8 Ruthritia Flarebume

Wailing voices that seemed to cry and scream from the depths of hell resonated and echoed in his mind repeatedly and haunted him, accompanied by a bell ringing sound against his ears that made him deaf. 

His face was pale and his unfocused eyes, filled and with terror, as he collapsed on his fours.

'Who am I?'

'Who are you?' 

These are the questions that kept resonating in his mind that were directed to himself. It echoed in his head repeatedly like there are many people inside his head. 

Now that he realized it.

If he exert more effort in recalling his identity on earth, he kept encountering the feeling of being blocked out and rejected, and he always ends up getting one answer. 

Oliphym 

'Why this name? '

'Who was Oliphym?' 

Somehow, ever since he came to this world, he have subconsciously gave this name to himself and accepted it. 

Something is wrong with him! 

This deafening sounds appears to be only heard by himself, as no one in the house still comes to him. 

He then collapsed heavily on the floor as both his hands clutched his head, the feeling of his head being split apart. 

Visions of shadows similar to avians could be recognized in these visions.

All of them were floating before him in an uneven line.

The visions of himself and these shadows being struck by innumerable rays of blniding light kept repeating over and over.

In his struggle, his mind could no longer handle it as his vision faded against his will.

There were small traces of blood coming out of his ears, nose, and eyes as he laid on the floor motionless. 

-----

Outside the house.

In their new residence, Amanda thought about it very carefully before she bought the property. 

One of it's perks is that, it's isolated, and the nearest household to them is within the city walls.

Around the house are some few trees and vacant plots of land to plant, but it's mostly just plain ground that made it seemed spacious. 

"My name, is Ruthritia Flareblume. Sister Amanda, I would just want to let you know that I'll be parting ways with you after this day."

Holding the hem of her skirt, she requested in a graceful and polite manner. 

Truth to be told, if Oliphym see her at this moment, he'd think that she was so beautiful beyond reason, amplified by her noble bearing and unreadable smile that couldn't be seen through. 

Amanda was surprised and paused for a moment, at her request and declaration, and it showed on her beautiful face.

But she also noticed something else. 

A family name! She is from a noble bloodline! 

Vampires with noble bloodline has a indisputable reputation of being powerful even among the demons. 

How did someone of her stature ended up being captured by the slavers? 

Being smart as she was, she can only conclude one cause. 

Conspiracy!

"..I'm sorry, I've been rude to you!" Amanda was about to bend on her knees when Ruth stopped her. 

"Please sister Amanda, don't be suddenly polite, please treat me how you always did like the others." Ruth interjected.

Amanda showed no problem with her request as she slowly complied. 

During her times with the slavers and even when she was saved by Oliphym, she never caused any trouble. Even Amanda noticed this. 

This displayed how capable she is in adapting to her situations.

Amanda chose to wait for her to speak further to explain, and Ruth didn't fail her. 

"I must return to my homeland, beyond the vast great forest on the east, after crossing the turbulent mountain range." Ruth said briefly. 

"When do you wish to go? Is there anything I can help with?"

"Tomorrow soonest. I'll spend the remaining time getting the supplies I need for the journey. Miss Amanda wouldn't mind lending me roots for some expenses right?" 

Of course she wouldn't mind. She shook here head and decided to lend her money.

"Do you need a horse?"

"I can use 'flight' for my journey, and store my luggage using a magic tool." she said as she gently held a simple hair ornament on her head. 

This eased Amanda's worries. Then as if recalling something, Amanda's gaze deepened. 

"..Will you be taking the three girls with you?" 

Yes, she had to ask that as well. 

Nobody was blind about her relationship with the three. The figure of three girls appeared in Ruth's mind. 

"They'll be remaining here with you. The journey is too dangerous." there was a trace of unwillingness in her eyes, but her voice contained firm will.

"Okay, I'll look after them for you. But please be sure to let them know, alright?" like a proper lady, she advised Ruth. Ruth didn't answered and just smiled. 

-----

By the time Oliphym woke up, he found himself lying on the couch.

His head still throbbed and ached a little, like having a hangover but abit worse.

He also noticed noticed that he felt something heavy that was lying on his arm, making it slightly numb.

He discovered Jianne was taking a nap beside him who was using his arm as a pillow, which made him a bit puzzled.

'Geez, is it fine to make an assumption that she was worried?' he thought with a helpless smile as he rub her head in a gentle manner.

Not long later, after more than twenty breaths worth of time, Zeian appeared, while being accompanied by Wisteria.

"Ah, big brother is awake!"

"Big brother!" 

Wisteria greeted and called out, followed by Zeian.

He gestured them to be quiet along with a gentle smile, as he arranged Jianne's sleeping posture on the couch before he sit up.

"Hi Zeian. Who brought me up the sofa?"

"Brother, it was sister Canna, sister Snow, and sister Ali who pulled you onto the sofa. Sister Jianne was the one who ran to you and found you first."

Hmm? But Jianne was with the children the entire time. How did she knew?

He even doesn't recognize the name Snow. Probably among those he haven't known yet.

Oliphym thought, getting even more puzzled about his real connection with Jianne, as it  may be not a simple connection as him swallowing the seed she gave him.

What's more, he can no longer recall the cause of his collapse yesterday, like it was a fleeting dream immediately forgotten. But his senses were suspiciously dull and weak, which made him not used to it, especially his sense of hearing, making him feel like he would lose his balance. 

Later on, after half an incense time, the house has been cleaned and it was Amanda and Canna who came to see him right after they were done.

For some strange reason, the sleeping figure of Jianne would find her way to him, who was sitted on the opposite side of the couch that time.

Her small figure curled on his lap, and used his chest as a pillow.

Oliphym couldn't help it, and was left with no choice but to remain as it is.

He noticed that from outside the window, the sun was already setting.

He estimated the time to be around 05:00 in the afternoon if there were clocks in this world.

"Brother Oliphym, you made us worried. What happened to you?" Amanda addressed him, almost abit more intimate, ever since arriving to the house.

"I am sorry. I cannot answer that. I am not sure either. But, Amanda, what's with the sudden address, 'brother'?" he asked.

"Its the children who came up with it, so we couldn't just say no. Do you know what I mean?" Amanda replied, as if telling him a hint.

"Yes I do. It can't be helped then. Then brother it is then! " he said while closing his eyes and clenching his fist emotionally, imagining the scenario of Jianne, Zeian, and Wisteria coming up with it with sparkling eyes.

An obvious delight was on Zeian's and Wisteria's faces as they cheered and ran towards the hallway, as if to let the other's know.

He looked around and noticed something.

Aside from the sleeping Jianne, Amanda, Canna, and himself, there was no one else.

In the end he asked Amanda about Ruth. 

When he learned what they talked about, and the reason behind it, the first thing that came to his mind was the three girls, including Ali. 

"Ruth already left. She is currently staying in the city, and will be departing tomorrow to continue on her journey."

Oliphym couldn't help but thought of Ruth's figure. 

Everytime he saw her, he just couldn't figure out a single thing about her, but her eyes always have something in them. 

Those eyes resembled a determined person without any hesitation.

She was beautiful too, which he honestly thought in his mind.