The Knights were suddenly speaking among themselves, acting as if they were in fact Little Sisters. A duel? Yui thought, she didn't think it was a very common occurrence, though Hinagiku had mentioned that it was how Sayuri had become Leader.

Again Sayuri's pulse and temperature spiked before crashing back down. Sayuri raised a hand to silence her siblings. "Very well, Botan-san, I accept your challenge. If you defeat me, you will be Leader, and if you are defeated you will defend my decision until this matter is concluded. Those are the same conditions I gave Kigiku."

The senior Knight gave a reluctant nod. Was that why Kigiku continued to support Sayuri? Yui wondered. Did honor compel her to side with the Eldest Sister rather than Hinagiku?

The human prisoners sat up to watch and the Little Sisters gathered close to the lip of the pool. The Knights and Shamans spreading themselves out to observe. This was to be a duel between two Knights, no interference could be allowed.

Hinagiku flitted across the pool to hover beside Yui. "Yui-san." The Shaman greeted. To Yui's surprise, she detected no signs of mistrust or hostility in the tiny priestess. It was like Hinagiku didn't care at all what Yui really was. "I'm sorry I wasn't able to do more. I was busy all night with Botan." Up close, Yui could see the rings under the Shaman's eyes. "When Sayuri-sama told us you were were a spy, I didn't believe it."

"I'm not a spy!" Yui answered and then paused, looking shame faced, "But I'm not a Pixie either." She admitted. She didn't feel right lying to Hinagiku. "It's really complicated. But I never meant to deceive you Hinagiku-san!"

Hinagiku smiled kindly, just like she had when she had called Yui her Little Sister. "I know, Yui-san, I believe you. This is not a simple matter, but I know you have tried to be honest with me. I heard what you did for the Garden and I wanted to try and help you and your . . ." The Shaman searched for the right word. "Gardenmates?"

"Close enough." Yui decided as she looked over to Kirche who gave her and Hinagiku and odd expression.

"Nice to meet you." Kirche said dumbly. "I'm Kirche Von Zerbst."

Hinagiku curtsied delicately in midair. "Hinagiku, Shaman of the Garden."

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you Miss Hinagiku." Kirche said, "Thanks for standing up for us."

"I hardly did anything," Hinagiku apologize, "And it appears that Botan might be your best hope now." Hinagiku observed.

Yui nodded thoughtfully. Speaking with Antoine and Euphrasie must have left a strong impression on the Pixie if she was willing to take a risk like this. "Hinagiku-san, can Botan really win?"

Hinagiku's eyes didn't leave the two Knights as they faced off. "Botan is newly blossomed and Sayuri-sama is a seasoned Knight and incredibly strong. Realistically, she stands almost no chance." Yui cringed at the assessment, and especially how calmly it had been delivered.

Spreading their wings, Botan and Sayuri drifted down to hover just above the surface of the water.

"You'll need this." Kigiku offered Botan her own needle sword. The young Knight flourished it experimentally, unused to the weight. Sayuri drew her own sword, taking up a one handed guard as Kigiku glided back. "The rules are simple. The first Knight to force her opponent to ground wins. You are forbidden any magic and must remain within the cavern. Is this understood?"

Without looking away from one another, the two Knights nodded. Kigiku took a breath, raising her hand, she sliced downwards. "Begin!"

As soon as the words left Kigiku's lips, Botan and Sayuri were gone, spiralling up into the air. Both Knights had to be thinking the same thing. They wanted altitude while they felt each other out. Botan was unsure of herself, and Sayuri was an experienced fighter and therefore inclined to be cautious.

Yui caught sight of Botan first, the brown haired Knight scanning all around for any sign of Sayuri, keeping her back to the trunk of the Yggdrasil Shoot as she ascended. Where had Sayuri gone? The Knight Leader had moved so quickly that Yui had lost her in the clutter of the cavern walls.

Suddenly, something plummeted from the lowest branches of the Yggdrasil Shoot, descending directly towards Botan. There was no time to shout a warning, Yui barely even had time to gasp before Sayuri thrust out with her sword, aiming for Botan's wings.

