"Oy, Eldoh!"

"Wake up you dumbass!"

The intelligent green irises blink under the intense glare of light despite gracious shade. He scratches his head, ruffling the pale silver locks hanging over his nose. With a grunt, he sits up and yawns.

"Yeah, Merry, I'm coming..."

"You're like an old man, Eldoh! Come on!"

The old god follows in step with the younger Merry and Solas. Merry is a young girl with strawberry hair and a white dress. Solas is a rather rambunctious brown haired boy, younger than Merry.

Sickle, the Sun God, was calling from within Sanctuary. A wind, rife with the scent of God Lilies, blows across the wondrous landscape. It has been only two years since this Second Period has been created and the Gods settled into their new home. News is that Sickle has plans for a Third Period. All seventy two gods were ecstatic for this new development.

The three arrive last to the meeting. Levia stands beside her twin, Behemo. She turns to greet their arrival.

"Did you fall into another of your naps, Eldoh?" She snickers.

"Not my fault..." Eldoh pauses to yawn, "I'm sleepy..."

"Brethren!" Sickle's voice silences the god's idle chattering, "I come to you with bad news... As you have known, I made this Second Period after Malice had destroyed our First. We came here to escape, upon Ark. But … alas, Malice is here."

"What?"

"No..."

"There's gotta be a mistake...!"

"What shall we do, Sun God?"

"We will create a Third Period as planned."

"Will we be safe there?"

"I tired of those HERS people scaring us off..."

"Each of the surviving seventy-two will be tasked with the creation of this Period. We must make haste. Malice approaches..." The gods amble away to discuss the prospects.

"Sickle," Seth, a young god, lingers behind along with Eldoh and the two small gods, "I've been wondering."

"What, Seth?"

"For what reason does HERS exist? Surely they must want to destroy us for a reason."

Eldoh feels his facial muscles tighten. Indeed, HERS infected always have the urge to destroy gods and their creations, but why they do it is... Why try to rationalize it? It's irrelevant. They should all be destroyed for our sakes, period.

"Seth, that is question for humanity, I should think. For now, join the others in formulating a plan."

The gods quibble little over what their assignments are. Malice's threat looms heavy over their heads. Many remember the fear and helplessness of watching the disease consume their original home. The disease which threatens the civilization of gods to this very day since conception. It mustn't happen again.

A little away from the crowd, Seth sneers.

…

How could she? How could she-?! Without so much as a letter, she...

"Gumilia!"

I throw the doors open. She's reading near the window. A book flops to the floor. She looks at me incredulously.

"Y-Yukina..."

"Why didn't you tell me," I stomp up to her, "That you got fired?!"

Three days ago, Germaine's numerous raids had their effect. Beelzania captured a large portion of Restasan from the Marlon troops of undead. At the same time, I'd heard from Bruno the royal vizier was no longer and that she was staying in Retasan's Di Bono Pavilion. Whether she was fired or she quit, I don't care. She should have at least written.

"I wasn't discharged," She calmly picks up the fallen book, "...I quit."

"Well … Why didn't you tell me?"

"Nosy child, aren't you?" She sighs, "But no harm has been done. I suppose I can tell you now, since I'm about to leave anyway... When Germaine took Retasan, she was unable to catch Ney. I suspect she's gone back over the border, where I shall chase her."

"But-!" I open my mouth to protest such a brash plan, "You're wanted by Kyle! It's too dangerous in Lucifenia or Marlon!"

"Don't worry," She smiles knowingly, "I've made … preparations."

At that moment, the door behind me swings open and Germaine enters. Upon seeing me, her face screws up instantly.

"If it isn't you."

"Germaine! Is she," I glance at Gumilia, "Are you Gumilia's escort?"

"Hmph," Germaine snorts condescendingly, "I'm just going because I need to see that ass Kyle."

That's all? So Germaine seems kept in the dark about this sin business, whereas I'm ninety-percent sure Gumilia knows.

"Did you quit for this trip too?" I ask.

