As he was just closing the door behind him, he heard a soft click - then the situation dawned on him. He was currently locked up in an attic. With someone, or something else, maybe.

He sighed and sat down, silently cursing Sasuke. Why oh why was the ex Dragon Knight so nice? Sure, he knew Sasuke was prone to mischief - no one is this castle does NOT know. But when the ninja told him to check on the attic because there was a "weird noise and come on, you should go check it out, I mean you're used to weird things, look at your best friend and your pet". What a nice guy, that ninja. And Lord Riou just smiled like always, nodding his head, and really, Futch just could not say no. So he went to the famous room. Then someone pushed him, he fell, and then he heard that "click", which was certainly the sound of a key turning in a lock. The key, in fact.

So, fast forward to a few minutes, while Futch was immensely regretting his decision, he tried his best to look at the bright side. Well, figuratively. He looked around him, but all he could see was darkness, and a slight ray of light coming from a far side - probably the roof. Even though he was locked up in a small and dark room, he tried to rationalize. He knew that when someone would realize he was missing, they would look for him for sure. For sure, right?

But he wondered who -or what ?- went there before him. Maybe it was just some mice not appreciating Hai Yo's favorite Red pepper spiced dish.

"Hey." He said, feeling uneasy. He was used to darkness when he lived in the Dragon Cave before, but it was not the Dragon Cave and he felt quite unconfortable. "Is someone there? Just so you know, we're locked up."

"Oh God. Really? So it wasn't locked before?"

So there was someone. He could not see her. Yes, he assumed she was a her, only because of her girly voice. It felt familiar somehow. She was almost whispering. She must have been quite lonely. How long had she been in here?

"Who are you?" He dared to ask.

"Do you care?"

"Yes I do because I came here for you." Well, not for her especially, but to check on things. But he was not one to beat around the bush?

"To get me out of here? What a fine job you did."

"What?"

He heard a chuckle.

"Are we going to stay locked up?"

"How the heck would I know...?" He sighed.

"I didn't know you could talk like that."

"Do you even know who I am?"

"Yes, I did recognize your voice, unlike you."

He felt quite embarrassed. So he was supposed to know her.

"Just tell me who you are." He heard something shift. "Maybe we can try calling for help?"

"Oh, by the Gods. Don't you think I've already tried? No one answered me, you know. That's why I'm still in there. And wounded."

"How? I mean, what did you do to get hurt?"

"Well if you haven't realized yet, it's pitch dark. As I was trying to find a way out, I fell onto something, or something fell onto me, and now I think my knee's bleeding." What a smartass she was.

"How can you know that it's bleeding?" Well, two can play that game.

"I don't think water would flow spontaneously from my knee."

She was quite cheeky. He did not recall having ever spoken to a girl like that before.

"Can you at least tell me your name?" He asked for the third time.

"If we're going to stay here for a little while, why don't we play a game?"

"Well, I have an idea." He sighed. "Let's play Twenty questions. I begin. "Who are you?'"

"Relax!" He heard another chuckle, and a slight sound of shifting. "If you win the game, I'll tell you who I am."

"And if I win?"

"You can't win at my games."

"What if I win?" She was getting on his nerves. Or maybe it was the darkness getting to him, driving him slightly insane. Who knows.

"Well. I don't know. Maybe I'll give you a special treat."

He tried to concentrate but he could really see nothing but a slight spot of light coming from the roof, and it was clearly not enough to see something.

"Okay." He sighed. "Tell me the rules."

"It's simple. We'll ask each other five questions, and we have to answer by 'yes' or 'no'. Nothing else. And I want the truth."

"What's with this game? Isn't it like Twenty questions, but with only five?"

"Maybe. Do you have anything better to do?"

"... Okay. But I won't answer weird questions."

"Of course. Who do you think I am?" She sighed.

That was the question, actually.

He heard her shift slightly again. It seems her knee was not just bleeding, it must have hurt quite a lot, too. Also, it must have been quite difficult for her to stay in there for so long. Well, he did not know how long she was in here, but as he was already beginning to get impatient, he guessed that it could only be worse for her. She must have been really bored out of her mind, too.

