Phantasia had sensed the approaching aura, but Lyra didn’t look surprised when Faye appeared at the end of the table without a sound, hands clasped behind her back. For a Water faerie, listening in to the conversation from across the building wouldn’t have been a challenge.

“Lyra Byrne, your cynical analysis of the world’s situation is born from your own troubled past,” said Faye, “However, your conclusion that human emotions are the source of this world’s state is a rational and justified one. I applaud your common sense,”

Lyra smirked. “So ye can be nice to people,”

“My position is neutral in all aspects,” said Faye, “The truth does not sit upon a scale of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. These are perceptions that change with the individual,”

Lyra raised an eyebrow. “So what’s your theory on love?”

“Love is an exchange of mutual appreciation, a bond formed between individuals that empowers them with each other’s strength,” Faye replied, “For example, Phantasia once shared a bond of love with a man named Dionysus. Because of their relationship, Phantasia was able to become the person she is now and bares his mark to this very day,”

“So that’s what it was, huh?” said Lyra, eyes narrowing.

“I didn’t think of it like that…” said Phantasia, “He said we were like brother and sister…”

“Human relationship terminology is a confusing subject,” said Faye, “As are the relationships themselves. As Lyra Byrne has already concluded, the power of these bonds can and does breed an equal power of darkness,”

“Ye can tell you girls are from one of those crazy tribes,” said Lyra, “Ye think we all oughta be getting rid of our emotions, right? Be living like robots or something? Logic rules and all that?”

“That is not a logical solution,” said Faye, “Understanding and control of your emotions and the darkness they bring is the logical solution to your problems,”

“Well that ain’t ever gonna happen,” sighed Lyra, “Looks like we’re trapped in the circle of death for the rest of eternity,”

You’re being awfully open about things, thought Phantasia as Lyra’s mood soured and she began munching on her leaves in silence.

That is because Lyra Byrne realises we are not human, replied Faye, Her past experiences have not only informed her of our kind, but have enabled her to circumvent the illusions.

Lyra knows? replied Phantasia, watching as the Raven girl’s face slipped behind messy curtains of strawberry-blonde hair, She’s never even hinted at it before.

She understands the situation, replied Faye, and her thoughts are well guarded: she must be aware of my own abilities and how to effectively counter them. Ceres Mendoza shares her unanticipated knowledge.

Figured Ceres. Her and Korrigan are with that SEELIE thing. Speaking – well, thinking – of which, you spoke to Mr Payne?

Indeed I have. Rembrandt Payne was aware of the ruins but not of the gateway. He intends to investigate the ruins and the planned summoning, which appears to have connections to the group that summoned the shadow demons you call ‘leansídhe’.

The group behind the leansídhe? That’s who Yokai is working for – I told you it was them behind it! We gotta investigate!

Lyra finished her food as the two faeries sat in silence, then slipped the container in her bag and stood up. “I’ll be leaving youse two to ye silent pondering,” she said before leaving with an awkward smile.

I would not recommend was take action at this time, Faye’s thoughts continued, Should we encounter resistance in the form of Yokai Kitsune – or indeed any other renegade faerie – we would be at a significant disadvantage. Although his resources are limited, it would be responsible to leave this in the hands of Rembrandt Payne for the time being.

Chapter 44
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