Hey guys! This is part 2 of the third arc. By the title, I think you'll be able to guess what happens in this chapter ;)

Starry Skies

By Gold Sparrow

THIRD ARC: Road to Balbadd

CHAPTER 6: Together, At Last


"Let me ask you a question."

The world is dark with the night, the sky as black as a pot of spilled ink. Stars shimmer and blink, but she's more distracted by the man beside her. He lays with one hand under his head and the other playing with strands of her hair. He doesn't notice how she stares up at him from her position resting on his shoulder, one hand resting cautiously on his chest. She feels so strange, her heart hammering in her chest. Her cheeks are red hot, and the blanket laying strewn over them does nothing but heat her further.

"A question?"

"Yeah. It's about someone who I've never met." He still doesn't look at her, continuing to search the sky. She looks at him worriedly, desiring to bring him back down to Earth, back to her. She wants them to stay together for ever and ever. She's not sure why, but she feels that if they were to separate, it would be the most painful thing she's ever experienced. He told her earlier he loved her, even if she didn't feel the same. She's never felt love, but if this is it, then she understands why people cherish it so.

"Who?" She asks, daring to raise her hand to his face. She only brushes her fingers along his jaw, a brief whisper of what a true caress is, but it breaks the spell. He looks down at her, his heart pounding under her hand, his eyes going soft and warm. The fear of screwing up this moment fills her, causing her to shiver like a newborn fawn as he stares down at her. His eyes refuse to leave hers, and she doesn't have the strength to look away.

"A King...His name was Solomon, and he's the man who changed the path of fate." She burrows herself more firmly into his shoulder, confusion seeping into her head.

"How?"

"By giving up what's important to him." He replies, sounding like, for her sake, he's leaving something very sad out. She wants to wrap him in her arms and reassure him that she can handle his burdens. She wants to ease all of his pains, hold him tight and tell him that she, too...

"What's your question?" He sighs, the hand playing with her hair stopping. Instead, it curls around her waist, pulling her to him. Her face flushes.

"What would you be willing to give it up? I'm not sure about myself...I find myself loving everything in this world too much to do that." He looks down at her, leaning closer to rest his forehead against hers for a moment. "And I would never forgive myself if I gave up you."

Her heart beats even faster, her veins humming with life and energy. She curls into his clothed shoulder, hearing him chuckle and pull back to his original position. She stumbles through her reply.

"...T-the thing that's m-most important to me...I-is...My goodness."

"Hm?"

"It's the only thing that's kept me alive. I could have Fallen, just like Gyokuen and the other Al Thamen members, but I didn't. I managed to remember that I don't want to be like them...Because if I did, I couldn't stay with you. Even if everything is predetermined, we ourselves don't know what's going to happen next, right? So it's still our choices that effect things...Right?" She looks up at him, searching for an answer. She desperately hopes he says yes, so that she knows that it's not just a duty to him to protect her. She wants it to be of his own freewill that he fell in love with her.

"...Yeah, that's right. But sometimes it can be sad to think about." Relief floods her, she laughs a little.

"It's alright! After all, if fate gave me to you, then I can't possibly hate it! You saved me, and for that..." She cups his jaw in a true caress, shaking her head softly, full of love. "I will be forever grateful."


"It's alright..."

Bad whispers this into the dark, half asleep. Her arms jerk first, her eyes shooting open like a bolt of lightning. Only slightly aware of where she is, her heart pounds and aches, desperately asking for the sweet words of a loved one. She forces herself to lay still, but that only allows her heart to speak louder, reaching out with flimsy limbs to beg for her help. Bad wishes that dream would stop haunting her. It's an unsettling reminder by her own conscience that, at one time, she was good.

Where is her goodness now?

Gone.

No more acts of kindness, just sly grins and backhanded complements. She understands this, and accepts it. So why does she feel so empty? Hollow, like a apple without a core. She's sad, and lonely, and incredibly lovesick. Bad wants to get away from it, from the heartache and the longing and the emptiness, from the calling of her moaning heart. She slides out of bed and grabs her pillow, padding across her room and out into the hallway. Outside, rain patters against the window in a soothing way, and the warmth from the long ago fire still heats their home.

Yunan and co. have been constantly moving since meeting, going from place to place like the wanderer their gracious host is. Now, they rest in a woody area near a town, hidden behind the trees to avoid any suspicions about their odd family. Bad has no doubts that tomorrow will be a sunny, clear day, but tonight it's damp and cold outside, low-hanging clouds slipping into the valley. She ghosts past Yamu's (now Eren's) room, not wanting to disturb the Mountain. She heads toward the last room in the house, now feeling the beginning of anxiousness.

Bad shakes her head furiously and knocks softly on the door. There is silence for a while, and Bad seriously considers rushing back to her room, tail between her legs. Eyeing Eren's room, she knocks again. Her companion from the desert won't wake up that easily (she knows from experience), but she doesn't recall either Yunan or Yamu being this light of sleepers. Childish anxiety and shyness raises up in her throat, causing her to hug her pillow tightly as she awaits proof of life.

"Come in," Comes a soft, tired sigh. It's so unexpected she flinches, but then she gently swings the door open soundlessly and shuts it behind her. A sleepy Yamu sits up beside Yunan, who squints in the dark to see who it is. Having been evicted from her own room, Yamu was taunted by Yunan into sharing a bed with him instead of sleeping on the couch. Motioning her closer, Yamu asks,

"What's wrong, Bad?" She yawns as she says this, wiping her eyes. Yunan smiles kindly.

"Did you have a nightmare?" Bad clutches her pillow to her chest and nods. Realizing he probably can't see her in the dark, she answers,

"Yeah...Something like that..." Yamu and Yunan exchange looks, and Yamu motions her to come closer. Bad climbs the side of the bed and fits herself in-between the two. Yamu pulls down the covers for her, and the blonde magi helps her settle in. Yamu pulls her close, stroking her hair as Yunan covers them with blankets.

"Want to talk about it?" Yamu asks in a delicate tone. Bad leans into her touch, and with every stroke the sadness fades and the hollowness is filled up.

"Not really..."

"But?" Yunan asks, and the gentle probing of his question brings a small smile to her face.

"Well...I just dreamed about him."

"Oh," The two older people say in unison. The silence laps over them like a wave on the beach as they digest this, thinking of what to say. As it recedes, Yamu kisses her forehead. The action is warm and motherly, and it makes Bad relax even more into their embrace.

"That must have been nice," The blue haired woman says. "To see him again."

"I-It was...sort of," She replies, and Yunan huffs behind her.

"Don't be jealous, Yunan!" Yamu giggles, reaching out a hand to smack his arm playfully. "Just because our little Bad is in love~"

Bad blushes furiously, and wraps her tiny arms around Yamu's waist, snuggling closer. It's so nice. She's never been hugged like this before- two people comforting her, filling her up with their love. It's the kind of love that doesn't make one's heart race, or causes a blush, or even makes a girl stutter. It's the kind that's right there, so obvious that everyone knows about it and feels it. It's the feeling of having a mother and a father.

It's wonderful.


"I think she's asleep," Yunan whispers to Yamu, and the magician brushes her hands through the child's hair again, causing the little girl to hug her tighter unconsciously.

"She's so cute," Yamu giggles, and Yunan chuckles. After a moment, Yamu asks, "We'll take care of her, right?"

"Of course. Bad's like a daughter, after all."


When Bad wakes up the next morning, the two are still on either side of her. Yunan has his long arm across the two girls, and his hand laying splayed on Yamu's back. Yamu kept Bad in her grasp all night, her fingers frozen in place inside the girl's pink hair. Their steady breathing reminds her that they're sleeping, and therefore don't know that their foreheads, above Bad, are touching, noses barely apart.

In that moment, Bad is sure she loves them.


"Ugh, where're we goin' Bad? The town is, ya know, that way." Eren groans, wishing he had brought along a nice robe to drape over his body. The sun is harsh on him, especially the desert sun, and he can't stand being in it for too long. Slowly he has been training himself to stand the heat, but sixteen years of living in cold climates and trekking through thick snow without a shiver isn't going to be undone in a few days. Not to mention his skin, which is naturally a nice tan color, can't handle sun. He grows a deep, unpleasant red, and already he predicts his discomfort with sleeping tonight. Unfortunately, Bad doesn't stop, her eyes narrowed as she searches for something.

"I recognize this place." She tells him, scratching her head. Even though the sun is setting, she doesn't seem concerned with the falling night- though Eren certainly fears that they'll become lost in the darkness. Or miss dinner. Suddenly something catches his eye, causing him to squint like his young companion.

"Hey, wut's that?" Eren and Bad both stop, looking at the horizon. A lone silhouette appears in front of the orange, setting sun. Perhaps it's an illusion caused by the heat, but Eren swears the person is swaying back and forth as they walk, like a boat on the waves.

"It's her!" Bad squeals, beginning to run to the silhouette. Finding no other choice, and with his interest peaked, Eren races after her, committed to getting to the stranger as fast as he can. His running causes his back to ache and burn, but he doesn't care- especially when he realizes the figure is a little girl, and that little girl is seriously injured.

She wears a tattered white nightgown, one marred with mud and rips. Under the dirt and blood and grime, her hair is red and her skin is a color similar to Eren's. She no longer sees what is in front of her, looking past Bad and Eren with glazed orange eyes. The only thing Eren can see in those otherwise pretty eyes is pain. A look of utter despair and misery, as if she's given up on life. It wrenches Eren's heart and makes him drop to his knees in front of her, wanting to hold her tight. He almost reaches out to do so, pity and pain tearing up his chest.

"Eren, please carry this poor girl back to our house." Bad says it like a request, but it's more of a demand. Her eyes are more interested than touched by the girl's pain. She looks hungry, like she's going to devour the child. The show of apathy appalls Eren, having had expected an old and intelligent being like Bad to treat the serious situation with consideration and wisdom. Unable to voice this, he instead says,

"Why can't you carry 'er?"