"Temporary leave," Germaine pushes me aside, "Enough with the paparazzi, the carriage is downstairs. Let's move."

I follow them as they move their luggage, much to Germaine's annoyance. An opportunity to witness something incredible definitely lies with them. But they'd never let me accompany them. A wry plan begins forming in my head as we descend the steps and exit the building. The footmen finish loading and Gumilia gets into the carriage. I wait for Germaine to stop glaring at me and get in. Just before the footmen close the door, I spring and jam myself in the seats, to their surprise. Before either can protest, I yell for the driver to start. To my relief, the carriage begins to move. Now both Germaine and Gumilia shoot me venomous looks.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Germaine's hands seem to itch for the handle of her sword.

"Now, now. You need someone with proper influence if you're ever to greet Kyle!"

Gumila sighs, her eyebrows creasing, "I'd admire your sedulous dedication to your work in journalism, but this is no game! We are entering enemy territory-"

"All the more reason for me to come," I retort wittily, "Kyle sees you two as enemies, but my father's name carries weight! I can get you in if you masquerade as my servants."

"Oh yeah?" Germaine spat the words out, "And what about the Espionage force? Chartette tells me they know your face."

"I never told them my name, see!" I smile inwardly. It was a good thing Chartette stopped me from introducing myself, "So you see, it's all alright!"

The two groan, knowing how futile it was to try and deter me unless they threw me out of the carriage. Germaine seethes quietly, looking out the window to a passing sward to try and cool her temper. Gumilia, knowing sulking on the past bears no fruit, pulls out a volume and begins reading silently. I peek at the pages, but they're of a cryptic nature I cannot decipher.

Since Retasan lies directly as a border city, there was no real difficulty in getting into Lucifenia. The real challenge came in infiltrating the royal palace. With the country under Marlon annexation, there's a ninety-percent chance the Espionage force will be crawling everywhere. We'll have to be careful in any city we stop at, just to be safe.

The carriage rocks to a stop and I perk up from my short nap. We're in Lolam, a city not far from the palace and Aceid. Gumilia quickly checks us into a hotel.

"By the way," Germaine says casually as she hefts some luggage, "Did you hear? Aceid's been retaken by the Elphens."

"Well, that makes sense," Gumilia draws the curtains closed, "With the city having served as a torch, who'd want it?"

"So, when should we see Kyle? What are you going to do once you see him?" As soon as the words leave my mouth, the room settles into silence.

Germaine shifts her shoulders uncomfortably, plunking down her burden. Gumilia moves her head slightly so the lens became opaque with reflection, making her face inscrutable. I swallow. An uncanny silence in the midst of conversation … is a portent of sorts in literature.

Upon asking around the streets, I notice the townsfolk are rather melancholy.

"Since the Marlon Annexation, I haven't had to lose sleep over executions … but the new blue-y isn't a much better ruler."

"What do you mean?" I press on the street sweeper's complaint.

He sighs and scratches his head a bit, "He isn't much different, is all I mean. After all, he and the Daughter of Evil were young rulers. Too young. He goes to extravagant parties and the people are still under famine. The nerve! They promised better with the Revolution!"

Then he lowers his voice to a whisper and bids me closer, "But you're better not hearin' from me! Rumor is there be spies everywhere!"

Upon further questioning, I discover Kyle is at a party held in Koopa's mansion nearby at the town of Loled. The banquet is open to all nobility, so I'd be able to enter if I just show off my Freesis affiliation.

"And? What are we supposed to do?" Germaine clinks about a small glass with brandy, "While you go woo the king, do we just sit here? You know we can't just go waltzing in."

"Gumilia, you write a letter to the palace telling them I will be visiting tomorrow. Kyle will be back by then, I'm sure," I turn to Germaine, "You're doing fine as you are, bodyguard!"

She shoots me a glare and downs her drink, slamming the empty glass down. Muttering, she leaves to go get more room-service. Now I only have to think about what dress I should wear tonight! Koopa, if I remember correctly, was quite the stiff gentleman.

