The morning sun cast soft rays through the elegant curtains of Blanchette's room, warming the space with a peaceful glow. Joshua and Blanchette lay entangled under the blankets, their breathing calm and steady. The world outside their quiet cocoon remained forgotten, until a knock disrupted the silence.
Knock, knock.
"Joshua? Are you in there?" Merlin's voice rang out from the hallway, tinged with concern. "You're not in your room, I thought maybe Blanchette might know where you are."
Receiving no answer, Merlin hesitated, then slowly opened the door. Her eyes widened as she caught sight of the scene before her. Blanchette and Joshua jumped up from the bed, their cheeks instantly flushing red.
"Oh!" Merlin blinked in surprise, trying to stifle a grin. "I didn't know you two were… busy."
Joshua's eyes widened. "No! We weren't doing anything like that!"
"Yeah," Blanchette added quickly, brushing her hair behind her ear, "Nothing happened!"
Merlin gave a sly glance at Joshua, only to notice the unmistakable outline of a morning problem from his trousers. A smirk formed on her lips.
"If you say so," she said coyly.
Following Merlin's gaze, Blanchette blushed even deeper, and Joshua quickly looked down then panic overcame him.
"Oh crap! I... it's not what it looks like!" he stammered, dashing out of the room while using both hands to cover himself.
Merlin turned to Blanchette with a knowing grin. "Looks like you two made up."
Blanchette nodded shyly. "Yeah…"
"Well then, see ya." Merlin winked and exited, leaving Blanchette flustered but smiling.
Joshua, still blushing, burst into his room, hurried into the bathroom, and turned on the taps for a bath. As the tub filled, he peeled off his clothes and eased into the warm water, sighing in relief. A smile slowly formed on his face, peaceful, genuine.
A short time later, Joshua finished washing, toweled off, and began dressing. Just as he was about to pull his sweater over his head, the door opened.
"Joshua?" Merlin called, stepping inside. She froze when her eyes landed on the bare, scarred canvas of Joshua's back.
She walked forward, her heart aching. "What have they done to my little brother…" she whispered, her fingertips gently brushing over the red lines etched into his skin.
Joshua quickly slipped on his sweater. "Please don't tell Blanchette," he said softly. "I don't want her to hate her mother because of me."
Merlin struggled to compose herself. "Joshua, are you okay? Your back…"
"I'm feeling great, Big Sis." He smiled, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Merlin smiled back, though the concern hadn't entirely faded from her eyes.
"Anyway, I gotta get to the training grounds," Joshua said as he picked up his sword and strapped on his armor. "It's time to get stronger."
In the hall, Joshua passed James, who was humming to himself in an unusually cheerful mood.
"Yo, James," Joshua called. "Thanks for telling the king about the execution. You saved my life."
James waved it off. "No big deal. But now you owe me one."
Joshua chuckled. "Fair enough. Why you so happy today, weirdo?"
James beamed. "Double date. Going to the slums. I'm meeting up with a werewolf girl I've been seeing."
"Yeah, I remember her," Joshua nodded. "Be careful. The slums can be rough."
"Will do."
"Oh and Tiffany," James added as Joshua turned to leave. "She's leaving this afternoon. She wanted to see you before she goes."
Joshua paused. "Alright. I'll be there."
(So, she's leaving… Maybe it's for the best.)
James headed in the opposite direction, thoughts swirling with excitement.
(I better not keep my princess waiting.)
James soon arrived at the outskirts of the slums and realized he had no idea where the witches' den was.
He spotted an old woman and approached her cautiously. "Excuse me, ma'am. Do you know where the witches' den is?"
She eyed him up and down. "That way, boy." She pointed. "But don't go asking folks around here questions so easily. You'll get taken for a fool."
James bowed politely. "Thank you."
Unbeknownst to him, a strange Xenos mark glowed faintly on the woman's neck as she turned away.
Following her directions, James reached the den, where Jessica, Jack, and Sam were waiting around a table, a seat saved just for him.
"Hey, guys," he greeted, eyes quickly finding Sam. "And… hello Sam. You look really pretty today."
Sam blushed and twirled her hair. "Thank you, my prince."
Jack elbowed Jessica. "The kid's got game."
"Have a seat," Jessica smiled. "You're just in time."
James joined them.
Jack stood. "Now that everyone's here, let the fun begin!"
Jessica grinned. "First stop, music show!"
They walked to the center of a rough alley where a ragtag band had begun playing outside on a makeshift stage. A few folding chairs surrounded the musicians. The group took seats, Jack beside Jessica, Sam beside James.
Jack stared at Jessica, clearly impressed. "You look… beautiful today."
Jessica blinked. "W-what? You think so?" Her cheeks colored.
"Yeah." He smiled. "I mean it."
Jessica looked away with a soft smile. "Thank you, Jack."
As the band played its awkward, off-key tunes, the four of them chatted and laughed, slowly relaxing into each other's company. The world was far from perfect but for now, in this quiet pocket of time, peace felt within reach.