"…I'm going to give you a moment to think about what you just said." Bad stares at him with a deadpan look, a thin smile crossing her lips. Eren's eyes narrow, but he still isn't able to say anything against how utterly uninterested Bad is in the girl's condition- almost as if in denial. Instead, he mutters,

"…I hate ya so much sometimes."

I really hope I can understand you, someday.


"Ohhhh~ Looks like someone's waking up! Eren, grab some water!"

"Ya know, all ya do is treat me like a slave..."

"Hehe~!"

As Eren leaves, the girl on the bed stirs, her thick red hair spread out around her like a crimson halo. When she opens her eyes, Bad can see how beautiful they are. They are the color of bright tangerines, with little flecks of pink and red, her eye shape exactly the same as- Bad winces- Morgiana's. Her skin is tanned to perfection, and along her arms and legs are the signs of well trained muscles despite her young age.

Yamu replaced the girl's nightgown with a light weight dress, healing most of her wounds. Together they had cleaned the mystery girl's hair and face, before setting her in bed to sleep through the night. Yamu instructed Bad to, "watch the poor dear", considering the amount of cuts on her body and bruises on her back, legs and arms. The worst of all her injuries, however, is the gash down her left arm, wrapped in heavy gauze and bandages.

The smile that Bad gives the girl is sweet, filled with comfort for the confused and scared child.

"Hi, Alice. Are you feeling better?"


Catrina grows stronger quickly, but Bad still has to watch over her in order to make sure she doesn't push herself. Her wounds- though healed and wrapped- still bother her, not that she says it aloud. In fact, she actively tells Bad that she doesn't need to be confined to the bedroom, that she's faced greater suffering than this. Bad knows she made a good choice by saving her. Catrina was- and is- broken. Her eyes show the echoes of pain, terror and self-disgust, and yet, if Bad hadn't known these very feelings herself, she wouldn't be able to tell the Fanalis felt them at all. Such feelings cannot be forgotten or pushed down, but Bad can fix her- and when she does, Catrina will become a valuable ally. Already Catrina's will-power proves to Bad her potential.

(She is a bad person, to think this way about a suffering child.)

Bad feeds and dresses Catrina, happily answering all her questions (though the pure amount of them is somewhat shocking). When she is strong enough, Bad introduces her to the other members of their household.

"Catrina, please meet Yunan and Yamuraiha, my parents!"

"What?!" Bad giggles at the red haired girl, and winks at the flustered magician and blushing magi. Eren holds back a laugh beside them, giving a thumbs-up at Bad. Catrina is now clad in a pink dress, her tan skin glowing with a healthy sheen all Fanalis seem to possess. "B-but, I thought-"

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding! They aren't my real parents, but they take care of Eren and I, so it's like being adopted."

"Yes but...Isn't Yunan suppose to be a lone traveler, and Yamuraiha one of Sinbad's eight generals?" Eren nods his head at Catrina's rationality. Yunan and Yamu are sitting side by side at one end of the table. Bad sits on the left side and Eren on the other, leaving Catrina facing the two magic users at the other end.

"That's ex-actly wut I thought too," Eren explains, resting his head in his palm. "But then Bad gave me a confusing expla-nation, so...Git ready fer that."

Bad straightens, as if proud of Eren's description of her explanation.

"Ahem. Catrina, as I already told you before hand, I brought a total of seven souls back with me to the past of this world. Four of you I summoned from another world, but three just 'restarted' and kept their previous memories."

"O-okay. Um, so you brought back Eren, me, the Temptress and the Shadow, right? And the other three souls are the Pearl, the Alchemist, and...the Feather?"

"Exactly! She's smarter than you, Eren."

"Shut up!"

"But how does that answer my question?" Bad tilts her head, eyeing Eren, Catrina, and her adoptive mother and father.

"Well, every person here shares a special ability. We know what's going to happen in the future, and what events are going to take place- Yunan, Yamu and I because we experienced them, you and Eren because you read it in that manga."

"A book," Yunan muses aloud, chuckling. "I can't believe I'm a character in a book."

"I can't believe I'm meetin' characters from a book." Eren mutters. Shyly, Catrina smiles. Bad continues.

"Because of this knowledge, we can defy Fate, and create a new path to save the world."

"Defy Fate?" Catrina questions, tilting her head.

"Yes. Fate had a plan without you all, and because of that, you can do whatever you want and Fate can't control or stop you," Catrina presses a hand to her forehead. This is starting to really confuse her, like Eren said it would, but somehow she's understanding, little by little.

"But...Solomon broke Fate, right? By becoming God and sharing Illah's Rukh with everyone."

"That's true," Bad says, calmly. "Fate is something that can only be decided by the wills of individuals. So think of it like this: if we were to do nothing in the coming years, what will happen?"

There is a brief silence, and Catrina answers,

"The canon plot."

"Exactly. And that, my friends, is the "Fate" I'm talking about. In order to change the ending of this story, we must first add ourselves into the "plot". It is the "plot" itself that is threatening the world."

"Oh, boy," Catrina sounds confused and drained, finally sitting down at the table. "Are you...Saying that I was born because of your will to save the world?"

"Precisely. For instance, let's pretend the "plot", is a sandcastle. Every grain of sand is sculpted by the mangaka already, every action that will mold the future. But we have shovels."

"So you mean...We can shape the outcome?"

"Exactly!" Bad does a miniature victory dance. "We, the people with knowledge of the future, can go anywhere and nobody can control us. Fate and destiny don't apply to us."

"Which would be how I came to be here, with Yunan," Yamu says as she motions to the magi beside her. "You see, what happened is..."

Bad snaps to attention, as do Eren and Catrina. Despite the time Eren and Bad have spent with the two adults, they haven't talked about how they met. Yamu's face turns stone cold.

"Yunan kidnapped me."

"WHAT?!" Yunan begins to chuckle as the kids look faint.

"I didn't kidnap you, Yamu!" The blue eyed man says, laughter lacing his words. "You're exaggerating."

The water-mage huffs.

"Fine, so he didn't exactly kidnap me. But nine years ago, he came to Magnostadt and we ran off together."

"That's so romantic~!" Bad exclaims, her eyes clouded with visions of running off with a handsome man. Catrina nods in agreement, a faint blush dusting across her cheeks as she imagines a prince carrying her off into the sunset. Eren does some quick math in his head.

"Wait, nine years ago? Wouldn't ya be eleven or somethin'?"

"Ten, actually." Bad and Catrina hang their heads in defeat, their fantasies of moonlight rendezvouses crushed under the foot of the Mountain. Yamu turns redder than a tomato and looks down. Eren continues on, oblivious to the effect his words have had on the others in the room.

"How old are you, Yunan?"

"That's a secret~" The magi singsongs, and Yamu turns an even darker shade of red, if that is even possible.

"A-are you guys dating?" Catrina asks in astonishment, and finally Yunan blushes too. Bad jumps to her feet, excited that someone asked.

"They aren't actually married but they act like they are. I think it's because Papa is too embarrassed to ask Mama out."

"B-Bad!"

"We're right here!"


One Year Later...

Eren can't say that living with two fiction characters isn't completely awesome. They travel from Oasis towns to the mountains, across fields of green grass and trails of scorpions, meeting people who have amazing tales to tell. He learns more and more about this world he has been dropped into. Not that he doesn't already know a lot about it, but he never understood the true depth of this world before, how extraordinarily real and complicated it is. Even without the cast of Magi, there are still so many fantastic places and people in this world.

Yunan teaches Eren about his Metal Vessel, and Yamu gives joint lessons to both Bad and Catrina about magic. Bad is at a surprisingly advanced level despite her age, but he learns it's because she was a high level magician in her past life- one who was considered "the best of the best", according to Yunan. Yunan only talks about Bad's past life with said girl is out of the room- Eren guesses that it's a touchy subject for not only Bad, but Yunan as well.

Once they establish trust with Catrina, she reveals to them about her tribe, which greatly intrigues Yunan.

"The Amala tribe?!" He exclaims. Catrina blushes and nods. Eren looks back and forth between the two, confused. He has never heard of the Amala tribe. At least, it was never in the manga...That he remembers. He does have a poor memory at times, though. Yamu sits beside Yunan, which is apparently her reserved place. Whenever they are eating or sitting or even standing, Yamu and Yunan are together, like close friends unable to part...Or an old married couple.

"Wut's that?" Eren asks, scratching his head.

"The Amalas are specialized magicians with a very strong magic. Before the slave trade started up, they were the most powerful tribe that existed; they were in league with the Kouga Empire back when it was strong." Yunan answers, lacing his fingers together.

"A-Amazin'!" Eren gawks. "Wut's a specialized magician?"

"It's a difficult concept to explain," Yamu answers this time. "They are rare- so rare that Catrina is the first one I've met. A specialized magician is a magician who can only use, "specialize", in one type of magic. It's a magic that only their kind can wield; a hereditary magic that cannot be duplicated by normal mages such as myself. Catrina is an Amala, which makes her a Necromancer."

"Wut's a Necromancer?"

A bit of smugness lines the contours of Catrina's face as she lifts her chin proudly.

"Necromancy magic is the magic to revive the dead!"

Eren has to sit very still as this computes in his head.

"Like...Skeletons 'n stuff?"

"Yes!"

"..." Well, he's going to have nightmares tonight. Catrina blushes happily as Yunan and Yamu shower her with praise and questions.

"I haven't seen a Necromancer in forever!" Yunan chirps. "Where did they all go?"

The ten year old's good mood leaves her very suddenly. She looks down, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear.

"My family created a barrier to hide themselves after the slave trade started up. Apparently, they got raided and a few people got taken; that was enough to ensure every Amala needed to hide."

"So, they're cowards?" Eren throughly regrets saying those words. The anger that spills over Catrina's face makes him gulp, but the hurt is what makes him flinch.

