Dream Star 775 Tired

Of course, she is comfortable. Lila leaned into his hold. 'If it's this person, then she can trust him, can't she?' That's a stupid question to ask. She trusted him from the very start, even before her feelings for him grew. 

She wonders if one day she will be able to tell him everything. 

-----

Two days later in Star Town

'How foolish and naive of her!' Sumire cursed mentally as she rushed through the forest. What was she thinking of taking Freya outside? It was only the garden, but as expected, they were lurking around waiting. 

To think they took the child right in front of her. If she wasn't in her weakened state, that wouldn't have happened. But, this is no time to make excuses. What has happened has happened.

Traveling through the darkness, only she can do it. Kyo-chan must have understood that too, otherwise she would have most likely come along. 

It's fine, don't make that face, nothing will happen to her, as long as she is the Queen of Darkness. Anything dangerous occurring at night cannot phase her. 

Although she used the red queen's powers bit by bit since that day, it's still awfully unstable. But after connecting her unstable power with that girl with similar power, she's gained the ability to use it at least for a few hours. That girl, who is she? 

Sumire doesn't sense any malice from her, and yet that ability is questionable. Her thoughts broke off when someone grabs hold of her arm, she's immediately greeted by long black hair.

 "Lucifer.."

"I thought I sensed your presence. What are you doing here? By yourself?"

"As if they took my daughter. So I am here to rescue her.."

This guy's meaningless teasing doesn't change, and he says it so easily. How on earth did Makino-chan deal with a guy like him? No, rather how on earth did she manage to keep up with somebody like this?

"Your daughter? Ah, the new one. She was being dragged off by some men to the abandoned warehouses."

"Why didn't you say that before…" Sumire proceeds to leave when Lucifer grabs hold of her wrist.

"It's been a while since we last met, and you're cold now?"

'What long time…' Then again, she did sleep for many days. The last time she saw this person, he was covered in blood. 'He protected me.' That was something she couldn't deny.

"Lucifer…"

"You seem to be suffering. Isn't this the perfect opportunity to release it for a while. My queen."

She flinched slightly, but she regained her composure easily.

In the past, such words would have done the trick, and she would have activated the queen of dark powers and transformation. However, it's different, although it was only a short while that trick would have worked. Sumire could say for sure that something has changed now. She clasped his cheeks with a light pat.

Lucifer looked at her, puzzled. "Is this a new greeting?" He seemed genuinely confused at her actions.

"Now is not the time for that! Since your here, perfect timing. Please get rid of the troublesome ones on the outskirts for me."

Unfortunately, she has yet to recover properly; she will need help.

"A strange woman as usual. Very well."

"Good!"

"You've been running for a bit. Should you not rest?"

"I'm fine."

Lucifer shook his head.. "Although it's never been in your nature to plan ahead. This time around, it would be wiser for you to do so. The fact that pests are involved shows that this case may not be a simple jealousy one."

He made a point there. If it was just regular ruffians, she wouldn't have to worry about charging in without a plan.

Sumire blinked when she realized something. "Wait, how long have you been following me?"

"Take your guess."

This guy -- he doesn't change. He is still as sly and sneaky as ever. But the fact that he followed after her despite being busy shows that he must be worried. Well, she still feels strange about it. But he isn't that bad of a person. 

Ryuuji-kun is going to scold her later on. However, for now, Sumire sat down beside him and leaned her head on his shoulder.

"Your fatigued and have lost weight."

"It's difficult for me to make darkness food in front of Yuhi, so I try not to."

"I see how foolish. Is there any need for you to be so considerate at this stage? You already abandoned him once."

"How harsh."

"I am merely stating the truth."

"That's true. Honestly, even if I don't eat and lose weight. It makes no difference already. My life spam has already been affected. My death will be in this appearance even after everyone, dear to me, has disappeared. I shall remain in this form."

"You have not told anyone, I presume?"

Sumire shook her head. "If I did, it would merely worry them further. I know, I know very well that everybody is worrying more about me even now. I may have returned, but I hardly go out, and when I do, it's not the same as before. The sight, the sceneries, and things I used to love have lost its color. 

It can't be how it was before. To what extent was something they couldn't measure.. they probably didn't realize how bad it was, and yet they're all smiles when they see me. I'm grateful. But surely they know too, how good I am at reading their emotions. If I told them they would find a way to stop it or do it to themselves."

That's right, even though she abandoned them. Sumire understands it fully well; even now, the rest would still throw away and sacrifice the important things for her sake. Part of the reason why she left maybe because of that. She no longer wants to tie people to herself to that extent anymore. 

She is tired. She knows they are all doing it out of their own will, but it doesn't make it better.

Lucifer pulled her closer and exhaled deeply. "You are suffering even more than you were then when you were by my side. Indeed, I see why you chose to leave. Although numerous factors are involved too."

This man was at the center of that destruction so many years ago, is someone who can understand her. She is tired, even now. She is still so tired. But she has to manage, even though it is exhausting.

Lucifer must understand that, and that's why he uses whatever opportunity he can to get close to her. He is trying to persuade her. Sumire knows full well; if she truly does accept, he would be able to take her away. 

He would take her somewhere far away, where no prying eyes would see them, where it would just be them two. He may be a villain. He may have caused grief and so much harm to everyone she cares about. But Sumire does not doubt that he would treat her kindly if she became his.

A deep sigh pa.s.sed her lips. What is she doing thinking about such things? How foolish, this is not the time for such things.