…

The bandore player dozes softly, his head resting on his instrument. He'll need that sleep. Tonight Koopa will have him playing like a dog for all the nobles and ladies arriving. I have to admit, Koopa strikes me a miser, so his hosting of a night banquet is unexpected.

"King Kyle," Koopa enters the living room and bows, "Forgive me! You're rather early. I hope you didn't wait long, I simply had some business matters at hand-"

"Not at all."

"Well, um," He flusters a little, "Perhaps your majesty would like to sample my new library, I just had it refurbished..."

"No, that's fine."

"Uh … well," My calm demeanor perplexes him. It confounds many actually, I find. I don't know. Ever since my last chat with mother, I've begun feeling superior, as though I shan't waste my words talking to inferiors.

He leaves me to sit in the living room, shaking his head as he leaves. Two servants and three guards stand in the room periphery, though unneeded. Seeing how my countenance is a mask, many flounder in trying to please me. Its pleasuring to know I am an enigma to all, while I can gaze deep into their insecure faces and smile on the inside. Truly, this is how it feels to be a conqueror among the conquered, master of servants.

"Master Koopa thought you may be parched."

A cup of tea and sugar pot are set before me. I look up an see a rather young maid with auburn-red hair. She has a splay of freckles framing her green eyes.

"Thank you," I make no advance toward the refreshment, "You must be new here."

"H-How did you know?!" A hand flies to her cheek, which is bright red, "I-is it my accent? I only started working here after I came from Beelzania..."

"Oh? You migrated despite the closed borders? You are very brave..."

"Ay, no. His majesty is too kind..."

I gesture at her crooked headpiece, "That is a big giveaway."

"Oh! Thanks a lot!" She straightens it sheepishly.

A twinge of some unknown feeling runs through me in a fraction of a second as I watch her fumble with her uniform. I can just imagine it. Green hair and turquoise eyes, a beautiful voice and smile...

"Hm? Sir?"

How my face looked that moment, I don't know. She got a look at me and her eyes widen. Uttering stammered apologies, she hurries away. Now I was slightly confused. I look down at my tea and see a face reflected. One unsightly of a king.

"Kyle? My king, I didn't know you were attending!"

I look up to the shuffling of feet. Several business men have entered, clad in gaudy suits and speaking with their noses in the air. Quickly masking my unsightly expression, I rise to greet them. It seems Koopa holds these parties to gain traction in his Koopa firm with celebrities and high-end business owners. What drivel.

"Come you must drink! Koopa has quite the stash of coveted wines!"

"Thanks very much," I keep my displeasure bottled. The thought of Michaela, once evoked, is not easy to contain. Handed a glass, I try to drown that old sorrow with alcohol.

…

"Name?"

"Yukina Freesis."

"Not on the list."

I puff up my cheeks indignantly, "Get me Koopa! I'll have you reported for your insolence!"

"Aye, this wee one's got teeth! Boss! Some lit'l girl's got the nerve to-"

"Out of my way!" Koopa pushes the guard aside. He gets one look at me and his voice becomes a mix of honey and venom, "And to what do I owe this honor, Miss Freesis?"

"Nothing, Lord Koopa. I've merely heard of the festivities and happened to be in town."

"Where is your father?"

"Err … He's busy … So I came alone."

"WHAT! The nerve! Dumping you on my hands..." Koopa sighs, a hand on his crinkled forehead, "Very well. I see no use in denying you entry. Watch yourself around the drunk ones."

"Thanks!"

Having gained entry, I prance into the grand dining hall. It's as the street sweeper had said. The elite continue feasting on exotic delicacies whilst the famine is still upon the country. I will not deny, however, that I had not eaten since noon; so I take a plate and enjoy the buffet. The action was not without guilt of course.

"'Ey."

A slightly slurred voice comes from the side. I look up at a man in magenta. He's well dressed. A hiccup escapes his lips before he resumes speaking.

"What's a little girl like yourself … doin' in a grownups party like 'is?"