"They aren't cowards!" She roars, jumping to her feet. "They want to protect themselves and people they love! Maybe they did hide, but it was out of necessity. My family is strong and prideful- even if they have become blind because of the time spent away from the outside. I still love them, despite their flaws, and someday I will return to their sides and lead them to a new home where they needn't hide out of fear!"

The three gathered looked at Catrina with awe, holding up their hands in defeat.

"I-I'm sorry Catrina, I dunno why I said that," Eren apologizes, bowing his head in shame. Catrina merely nods and looks away, still miffed. "But Catrina, why'd ya leave if ya love yer family? Wut happened to give ya...That?"

The red head's orange eyes travel down to the long scar along her arm. The gash itself healed, but in it's wake left a scar, starting from an inch above her elbow down to her wrist. The skin along the way became scratchy and bubbly in complexion, the sight of it a fascinatingly morbid view. She shakes her head, and says softly,

"I don't want to talk about it."

"...I see..." Yamu murmurs, reaching out and taking the Amala's hand. The girl almost pulls away, but hesitates, allowing the magician to comfort her.

"I can't believe they still exist; I haven't seen one since...God, I think it was my second life," Catrina smiles sadly at Yunan.

"My family has been hiding for that long?" Memories flow like a river across her eyes, and Eren becomes somber at the sight of her unhappiness. So, he decides to suck it up and be a man.

"Catrina, I would like to see your magic in action."

Catrina's eyes lose their dull sheen, becoming bright and alive. A slow smile starts to climb her face, a pretty sight.

"Really?! Let's go!"

(True to Eren's word, he gets nightmares that night.)


"I've been thinking," It's night, the dinner for that day having been served and eaten. Their house is warm from the sunshine and the fire is bright against the windows, the armchairs and sofa soft to the touch. Eren turns his attention to Bad, Yunan smiling without showing his teeth. "Maybe we should come up with a code word."

"For what?" Eren asks, yawning. Catrina is in the kitchen with Yamu, cleaning up after dinner. The rest of the crew sits in the living room, discussing their next destination.

"For the other time period Yunan, Yamu and I all experienced."

"What do you propose?" The blond magi asks, and Eren nonchalantly throws out,

"What about the Bad Era?"

"'Bad Era'? You make it sound like I was the leader or something!"

"Huh? You weren't?" If it isn't for the genuine confusion on his face, Bad would've been insulted by his words.

"No. Actually, I was thinking we could just call it the Other, like the other timeline."

"I like it. Nice thinking, Bad," Yunan praises. Despite being much older intelligently, Bad can't help the warmth that floods her. She beams, sitting up in her seat and giving Eren gloating look, not that the older boy cares much.


"Are you sure they'll be alright?" Yamu's voice is worried, reflecting Yunan's own burdens. Still, he keeps himself feeling calm, watching his little trio of adopted children go off into the world. Yamu slumps like something heavy is weighing on her. She stands in front of him, nervously wringing her hands. Yunan moves without thinking, placing his hands on her shoulders and pressing his chin to her temple. Yamu stiffens at his touch, and the magi silently curses himself for doing such an intimate thing. After a silent minute, Yamu relaxes and fidgets only slightly.

"Do you think we would have been together in the Other?" Yamu asks, her voice slightly nervous, as if worried about his answer. He almost smiles.

"Yes, I think so. You would have asked me about my magic, and we would've had a long conversation, and then became good friends and-"

"And then you'd finally ask me to date you?" Yamu finishes for him, giggling like Bad would've. Yunan turns bright red.

"D-don't be like Bad!"


Where are we going?

Is the thought that continues to bite at Catrina today. Their makeshift group is traveling across an empty plain, heading south down the continent. Eren is sunburned, but Bad (despite her pale, porcelain skin,) is perfectly fine, and Catrina's tough, tanned Amala complexion helps her walk without trouble from the beating sun overhead.

"I bet you guys are wondering where we are going!" The youngest exclaims, pointing her finger up into the air. "And, why we left the safety of Mama and Papa's house."

"Yes," Eren asks, bored and in pain from his red, peeling back.

"And why we didn't stay longer to learn and study under experienced adults."

"Yep."

"Why I dragged you two out of our house and down south, resulting in Eren getting riducously sunburned and annoyed beyond comprehension at me."

"Exactly," His voice is annoyed and gravely, holding a surprising note of anger.

"T'was for this reason!" Bad sprints forward up the hill in front, Catrina matching her pace with ease. They leave the pained and moaning Eren behind them in the dust. The moment they reach the crest of the hill, she gasps, her eyes widening upon seeing something...Breathtaking. When Eren reaches them, his furious expression disappears. The three stand before the gloriously shining ocean, sparkling blues of every color displayed before them. Catrina can smell the salt in the air and on her tongue, the pulse of the waves smashing on the beach. It's the first time- in this life and the last- she's ever seen the sea. Bad spreads her arms, the wind blowing back her pink hair.

"For this reason," Bad repeats, her voice softer and calmer this time. "We need to experience this world before we can save it; and as I explained to Mama and Papa before we left, you both need someone to show you the beauty and the ugliness of this world before placing your lives down on the line to protect it."

Stepping forward, Bad turns, her hair now covering her face.

"I can't reassure you that you'll see your loved ones again. I also can't tell you that in the end, everything will be alright. But, I can let you know that whatever happens, I will protect you with my very life," Those words. Where has she heard them before? "I will not let anyone hurt you, and will gladly die before anyone else. Eren is my brother, and Catrina is my sister, so no matter what, I will prove to you, my family, that I'm worthy of your strength!"

I will show our tribe, our family, that I'm worthy of their love. And then, I will show them that they don't need to fear the outside world, because I will protect them with my very life!

Before the tears spill from her eyes, Catrina wonders how Bad is able to read her so easily. Taking her own words and throwing them back at her with such genuine passion, how can she not see Bad as she really is? Not the petite little girl who looks so utterly fragile, but the warrior who is willing to give up everything for her precious people. Catrina falls to her knees and grabs Bad, pulling her into a hug as she begins to cry. Bad panics, repeatedly asking Catrina what's wrong, but Catrina doesn't answer for a long while. When she does, Eren kneels and pulls the two into his beefy arms.

"I-I'm going to f-f-follow you Bad, so (hiccup) please don't s-say (sob) you'll die for me."


Two Years Later...

Centola stares at the girl in front of her, dumfounded.

"So...That's how you got here?" Bad nods, proud for recounting the story perfectly. "You do realize you left out a bunch of details, right?"

The not-quite magician's face falls, her lower lip jutting out childishly.

"...Sorry. I guess I'm not as good a story teller as Eren." Even though Centola knows that Bad has the intelligence of a middle-aged woman, she still quickly tries to sooth the pouting child.

"Er, no! I just meant that there are parts you skipped over like, um, the two years you spent with Eren and Catrina!" The girl brightens.

"We went around the world, starting in Aktia and taking a ship to Reim. Then we went to Partevia, where some stuff happened. We hit up a bunch of costal cities and then traveled back to Aktia to Delhinmar and finally here, Balbadd, to meet you!" Centola leans forward, interested.

"In two years? I can't believe you were able to travel to so many places." Bad laughs slightly, her grin growing.

"Actually, we used a magic circle in Reim to get down to Partevia. But then we got involved with some shady dudes..." Bad mumbles under her breath about never going to Partevia again. Centola sits back, wishing she could have been there to see those places. She could've, but never had the desire to leave Balbadd. She thinks it's not because Balbadd was the place where she was born, but because it was the place where she first had a true family. Jane would've left willingly and without regret, but even now Centola lingers, memories tangling her to her homeland.

A bell chimes through the air, and Bad perks up.

"That's the dinner bell! Come on, lets introduce you to Eren and Catrina!"


Centola had learned about the Bird and the Mountain from Bad, but she still feels nervous when she walks into the dining tent. The dining tent is set up somewhat like a circus top, but with white sheets. Dusty old tables and chairs scrape against the floor as people eat, their sturdiness allowing them to withstand the abuse and their many scuffs showing their wear-and-tear. The fellow travelers are intimidating: the men with weathered, sun-battered faces and dirt under their nails. The women are better, looking more approachable and friendly, but hold a note of desert-dwelling seriousness. Within this atmosphere, the-

"Bad, come ov'r here, we saved ya a seat!" The shout echoes across the tent, rattling the occupants and jolting them out of their quiet chatter. The person who called for Bad sits smack dab in the center of the tent, his muscular arm waving back and forth frantically to get their attention. Centola was told that Eren was a sweet, good-natured man who looked after his adoptive little sisters with care. Unfortunately, Centola cannot see that man over the massive wall of muscle that raises up to greet them. Eren's hair is green and neatly combed, and his outfit is orderly as well, despite him only wearing desert-style harem pants and a green sash.

"Hey, guys! Guess what?" Eren's deep pine colored eyes are already trained on her, but the other girl stops eating for a moment and looks up. Catrina was described to Centola as a friendly young girl with a big heart. Her eyes are bright orange, sparkling with flecks of red and gold. Her hair is crimson, the top half pulled into a bun with a special laurel-like hair ornament with blue gems wrapped around it. Slowly, she begins to smile, a warm show of good-will.

"What is it?" Catrina asks, her voice not as deep as the man's. It's feminine, but with a scratchy undertone, sounding like unsmoothed china.

"I got a new friend! Eren, Catrina, meet Centola. Centola, meet Eren," She points to the man, but it's pretty obvious who is who. "And Catrina."

"Nice to meet you, Centola," Eren says, his smile just as warm as Catrina's.

"Hi," Catrina chirps.

"Hello. Nice to meet you two." She sits down awkwardly, and Bad bounces into the seat beside her.

"So, what brings you to our lovely caravan?" The Mountain asks.

"I'm actually going to go meet with my aunt in Rayide," Centola replies. "But I suppose Bad's plan has made that uncertain."

"Huh?" The Fanalis raises an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"W-well, Bad said I am called the 'Temptress'." The two pause. They stare until a key fits into a lock and they point at Centola, talking over each other and shouting. The rest of the tent turns from their meal to watch them, whispering to one another.