Something alerted the junior Knight and she spun in midair, catching the tip of Sayuri's blade and barely deflecting it across her shoulder. Sayuri and Botan locked blades, Sayuri's wings folded back in a powered dive while Botan fought back with all her might. The younger Knight was losing the struggle, she simply didn't have the strength to compete with Sayuri. The combatants began to lose altitude with surprisingly speed, until, at the last second, Botan was able to slip free, sliding her sword along the length of Sayuri's blade before twisting out of the way just as she was about to hit the water.

Sayuri broke into pursuit, racing after Botan as she circled back around the tree. They clashed again, and then again, bouncing back from one another after each strike. By virtue of size, it was very hard for two pixies to injure each other with blunt force, instead, they had to aim for thrusting attacks with their swords or else grappling.

"Our lives depend on a fight between a pair of overgrown wasps." Kirche shook her head, she squeezed Yui's hand as both girls watched on.

Despite her bravery in challenging Sayuri, Botan was losing. It was painfully clear that she simply didn't have the strength or speed to keep up. Though faster and better coordinated than she had been the day before, Botan was, as Hinagiku had said 'newly Blossomed'. Compared to Sayuri she might as well have still been a Little Sister waving about her wooden sword. It was a testament to Botan's natural ability that she had kept up for this long, but the best that she could do was block what strikes she could and partially deflect the rest. Here and there, strikes got through Botan's guard, a scratch to the cheek, a cut to the shoulder.

The needle swords of both Knights had begun to deform from repeated strikes. Botan's skills had thrown Sayuri off at first, she had been unsure of what to expect and had acted cautiously, but Sayuri was growing more aggressive now that she was certain Botan wasn't a real threat and Botan was fast growing exhausted. As Hinagiku had predicted, Botan shouldn't have been on her feet yet. Finally, Sayuri moved in to finish the fight. Spiraling about one another as they rose one last time, the Knights closed to lock blades. At the last instant, Sayuri twisted about, flying just above Botan who was left out of position. Before Botan could do anything, Sayuri delivered a brutal kick to her exposed back and then raced after the staggered junior Knight.

Sayuri took a step back and then another. "You . . . I DON'T WANT TO TALK TO YOU!" The Knights voice broke into an insect like squeak. "This is a t-trick!" The Knight stuttered. "You're just trying to trick me! A-And hurt me! And hurt my Sisters!" Query Were those tears? Was Sayuri crying?

"Sayuri-san . . . Sayuri." Botan said, the new Knight Leader tried to get near her sister. "Please, it's alright. I understand why you feel the way you do. You've had to bear something terrible. But you're tired Sayuri. You need time to rest. Please, I can't imagine how hard it must have been, trying to protect everyone by yourself." Botan spread her arms, smiling kindly. "You know, I've always respected you Sayuri-san, ever since I met you. So please, let my carry your burden for a while. All of your Sisters will be happy to keep you company while you rest."

The other Knights nodded and began to speak up one after another.

"Please Sayuri-san, you do so much for us."

"Sayuri-san, you mustn't push yourself!"

"Sayuri." Hinagiku said, "Sayuri, please listen to your Sisters. We're all worried for you."

Sayuri's head spun about, with each kind gesture or gentle plea to rest the Knight's pulse grew faster and her breathing more labored. Slowly, Sayuri began to shake her head. "Nnn . . . No! No no no no no!" She shouted. "You're wrong! The threat isn't gone! I can't rest yet! I'm the only who can protect the Garden!"

"Sayuri?" Hinagiku asked, worry turning to understanding. "Please, don't you see, you're sick? You can't let go of your anger. I'm sure this is Yggdrasil-sama's way of telling you it's okay to rest."

"Then Yggrasil-sama made a mistake!" Sayuri screamed. No sooner had the words left Sayuri's lips then her eyes widened, the Knight clutched at her head.

"Sayuri?" Hinagiku asked.