Ugh, he's obviously had one too many drinks. The stench of meat and alcohol mix in his breath and make me throw up a little in my mouth. Politely, I pretend to wipe my mouth with a handkerchief and use that to block my nose.

"I was invited, my good sir. By Lord Koopa himself."

"You aren't a prostitute are you? Yer' too young!" He rears and guffaws, red-faced, "That slimy Koopa! Invitin' little girls alone to this shtick!"

"Might King Kyle be present?"

"Yeah … Though he looks a little glum, if you ask me!" He swankily walks away with a wine bottle, "He's in the courtyard. Been there a while too..."

I hurry out of the hall into the adjoining courtyard. It's very empty outside, seeing as all the vitality is inside. The cool air cleanses the stink of alcohol from my nostrils. There are some stone chess tables and cherub statues beside the Hedge maze entrance, but no sign of the king. Where is Kyle?

"Kyle...?" I glimpse a shred of someone's tailcoat sticking out in the grass from behind hedge walls. Upon walking over, I realize whoever it is must have passed out from drinking.

I release a little gasp when I see the inebriated party-goer. It's Kyle. Wow, he's done a lot to freshen his image with the new coiffure. Besides that, his head is on the side and his body looks rather bloated. His eyes are shut and the lids look darkened, even in the night. I poke his exposed hand, finding it icy cold. Upon further inspection, I see froth leaking from the corner of his mouth onto the grass. His chest doesn't move. He's not breathing.

I fight the urge to panic. If I garner attention to myself now, I can't speak to him alone. Surely he can't be … dead, right? Alcohol poisoning, sure, but... I shake my head. Gingerly, I try to lift him onto his side. Gods, he's heavy! I place two fingers on his throat. This is probably the only thing I've learned in that medical journal mother gave me.

There is movement. A deep guttural sound rumbles and I feel his body vibrate slightly. He convulses, vomiting whatever he ingested. I gently pat his back to assist while repeatedly assuring,"Good, good, let it all out..."

After a few moments, he's done vomiting and coughing. He turns to me, a little teary-eyed, uncomprehending. I help him to his feet, though he still mostly leaned on me. We sit at one of the stone tables. I bid he wait while I get something to help his aching stomach and pounding head.

I return with some black tea, which Gumilia had said contains soothing elements. When I place the cup before him, he looks up at me blearily, his eyes dull.

"I can't believe it …" His eyes seemed gold for a second, "Almost done in by alcohol, you old fool..."

"Um … Are you...ok?" The voice is strangely detached, as though it were another person speaking. But as soon as I ask, his eyes return to normal and he weakly grasps the cup handle. He sips a little, looking at the drink rather deeply.

"You've, um, changed your hair," He looks up at me, surprised by my comment. I gesture at his slicked back blue hair, "I don't know if it really fits you though."

"Who... are you?" He speaks languidly, as if dreaming.

"Ahh, I do prefer the parties you give instead," I smile, deliberately dodging his question, "No one questions if a girl comes alone since guards aren't allowed, am I right?"

He merely looks at me, lost. I throw him an easier clue.

"My father is rather sullen these days. You stopped accepting his invites to the Freesis Mansion."

He perks up, as though a fog lifted in his head.

"Yukina! I didn't recognize you … You've grown."

"That took you long enough."

"I've been busy... How's your father? I see your books all around the kingdom. You're quite a celebrity."

"Thanks. Father's fine... As for my next venture, I'm trying to get more writing experience."

"I think that's hardly necessary..."

I stand, cutting him off. "You're just barely sober. We'll talk tomorrow at the Palace. I sent a message. Expect me around 11 o'clock."

He only nods. I felt him staring as I sauntered away from the courtyard until I melted into the rowdy party inside. It wasn't hard to get myself away after that. I return to Lolam by carriage and carefully open the door to our hotel room. Germaine and Gumilia weren't even worried about me. I can tell because the two were fast asleep.

…

"Chop chop, hurry up!"

