know this sounds strange, but I believe that the seraphim really do exist. The myths and legends that are preserved in the Celestial Record must be more than mere fairy tales."

He nodded. "Yeah."

"This crisis that has befallen our world... I believe that only the one spoken of in the ancient legends can truly restore order."

"The Shepherd you mean."

Alisha turned away from him. "You're not going to ridicule me? Everyone back in town does."

The boy smiled at her. "Of course not."

"You're a real saint, you know that? The Sacred Blade Festival is soon to commence in Ladylake. A trial will be held based on the legend of the Shepherd's sword." She looked over her shoulder at him. "A trial I think you might be interested in."

Sorey blinked owlishly. "Me?"

"Time to go." Alisha took a few steps forward before stopping. "But please, give it some serious thought when you have the time."

"How come?"

"The Shepherd I see in my mind when I read the legends... I have to say, he reminds me a lot of you," she beamed happily.

To say the least, Sorey was bewildered. He watched the girl leave. It wasn't until he felt a hand on his shoulder did he turn around to see Mikleo. The water seraph handed him the knife and he asked, "What's this?"

"Gramps asked me and Lumi to go out and search the ruins and find some clues about that girl. We found this," Mikleo said.

Sorey examined the blade. "So wait, this is Alisha's?"

Illumia stepped past the other seraphim to join the two boys. "We believe it is. If my knowledge is correct, the symbol engraved on the grip is the crest of Hyland."

Mikleo crossed his arms. "I don't think this "Alisha" is any ordinary knight."

Zenrus stepped forward. "I know this is difficult for you, but it really is for the best." Then, he suddenly came to a stop and looked up.

This worried the trio.

"Gramps?" Mikleo called out.

"Hmm... Someone has infiltrated my domain." He slammed his foot down on the ground and tried to locate the intruder. However, he couldn't find their exact location. "Blast and damnation! Hiding your presence, are you? Crafty bugger!" He quickly turned to the other seraphim. "Everyone, be warned! There is an intruder in our realm! Find them! They've concealed their presence, so chances are good it's a hellion! Search with extreme caution!"

"If it really is a hellion, I'm the only one who can get rid of it," Illumia said.

"Do what you must, but refrain from exhausting yourself," Zenrus told her. "With the malevolence inside you, your powers are not as strong as before and I cannot allow you to risk yourself."

She nodded. "I'll be careful."

The elderly man glanced at the two boys. "Go with her and ensure her safety, but do not endanger yourselves."

"Okay," Sorey replied.

As the seraphim ran past the trio to search for the intruder, Illumia turned to her friends. "There aren't many places to hide. Let's check the forest first."

"Good idea."

They dashed out of Elysia and headed to the forest. Weaving between the large trees and the remains of the above-ground ruins, they scanned the area in search of the intruder. They wondered where they could be hiding until they heard someone scream.

"Th-that was..." Illumia gasped.

They ran as fast as they could to find who screamed. To their horror, they came across a figure hunched over an unconscious Mason. The unknown person was gnawing on the seraph's body, eating his flesh.

"Mason!" Sorey shouted in horror.

The figure ceased eating the seraph and stood up. "How odd. I didn't expect to find anything but the main course here... But now there's three more side dishes!" The figure turned to them to reveal his slit eyes and sharp fangs.

Mikleo was horrified yet confused. "What on earth is this thing? Is this the hellion?"

Illumia glared at the man. "There's no mistake. He's a hellion."

"This is not the place for one such as you! Leave at once!" Mikleo shouted at the corrupted human.

"Hee hee hee heee!" The man cackled maniacally. His eyes then narrowed as he glared at the three friends. "Impudent brat. I can smell the fear wafting off of you. Those tender arms, trying to conceal their shivers..."

Sorey glanced at his shaking arms, only to be frightened when the man set him on fire.

"Sorey!" Mikleo used his powers to extinguish the flames.

Illumia stepped forward. Unlike Sorey and Mikleo, she has faced a variety of hellions. The fox-like man before her was no exception. She threw a single knife, the blade slicing the hellion's cheek.

The man wasn't fazed. He used his long tongue to lick at the small cut along his cheek before laughing like a madman. His slit eyes focused on her. "Well, well, well. You don't seem to be shaking at all! I can see the hatred in your eyes! And that smell..." He sniffed the air with a pleased grin. "You aren't just some little seraph girl after all! I can smell the malevolence inside you, but that's not all. You're the little light seraph those humans adore!"

The girl was stunned. "What are you talking about?"

The fox man only laughed. "How naïve...but that will simply make you taste even better! Perhaps I will save you for dessert. After all, dessert is the tastiest course!"

Even after hearing the hellion's plans to eat her, Illumia didn't back down. She summoned more throwing knives. "You're not hurting anyone else!"

"Yeah!" Sorey ran up and stood to the right of her with his sword drawn. "Prepare to meet your doom, hellion!"

Mikleo summoned his staff and stood to the left of Illumia. "Let's go!"

The fight against the hellion began. Mikleo kept his distance by using his seraphic artes, Illumia was mid-range using her throwing knives, and Sorey was facing the man in close-quarter combat. The hellion was stronger than they had thought, but they didn't stop their assault.

Slowly, they wore down the hellion and gained the upper hand. They put some distance between them and the enemy when they thought the battle was drawing to a close.

"All talk, aren't you," Mikleo quipped.

"Still haven't had enough yet?" Sorey asked, his sword at the ready.

"You truly are a nuisance," Illumia growled.

"Begone!" Mikleo shouted.

