With the morning light beginning to filter in through the curtains, Arya drowsily stirred from her slumber, the cold air sending chills up her arms as she sat up. Running a quick brush through her hair, she squinted at the star-shaped clock across from her, noticing she slept past breakfast. Though confused as to why Wagon didn't wake her like always, the idea of going back to sleep crept into her mind. Unable to resist the temptation, Arya snuggled back under the soft layer of blankets, convincing herself that she'll wake up before lunch. Closing her eyes, she let the darkness envelop her.

Knockknockknockknockknock.

"Arya? Are you in there? Arya?" called Kagura outside the door.

Groaning, she burrowed herself deeper into the covers, hoping it would muffle the sound.

"Arya? Please answer, we need your help!"

Wondering what could possibly be so important early in the morning, she decided to continue ignoring her.

Hearing the thudding of footsteps, she then heard Hikari ask "Is she coming?"

"No, she didn't even answer." replied Kagura.

KNOCKKNOCKKNOCK.

"Arya? Wake up, we need your help!"

By now, the blankets had completely covered her head.

"Arya?! Get out of there!"

After a few moments passed, the empress breathed out a sigh of relief, thinking they finally left.

"Kagura, stand back." she heard Hikari order.

Oh no.

BANG!

Jolting her out from underneath the covers was the loud sound of the door falling onto the ground. Her heart racing, she glared annoyedly at Hikari and at Kagura, who seemed to be cowering behind him.

"We need your help." he demanded.

"Well you didn't have to break down my door." she retorted "Conductor has keys you know."

"It's about Right and Zett."

"What?" she breathed.

Running, Arya followed Hikari and Kagura as they led the way to where Zett and Right were, worry throbbing in the back of her mind. As they met up with Tokatti and Mio who waited behind the door to the dining cart, she began to realize that everyone but her were still in their pajamas.

"What's happening?" she asked quickly.

"We're not sure, but we heard Right and Zett fighting in there." spoke Mio.

"Did you try to stop them?"

"Well... we, um... couldn't, your majesty." stammered Tokatti.

"What do you mean you couldn't?" she demanded.

"There seems to be a high concentration of darkness in there." explained Mio.

"Darkness?"

"That's why we went to get you." Hikari said "Conductor ordered us to stay out here and let you handle the situation."

Kagura nodded her head in agreement.

Sighing, she pushed her way through them, the sound of her heart beating loudly in her ears as she opened the door.

Eyes widening in horror, Arya couldn't believe how much darkness had consumed the room. Stepping back at the cold touch of one of the black tendrils, she looked up to see Zett, his hand held firmly around Right's neck as he lifted him off the ground.

"Zett, stop!" she exclaimed loudly.

Not bothering to look at her, his grip only grew tighter, causing Right to gasp feebly and drop the red ressha in his hand.

"Zett, put him down!"

Sending a wave of light that crashed into Zett, he finally released his hold on Right, who collapsed hard onto the floor.

"Are you okay, Right?" she asked as she kneeled beside him.

Still coughing, he nodded his head weakly.

"What do you think you're doing?" she demanded at Zett, who only looked away sullenly.

"Zett." Arya spoke softly, gently turning his face toward her "What happened?"

"It's nothing." he mumbled, not daring to meet his dark eyes with hers.

"He shouldn't be here!" demanded Right "He could've killed me!"

"Are you saying this was my fault?" he growled, grabbing him by the collar.

"Both of you stop!" Arya ordered, prying Zett's fingers from Right "I will not allow fighting!"

By now, most of the darkness had disappeared, allowing the others to finally come in.

"Right!" they all exclaimed as they began to crowd around him worriedly.

With a sigh of annoyance, Zett stalked out of the room, not caring when Arya called his name. Quickly catching up to him, she grabbed him by the hand to stop he from going any further.

"Zett, where are you going?"

"You heard Right, I don't belong here."

"Yes, you do!" she insisted "It's just going to take a while for everyone to get used to you, that's all. Just go back and apologize."

"Apologize?" scoffing, he kept on walking.

"Zett." groaned Arya as she tried to pull him back.

"Arya!"

Turning around, she could see the ToQgers running toward her.

"A Shadow has been detected!"

"Now?" she asked, glancing back at Zett who had stopped to listen.

"We have to hurry, let's go!"

"Go without me, I'll meet you there!"

Turning back to Zett, she whispered "I need you to stay here, okay? We can't have the Shadow Line know you're alive."

"Fine."

"Zett, promise me." she urged, squeezing his hand tightly.

"I promise." he replied earnestly, his dark eyes meeting her gaze.

A chill running down her spine, she quickly looked away, letting her hand drop back by her side.

"I'll be back." Arya said, quickly turning to leave.