Alphonse reached up and grasped a hand that prodded him awake. The feelings brought out by the memory of the betrayal still lingered. His grip on the pale wrist was tighter than he intended as the emotions rushed through him, but the unknown hand did not retract.
Light. Bright, blinding light. He was unaccustomed to it after being trapped in the dungeon for so long.
The dungeon...
Alphonse rose with a start and instinctively reached for a weapon. His free hand grasped at nothing. The scabbard harboring his short sword was empty. Actually, not even the scabbard remained.
The terrible realization almost forced him into panic mode, but then he felt a hand press against his chest. He might've grabbed that one as well if it hadn't been so reassuring and tender.
"At ease," a voice whispered.
Alphonse's hand froze, and his eyes adapted to the light.
A room with smooth, stone walls came into focus. A supple, soft sensation pressed into his back as he eased down with the gentle insistence from whoever sat next to him.
He turned and thought he saw a familiar face. When the full sharpness of sight returned he noticed that the one who sat next to him wasn't the catgirl he'd seen in the dungeon.
'That's right...I was saved,' Alphonse thought.
The girl observed him with a somber look. Her skin was paler - a milky, smooth white. The familiar, spike-shaped markings were on her cheeks as well. The ears on top of her head were a dark red that poked through long, crimson hair that flowed to her waist. Hazel eyes with thin pupils gave him a once-over.
She removed a wet towel that clung to his forehead and replaced it with the palm of her hand. When she seemed satisfied, she retracted her hand into the wide sleeve of a white robe. Blue trimmings on the robe traced the contours of her body and met at a cross-shaped symbol near the chest area.
"Who..." Alphonse started. He eased himself up, slower this time. The girl didn't move to stop him.
He flinched as her warm hand pressed against his forehead again and lifted some of his messy brown hair. There was no longer the gritty feeling of dirt and dried blood as her fingers brushed aside a few strands.
"Yes, looks like your fever broke." She reached into a basket and procured a roll of bandages. "It gave you bad dreams. Your leg, please."
Alphonse complied without a word. She undid the old bandages around his wounded leg and replaced them with fresh ones. Before she finished, he saw the tight sutures where he'd been impaled by the rock.
"You outworld adventurers have impressive health regeneration," she said. The comment didn't seem directed at him.
She stood and backed away when she finished. "Can you stand?"
Alphonse swung his legs over the side of the bed and planted his feet as if the floor was made of nails. He shifted weight to his healthier leg and then over to his injured side. He winced as a sharp pain flared up. It only lasted for a second though. He managed a few steps with only a slight limp.
He let out a relieved laugh. "I-I think I'm good."
The catgirl spoke in that solemn tone, "My name is Asa. My sister, Kirie, found you near death in the dungeon. She already informed me about those who betrayed you." She paused as if she realized how insincere her words sounded. "I'm sorry."
The girl was different from her sister. She still seemed to have that blunt tone, but at least her words held a bit of sincerity. She also seemed rather absent-minded for someone so diligent with healing.
"It's alright. Thank you. Seriously. You both saved my life." Alphonse bowed to show his deep appreciation, but also to hide the teary happiness.
"You're welcome." She gave him a small smile. "Can you walk for a short while?"
"Um, yeah. I think so."
She nodded. "Good. Please, follow me. Our mother has been waiting patiently for you."
It took a moment for her last sentence to register. "Your mother?" Alphonse asked.
The catgirl didn't answer as she turned away and proceeded out of the room.
Alphonse looked around and noticed that the light source was from a wide depression in the ceiling. What light it filtered was beyond him, but he was understandably hesitant to leave the warmth. He'd just woken up, and already this catgirl had him up and about.
He lingered for a short time before following.
'Where is this? What are these girls doing here?' he wondered.
He shook his head and willed the questions away. No doubt they would be answered soon.