Artemia: Journey To The Thirtieth Floor

45. Home

"Then...can we keep these crystals somewhere safe so that I can use them in the future at the very least?" I asked with a nervous smile on my face as I asked the question.

She gave a kind grin and nodded. "We're going to conceal them in Fuyumi Mountain," she said as she ruffled my hair.

At last, I was able to heave a sigh of relief. "That's perfectly fine with me! I also understand your point. But after what happened, we still can't let the kings and their army take control of this land."

"Mm. It's not like I'm going to sit back and let those idiots do whatever they like."

"I suppose they have realized that a great amount of the crystals is located in this particular island. It's likely that they wanted to use these things to make more fighters after learning that they were capable of sustaining life. Ah, they must have found the information on the palace..."

While raising her eyes to the skies, Yuki gritted her teeth in frustration. My shoulders drooped when the realization that I would be unable to calm her down after what Leon had done struck me. First and foremost, he reproduced warriors...something that seems to be against the regulations in this dimension. At the very least, that is what I think based on their reactions. I can't ask Yuki about it since she gets even more upset every time she remembers what happened, so I decided not to bother her anymore. Second, Leon already broke their promise not to go anywhere near Fuyu Island under any circumstances.

I decided to leave her there because she appeared to be in need of some alone time, probably to sort her thoughts out. The crystals on this island are all scattered around, so I'll have to look for them. I'm certain that keeping Fuyu island unprotected in its present form would be tremendously detrimental to the warrior's morale. Considering how the three kings are willing to break a pact and face the repercussions in order to get the crystals means...that we have no choice but to take them back to the camp.

Now, I have a bigger problem at hand. "How do I get the crystals, though..."

"You don't have to worry about that since the princess has constructed a formidable barrier around the island. For the time being, we're going back to the camp. After you've had a chance to speak with the island's inhabitants, you may return to collect the crystals...." Kai spoke from behind me, so I turned to see him.

I looked at him with narrowed eyes and then to Kasai, who was looking away. "You two were eavesdropping."

The twins flashed a mischievous look at me, so I believed they were aware of what was going on. To begin with, both of them are very clever people. Really, should I even be shocked, to be really honest? I'm willing to bet that they've been listening in on every chat I've had with Yuki while I've been with them. Yuki isn't particularly good at keeping things hidden from them.

After we stayed on the island for another hour or so, they summoned the dragons so that we could return to the camp. Yukina seemed to be flying a little slower this time around, which was quite unexpected. Perhaps she was also worn out from the battle that happened on the island? I mean, she engaged in combat with us, and I noticed a swarm of enemies surrounding her. She must have been through a difficult time, especially after following Yuki when she headed out for Leon.

When the camp was finally in sight, which seemed to have a gloomy atmosphere, I pursed my lips. The residents on the island seemed to be enraged about something...or maybe I actually know what they're mad about. I'm not sure whether they were more unhappy with Leon or with us because of the damage to their island, but I think it was both. It's pretty much understandable if they're angry at us, though. Because the war reached that place, the residents were injured, and some were killed on the island.

Yuki slid down the dragon's back and clasped her hands together. I could feel her elemental energy as she closed her eyes and distributed it to them, especially to the injured ones. Yuki looked really cool as she did this, and I couldn't help but proudly smile at her. Damn, the white tigress is really on a different level. I'm not sure whether I'd be able to pull off something as impressive as that...

"Princess..." an old man that had a burn mark on his face called Yuki with an impassive expression.

When I realized that he didn't seem to be planning to say anything nice made me pause, and I felt a bit uneasy. "Wait-"

Someone grabbed my arm and yanked me away from that crowd. "I think we should pay close attention to what the old man has to say. Although it doesn't seem to be pleasing, Yuki would probably want to hear him out," Sai told me as he flashed an exhausted smile.

"Well, it seems that the white tigress has awakened..." the old man trailed off as he looked at Yuki from head to toe. "Despite this, you were unable to defeat Leon for the second time. Ha, I knew it! After all, blood still seems to be thicker than water. Is it not...Yuki?"