This is going to be a long trip.


The next day, Akram stands at attention, encircled by the caravan. He glares at everyone, although that might just be the way he looks. Thinking about his angry face brings Mrs. Gamela to mind, and Centola's good mood is instantly dampened by the thought. Akram begins to give a speech. While she listens for the first few minutes, Centola starts to fade out, unable to keep focused when she's about to leave Balbadd for the first time in her life.

Her Balbadd stands proudly, the tan stone buildings reaching to the sky. The Palace, in the distance, glows brightly against the overcast sky. Large, bruised clouds hide the sun and cast cool air across the city. Weather like this is unfamiliar to her. In a lot of ways, Balbadd is like California, with everlasting sunshine pounding against the streets and a sea that is unrelentingly cold. It's hot in the summer, chilly in the winter, and warm in the fall and spring. It's beautiful, despite being cramped and dirty and crowded. Centola loves Balbadd. She loves her friends, too.

Kassim must hate me.

A hand, cold and small, grasps her own. Centola snaps back to reality.

"We are going to move fast, and laggers will be left behind. Pack up quickly. We leave soon." Akram finishes. A resounding, "yessir!" is heard. Bad pulls her away to their tent, and Eren and Catrina shoot her smiles as they head off to clean up as well. She stops. Behind her, up on a rooftop, someone watches. Bad tugs at her, and she complies to her demands, but only after giving a weak wave to the person above them.


The man on the rooftop uses his eyes to follow the path Centola and the child take back to their tent. His hand moves to his pocket, taking out a cigar and lighting it. Several long drags later, he leaves, and so does the girl he loves. He'll let her leave because he loves her. She deserves a life devoid of his reckless nature and the danger of the slums.

But that's not just it. Kassim will never say it out loud, but another reason he's letting her go is because she'll never, ever love him back. He knows that makes him selfish. But how can he stand by and watch her meet another man, marry another man, and make a family without him? How can he sit back and see her forget about him and the dreams they shared? How can she leave him alone, just like his mother and Mariam and Alibaba did? How can he stand that? The cigar falls through his fingers, dropping onto the roof. A water droplet falls from the sky above, landing on the embers and putting it out with a quiet hiss. He looks upward. A smile crosses his face, but it's more ironic than happy. Balbadd is crying because she's leaving, right? No wonder. After all, everyone who knew Centola was sad when they heard she was leaving. Zaynab had sat down and stood up again, demanding answers from Kassim.

"Why is she leaving?! She...I thought she loved everyone here..."

"She does," Kassim had replied. "It's my fault. Centola's leaving because of me."

There wasn't anger in Zaynab's eyes, nor Hassan's for that matter. They merely looked hurt. They like- no, they love Centola. They were all friends since childhood, though Centola, like Alibaba, was more like a saint than a street-rat. Unlike Alibaba, though, Centola never left the slums for something better. She stuck around, always smiling, always friendly, always willing to help out a struggling pal. Zaynab once admitted to Kassim to listening in on one of Centola's speeches when they were kids.

"What she said about the future..." The woman had smiled, and Hassan grasped her hand, "It was so beautiful, you know? Gave me hope."

"It gave me hope too," The cigar, brown and wet, is smushed underfoot as he walks away. "But what help is hope when you need money for rent? Or when food is scarce and the people you love are crying from hunger? Does hope shelter you when it's raining, or save you from a segregation camp? No. So what good is hope, when she's leaving you alone, and there's nothing to be done to stop her? What do you do, when your hope is riding away in a caravan?"


6 Months Later...

"So."

"So."

"This is the Kou Empire, eh?"

"Apparently."

"Are we suppose to come here? Aren't we 'n trouble with Gyokuen Ren?"

"Yup."

"Isn't she gonna, I dunno, try 'n kill us again?"

"Probably."

"...Alrighty then."


When Hakuei Ren died-

Ah, no, she doesn't like to talk about it. It's a sad thing to think about; the despair she felt, the rip in her stomach, the world turning black and cold. She doesn't like to talk about it at all. It's one thing to know that you're dying, it's a whole other to see people whom you love die as well. At least when she was dying, she knew that there was an end to the tunnel, a stop to the unimaginable, white-hot pain that sent every nerve in her body into a frenzied chaos of spasms. When she saw her friends, her soldiers, dying as well...

It did not matter to her that she lived in a country outside of Kou. She seriously considered the soldiers serving her to be family, to be blood. It was the same way she felt about her household. Her household. Oh God, no one ever told her that when a household member dies, you feel it. That was the worst part of it all, feeling it. It was terrible to see a strong, kind man be stabbed through the stomach, his eyes dulling immediately, a pang of sorrow and finality ringing in her chest. It was worse when they didn't die. There was one household member- Dorji- who was- oh, she really doesn't like talking about this- crushed.

But he didn't die.

Oh God, did she wish he would die. She hated herself so much for thinking that, but it was true. She wished that he would be free from his pain, that his broken limbs would overcome him, that his strong heart would submit to his destined end. But it was not so, and Hakuei eventually had to cut his throat herself, at the request of his sobbing and heartbroken wife, Toya.

When Hakuei left the world, she left it early, when it was on the verge of total war. She feels ashamed that she submitted so quickly to the enemy, that she allowed herself to die. But then the oddest thing happened. It was as if she was in deep slumber, her body caressed by weightless silks as it floated in space. She wanted to wake up, to return to her crying husband, to cradle-

Don't die too soon.

She heard her mother's voice. It was terrifying, to have someone you hate, and who has died, whisper in your ear. Hakuei felt a jolt, a hand sticking down her throat, and-

Darkness.

Which leads to now, the next time Hakuei awakes. She finds herself in the same weightless, spaceless void. Only, this time, her brain is functioning perfectly well. She waits, but she does not hear her mother's voice again. She doesn't feel the burning, choking sensation of having someone's hand- she thinks it was a hand- plunging down her throat. But then something occurs to her: she isn't dead. If she was dead, she wouldn't be able to think. If she was dead, then her consciousness would've joined the Rukh, and became one with the flow of destiny. That was what Aladdin always described to her in ambiguous words, and she devoured that promise up and accepted her destiny to someday die.

Then she feels the sensations. Things she can place easily, and other things that she can't. A rose-petal bath, silks shifting on a woman's shoulders, the careful, soothing hands of a skilled attendant pulling at one's hair. Damp, dark spaces, the monotone chanting of a toneless choir, blood. Then, finally, the strong hand of a strong man, being placed upon a pregnant woman's belly-

This isn't possible.

Horror comes tumbling down upon her. All at once, she feels the space tighten around her, choking her and causing her body to shake with movement- real movement. This isn't possible at all. No, it cannot be, she isn't being reborn-

"It's a girl, your majesty!"


Now...

Hakuei's second life is not blessed, and she hardly thinks she could handle it if it were.

It is easy to say that Hakuei was blessed in her first life. She was a princess for most of it, and never once did her standard of living drop. She had the fortune to conquer a Dungeon, and the straightforwardness to ask to be a General. Her brother, her sweet, darling brother, was her best friend until the day he betrayed her; but even then she loved him so much that she could not bear to fight against him in his rebellion. Her household members were loyal to her and her alone, and her cousin Kouen never pressured her to marry; in fact, he was aggressive in trying to persuade her not to when the option came up. But she knew her future husband because of Aladdin, and she knew that, by marrying him, she was allowing Kou and her brother a time of peace. Her husband was a nice man, and she liked him well enough. She didn't love him, but he didn't love her either, so neither felt too badly about their situation.

Hakeui's second life was rough. Not in the sense that she had more hurdles to overcome, but in that she saw the world a second time through the same eyes but a different mind. Her intelligence and wisdom from her first life gave her pre-existing knowledge on the on-goings of the palace, and because she knew Arba, she could see evil lurking in shadowed corridors. She spot lies more easily. She realized that people had motives, and motives were dangerous if they were left unknown. Hakuei was convinced up until now, as a 19 year old, that she was alone in the world, alone in her unique situation. She was reborn as the same person, and the fact that she had memories of the future scared her.

(They say fear changes a man into a monster. But Hakuei now believes that fear changes a woman into a smarter woman.)

Then Hakuei meets Badroulbadour.

Hakuei knew Badroulbadour in her first life, when she went by another name. There was an unpleasant war that lead to the discovery of a girl called "Al Thamen's Princess". At that time, Bad was a beautiful, tender young lady, whose eyes betrayed her naiveté and innocence. Hakuei remembers her awe over this abnormally innocuous child, and her shock that Al Thamen would keep such a purity among them. Bad was a white flower, with a pretty smile and a shy nature, and Hakuei grew to love her- and loved her so much that she vowed to keep Bad safe in her husband's kingdom.

This Bad is different, and, having lived her second life with greater observational skills, Hakuei instantly pinpoints the change in her old friend. Her eyes, the color of bloodied roses, are one thing. They are no longer a sweet crystal pink that captures the light. Now, danger rings within them and darkness stirs. Hakuei can see that, though Bad puts up the appearance of her old self, she has changed drastically, and has become someone hell bent on something. As Hakuei mentioned before, motives are dangerous unless properly understood. It is less the abilities of a person than the endgame that is the most fearful; for one can capture their enemy if they simply know what they want and the extent they're willing to go to in order to get it.

Hakuei helps Bad get into the palace.

Hakuei doesn't know what Bad wants, but she knows that Bad has explanations. And those are what she hungers for; a reason, a purpose, an apology. Bad explains the situation, and, after much talk, tells her about her plans. The conversation flows so well from these two topics that Hakuei inwardly celebrates a quick resolution to her burning question: what does Bad want?

"Save the world, huh?" Hakuei repeats, turning this statement over in her head, checking for deception. She finds none, but the picture Bad paints with her words of a burning world lathered in blood is...Believable, considering how Hakuei died. Still, Hakuei's insides scream at her to be careful, not to trust the child. Paimon heats up at her side in agreement.