So, maybe he'll try to enjoy her game. At least for now.

"Do you like girls?"

"What the..." He frowned. Not that she could see it. "You said no weird questions!"

"I said just 'yes' or 'no'. No complaining. And that's not a weird question, I mean; I'm not asking if you wear bras or something."

What a lucky day for an ex Dragon Knight. No Humphrey to save him, no Bright to keep him company, nope, just this weird girl and her unconfortable questions about Futch's... orientation.

"What do you mean, "like"?"

"No questions!"

He grumbled. "Then yes, I guess."

"Oh, okay. Well. Your turn. And you cannot ask me my name."

"I know! Except if your name is 'yes' or 'no'."

"Good. You've finally understood the rules. Good boy."

Did she think he was dumb or something?

"Well, err... have I ever spoken to you?"

She seemed to be thinking for a few seconds.

"Yeah. Not that long, but sometimes ."

"Okay." Nope, still nothing came to mind.

"Do you have a girlfriend?"

"What?"

"I asked if you had a girlfriend."

"No."

"Oh. It was a simple answer."

"'cause your question was simple. What's the point of lying anyway? And if you know who I am, you should've known the answer before."

"I don't know. I'm not a stalker. Even if I know who you are, I don't really know about your life. Geez."

She was quite annoying. He promised himself that when he would found out who she was, he'd never talk to her again.

"It's my turn. Do you like me?"

"We said no weird questions." She seemed a little shy.

"It's not weird. I just wondered if you liked me. And as you said, you must tell the truth."

They heard the sound of a bell, then she sighed, and Futch really had to be attentive to hear her answer.

"Yeah."

"What?"

"Yes, I do like you. I mean, not the love thing, but I think you're cute, kind and nice."

"Oh, thanks. You're not as rude as I thought."

"You thought I was rude?!"

"Well listen to yourself when you speak! You're awfully rude."

"You told me it was cute last time!"

"CUTE? Last time?"

Silence. She probably made a mistake, and that mistake was probably something revealing about her. Still, he could not remember telling someone they were cute.
So maybe she was not that cheeky in real life. But what was the point? Even though she may get out without him seeing her, he'd recognize her voice sooner or later.

"You don't even remember." She seemed a little disappointed.

"What else did I tell you?"

"It's not an answer by yes or no."

"I want the truth. I'm fed up with this game. And this attic", and even her, but he didn't say it.

"Well. What will I get if I tell you my name?"

"I don't know. Whatever you want. As long as it's not implying money. Or doing something to Bright."

He regretted his words immediately when he heard her laugh. She was quite enjoying making fun of him.

"Okay. Then I'll get a date."

"What?"

"Stop saying what, what, what. Are you deaf or something?" She shifted again. "I mean, a real date, after the war, maybe. Take me to Hai Yo's. Or maybe just a boat ride and some shopping in Muse. I don't know, the boy's supposed to be the one planning", she sighed.

"Man..." If it was what it takes. He could always feign ignorance. No, he couldn't. He's an (ex) Dragon Knight. Honor and promises are important. He nodded. So much for not talking to her ever again. "But no dinner."

"No dinner."

"And no weird things, and not too long either. I have Bright to take care of. And I don't want..."

"Okay, okay!" She interrupted him. "Sheesh, you're so high maintenance. But okay, Futch! No weird things."

"First time you call me by my name. Now I'm sure you know me."

"Yeah. Well. Time to tell the truth."

"What...?"

"Oh, God." Now she must really think he's stupid. Maybe she will forget about this date thing and they can go on with their lives.

She seemed to shift again. He felt quite embarrassed, having someone nearby and nothing to relieve the pain. He checked his pockets - some treats for Bright, but no Medicine. Well, at least they won't die of hunger. Not today at least.

He was startled when she spoke again. "Last time you told me I had a soft voice. You were quite nice, actually. You seemed to enjoy it when we talked together."

Nothing came to mind.