"I AM NOT A MISTAKE!" She screamed at the top of her lungs, wings stretching out to the sides. She stumbled about as if in a daze. "I'm not . . . I'm not . . . . a mistake." Sayuri whispered shaking her head again. "My Garden is gone . . . my Sisters . . . why . . . If Yggdrasil-sama didn't want me . . . then why did she make me!" Everyone, even the humans, cringed. Sayuri sounded lost, defeated. There was nothing left inside of her. Sayuri shook her head slowly, stumbling, she took a half step back. "I . . . I won't . . . I won't accept it . . . I WON'T!" Before anyone could stop her, Sayuri kicked off, shooting into the sky. A faint piercing whistle came from above and a black shape swept down from the crest of the World Tree. Sayuri's feathered dragon chasing after his master.

"Quickly! After her!" Botan shouted, "Sayuri-san isn't herself!" The other Knights swiftly gave chase, the rumbling of willow wasp wings coming from above as the mounted Knights took to the air.

Botan was just about to follow when Hinagiku stopped her. "Kigiku and the others can catch Sayuri. You need to rest now."

"But . . ." Botan began and then closed her mouth at Hinagiku's level gaze.

"Besides, there are things that need to be seen to. If the threat has ended, then that means the Shamans once again lead the Garden. And that means I will need an escort in order to go speak with the beings."

Botan's eyes widened and then she quickly nodded, "I would be honored Hinagiku-sama!"

"Hina is just fine." Hinagiku sighed, "It is what Kigiku calls me, and I think you've earned the right." Hinagiku turned her attention back to the humans. "Now then, in good faith, it's probably best that we return you to your people. It must have been quite difficult for you to travel here. I'm afraid the journey back won't be any easier. But there is a river not far from here. That would be the easiest path out of the forest."

"If it means getting back to Tarbes, I'm all for it." Kirche groaned.

Yui was still worried about Sayuri but she smiled nonetheless. A sense of relief flourished in her. Aunt Suguha was probably sick with worry by now. Yui noticed as Botan drifted closer coming to hover before her. There was a strange expression on the Knights face as Yui extended her hand. Botan settled onto her palm, looking up at her curiously.

"Botan-san." Yui began.

"So this is what you really look like?" Botan cut in.

"U-un." Yui nodded. "I'm sorry I didn't tell anyone. I was scared I would get in trouble if Sayuri knew."

"You did get in trouble." Botan observed meeting Yui's eyes.

Yui shifted a little, "Are you angry?" Botan had every right to be. After all, she had been wilfully deceived.

Botan crossed her arms beneath her chest, giving the question some thought. "You bet I'm angry." The Knight said. And then opening her eyes, "I thought when I finished blossoming I'd finally be taller than you!"

"How does that feel? Too tight?" Florine asked as she adjusted the wrappings on Yui's shoulder. It was early evening and the sun was just about to set as Yui sat in the home of the healer, looking about curiously as the woman worked. Florine was amazingly gentle, even without using her magic, Yui could barely feel a thing as the healer prodded her shoulder for signs of further injury and then carefully applied a topical anti inflammatory ointment and cast a weak spell to numb the pain.

"Mmm." Yui shook her head. "It's fine."

"Thank you so much for doing this." Suguha said as she sat at Yui's side. Her Aunt hadn't let Yui out of her sight since she'd gotten back. Upon seeing Yui's injured arm, Aunt Suguha had planned to use healing magic but Florine had stopped her. Powerful healing magic was best used cautiously on children whose bodies were not fully grown and there was no telling yet if Faerie magic worked any differently. Instead, she had offered to care to take care of it herself.

Florine worked quickly, tying off the bandages to keep Yui's shoulder in place while it healed. Nothing had been broken, but the shoulder had been nearly dislocated by Fernand's savage beating and the muscles had been bruised and torn.

Florine smiled faintly, "It's nothing, Arthur tells me that Yui helped to keep Euphrasie safe." The healer paused in her work for a moment to squeeze Yui's hand. "I should be the one thanking you, Yui."

Yui smiled, "You're welcome Florine-san. But still, thank you for your help."