The servants run about like this and that, utterly scattered. Their nerves are beginning to get frayed at this rate. It shows on the pulsing vein in their temple. Ney cracks a small smile at the spectacle as she weaves her pace through the confusion to Kyle's study. He'd returned late from Loled, and mother had instructed something be given to him.

"Kyle? Dear brother?" She says in her sickly sweet voice as she sidles in. The king sits hunched over his desk with a cup of tea. His eyes are red-rimmed and he doesn't notice her presence.

"Kyle."

She repeats his name with a firmer tone and thumps him from behind. He straightens instantly and tries to shake the fog from his head. "Mm... Yes, Ney?"

"Brother, please stop staying out so late. You'll get sick! You know how me and mother worry!"

Kyle massages his dorsal bridge with index and thumb, sighing. The alcohol still had its hold. And there was a pounding from within, like a beast waiting to spring. He was just barely registering what Ney was conveying.

"You know Elluka and Gumilia, the two on the witch hunt? Well, look what we snatched upon ambushing them."

Ney pulls out a wrapped rod from the folds of her cloak. Upon unwrapping it, a purple katana is visible. Its make is unmistakable. Kyle remembers the sword, hanging in that room where he'd met his love at first sight, Michaela... He takes the weapon and unsheathes it gently, gazing at the Jakokuese characters etched on the blade. A twinge of nostalgia washes over. He sheathes the sword and places it to the side.

"I'll have it put in the treasure room..."

"You sure? Wouldn't it be better memorabilia hanging here, over the mantel?"

"Don't question me, Ney."

Ney straightens at Kyle's assertive tone. Superbia is working its magic even with him in this pathetic state. She leaves the king alone without another word, quietly closing the door behind her. Kyle cradles his head in his arms, sinking into a dream tinged with alcohol-induced visions, and awaiting another tomorrow without Michaela.

…

"Here we are..."

I gaze upwards for the first time upon the stone, marble and ivory towers of the Lucifenian palace. It's a very magnificent place indeed, as the books have described. Arth wasted no expense lavishing his war spoils. Behind me, Gumilia and Germaine look about furtively under their guises. I had suggested they dress like Asmodean mercenaries posing as my bodyguards since the uniform came with a very obscuring cowl that pulls down to the nose.

"Now, remember, no talking. We don't know if he knows your voices."

"Oh, yeah, sure," Germaine scowls, "It's damn hot in here! And I'm not exactly thrilled to be back here..."

"You're happy, I can tell," Gumilia smiles wryly, "Later we can go visit Leonhart's grave."

That satisfies Germaine. We pass the black gates adorned with golden roses and enter the Hall of Mirrors where Kyle stands about idly, looking at a painting. When he sees me, he smiles. He's looking lustrous in comparison to the haggard drunk he was yesterday. I curtsy. My bodyguards behind me bow. Kyle looks a little oddly at them.

"King Kyle. Thank you for having me."

"It's my pleasure. Your servants are rather..." He trails off, unable to find the words.

"They are Asmodean Mercenaries, your majesty."

"Ah, of course," He strokes his chin, amused, "Pray tell, how is the Bolgiano continent faring?"

Of course the two held their tongues. I quickly jump in, "Ah, forgive them. They're so very serious about their jobs, being raised in that sort of a family … Speaking isn't their strong suit."

Kyle seems satisfied with that response and looks at me. "And pray tell you. Are you here at Keel's behest?"

"Actually yes," I had prepared a script memorized for this specific scenario of questioning, "Keel is questioning the prolonging of the current ban Marlon has on Elphegortean goods. Since my father has materials encircling the globe, it's possible more than a few profits will be lost due to that trade barrier."

"I see..." He seems to dwell on that proposition, "Maybe we should speak alone of such international affairs. Your servants can wait here. Come with me, Yukina."

Eagerly, I follow. Before I leave the hall, I give Germaine and Gumilia the "go" sign and disappear behind the heavy doors. Kyle leads me to a threshold decorated with a beautiful mosaic with sunset colors.

"Beyond here is the Heavenly Yard. Mind you, no weapons will be allowed past this point."

