Our Second World book three: Personal Truth

Chapter 40: Wolf

I knew Tsubaki said that Kyoko would go back to her research as soon as she woke up, but I wasn't expecting her to be up so early. The sun hadn't even begun to rise when I woke up to find Kyoko already hard at work pouring over books scattered across her messy table. It was hard to tell there was even a table under all the clutter and papers.

I can't believe her. I thought to myself, stretching as I stood. The sun isn't even up yet and it looks like she's been up for a while already. Did she even get sleep last night?

There was a short knock on the door and I looked over to see an orange haired boar beastman girl enter the room. Her fiery curls had been tied back in a loose ponytail around the curved horns on the sides of her head and it bobbed as she carried a pile of clothing over to Kyoko.

Like last night, Kyoko didn't seem to notice the girl was there.

"I heard she collapsed again last night," The girl murmured as she walked past me." If you hadn't been here...thank you...for taking care of our Lady." the ginger bowed before leaving.

When she was gone, I walked over to Kyoko and knelt down by her. She didn't even flinch when I snapped my fingers by her ear, though they twitched slightly.

"Hey, I'm gonna get something to eat. Why don't you get changed while I'm gone, and I'll bring you something." I knew she probably wasn't paying attention to me, but I thought I'd say something anyway.

When I returned to the room a good 20 minutes later with a pair of steamed buns for myself and Kyoko, I was surprised to find that she had done what I asked. In the time that I was gone, she had changed from her light blue kimono to a pastel one a mix between pink and orange.

I walked over to the table and cleared away a few papers to make room. Setting down the tray of steaming food, I took my plate and sat down against the wall to eat.

~

Three more days passed before Kyoko spoke to anyone, and another two before she left the room. In that time, there didn't seem to be any change in Nephinae's condition, but Lynari seemed to be doing at least a little better.

~

About another week passed before there was any change in either of the two girls' conditions.

Needless to say, it was a shock to most of us when one of the maids ran into Lynari wandering around the house one night.

~

After that day, about a month went by with no change to Nephinae's condition. I hated to admit it, but I was starting to think Kyoko was right, and she wouldn't wake up. No one else wanted to admit it either, but I knew they were all thinking the same thing.

I don't recall when exactly I started doing it, but before long I had distanced myself from everyone. I couldn't find the motivation to leave Nephinae's side anymore. Soon, the days just started bleeding together; I was hardly aware of the passing of time anymore. I didn't care.

Some nights I even found myself talking to Nephinae as if she was awake and listening. I was painfully aware of the fact that she probably couldn't hear me, but...it was a distraction for my mind. One I badly needed.

One snowy afternoon as I was sitting in Nephinae's room, it was like something snapped inside me. I broke.

Tears streaked down my cheeks though I didn't really feel sad. I didn't really feel anything, actually.

Squeezing Nephinae's hand in mine, I hid my face as my body trembled with silent sobs.

My eyes widened when I felt a hand brush against my cheek. I looked up to find Nephinae staring at me; worry clouding her gray-blue eyes. Wordlessly, she used her sleeve to wipe tears from my face. As she placed her palm against my cheek, I felt a spark on my skin. When I blinked, I found myself curled up on the floor. I sat up quickly, only to find Nephinae was lying still as stone. She hadn't moved.

I...imagined that? I wondered, wincing as a sharp pain shot through my forehead. What...are these... With the pain came a series of numbers; coordinates; a location.

Do you want me to go there? I wondered, brushing my hand against Nephinae's. When I did, I felt a spark on my skin where my hand touched hers.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice the door open until I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Mr.Wolf, are you ok?" I looked up at the sound of Tsubaki's voice; she looked worried.

"I need to talk to Kyoko," I said, standing." Where is she?"

"U-Um...I believe Lady Kyoko is in the dining room-- wait, where are you going?" She called after me as I hurried down the hall.

When I got to the dining room, both Miafilellie and Kyoko, who were sitting at the table, jumped when I practically slammed open the door.

"What's the matter, Wolf-Ku? You look like you've seen a ghost," Kyoko mused, taking a sip of her tea.

"Are you ok, Wolf-Chi? Did something happen?" Miafilellie added.

"I think I know how to cure Nephinae," I said.

Kyoko's eyes went wide and there was a loud bang as her knee slammed against the table," What?"

"I got a location and I think there's something there."

"Are you sure?"

I nodded," Positive."

"Can you leave right away?" Kyoko asked, standing.

"I planned on it."

"W-Wait! What in goddesses names are the two of you talking about?" Miafilellie demanded, slamming her hands down on the table." More importantly, if this has something to do with Nephi then you can bet your ass you're taking me with you."

"You'd just slow me down," I said.

"I won't," Miafilellie replied firmly." Nephi is my friend, Wolf-Chi. I'm going, whether you like it or not."

I sighed," Fine, but if you can't keep up I'll leave you behind."

Miafilellie smiled and stood up," good. I'm glad we're in agreement then."

"Yeah, yeah, just hurry up and get ready," I huffed, turning to leave.

"I'll have a horse and supplies readied for you right away," Kyoko said, following me out to the hall.

About 20 minutes later, I was on my way out to the front of the estate with a small rucksack of things. When I got outside, I found Kyoko and Tsubaki waiting for me. Tsubaki was holding the reins of a tall, midnight black horse with a small saddlebag hanging from the chocolate colored saddle. Kyoko on the other hand, held a bundle of cloth in her arms.

As I made my way over to them, Miafilellie emerged from the house and hurried over.

"I've packed up all the supplies you should need for a while," Kyoko said, walking over to Miafilellie." And I want you to take these with you."

Kyoko held out an inky black hooded cloak with silver fur trim and pinned it around Miafilellie's shoulders. Moving to me, she pulled out a white cloak embroidered with silver snowflakes and hemmed with white fur. Like with Miafilellie, Kyoko pinned it around my shoulders.

"Oh--one more thing," Kyoko took something from the pocket of her robe and slipped a silver chain over my head.

The chain held a small, circular pendant with an engraving of a snowflake on the back, and a small constellation on the front.

"Be safe and be careful," Kyoko smiled softly." We'll all be waiting for your safe return. Oh, and I've packed a small present for the both of you as well."

"Thank you, Lady Kyoko," Miafilellie bowed." We will return with a cure as soon as we can."

"Safe travels," Kyoko gave a small bow before making her way inside.

"Come, I'll walk you to the gate." Tsubaki handed Miafilellie the reins of the horse and the two of them helped me into the saddle before Miafilellie hopped up behind me.

We were silent the entire way to the gate. When we got there, Tsubaki bowed and wished us safe travels before disappearing back to the house.

"So?" Miafilellie asked." Which way?"

I couldn't help a small smile as I answered her," due north."