"Yes, but I need your help." Bad says in a calming tone. She really does sound like "Al Thamen's Princess". She mirrors everything she had done in the past life- no, the Other. She folds her hands neatly in her lap, demurely tilts her head to the side, smiles with the slightest tone of sweetness. It's a lie, and a terrible one, but Hakuei ignores that for the warmth she feels at seeing her old, darling friend.

If Bad is no longer herself...Isn't that only reasonable?

Badroulbadour lost everything, just as Hakuei had. The people who loved her, the people she loved. Hakuei understands it, and can trust in Bad. Hakuei lost people she won't get to see again. Her son would be the perfect example. Her precious, perfect son, lost forever in the memories of a dark, destroyed world. Hakuei really wishes she could hate Bad after all that's happened, but she can't. She can't blame her, as much as she wants to. So she understands Bad's change, because she's changed as well.

"Anything you need, Bad."

(But trust only goes so far. Hakuei will not make the same mistakes twice, even if it goes against her own values. This is her vow.)


There are two people in front of Asad at the moment.

Seeing no other choice, Asad invited the guests to his mansion near the palace. As the Holy Keeper and the brother of the High Priest, it was only natural that Gyokuen would award Asad and Judal with a sizable estate. He sets up the guests in a formal meeting room, furnished with a low table with cushions under foot to sit on. He had one of the servants make tea. Asad sips his drink, wishing he had some plum wine to replace it with. Getting drunk while entertaining is inappropriate for a man of his standing, but he's eighteen and there is no legal drinking age in Kou, though the moral standard is about fourteen. The two guests both sit fiddling with their various clothing nervously, completely aware of the awkward tension in the room. He sighs.

"You don't know what to say now that the girl has gone off, right?" He raises an eyebrow.

"Wh-wut!? 'Course not!" The man- Eric?- exclaims, and the girl blushes.

"W-well...Actually she told before she left to become friends with you, so..." The man turns a few shades of red as well and looks to his tea. Asad rolls his eyes.

"My name is Asad. My favorite color is black. My favorite foods are peaches and Kou cuisine. I have two friends, and one of them is my little brother. My pastimes include but are not limited to: practicing my sword skills, hanging out with my friends, annoying those bastard priests and sharpening my magoi control. I'm the Shadow." He smirks devilishly. "Is that what you wanted to know?"

"I was wonderin' why ya are even in Kou. Does yer mom and dad live here?" Asad feels a curtain drop over his features. He gives them a blank stare.

"They're dead."

"I'm...Uh...Sorry."

"It doesn't matter." The silence looms over them, and the two across from him go right back to their awkward tendencies. Why is he even here? He could be stealing fruit with his brother or teasing his Princess, but there he is, having cold tea with uninteresting people. How dull.

"...My name is Centola De Coverna." The trio swivel around in their seats to look at the doorway, where a very pretty girl has materialized. Asad's eyes widen, even though he chastise himself for doing such a thing. Her eyes are like green mirrors, showing him his own reflection. Her soft features make her look exquisitely kind, and her strawberry blond hair is in a braid tied with a green ribbon. The girl, Centola, is wearing a tradition desert style outfit, with the pattern and sash that Balbaddian women wear.

"Centola!" The man cries in surprise, and the girl looks delighted that the other has come.

"My favorite color is pink, as girly as it is. I like all food but especially apples. I'm not sure how many friends I have, and my past times include singing and dancing, and I like to write songs. I'm the Temptress." She continues, mirroring Asad's speech. Centola moves forward and takes the empty seat next to Asad, giving him a gentle smile.

"My name's Eren Chandlen, and my favorite color is light blue, despite bein' surrounded by green," Eren motions to himself. With his neatly combed green hair and pine colored eyes, green really does surround him. It doesn't help that Eren wears a green sash instead of a shirt. "Bad forces me to try all sorts of dishes, so I don't really have a favorite food. My friends are Catrina, Bad, and Centola, but they're more like family than friends. I love archery and makin' my own arrows! Bad says I'm the Mountain, fer obvious reasons."

"Um, I'm Catrina, nice to meet you. I like the color red- but only the shade that reminds me of roses- and...I like my mother's special soup," Catrina smiles fondly at the memory, and then continues on. "I'm friends with Bad, Eren and Centola. Like Eren said, I think we are family. I like to run, and I like to practice my magic."

"Magic? You're a magician?"

"My father is a Fanalis and my mother is an Amala. The Amalas are a tribe who can use a special kind of magic, and I'm like them," She smiles wider, warming up to the conversation. "I'm the Bird, which is ironic because my name has 'Cat' in it."

"Ah, I see what you did there!" Asad realizes he's smiling, and he didn't even notice it.


Two weeks after arriving in Kou, Bad finally decides to go meet Gyokuen.

It's almost as if the woman senses the shift in the air, because when Bad walks with purpose down the darkest, longest hallway she can find, she encounters the Empress waiting for her in the shadowed depths. Gyokuen does not spring out like a viper and capture her, nor does she fall from the ceiling and knock her out. Rather, she is simply standing there, in full view, her lips frozen in a tender half smile. It's an unnerving sight, but doesn't stop Bad from smiling in return. Every muscle in her body screams at her to leave. To run full force back to Eren's arms and Catrina's smile. But she does not, her resolve firmly planting her to the floor.

"It's so nice to see you again. You ran the first time we met." The Empress purrs. Gyokuen offers her hand, which smells faintly of perfume. Bad studies it only for a moment. In the Other, Gyokuen had cradled Bad with that hand. She had stroked her hair, tidied her clothes, and held her small palm with that right hand. Every inch of her silk-skin was memorized by Bad, every touch of thin bones and willowy fingers remembered fondly. Bad fights the urge to look at her own hand, which, in time, will grow to look exactly like Gyokuen's. Bad remembers looking at her own right hand for lengths at a time, horrified at seeing "step-mother's" hand on her limb.

Bad takes the offered hand, seeing the pleasant surprise ringing in cold, crystal blue eyes. She bats her eyelashes up at Gyokuen, her lips forming a sweet, innocent smile. She makes herself seem childish, trusting. As if she wandered into the darkness by mistake.

(They both know she didn't.)

"I'm sorry about that, but I came to see you~!" She giggles. She knows this is too perfect a situation for the Witch of Al Thamen to believe, but Gyokuen still turns and leads her deeper into the palace.


"Let's play a game, Gyokuen." The air in the large, quiet tea room is cold and still. From the open sliding doors, a lush garden is visible, crimson spider lilies hanging over a pure pond. A peach tree provides shade to the lovely garden, it's sinful fruit beckoning. Bad almost feels that, if she were to reach out and eat one of the plump peaches hanging from the easy-acceble tree branches, she'd be stuck in the twisting halls of the royal palace forever.

"A game?" Gyokuen repeats, her index finger tracing the rim of her delicate teacup. Her lipstick is apple-red, her pale skin looking even lighter in comparison. The shadows seem darker than usual, but lurk only in the corners of the room. Bad wonders if the priests are in the walls, listening, awaiting a signal to seize the child speaking with their leader.

"Yes. A game. It's called, I know something you don't." Bad smiles slowly, setting her elbow on the low table they sit at. Her palm cups her chin, giving her somewhat of a girlish look.

"That sounds delightful. Tell me about it." Gyokuen smiles as well, a smile that stretches only so far before freezing in place.

"Well, it's very simple. We look at one another, and say something that the other doesn't know. The first person to look away, show emotion, run out of secrets or falter loses. If I win, you owe me a favor."

"And if I win?"

"Then I owe you a favor."

"How do I know you won't cheat?" She has an amused tone, almost as if teasing her. Bad laughs sweetly.

"You don't, silly goose!"

Gyokuen's smile moves upwards just a centimeter.

"I killed my first husband and two eldest sons." Bad doesn't even bat an eye. She already knew that one.

"I shelter the Divine Staves within my body."

"I was once a magi from Alma Toran."

"The other side of the Great Rift is a thousand times larger than this side."

"The arrogant King Solomon replaced our Father."

"You're the reason my mother is dead."

"I'm going to destroy this world." Bad grins, her throat burning with the intensity of her feelings. Her words confirm everything Bad's ever assumed about her, and now, there is no way that she'll ever lose a second time to Al Thamen. Even if it costs her life...

"No you aren't. Because I'm going to kill you."

Gyokuen smile falls, her throat tightening.

"Teehee~! Looks like you owe me a favor, Gyo~Ku~En!"


I lost.

Gyokuen stares at the girl across from her, both her hands wrapped around her quickly cooling green tea. The faint aroma of hushed jasmine raises into the air, a calming scent that does nothing to soothe the taut atmosphere around them. The child stands up, and heads toward the exit. Before she can go, the Empress asks one thing.

"Who are you?" The child turns, and even though there is an unassuming innocence within those sweet red eyes, all the Empress can see is the look they had that caused her to falter. The wideness of them as they stared at her, the pupil barely bigger than a needle point. Blood was the first thing that came to mind, but then there it was: the insanity. An unhinged door hanging wide open, marbles scattered across a ballroom, the shattering of glass. It was like looking in a mirror, and for the first time in years, Gyokuen actually felt...

The Rukh around Bad are pitch black, like the night of a new moon. They flutter close to the child, chirping loudly in glee. Gyokuen can hear them singing to her, cooing softly in her ear praises of the young girl.

"The Princess! Our Princess!" They shout and scream, "Our Princess will free us!"

"My name is Badroulbadour, but some people merely call me Bad."

"Suiting."

"I would hope so." Bad turns and leaves.

Gyokuen stares at the empty space in front of her. The girl beat her. Actually and honestly beat her. That...Has never happened before.