"I have only this," I display my pen and notepad, "All my other stuff is in the carriage. We've been staying in Lolam."

"You're staying there? Are you really a daughter of Keel? I insist you stay here instead. Lolam is not nearly as secure."

"No, no, it's fine..."

"Bardo?" An attendant appears at his beck and call, "Have the visitor's belongings brought from their carriage to the royal guest rooms."

The old woman scurries off to obey. He turns to me and clears his throat. "Shall we?"

The Heavenly Yard is really a garden. It's named quite appropriately after the haven gods were said to dwell in before they left this world to the humans. Hedges upon hedges of yellow primroses, yew and willows are arranged neatly about the garden to make on feel as though they are lost within nature. I can imagine finding my zen here, it's so peaceful. We take a seat by the fountain in the garden center. Four cherubs pointing their arrows in four directions away from the water-bearer who spouts water from her jar.

"So, I was wondering..." Kyle looks at me apprehensively, "Isn't Shaw the heir to the Freesis Foundation? Why was he not sent but you?"

"Ah, well, that's..." Oh no... I hadn't thought of that. It's true that Shaw, being male, would be the more valid candidate to inherit father's business. I have no idea why I would ever be given rein of affairs, given I don't have much interest in trade policies. That's why I'm a writer.

"Ah, no, I'm sorry," Kyle abruptly holds up his hand to stop my stuttering, "I shouldn't have asked..."

Though I am relieved he reprieved me of the question, I am confounded by why he would drop the subject. His eyes are focused on something before him, something I don't see. Then his gaze suddenly drops to my notepad.

"That seems very precious to you."

"Huh?" I'm taken by surprise at the sudden observation. "Oh, oh! This? Yes, my mother gave it to me..."

"Your mother, huh..." He says a little dreamily.

"Yes, I take it with me wherever I go. You never know when there's a story...!"

"I see," He cracks a small grin, "I didn't notice before but, Yukina, you look reminiscent of Mikina."

That statement stuns me speechless. Maybe Kyle needs his eyes checked. My brown hair is a little curly and is often in pigtails hanging loosely over my shoulders. Mother's hair is straight and pale red. Our eyes are completely different colors, with me following my father's brown eyes. What is Kyle talking about?

"...I didn't know anyone thought that," That was the best response I could think of, "What about you, Kyle? How does the Marlon Queen look like?"

"Ah, here."

He slips out a small pocket watch. To my surprise, a small picture of the Dowager Empress Prim Marlon is plastered on the inner casing, opposite the watch face. She is smiling rather wryly. Her smile is familiar. Where have I seen it?

"She's pretty."

"Thank you," He retracts the watch. For a few seconds, there was silence. Then he speaks again, "Mother's gifts are like treasures, no?"

"Oh, yes. Most people would never know, but this notepad is my great treasure," I peer at him sideways, "Do you have a treasure from your mother?"

"Oh, how rude of me … As a matter of fact," He proceeds to fish out a small hand mirror, "It is this."

I can only think, what a cheap looking mirror. Unless, of course, the rim is composed of precious metals. "...Is it laden with gold?"

He laughs, "Just like Keel. A true eye for value. No, it's not gold. Just some cheap metal."

"Oh, I – I didn't mean to call it cheap..."

"It's fine," He waves me off, "Yes, this is a gift from my mother, a great treasure to me. I sleep with it next to my pillow every night."

I try not to laugh. "Is it … a good luck charm?"

He is silent. His eyes are transfixed for a moment on the mirror and his lips move slowly. "Yes... a charm... against nightmares..."

"Well, as a king," I am eager to get away from the subject of the mirror now, "You must have a great deal of treasure, no?"

"Yes," He quickly pockets the mirror, "I have one very great treasure. One beside this mirror … very dear to me..."

"Oh?" My pen hovers impatiently for elaboration. "What is it?"

He doesn't say. Instead he stands and begins walking back inside.

"Wait!" I call out after him, "What is your other treasure?"