It was impossible not to feel enraged, especially for the warriors, as the old man talked s**t about the princess. On the other hand, Yuki was unaffected by the words that he dropped like a bomb. When she looked at the old gentleman, her face stayed neutral, as if she didn't want to be overwhelmed by his remarks, which she wasn't. Unfortunately, the almighty princess is incapable of keeping anything hidden from me. I could see she was having trouble processing everything. But seriously, the old man was wrong with what he said. Yuki was frustrated that she couldn't get Leon because she feared that everything would have ended right there and then if she did.

I bit my lower lip as I tried my best to stop myself from interfering in their conversation. I am hella irritated, okay?! Yuki may put on a tough front, but on the inside, she is a soft and vulnerable young woman. Running away would have been the best course of action for her during that situation. But what annoyed me the most was the realization that this girl...refuses to walk out and give her pride up. Oh gosh, what a disaster. She might actually talk back to the old man...

"I'd like to kindly request that you refrain from bringing my past. Even though I am from Leon's flesh and blood...I do not want to be affiliated with him in any way, even as his daughter," Yuki warned him, and anyone could see that her veins were starting to pop out of anger.

The old man raised a brow. "Then...do you object to being referred to be Shirayuki's daughter as well?"

"Yes. All I want is to be addressed by my given name, Yuki. But to be completely honest, it makes no difference whether you think I am the princess, Artemia's deity, or just some weakling. After all, I am still Yuki. And...do not associate me with people I have never even met my entire life or people whom I despise because it makes my blood boil."

"What do we do...?" I asked as I looked at Kasai, worried because Yuki actually snapped! Ah, this isn't good...

"Absurd! You disrespectful little-"

"Soon, we'll begin the process of restoring Fuyu Island to its former splendor, which will take a little while. Everyone must rest and recoup for the time being," I stepped in because I could tell that Yuki wouldn't hesitate to fling these people across the ocean now. Kasai also pushed me because we both knew that Yuki was not in her best temperament. I cleared my throat when everyone looked at me, suddenly feeling intimidated. "Please rest assured for now because the camp is heavily protected."

Even though I could obviously see the scowls on everyone's faces as they looked at me, I tried my best to pretend that it didn't faze me. The only thing I care about right now is Yuki! Although it's inconvenient that I can't ask them about the crystals, they're still not my top priority. Ah, it's still a shame, though! Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do about it anymore. I sighed and led Yuki to her cottage. Our cottage, I mean.

The truth is, I'm really scared right now because she's fuming mad...

"I think you'll have to wait till their heads have cooled off before you proceed with your queries..." Kai drawled as he shrugged, slowly plopping into the couch.

I glared at him, unable to hide my irritation. "Are you teasing me?"

"No! Absolutely not!" he replied with a playful smile.

Ah, how annoying. I can totally see Blake in him...

As I was brewing Yuki's tea, I couldn't help but sigh a little bit. After that fuss, I realized that she also has to get rid of some of the pent-up energy she's been holding in before she can face everyone again. In spite of the fact that she serves as the resistance's leader, it is necessary for her to take some breaks. If she did not do so, she would be absolutely fatigued. To me, such a thing is just unacceptable! I mean, she tends to lash out if she isn't well-rested...

Yuki sighed before sipping the tea that I had made for her. Hmm, she seems to have snapped out of it, but she now has a dejected look on her face. Laughing, I placed my arms around her and embraced her tight. I don't think the old man meant everything that he said about Yuki. But it's so unnecessary for him to bring Leon up, considering how everyone knows what he did to her. He's mad, but that doesn't mean he can just bring something that could trigger Yuki's trauma up.

"The old man...had always been kind and considerate toward me. But the war threw everything into disarray."

I slowly caressed her hair. "I bet the old man didn't mean what he said at all," I told her just so she would feel a little better.

"Mm. That, I suppose, is a result of the shock that the villagers experienced. After all, I made a pledge to myself and everyone that I would protect the island and bring Leon to justice, which I failed to do..."

"It wasn't your fault, though."

"That doesn't come as a surprise to me in the slightest. But the fact that I am suddenly the target of everyone's wrath as the consequence of a single erroneous assumption...makes me feel disappointed."