How did she know about Ugo and Alma Toran? It's impossible. Asad must have- but he doesn't know about Alma Toran, no one does. Asad telling Bad about Hakutoku, Hakuyuu and Hakuren's deaths could explain how Bad barely batted an eyelash, but Asad couldn't know about Bad's mother. Not to mention that Asad only just met the girl a few days ago. If there is one things about that sly, overconfident kid Gyokuen knows, it's his distrustfulness. It's impossible.

An impossibility of her own creation.

Somebody is giggling, and with a startle, Gyokuen realizes it's herself. She laughs and laughs until her stomach hurts, hunched over and gripping her sides. She wipes the tears on her lashes, and says to the empty void,

"I actually felt...I actually felt excited."


Asad likes the odd foursome of special travelers. But he feels like he shouldn't, because he's a part of Al Thamen and Al Thamen, in his life, rules all. Every moment he lives is watched and recorded. The priests warn him of things he shouldn't do, and, more often than not, he's punished when he does those things anyway. He's grown resilient against the pain, though he still feels fear when he's caught in the act. Once a rebel, always a rebel.

Rebel.

He's not a rebel. He's an assassin that does every little thing that Gyokuen asks of him, simply because he's told to.

(And because they have Judal by the throat.)

Yet somehow, his guests have clawed through his privacy and grin at him as they read his heart. He knows he's allowed it because they share a common trait: they were all reincarnated. For the longest time, Asad thought he was reborn for the purpose of saving Judal. That he was reborn because John had nothing, and Asad should have something. He wasn't expecting that purpose to change or alter, but when he met others like him, with the same empty resolve and desperation for a purpose...

He felt kinship.

It's stupid. America doesn't exist in Magi, and therefore, it doesn't matter. So why does he have to be burdened with people who feel the same agony that he does, the same restlessness for familiarity? He doesn't know why Judal and Kougyoku aren't enough for him. He doesn't know why he clings to Eren and Centola and Catrina and holds tight. He doesn't know why, but he knows that it matters, and that's terrifying. He almost wanted to strike Badroulbadour down when she told him that he was reborn because of her. He wanted to grab her by her dress and demand she tell him why she would subject anyone to this pain. My life has been hell, he wanted to scream, and you're okay with that? You're okay with the fact that I've been scarred, experimented on, and forced to kill by those people? Do you know how badly I've wished I'd die?

He didn't do either of those things, but his hands itched to. Her eyes were probably what stopped him. Those bloody, intelligent eyes, that burrowed deep within him and grabbed ahold of his core. She wrapped her little hands around Asad's mind and stopped the flood of his anger and hatred, reversed it's course back into his heart. Then she smiled cooly, her head tilting slightly, and she told him that, if he did nothing, the world would burn. The thought of that didn't stir him, so she mentioned how Judal died in her world.

(The image she craftily drew with her words brought his self-righteousness to it's knees and his apathy to a bow. She chose such gruesome, horrifying words that he had nightmares later of a four-year-old red-eyed boy being sliced up and set aflame.)

He conceded to Bad's will, because she's strong and scary and persuasive as all hell, and he respects her more than he's ever respected anyone. From there, from the gaping wound their leader left in him, her friends crawled in. Centola was first, striking him with her past life as the girl who held him as he died. Eren was next, his good-will bringing him out of the depths of despair. Catrina was last, her friendliness and subtle distrust bringing him security. Together, they've stitch up the wound Bad made, helped him forget the fear she made him feel, and installed trust with every action of friendship they made toward him. He's not sure if any of them realize they are helping Bad make him her ally, but Bad certainly knows.

And by Illah, Asad wants her to destroy Al Thamen.


Kougyoku wraps her arms around her legs, curling up into a ball in the corner of her room. The moonlight shines through the thin doorways, washing the room in a pale drizzle-colored gray. The eighth Princess buries her face into her robes, feeling restless.

"Why...?" She whispers, digging her nails into her palms. Her voice is sad and dejected, a sound not unlike an upset teenage girl pining for acceptance. "Why do you like them more than...Us?"

Asad.

Kougyoku Ren has never truly understood the Holy Keeper. She feels as though she does. Though he's mysterious and often withdrawn, there is beauty in his smiles and twinkling mischief in his eyes. He can, at first, appear to be a scary and intimidating man, but with a few manipulations of his face and voice, he can charm any woman into his arms (something that leaves Kougyoku feeling sour and hollow). He does not trust anyone, and because of that, the only people who he seems to care for is Judal and Kougoku herself. But...

Asad acts differently when he's with the newcomers. Like he's free from chains, his smiles less forced (she didn't notice they were strained until now). He still teases Kougyoku and Judal, but there is a certain light that she's never noticed humming under his skin, the pearly glow of someone who has been enlightened. Asad is more engaged in their silly squabbles, doing things that she never thought he would. Like the other day, when he heard the music from the orchestra and took Kougyoku by the elbow, spinning her into a strange and foreign dance. She took one look into those onyx eyes and then...She got all woozy inside. He looked so sincere, as if seeing her in a new light.

Ah, I'm lying.

"Why do you like them more than me?"

...

Where am I?

Where is she? Kougyoku doesn't remember leaving her room in the palace, but now finds herself in the dark roads near the nobles' mansions, standing alone like a white ghost in the night. She stumbles a bit, looking around herself. Where did she wander into thoughtlessly? Whose house is this? Now that she looks closer...It must be-

"I think I hear something over here."

"Let's check it out."

Kougyoku becomes truly aware of the situation. She is standing in someone else's home, dressed only in her sleeping robes. She's wearing no makeup, her hair's a mess, it's way past midnight, and two guards are walking towards her.

No, no, nononononono!

This is bad. She'll be the talk of the Palace if she's found wandering around at night like this! The women of the harem will renew their hatred for her with fresh vigor, and the ladies of the court will scoff haughtily at the 'low born princess'. She doesn't want that. She can't let that happen, can't let them brutally gossip about her poor deceased mother-

She quickly scrambles up the stone steps to her left, deciding that she'll hide behind a pillar or in an empty room so she won't be found-

But the guards are close, and worse than being found alone at night half-dressed is being found alone at night half-dressed and sneaking into a random noble's house. The implications alone will cause her mother to turn over in her grave. So what does she do now? Where can she hide-?

Just as the guards are about to round the corner, two hands grab her shoulders fiercely. She is pulled into the room closest to her, her breath caught in her throat as she realizes what's going on. The eighth Princess's face is smashed into a chest as the door is slid closed quickly, the owner gripping her so tight she thinks she's going to choke. Kougyoku hears a heartbeat. It's strong yet quiet, not fast and pounding like her's is. She throws herself backwards, pushing against the man and thinking about screaming for help. She can hear the hushed murmurs of the guards right outside, and opens her mouth to call to them.

The man holding Kougyoku grabs her even more tightly, mashing his lips onto hers. Shock and surprise fills her, overcoming her fiery desire to escape. She stays silent as the guards pass by. When the person pulls away, she's blushing, tears burning her eyes.

"I-I'm not going to thank you, Asad."

"I wouldn't dream of it, Princess." In the night, his eyes blend in with the darkness. But there is no mistaking his hair, each strand shining like pure silver in the dim moonlight. He lets her go, sliding the door open and checking for people. "Good job getting all the way here. You're quiet."

"I-I-!" He shushes her, and smirks.

"Whisper, Princess," He steps out and offers her his hand. They are soon walking back to her room in the palace, both silent. The hard wood floors creak whenever she applies to much pressure, but Asad is surprisingly light footed. If it wasn't for his grip on her, Kougyoku wouldn't know he was there. No one crosses their path, and they shortly come to her room.

"Now, don't go sneaking off into the night again. I might not be there to kiss you~" Her entire face goes red.

"I think you owe me an apology for that!" She whisper-yells. Asad raises an eyebrow, amused. She wishes they were the same age. She remembers Asad was more gangly back when he was fifteen, with an easier to read face. Now that he's eighteen, however, she can't tell what he's thinking. Nor can she understand why he enjoys flirting with the maids or drinking his plum wine. She wishes she was eighteen, or that he was fifteen again. Then they could be on the same playing field, and she wouldn't feel so utterly immature around him.

"I do?"

"Yes! That was my first kiss, idiot!" Asad pauses, his face going blank as he considers this piece of information. Kougyoku's cheeks flush. She knows it wasn't Asad's first kiss. Whenever Asad goes off to one of his 'adult' parties, the uninvited Judal and Kougyoku spy on him. That's why Kougyoku knows what a womanizer he is. She's seen him kiss older girls, and...

(It hurts.)

A slow smile spreads across Asad's face, a half-teasing, half-affectionate smile. His eyes look the way they did when he pulled her into that dance the other day, sincere.

"Maybe...I'll be your last, too." He murmurs, his voice slow and hypnotic.

Kougyoku stills, her blood rushing to her cheeks.

"Y-you..." Her eyes narrow. "You think no guy will ever kiss me again?!"

Asad jolts back.

"Ah, what-?"

"You think that the only way a guy would ever kiss me is to shut me up?! You're the worst, Asad!"

"Hey-!" Asad takes a few steps back to get away from her poorly aimed punches, before sighing. "That backfired."

She fumes, turning to her room. Asad laughs lightly, turning away as well. He says a goodbye, mentioning seeing her tomorrow.

Yeah, sure you'll see me. You'll probably be with Eren, or Bad, or that pretty girl-

"Wait!" She stops the door, whirling around to face him. "Um...I wanted to ask you something."

"And it couldn't wait for morning?"

"No. I wanted to ask you..." She says it very quietly.

"What?"

Kougyoku says it a bit louder.

"I still can't hear you." The Princess grabs his ear, pulling her mouth close to it.

"Iwaswonderingifyoustilllikeme."

"...Why would you think I don't, 'Gyoku?" Asad's voice is soft, and the sharpness of his face amplifies. He looks...Worried.

"'Cause...'Cause...You've been hanging out with those new people and I..." Oh no, please don't cry, please don't cry, please don't cry. "I feel a bit left out."

The silence makes her heart race. Even though the conversation has stopped, she can hear the words he's going to say as if it were scripted.