Again he does not answer, much to my ire. He turns halfway with a sad look on his face and disappears into the palace. I crossly fold my arms. Leaving a question unanswered is such a disservice! The nerve!

Hell, now I guess I'll just traipse the palace as I please!

…

While Yukina distracts Kyle, me and Germaine raid Kyle's treasure room with ease. His servants seem languid and slow, too dull to notice. The golden doors are very obvious as a target. The guard is quickly knocked out by a simple conk to the head. Germaine strains against the heavy doors as they grind rather loudly.

"Can you be any quieter?"

"Oh, I'm sorry!" She grunts, "Care to try?"

Once a small gap is available to bypass, we cautiously step inside. By gods, that room absolutely stinks of human ambition and greed. All this unused treasure. Germaine's mouth hangs open in shock. Golden emblems, mountains of gilt coins and currencies, sabers, jewels and amulets with attached necklaces, all gathered here to rot and waste. I very much doubt Kyle's stepped in here himself before.

"...So?" Germiane recovers her tongue, "What are we looking for? A needle in a haystack?"

"Trust me, this will prove much easier. Ah, see," I easily spy the purple hilt against the golden backdrop, "Got it."

Germaine looks unimpressed at the "treasure". Then she shrugs and suddenly freezes, as do I. Footsteps are closing in on our location.

Quickly, we hightail out of the room. Germaine arranges the guard's unconscious body to look as though he were trying to break in, since we did not have time to close the door. Then we vaulted out to the inner bailey. That was too close. As we catch our breath, we see Yukina with a servant by the stables with the carriage we came in.

"What's going on here?" we trot over. Germaine suspiciously eyes the servant taking our bags, "Where are you – give me that!"

"No! Germaine," I stop her from wrestling with the attendant, "Yukina? What have you got discussed?"

"Kyle heard we were living in Lolam and wants us here instead. Let's let the servants do their job and go to our new room."

She talks as though it's no big deal. I guess she's done her deal of bouncing about. It really isn't a problem. Germaine does look displeased, however. We allow ourselves to be shown to our new quarters.

Yukina happily flops down on the cushy bed with a velveteen blanket. "Ah! I feel as though reborn! It's been forever since I've had proper lodging..."

Germaine snorts. Such things were excess luxuries to a soldier. And Yukina kind of just insulted that. The young one realizes late and stays quiet, lest Germaine burst from another wayward comment. I sit myself by the window and look out to the familiar palace grounds. I used to walk here often when I was still employed. With Gumilia.

Another twinge alerts me to the priority at hand, tearing me from nostalgia. The faster I can get the sins, the faster Irina will show herself. This time I won't be surprised, and I will take back my body and wipe her off the face of this world. And all will be rightfully so. Oh, yes, the mere thought of ultimate victory titillates me so.

"So, Yukina," I turn to the young journalist, "What have you gathered in your talk with Kyle?"

"Well," She sits up, "He's definitely different from when he stayed at our mansion. More serious, somehow. He talked about how he sleeps with a mirror from his mother and ..."

The mirror. A hand-mirror capable of bringing a change in personality. Given by his evil mother Prim, nonetheless. It has to be the Demon of Pride, Superbia. Yukina notices a change in my expression and catches on. She is hesitant to talk openly about knowledge I have yet to provide my bodyguard. Germaine sits by idly.

"King Kyle is mad. Possessed." I stand. "And by none other than Pride."

"Huh?" Germaine looks up, "What? Is that the name of a disease or something?"

"No. It is a demon, Germaine. I must now divulge why we came here in the first place..." I look out the window to the dying sunlight. "We are here looking for a demon. And right now, the King is possessed by one."

Yukina is silent, hugging a pillow tightly to her chest. Germaine looks at the two of us, incredulous. "...Demons? You're kidding. They only exist in fairy tales..."

"I understand your reluctance to believe, but it is the truth. I do not care if you believe, I merely want you to be aware of what we will be dealing with here."