Hinagiku had offered to use pixie healing magic, but Florine wouldn't hear of it. "Your heathen magic might be perfectly fine for animals. But a little girl should be taken care of by a proper water mage." The healer had said. Hinagiku had actually grown quite indignant at this. It was the first time Yui could ever remember seeing the Shaman look angry. Personally, Yui suspected that ALfheim healing magic would have been more potent, but in her human form, she had to agree, she didn't know how her body would respond. For the same reason, she hadn't attempted to change back to her Pixie form since returning from the forest. Explaining her appearance to the Tristanian's had proven easier than expected, Louise and Tabitha seemed quite satisfied with the explanation that Yui simply knew a transformation spell. Kirche had remained suspicious but in the end, decided it simply wasn't worth arguing about.

"Now then. Keep it in the sling for the next three days. After that, you should only use it for light lifting for another week. I'm sorry I can't do more. If I had the right reagents I could heal it over night." Florine explained. "But those are much too expensive, none of my patients would be able to afford them."

"It's alright." Yui assured her.

"You've already done more than enough." Suguha agreed.

Florine walked over to her windowsill where the empty flower vases sat. "Have I really done enough? I don't think so. In a way, I have a part in all of this, after all." Yui frowned as she heard the Guilt in the healer's voice.

"You didn't know any more than Euphrasie." Yui said. "You shouldn't beat yourself up about something you couldn't help, Florine-san."

"I suppose you're right." Florine said doubtfully.

"How is Euphrasie doing now?" Suguha asked.

Florine ran a hand through her hair. "She's fine. Exhausted, but fine. Arthur carried her back here and put her to bed, her and Lily." The healer shook her head in disbelief, "I never thought I'd have a second one to worry about."

Florine had been reluctant when she had first met Lily. The tiny Pixie girl had hidden herself behind Euphrasie's shoulder as she was introduced. While being tolerant of the Pixies was one thing, the idea of one living in her home was quite another. However, Florine had soon been won over after seeing the way the Euphrasie and Lily got along. Euphrasie doting on Lily like a younger sibling while Lily faithfully follower her "Elder Sister" and hung on her every word. Hinagiku had thought it was for the best that the two stay together. Lily simply didn't seem very happy unless she was with Euphrasie, she inevitably started crying at the slightest hint of being separated.

"Well then, we should probably get going." Suguha said. "Hinagiku says some of the other Elder Sisters are going to come by tomorrow so we can work out an agreement with the Garden."

"It won't be easy." Florine warned, "Many of the Villagers hate the Pixies now. Especially after everything that has happened just since you got here."

That was true. Yui thought. Resentment would probably exist for quite a while, despite Hinagiku's promise to try and make right the damage that the Pixies had done to Tarbes. But at the same time, there was reason to hope. The Count was very sympathetic to the plight of the Pixies, and after hearing the full story, even Roseau had been willing to speak with Hinagiku and was willing to come to an arrangement so long as the Pixies helped to fix the damaged they had caused.

"I don't think it will be a problem in the long term." Suguha decided aloud. "There's too many ways for the Pixies to help a village like Tarbes. They're really good with plants and animals, and they can probably help you collect reagents."

"The villagers have a lot more in common with the Pixies then they think." Yui agreed.

Florine had looked doubtful but told them that she hoped they were right and would be praying to the Founder that the peace would last. As they made their way down to the road, Yui saw the Count departing by the side door. It reminded Yui of something she had been meaning to ask. However, there was the issue of Confidentiality .

"Aunt Sugu?" Yui said.

"Yes?" Suguha asked, looking down at Yui. The Sylph still looked very tired, but also much more at ease now that she knew Yui was safe.

Yui glanced back at the count who had stopped to admire the flowers in Florine's garden. "Could you go just a little ways ahead without me. I won't be long."

"Oh?" Suguha looked confused. "Is something wrong?"

"Mmm." Yui shook her head. "It's just something a little private. I won't leave your sight, I just want to talk to Arthur about something."

Suguha thought the request over and nodded slowly. "Okay, Yui." Suguha smiled. "But don't leave my sight."

"Un." Yui had nodded before walking back down the roadway and taking a seat atop a fence dividing two fields adjacent to the road way. The Count made his way from Florine's garden and spotted her almost immediately.