"I'm sorry, Kougyoku. I didn't mean to make you feel that way." There it is, the words she needs, but not what she wants. What does she want? For him to say something other than that? He not going to-

"I just assumed that since you're a very important person to me, you'd know I want you around."

Kougyoku doesn't have the words to express her emotions, so she hugs him, and hides her face in his chest.

"Apology accepted."

I want to be important to you, idiot.


Splash!

Judal's cackle.

Bad's glare.

Oh, I'm so going to beat the crap out of him.


"B-Bad!" Stopping, said girl turns around and stares at the person behind her.

Oh dear God, not him.

Sighing, Badroulbadour glares at the black haired teen behind her, placing on hand on her little hip.

"Yes?"

"I-I...Um…" He looks down, clenching his fists at his sides awkwardly. Bad remembers Judal from the other, but she's pretty sure he was never this subdued or awkward. His words were always delivered confidently in a snide, sarcastic manner. It must be Asad's influence, since he took on most of Judal's (dirty) work. In truth, Bad pities poor Asad for the things Al Thamen have forced him to do. Though he never spoke of them aloud, Bad saw the anguish and death in his eyes. Because of that, Judal is now...Well, less Judal. Not very sadistic, though teasing and arrogant...And tsundere.

Damn it, Asad.

"I don't have all day, Judar."

"It's Judal."

"Whatever." She turns to leave, but he steps forward again.

"Hey, wait! I wanted to say...I'msorryforpullingaprankonyou." Turning on his heel, he speed walks away. Bad stares after him, dumbfounded. And then, she begins to giggle.

"I wasn't expecting that!" Shaking her head, the child gazes off where Judal left and whispers softly, "Damn it, Asad...You sure know how to complicate things."


"Hey Gyo~Ku~En!"

"Hello, little one. Why are you here?" Gyokuen's voice sends chills down Bad's back, but she doesn't allow her utter repulsion to show on her face.

Be calm. You're in control of the situation.

Gyokuen sits among her Priest, sipping on tea and discussing "matters of state". Several of said Priests stiffen at Bad's intimate way of speaking with Gyokuen, but don't interrupt.

"Sorry for barging in, but I would like to speak to you about something~" She giggles sweetly, putting up a facade of innocence.

"Oh? And what would that be?" Step-mother smiles, and memories bang against Bad's skull.

That smile, They whisper, their voices haughty and cruel, Is the same one she used when you told her you loved her-

"I would like to cash in that favor you owe me," The priests gasp, and one shoots up, saying-

"Her Highness owes a brat like you nothin-"

"Be quiet," Gyokuen says in her caring, gentle voice, but the killing intent in the room spikes. The Priest who had shot up is pressed back down onto the ground due to the pressure, and Bad admits that her knees buckle slightly. She forces herself to keep her calm demeanor, even though her heart begins to race. "Are you alright, Bad?"

When Gyokuen asks this and turns to the girl, a flicker of confusion flashes crosses her face. It looks almost to say, 'Why isn't she frightened?'.

She never looked at you like that before. Because you were her pet. You did every little thing she asked of you-

"I'm fine, thank you~! Anyway, about that favor…"


"You guys are really leaving?" The mornings in Kou are incredibly nice, the cool breeze spreading across one's face and tussling their hair, the sun greeting the people with a warm smile. The scent of cherry blossoms wafts across the streets, exploring every crook and nanny it can find. Catrina still can't believe they are leaving such a beautiful place. Her sharp nose appreciates the subtle scents in the air and the refreshing cleanness of the Palace, and far away the hint of salt nipping at her tongue. She can hear the rustle of every tree, and the way the people walk (quiet and refined) do wonders for her calm.

But then again, this is Kou.

As in, the country that houses Al Thamen, the people who kill for their twisted goals and are so blinded by hatred that they can't see what's right in front of them. They take innocence and turn it into evil. She can taste something sour and heavy in the air, but thinks it's just her imagination...Except, sometimes she spots black robes in the corner of her vision, or sees a crown of thorns laying atop a rose bush, as if placed there as a warning.

To say that she prefers Reim would be an understatement. She loves Reim, especially since that's where she met her father. Absentmindedly, Catrina touches the tips of her fingers to her hair ornament, the green laurel with little blue gems wrapped around her bun perfectly. The Fanalis-Amala feels safer when she touches it. It was a present from her father, and she imagines that his warmth radiates from each little leaf.

Eren stands on her left, Bad on her right, and Centola lays her hands on her shoulders behind her. In front of them are Asad, Kougyoku, Hakuei and Judal, all different levels of disappointed because of their departure. Judal looks bummed, probably because Bad and him grew close over the month despite their rough start and constant jabs at one another. The older teen ruffles Bad's hair and makes a risqué joke, but his heart isn't in it. Bad rolls her eyes and smacks his hand away, replying she doesn't know what he's blathering about, but her voice is familiar and teasing. Catrina liked Judal's character in the manga, but has kept her distance from the real thing. The person she remembers is just not someone she wants to be around, and Catrina finds no fault in her actions.

Hakuei exchanges words with Eren, saying in a humorous tone,

"Maybe I should slap you again...It'll be our hello and goodbye!" This is refering to how when they first met, Hakuei had slapped Eren for 'not wearing clothes', which wasn't really fair since Eren only wears a sash and arabic pants.

Kougyoku is speaking to Centola, which is a bit awkward for Catrina considering it's like being in a human sandwich.

"I'm glad we've become good friends," Centola says, patting Catrina's head absentmindedly. "It's nice to have someone who appreciates that value of makeup!"

Kougyoku laughs and takes Centola's free hand.

"Me too! Before you girls came I was surrounded by idiot boys!"

"Hey, I heard that!" Asad calls in mock outrage, and they all laugh. Catrina laughs slightly as well, but she simply didn't click with the Kou Princesses or Oracle like the others did. Yes, she got along very well with Asad, but Kougyoku and Hakuei and Judal just didn't seem to notice her like they did Centola, Eren and Bad. It's not like she minds, since she naturally doesn't trust any of them. She hardly trusts Asad, even though he's a reincarnation. She supposes it's simply a effect of having a childhood full of tense glares and harsh words by people claiming to be family.

"Goodbye! See you all soon!" Hakuei.

"Bye." Asad. "Try not to get thrown in jail."

"Don't have too much fun without me, shorty!" Judal, who else?

"Goodbye, may we see one another in the future." Kougyoku, practicing her manners.

"Don't worry! I'm sure we will see one another very soon~" Bad. (Stop with the foreshadowing.)


"Bye little one~ I hope we see one another again." Gyokuen stands in her room, dressed head to toe in luxurious clothes. She stares off at the figures leaving the palace and smiles, her eyes turning black in the shadows. The Empress looks at the smallest figure, tapping her chin.

"Hmm…'Leave Asad alone, please'...'And don't hurt my dear friends'," Gyokuen suddenly stops tapping and instead smoothes out her dress, smiling. "I can make that work, little-"

"The Princess! Our Princess! Our Princess will free us!"

"...Princess~"


5 months later...

Rayide isn't very pretty, but it has a rustic charm to it, with old buildings and little houses tucked into its folds. Something Centola notices instantly about the city, however, would be the abundance of taverns and brothels that fit snuggly between tight alleyways.

Just like Mom said…

Having entered the city early that afternoon, the merchants and Centola's traveling party finally parted ways, leaving the group of four to begin their search for an inn. As they go forward, Centola clutches her mother's diary close to her, glacing at the names of the bars as she hopes to see something that catches her eye. As none of them seem to fit the image in her head, her lips form a frustrated point not unnoticed by Bad.

"Having trouble, Cent?" Bad asks, her amused voice matching the light-hearted fire dancing in her eyes. Centola smiles wryly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Afraid so," She responds, trying to keep the nervousness out of her voice. She trembles with excitement and fear, and a tremendous doubt that says, Lilliana made a mistake. People miscalculate all the time, you know. After all, they're not you. To avoid the sting of embarrassment at that arrogant thought, Centola laughs lightly and smiles at Bad, playing with her braid.

"But, what would I expect? For there to be a big casino reading, "De Coverna" on the front?"

"Uh," Eren's voice breaks into their conversation. The taller man scratches the back of his head and then moves over to the side, revealing a huge building behind him. Possibly the biggest building in the city, booming with laughter and music and light, stands a casino with huge letters written across the front: De Coverna Casino.

Centola's jaw drops. Eren chuckles.

"Found it!"


Well, Centola thinks, nervously eyeing the door in front of her, this was surprisingly easy.

As it turns out, to find your aunt (who is the boss of a nearly world-wide spy network), all you have to do is pay the sleaziest lowlife in your family's casino a handful of gold coins, and bam! You now have a relative. Entering the De Coverna Casino had been somewhat of a challenge for Centola, mostly because the presence the place exuded made her feel nauseous. Though she's seen rugged bars and perfume-soaked brothels, never has she encountered such a lavish gambling den. It's almost something out of a legend- or a dream- of a golden high-society meeting place where the rich gather to sip fine wine and eat well-done beef as the cards move quickly in the dealer's hands. But at the rumpled corners, shadows lurk with a strange and vicious power. Hands are shook, deals are made, and the pale wisp of cigar smoke raises up to the ceiling.

Now she stands at the end of a long hallway shrouded in similar darkness, ominous shades slink about protectively of their secrecy. She lifts a hand as if to knock on the door, but thinks better of it and lays her hand on the knob. As if breaking a barrier, her entrance into the room comes with a burst of sweetly-scented air. Laughter and murmurs fill the room with noise, and the low and seductive music of a flute and drum vibrates in her fingers. She looks at the vine-covered ceiling with awe, admiring the many flowers which turn the roof into a blanket of white petals. Lush arabian rugs cover the ground, their dark colors and twisting patterns hypnotizing her. Venturing deeper into the fray, the crowd notices her one by one. They creep back to the corners, their smiles sharp and their eyes caught on the pure maid wandering about in their lair.