Suddenly, the hellion jumped back and scurried over to the unconscious Mason. The trio watched in horror as the creature of darkness consumed the seraph's entire body, leaving no traces behind.

Sorey's eyes widened. The fear was as clear as day in his emerald eyes. "He... He ate Mason!"

Mikleo was shocked to the core. "Is... Is this what hellions are capable of?"

Illumia was about to respond when the fox man suddenly jumped toward Sorey. She pushed the boy away and intercepted the hellion's attack. Her narrowed eyes that were brimming with rage bore into the man's slit ones. Pushing his claws away with a single throwing knife, she shoved him back.

"Lumi!" Sorey shouted as he watched the fight. The light seraph was exchanging blow after blow with the hellion. He tried to rejoin the battle, but he was stopped by Mikleo. The water seraph had grabbed him by the arm to keep him away. "What are you doing, Mikleo?! We have to help her!"

Mikleo also wanted to help Illumia, but he was now fully aware of her combat skills after seeing her in action at the ruins a few days ago. She was excellent in combat because of her time with Asura. "I want to help her just as much as you, but we'd only get in the way."

"B-but..."

The two boys were startled when they heard the hellion scream. Looking back at the fight, they saw multiple throwing knives lodged into the man's body. The blades radiated with a familiar silver light, meaning they were infused with her purification arte.

"Damn you!" The hellion shrieked.

Illumia prepared to throw another purification knife, only to feel faint. The knife fell from her grasp, disappearing when it hit the ground. Her vision wavered as she heard the cackling of the hellion. Stumbling back, she fell to her knees.

The hellion took the advantage and yanked out the throwing knives lodged into his body. He leapt at the girl and was prepared to sink his fangs into her.

Mikleo gasped and released Sorey. He ran as fast as he could and threw his arms around her protectively. He shielded her body with his, holding her tightly. Closing his eyes, he waited for the pain but it never came. The sound of a sword being swung drew his attention. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Sorey had blocked the attack.

The hellion grimaced in annoyance when he was knocked away. He went to pounce again, only to be stopped by the other seraphim showing up.

"Away with you, evil being!" Zenrus angrily shouted.

"Or you wanna take us all on at once?" a male seraph standing next to the elderly man remarked.

The fox man simply grinned. "Hmph. I shouldn't be snacking anyway. Not when the main course is getting away." The hellion vanished.

Sorey sheathed his sword. He turned to Mikleo and Illumia and kneeled beside them. "Are you two okay?"

"I'm fine, but Lumi..." Mikleo still clung to the girl.

She slumped against the white-haired boy. "I'll be okay. I just need to rest. B-but Mason...h-he's..."

Sorey hung his head in sorrow. "Mason..."

Zenrus approached the trio. "We can handle the rest."

Mikleo gently helped Illumia to her feet. He put one arm around her waist to support her and hooked one of her arms around his neck to make sure she didn't fall. He wasn't bothered in the slightest when she leaned her weight against him.

"Sorry..." She whispered tiredly.

"Don't worry about it," he said, refusing to let go. He then looked in Zenrus' direction. "Gramps. That fox-looking thing... Was that really a hellion? They can talk to us?"

"Yes. That's the form of a human who has become a hellion. Corrupted, essentially," the elderly man answered.

"So, he's like Asura..." Sorey mumbled.

"Now, it's time you three went back home and rest."

"We should. C'mon... Let's head back." Mikleo took a few steps forward with Illumia.

Sorey nodded. "Right."

Being extremely careful and taking their time because of the exhausted Illumia, Mikleo and Sorey escorted the girl to her home. The water seraph slowly let go of her as she sat down on the bed. She thanked both of them. He sat next to her while Sorey kneeled in front of her.

"How're you feeling?" Sorey asked.

"Tired," she replied just above a whisper. She hung her head in shame. "I'm sorry I couldn't defeat that hellion..."

Sorey smiled and put a hand on her knee. "Hey, don't sweat it! All I care about is that you're not hurt."

"You did everything you could," Mikleo added. "You never fully recovered from fighting those spider hellions in the ruins, did you?"

She sighed with a small nod. "I'd been too focused on reading and didn't rest properly. I neglected myself and because of that, I put you both in danger."

"Really, don't worry about it," Sorey said. "If you hadn't been there, I doubt we could've faced that hellion. Just get some rest, okay?"

"Okay..."

Sorey stood up and glanced at the water seraph. "You coming along, Mikleo?"

"I'll stay with Lumi for a little bit longer," Mikleo responded.

He knew exactly why he wanted to stay and didn't try to question him. "Okay. See ya!"

After Sorey left, Illumia crawled further onto the bed. She flopped down on her back before rolling over on her side to face Mikleo. "You don't have to worry, Mikleo. I'll be okay. You should rest too."

"I know, but..." Mikleo couldn't finish his sentence. He gripped the sheets tightly. He couldn't erase the image of the hellion leaping at the defenseless girl from his mind. When he felt her place a hand over his, he looked down at her in surprise.

"You don't have to leave if you don't want to. You can stay here," she said, closing her eyes. "This bed is big enough for the two of us. Maybe a little too big..."

Surprisingly, he didn't blush at her offer. Instead, he climbed further onto the bed and laid down next to her. On his side facing her, he moved their conjoined hands and placed them between them. He gazed at the girl as his thumb caressed the back of her hand. From her breathing, he knew she was asleep. Tightening his hold on her hand, he whispered the three words he had been wanting to say to her for a while now. "I love you, Lumi..."

Although she didn't hear him, he felt happy to confess his feelings. He slowly closed his eyes and fell asleep next to her.