"No... I'm sorry. I can't remember."

"Maybe it's because you say that to every girl."

"Not really, but my mind is quite blank."

"You're stupid."

"You too."

They heard a noise coming from behind the door. And, by a miracle, the door opened.

Riou was saving them. Futch hurried out from the room, then took a deep breath. The light hurt his eyes a little, but freedom felt nice. He stretched.

He felt a little guilty about not curing her injury, but he had a Lightning Rune, not a Water one. Now that Riou was here, it shouldn't be a problem. Except for the fact that he was supposed to have a date with her. Maybe it was not too late to take back his words. Maybe he should ask Humphrey to take his place. Or Sasuke. Yeah, that little bugger owned him one, now.

"Glad you're alright." Riou said, ever smiling. "Sorry it took so long, I had no idea ninjas were that fast." Futch deadpanned. Riou laughed, "I mean, Sasuke isn't as fast as he's mischievous."

"I think Kasumi wil be glad to hear about this one." The boys laughed. "I'm glad to get out of here, thanks Lord Riou."

"So, what's the report?"

"Sasuke was right, there was something."

"I'm not a thing!" A voice shouted back in the room. They heard shuffling, and things were falling.

Riou raised his eyebrows, and entered the room with a candle. He accidentally hit her leg, she let out a little squeak. He apologized quickly and helped her get up.

When the both of them got outside, the girl avoided Futch's gaze and stretched as widly as she could, but then her knee reminded her of her condition. She sat down again, and Riou lifted his right hand immediately, noticing the dried blood on her leg.

Futch crossed his arms, a little smile on his lips.

"So it was you, Millie", he looked at her blushing cheeks. "Where was Bonaparte?"

"Meg is taking care of him for the day." She finally lifted her eyes up to meet Futch's, who still had that knowing smile on his face. "What now..."

"I didn't know you were like that", he scoffed.

"I didn't know you were like that, too!"

"What happened between both of you?" Riou asked.

Futch smiled as Millie blushed harder.

"We just played a little game when we were bored."

"Was it fun?"

"Quite fun, yeah. And the reward was interesting."

"Then should we lock you up once more?" They heard a voice.

When Sasuke appeared, Futch and Millie's faces drained of their color.

He disappeard again in a flash. Riou shrugged and checked the young girl's injury, which seemed okay. He made Futch promise that he would bring Millie to Huan, then bid them good day as he went back to his dutiess.

Millie got up and began to walk away, Futch following her closely.

"Why are you blushing?" He teased.

"Isn't it a little hot in there...?"

"Not really."

In fact, the wind was blowing high and it was getting cold.

"I'm sorry" she said. "I really thought that you were going to make fun of me in front of Lord Riou."

"Why would I do that?"

"I mean, it's not like he thinks I'm useful. Except for Greenhill's mission. But it's not like I want him to hate me either."

"You're not that rude... you're just... well, um. Different."

"Different from what?"

"From your appearance. I mean, you just look like a sweet and maybe... err... naive..." she frowned, he smiled. "You know what, never mind. You're just a normal girl. I was not used to it, that's on me."

"Hmm..."

"I didn't think you were that daring. If you acted this way in front of Lord Riou, he would take you on missions more often. He needs people with initative."

"Why should you care?"

"Well..." He could not say that he felt guilty of thinking she was rude back then. Well, she really was kind of rude, but considering the situation, maybe he could be a little more empathetic. "You're cute when you want to be."

They looked at each other, and then they realized what he said. He cursed himself internally. Twice! He said it twice! Millie held a triomphant smile. Futch turned his eyes.

"Oh, well, for what it's worth, I'm glad that it was you."

"For the game?"

"Let's leave it at that." Futch sighed. He missed Bright's company. It was only for a few hours, but it felt like eternity. "I'll drop you to Huan's before your knee gets worse."

"Thanks. Oh, and, Futch?"

"Yeah?"

"For the date... please, think of something cool. Like roses and the garden on the third floor."

"... um... sure."

Well, at least it's not Nina.