"Ah, Yui!" The Count said, a little surprised to see her. The Count responded well to children yet seemed to suffer intense anxiety around adults. Perhaps that was why he got along so well with the Pixies.

Query "Arthur-san, where are Celandine, Iris, and Olive?" Yui asked. Hinagiku had decided that it was best for the three Little Sisters, like Lily, to stay with their human caretaker for the time being. The Count had seemed delighted when he had heard the news. Even though they had only been with him for one day, it was clear that the Count had fallen in love with the Pixies, treating them like his own daughters.

"Oh, the girls, yes, the girls." The Count said. "I asked them if they would like to stay the night with their sister. They seemed quite happy with that, yes, quite happy, besides, I'll be up late tonight, I have . . . Have to see to Fernand's affairs." The Count shook his head slowly. "Fernand . . . Never did keep his things in order." Yui felt for the Count. In saving the Garden, he had seen the worst parts of his only friend, and been forced to kill him for it. "In any case, it seems you were waiting for me."

Louise Valliere stared down at the paper spread before her, eye twitching slowly as she read through scribbled revisions and crossed out words for the fifth time. As proud as she was of her accomplishment in helping to slay the Boss, and as pleased she was to see everything falling so neatly into place. She rather wished she could be done with this blasted report! It was the afternoon of the day after the defeat of Lhamthanc and the return of the villagers to Tarbes, and Louise had found herself with the unenviable task of writing the initial report that would be handed in to Henrietta upon their triumphant return to the Capitol. Louise sat beside a window in the Village Chiefs home, using Roseau's writing desk to draft her report. Once again, Louise had been astonished by the level of literacy in the Village. Apparently it was another one of the 'practices' that Roseau's uncles had started that every child in the Village learn to read and write.

That morning, a delegation of the Pixies had arrived at the edge of the forest. A half dozen each of the three different varieties of Pixies, intent on speaking with the Count and Louise.

The Villagers had been suspicious of the Pixies as they gathered before Louise, the Count, and the Village chief. There had been mutters of resentment and whispered threats. But at the Count's insistence, the villagers had listened reluctantly, and slowly, after several demonstrations on the part of the Pixies, their interest had been piqued. There were still dissenters, people who wanted the Pixies gone, but many of the commoners could see the potential benefits and the Count's endorsement meant a lot to the Villagers.

The Pixies were proving to be quite accommodating. The Garden had already agreed to help the families whose homes had been destroyed in their raids. There was a great deal the Pixies could do to help the Village get back on its feet.

For instance, the Pixies were naturally adept at caring for plants and animals, their ability to judge soil quality was nearly as good as an Earth Mage, and with their natural sense of smell they could detect diseases long before they became apparent to a human farmer. This had been demonstrated by one of the Little Sisters who had been asked to examine some of the grape vines in the fields near the forest.

The tiny girl had homed in on a number of normal looking vines that under closer examination bore the hallmarks of a fungal infestation that might have spread to the other grape vines if left unchecked. If the Pixies were willing to lend a handful of Little Sisters to the people of Tarbes even once a week, the health of the vineyards could be greatly improved.

The Pixies had also offered to harvest Reagents for Florine, taking a few small samples and returning later that day with the herbs and flowers that the healer had requested.

Similarly, the Pixie's mobs were set to be tremendously useful. The Farmers of Tarbes had watched on, first anxiously, and then with open admiration as a pack of Dagger Dogs had demonstrated their ability to herd the local livestock and protect them from feral animals and mobs. The Alfheim canines were incredibly intelligent and fearsome enough to discourage all but the largest animals. They barely needed any supervision, and after being instructed by their Pixie handlers, were quite mild around humans. Tabitha had even demonstrated this by walking up to one of the wolf-like animals and stroking it atop the head. The dog had sat stock straight, tail wagging slowly like one of Father's loyal hunting hounds.

In return, there was much that the Villagers could offer the Pixies. The diminutive Fae had difficulty performing physically strenuous tasks on their own, being forced to rely on their mobs to maintain firebreaks and clear the brush from sections of the forest. Some of the farmers had cautiously offered their help from time to time with these more difficult tasks.