"And who are you, beautiful?"

The voice vibrates through the room, shocking her into stillness. The remaining people move away, revealing to her the one who spoke. A beauty comes into her view almost magically, appearing like a bright candle in the dark room. She lays on a coach in such a way that looks elegant, seductive and relaxed all at once, her long limbs comfortably resting on the plush cushions. Her pale, unblemished skin glows mysteriously, as if she was lighted from within. Her gorgeous face holds a smile that, while sly and mischievous, looks slightly curious. Her eyes shine with interest, and she holds her head up with her palm. All around her, golden curls sparkle and shine lustrously, looking richer than the clothes she dawns.

She's the most beautiful woman Centola has ever seen.

(And there is a flower in her hair.)

"A-are you Zeina De Coverna?" The woman studies her with deep maroon eyes, her lips arching upward playfully.

"Yes, I am. Did you perhaps come here just to meet me? How flattering."

"Well…" Nervous butterflies tickle her stomach and soar up her throat, but she swallows them down. "My name is Centola De Coverna. I'm your niece."


Zeina De Coverna is an adventurer.

Her many years of journey and excitement have yielded to her the many attributes that make her one. For one thing, she is an excellent navigator and bargainer; she is a sailor and a nomad; she is a gambler and a manager. And, of course, she is the most skilled liar one would ever encounter, which has placed her on top of the sprawling economic empire that her family has spent generations forging. Her greatest strength is her quick wit and quicker tongue, but no less finely tuned is her sharp ear. Picking up the false notes of a lie is as easy to her as recognizing a dissonant chord.

Which is how she knows Centola is not lying.

"My niece?" Zeina slowly sits up. She scrutinized the girl with a quick sweep of her gaze. "By whom?"

"Ah, by your younger sister, Lilliana De Coverna." Centola's cheeks flush shyly.

"I see. But if you're her daughter..." Zeina stands and looks closer. The girl isn't too tall or too short, her features soft and small. With a heart-shaped face framed by flawless hair and smooth skin, there is no doubt in the girl's beauty. But those things could be a coincidence. Besides, Lilliana would have told her if she had a daughter. A letter, or maybe a visit-

Wait.

Zeina freezes. The girl's eyes. Like mirrors that show you a better version of yourself, glowing green and truthful despite the words that may leave her mouth. The same eyes that her sister has, that would look up at her from a thick book as if to say, 'are you being honest with yourself, Zeina?'. Those wonderfully familiar eyes. Zeina funnels her surprise into a smile. Without taking her eyes off of Centola, she announces,

"Everyone, leave us. I wish to speak with my precious niece."


As if made of mist, the crowd dissipates through doors Centola hadn't noticed before, disappearing into the walls without a word. A shiver goes up her spine at the power her aunt has, just a single command enough to clear a whole room. Now empty, the space looks gigantic and rich with taste, each piece of furniture easily a relic on it's on. Zeina elegantly sits once more on the couch and motions to a chair near her for Centola, which the girl sits in quickly.

"A niece," Zeina laughs, sounding carefree yet wonder-struck. "Not new, but still a surprise."

Centola smiles questionably, but Zeina is already moving on.

"So…" Zeina does a circle with her wrist, punctuating the air with her strong, sultry voice. "How is my dear little sister?"

The smile that graces her face is dazzling. Centola has long since realized De Covernas are stunning, but there is true happiness behind this smile. It's the giddy smile of a loving older sister.

"Z-Zeina-"

"Please, call me Aunt Zeina"

"Ah...Aunt Zeina, I have bad news," Denial flickers across her face at Centola's tone, but the sad frown that overtakes her face expresses denial in it's truest form.

"No…" Zeina says, her voice cracking as she shakes her head. "No…"

"My mother…Lilliana is dead, Auntie," Centola almost says 'I'm sorry', but this is her mother. She doesn't have to apologize for her mother's death; it wasn't her fault. But tears materialize in the older woman's eyes, and Centola reaches out, taking the Temptress's hand.

"My little sister is dead…? How?"

"Um...Last year, before I found my mother's diary to me, she was killed…She was in the market...And then when people where moving around she was pushed. She fell down but a cart was passing by and it…"

She stares at her mother for what feels like days before attempting to get up. After a few tries she succeeds and her gaze falls to her mother's white face and closed eyes, hair now carefully fanned out. Even in death her mother is so beautiful, even if her neck is twisted in a strange way and her entire body is devoid of warmth. The girl stumbles back to Alibaba and Kassim, trying hard not to look at their pitying faces. Her heart feels like a hand had reached in and torn away apart of it, creating a hole in the center of her being.

"I see...I'm sorry about that, Centola…" Zeina's voice is composed despite the crumbling of her calm facade. Centola closes her eyes, trying to block out the memories of Balbadd. Once she begins to think about her mother's death, all the other horrible things that happened in the Slums come rushing back- things that prove her childhood wasn't nearly as peachy as she thinks and says it was. Things like the death (murder) of Kassim's father, the exploits of the fog troop, the night the bandits came crashing into Mrs. Gamela's bar and held her hostage until Kassim coldly punched the daylights out of her captor. At that time, they were looking for a cut of the profits from Kassim's latest heist, but instead were dragged out of the bar and never seen again after they dared to threaten Kassim's gang.

She shakes her head.

"Thank you," She says softly. "But it's I who should be apologizing. To meet you for the first time with such bad news..."

"People usually come to me with bad news," Zeina quips, sounding almost bitter. Quickly she straightens up, trying to hide the pain in her face by wearing a mask. "But I am a business woman first and foremost. Bad news or good, you want something."

Centola colors. It sounds cold when put that way.

"I-I'd like you to train me."

Train you?"

"Yes! Please, I have to become a full fledged Temptress!" Centola bows her head, knees sticking together like magnets. Her aunt is quiet for a moment.

"Why?"

"Because it was my mother's final wish for me." Centola answers, thinking once more about the journal. And, she thinks, it's no coincidence that she was reborn with such awesome powers...And that she met Badroulbadour. It's Fate. It's abnormal, but it's Fate. "...And...And…"

"Do you feel it as well?" Zeina asks this in a hushed voice, crossing her legs. As if tucking away her heartbreak, she focuses on whatever mysterious problem probes first and foremost in her thoughts. Centola tilts her head questionably. Zeina purses her lips. "There is darkness closing in everywhere. I can sense something malicious surfacing."

"How did you know?"

"So you do feel it?" Centola nods, her mind now on Al Thamen and Bad's game. The older temptress stands, holding her hands behind her back. "...I know because of the suspicious activity everywhere. Every corner of my spy network is squirming with news of fights and fires and the Kou Empire's expansion. Not to mention that High King Sinbad who continues to resist my own expansion into his land…Handsome bastard..."

"Ah, what?"

"What? Oh, yes. Could it be that the real reason you wish to become a Temptress is because of this darkness?"

"...I...I don't want that…"

"Hm?"

"I don't want Fate to play it's course!" Centola bursts out. Zeina stares at her, her face perfectly calm. But deep within her endless gaze, a shadowed swath of surprise shows it's face. "I don't want to not know anymore! I'm tired of not knowing why I'm here. But worst of all, I'm tired of Fate playing with my friends. I don't want them to be hurt anymore." Her lower lip trembles, and Kassim's face flashes in her head. "I don't want my friends to die."

Understanding and sympathy fill Zeina's face as she looks down upon her niece, like she too has had this same exact feelings a long, long time ago. Centola quickly swipes at her wet eyes, breathing in through her nose to keep in the snot. She must look like an unladylike, un-temptress-like brat. But instead of cowering in embarrassment, she embraces her fears and stands up before the famed Zeina De Coverna.

"So for that reason, please, I beg you, teach me how to be strong!"

Zeina eyes her up and down, her gaze like a razor sharp knife of scrutiny. She steps forward with a seductive sway in her hips and uses her index finger to lift Centola's chin, looking angelically evil for an unusual moment. She smiles.

"...Alright. But let me tell you, girl," The Temptress laughs, a beautiful snicker of sadistic pleasure. "It's not going to be easy."


I did something bad.

Badroulbadour knows exactly what she did.

Gyokuen, have you fulfilled your promise yet?

Badroulbadour knows exactly why she did it.

Have you played into my hand? Or did you realize what I did and simply ignore it?

And Badroulbadour knows that if Asad or Kougyoku ever find out, they will probably hate her with every beat of their hearts.

Hm, I guess it doesn't really matter.

But Bad also knows that they will still have to rely on her, and trust her. Because everything she does, she does for the sake of the future. For everyone's future. To that end...

They should stand back and let the Royals of Despair do their dance.


Thanks for reading! My first draft of this got deleted so I had to start from the middle and retype + change a bunch of things. This chapter really didn't want to get done, but it did. AND THIS IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN WHAT I HAD WRITTEN BEFORE!

Relationships: Yamu X Yunan is my guilty pleasure, sorry! And I really like Asad and Kougyoku (I planned for him to see her as a younger sister, and then I looked back and realized 'omg, they are perfect').

Hakuei: So...Who's Hakuei's son? And Hakuei's husband? QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS. Also yes, I will get into Hakuei's backstory later. For now, enjoy this sneak peak into the new!Hakuei's personality and motives. She's quite the sly one, huh? ;)

Timeskips: Okay, so Zeina wasn't supposed to be in Rayide until Centola turned fifteen. Therefore, a whole year had to pass before they could meet. This year was spent traveling to Kou and traveling to Rayide. Next chapter will include another year-long timeskip, going straight to the Balbadd arc. Basically, Balbadd happens when Centola is sixteen, but she starts her travels when she's fourteen.

Got any questions or suggestions? Something wrong about the chapter? Grammatical errors, something you didn't like? PM me or leave it in the reviews, I will reply and see what I can do to make the story better/clearer for y'all to understand. ILY MY DARLING READERS!

BYE~~~~~~~