"To be honest, I was a bit taken aback as well. I wasn't expecting everyone to be that hostile towards us because we still tried to protect the island."

With a nod, she shifted her eyes out the window to see the people outside. Yuki seemed to be rather displeased with the way the people reacted but still tried to understand them. The people of Fuyu Island must have been pretty close to Yuki before the war for her to act this way, right? After all, she didn't seem to be looking at them with disdain when she initially approached them. I guess everyone is just on edge right now...

My hand was clasped around Yuki's as I flashed a soft smile, trying to make her feel better. She did all she could to protect the island, and she has proved it time and time again. In fact, she could have taken Leon down during that instant if the consequence of doing so wasn't that heavy. But she strongly believed that my existence in this timeline was necessary. I agree, particularly in light of the fact that I was the one who woke Shirayuki from her sleep...but she is suffering as a consequence of my actions.

"Ever since I was a child, I've always felt helpless and defeated. I would be nothing if it wasn't for the might of the deity that's been placed upon me, as well as Shirayuki's. I have been made aware of that fact in my entire life. And it was because of my powerlessness that we got ourselves in this predicament. And I despise the fact that I am still unable to save Artemia on my own..."

I didn't say anything since I believed Yuki was just looking for someone to...pay attention to what she was saying. Besides, there is nothing good I can tell her since I have no idea what she went through before I came here. Growing up, I didn't have to deal with the same sort of pressure that Yuki had to deal with. Telling her half-assed or sugarcoated words won't make her feel any better, especially since I don't know the right words to say. So just listening would be the best for both of us.

"Throughout my childhood, my old man, Grandpa Yuan, taught me that I should never refer to myself as Leon's daughter, nor should I accept being referred to as Shirayuki's daughter no matter what. He would always get enraged and say that if someone ever approached me in such a way again, he would pummel them. He kept on scolding them, saying I have a name..." Yuki told me in quiet tones, a smile on her face, that she was pregnant. "In every situation, he stood by my side, even when Leon scolded me for being a weakling. It was him who told me that I was the only one who could save Artemia."

That's far from the image of the man I saw earlier, though. But I couldn't tell Yuki that because she seemed to be really fond of him. Yeah, even after everything he told her...

Yuki chuckled when she saw my expression, so I got shy. "Isn't it amusing? He used to do all of that. I guarantee you that I am not making this up. He truly was like that. I don't really know what happened, though..."

Did she just say 'was'...?

"He'd most certainly come here to express his remorse for what had happened. For the time being, let's simply wait and see what happens. Are you okay with that?" I asked with a smile on my face. I caressed her hand, worried that she was still feeling dejected because of what had happened.

She smiled and nodded as she squeezed my hand a little. "I appreciate you taking the time to hear what I have to say."

"No problem. But I feel like there's someone who really wants to spend some time with you..." I said meaningfully, which she immediately understood.

When I looked through the door, I saw Kasai, who was looking at us as if he's been waiting to get noticed. He looked upset, probably because he's been trying to calm the citizens down. Kasai approached Yuki with a worried expression, and the latter kept her attention riveted on him the whole time. I'm in love with these two, to say the least. I'm beginning to feel a little jealous! I'm learning a lot here, but I really miss my friends...

"Hmm, I guess I'm going to have to get going," I said as I rose to my feet, smiling while pretending that I was okay.

For some reason, I feel hella homesick...

I'm not referring to the home I used to have on the planet Earth in this statement. Well, I can't deny that I'm starting to miss it. But now, the ones that I call home are my friends...Freya, Blake, and Dylan. Days without them are beginning to feel like weeks, and I'm becoming melancholy as a result of my situation. Although Blake and Dylan's antics had never before piqued my interest before, I found myself yearning for them now. Freya's hearty laughs, too. The four of them feel so far. I mean, they are, but still...

I sighed as I sat on the bench, my eyes fixated on the sky above me. We aren't even looking at the same sky, which added to my sense of dread about the whole situation that I am in. I wished I could see them, but I don't want to get them involved in this. But I have to admit that I really do want to feel the warmth that they exude. The comfort of being surrounded by one's family seems too far from my grasp...

I miss home.