The Village could also offer the services of its bee keepers and apiaries. The Pixies absolutely loved honey, but they were ill suited to raising bees due to their small size. Honey and the service of some of the hives to help pollinate sections of the forests were both highly sought after.

Finally, there had been the manufactured goods, items that the Pixies couldn't make for themselves. The high quality steel sewing needles produced by the towns blacksmith were in high demand among the Garden's Knights as miniature swords, and sewing thread was used as a stand in for rope.

Louise leaned back thoughtfully in her chair. In the end, she didn't think there was any reason the Pixies and Villagers couldn't live together peacefully. The areas of influence of the Garden and Village rarely overlapped, and there was too much that the two could offer one another. Especially now that they had both been so badly hurt. And strangely enough, the Count actually seemed to come into his own in dealing with the Pixies. Perhaps confronting his treacherous Majordomo had finally shaken loose whatever nonsense had been rattling around inside of his skull.

"Oy, Louise, what's a good strong word for Giant Snake." Klein asked as he tapped his quill absently in a corner of the paper. While Louise made her report to Henrietta, Klein had been given the task of filing a similar report for the Faerie Lords written in that bizarre alphabet of theirs. Honestly, the Fae ought to learn to use proper letters now that they were becoming citizens of Tristain!

"Mmm. Try Basilisk maybe?" Louise scratched her head. "No, that can't be right. It's a flying Serpent so we should definitely call it a dragon."

"Quetzalcoatl." Klein corrected.

Louise waved her hands, "I have no idea how to spell that!"

"Did someone mention Quetzalcoatl?" KoKo asked from the doorway. Looking up, Louise saw the hunter had just returned with Kirche and Tabitha in tow. Louise felt a smug little burst of pride when she saw the thoughtful look on Kirche's face. They had been out with the raid group looking over the carcass of Lhamthanc. Seeing it for herself had finally shut the Germanian up. "Let's see, Ke – Tsu – Ko – Wa – Ru -To? That should work, right?"

"You know, that made no sense to me." Louise sighed, when the Fae tried to spell out words, it always sounded so bizarre. "By the way, what's that?" Louise pointed to something hanging from KoKo's hand.

The Cait Sith grinned mischievously. "Oh, this?" She lifted what appeared to be a triangular bit of metal that had been wrapped in leather and then attached to a silver chain like a pendant. "I was talking to Gaius and the others and the raid Group has decided they're going to chip in and have something made in honor of your last attack bonus." The hunter explained. "But that's going to take a couple of weeks. In the mean time, I thought you might like a little memento."

KoKo tossed the pendant to Louise who caught it clumsily. Examining it closely, the metallic surface was glossy and rippled with a texture not unlike mother of pearl. One edge was jagged as if the piece of metal had been taken from the shattered tip of a sword. The other two edges were smoothly serrated, tapering to a sharp point like the tooth of a dragon. Like . . . A dragon!

"This is . . ." Louise began.

"The tip off of one of old Steel Toothed's incisors." KoKo confirmed with a hint of pride. "Back home, there's some nasty fish that live in the ocean, and sometimes people keep their teeth a souvenirs." KoKo explained. "So it got me thinking. It's not much but I promise we've got something bigger in the works."

Louise held the tooth thoughtfully and then looked back at KoKo's expectant gaze. The hunter's tail was twisting about, waiting for Louise's reply. It was such a silly thing! Louise thought. Like something out of some barbaric culture beyond the Elven lands. Why, she wouldn't be caught dead wearing something like this! But even so . . . Carefully, Louise placed the pendant around her neck, the tooth falling to rest just above her heart, a tiny fragment of pure pearl. She had worn necklaces for special occasions before, gaudy things or polished gold and silver that were covered in jewels. But Louise thought, at least to her, that little piece of tooth put them all to shame.

"Thanks, KoKo." Louise said awkwardly, she had meant it as a simple courtesy, but realized almost immediately that she had actually meant it.

The Cait Sith smiled easily. "You definitely earned it Louise."

"She's right you know." Kirche nodded in agreement. "I'll admit it Louise, you did good. Which reminds me." Kirche smiled, "Louise, you've been neglecting your special lessons."