Two maids began cautiously approaching the garden, their eyes scanning the surroundings, taking in the smoke-filled scenery.
The fox maids' ears twitched at the sound of the rustling grass.
"Henya!", a voice called out. The fox maid turned around, coming face to face with the two maids.
"Late to the party, I see," "Henya remarked, "The famed huntress Akari and the cunning alchemist Yuzu," Her gaze filled with a mixture of anger and disappointment. "What were you two off doing? Have you forgotten our master's condition?
Akari growled, tensing her muscles, preparing to confront Henya.
Yuzu placed a gentle hand on Akari's shoulder. "We were following what we thought was their leader," Yuzu spoke modestly. "A large winged beast hidden among the sky. As we followed him we were led here. And the—"
"Let's talk inside", Henya interrupted.
Yuzu shouted nervously, "Right! Summon portal!"
The maids quickly entered through the large crimson portal.
Now arriving at Lucius's bedroom, the wall had already been repaired, after his incident with Shara.
Henya laid him down on his bed, resting the two swords by his bedside, and wrapping him beneath the sheets. She turned to Yuzu and Akari, "He mustn't be left in this state for too long."
Yuzu's eyes widened. "My alchemy might be able to help him."
Yuzu quickly made her way to Lucius's side, carefully examining him, gently placing her hands on the sides of his head, her eyes shut, sensing the presence of something ethereal, something beyond the realm of the physical. Her eyes opened sparkling, as her alchemical senses tingled within, with a golden aura emanating from her hands.
"He's trapped in a state of limbo."
"Limbo?" Henya questioned.
"Limbo is a place between life and death. Master is facing a battle within. The monsters that reside within will try to consume him and drag him further into the depths of limbo. He'll have to fight and resist, but if he takes too long he'll...he'll die.
Akari growled aggressively, her claws digging into her hands as she clenched her fists.
Yuzu turned to Akari, with a flicker of sadness in her eyes.
Akari shook her head, then rested her bloodied hand on Yuzu's shoulder. "We need to tell Melia," Akari spoke bitterly.
Henya stared at Lucius, her mind though ravished with sorrow, bore a newfound confidence, as a slight smile stretched across her face.
"Show them why you are the one we call Lord, the king of them all; the true monster among monsters."