"...Psh, this is a cruel joke... Demons, my ass...!" She shakes her head in disbelief. "What am I supposed to do?! I don't know anything about fighting the supernatural...!"

"We strike tonight," I turn to my compatriots, "Yukina, did he tell you where the mirror is hidden?"

"Erm, if he sleeps with it, I'd say somewhere in his room?"

"Alright. Night is upon us," I gesture at the darkened sky outside, "We strike when the King is asleep and steal the mirror. Then-"

Yukina squeals and her eyes widen. They stare far past me. I turn quickly to see the sneering face of one wearing the emblem of the Espionage Force.

"GET DOWN!"

The spy throws something that shatters the window and goes past my arm. It lands in the middle of the room and suddenly a great explosion of light is all I can see. The light is only a brief moment, then it's overtaken by smoke. I shout despite choking on the dust particles.

"YUKINA! GERMAINE!"

I run straight into Germaine, hitting my head against hers. We both fall backwards, rubbing our heads. "Oww..."

"Gumilia!" Yukina, coughing, emerges from the smoke, "We have to run!"

Without a moment to waste, we hastily exit and make way to the royal chamber where the king should be asleep. It won't be long before commotion of the mysterious explosion and the three fugitives spreads and the whole castle will be upon us!

…

It seems Gumilia's plan is in action before we could even think on it. The familiar walls of halls where I'd fought in the Revolution fly by as we run to the royal chambers to get this mirror.

Gumilia just told me about demons, and it looks like Miss Journalist was in on the secret as well. Well, what do I know about demons? Why am I even here anymore? The excess of this place still makes me sick, as it did before. Damn it, Kyle! Why did I fight along side you if you were a demon … Why did Allen ever...?! I shake my head of those stupid questions.

We arrive at the royal bedchamber and I force the doors open quickly. Kyle begins to stir. Yukina and Gumilia frisk about the room as quietly as possible in a hurried fashion while I keep a lookout. At the hall from whence we came, more Espionage agents are pouring in and coming closer. I draw my sword. Gumilia suddenly tugs at my arm. Yukina holds the mirror in her hand. It glints a little. As we run, a surprised shriek from Kyle can be heard.

"W-Where now?" Pants the nosy girl. She grips her side as though in pain. Maybe the blast did some damage...

I recognize the room of the late Daughter of Evil. "In here!"

The three of us run in and shut the door quickly. Gumilia scans the room rather quickly and walks over to the fireplace mantel. She touches a certain brick and the back of the fireplace flips to reveal a dark tunnel.

"Let's go!"

"No," I stand firm, "You go. I'll stall for time."

"Don't be stubborn Germain-"

I shoot Yukina a look that quiets her. Gumilia quietly thinks for about two seconds before nodding in assent. "Let's go, Yukina. Germaine, don't do anything too rash."

The two disappear into the tunnel and the secret passage closes up. Just then another grenade is thrown in and blows away a large portion of the wall. Espionage agents begin rappelling in from an upper room. Some few bold ones charge in first, and I sidestep them while shredding the backs of their uniforms for show and pushing them down on the floor. The door suddenly opens behind me. I turn to see the King, awake and shoddily dressed, with his broadsword in grip. He's pale and seething.

"GERMAINE AVADONIA!" He roars. The room seems to shake so even I flinch a little. The agents behind me crouch together to hide their quivering. So I've got agents on one side and the king on my other. What luck...

Panting heavily, Kyle says through a clamped jaw, "Leave us."

The agents pull away obediently. I'm surprised. He thinks he can take me on by himself? His breaths are huffy, like he's in orgasm or pain. I notice one of his eyes flicker a golden color.

"...So what now, Kyle?"

"...This is where you confess and I rightfully execute you, TRAITOR!"

An overwhelming aura is coming from his direction. The point of his sword is quivering in rage. I find myself intimidated by this enraged little kid...

"Traitor? And for what? I never even killed this Michaela."

"SHUT UP! YOU LIE!" He looks ready to burst a vessel. "I know... I know you killed her so I'd join your petty little Revolution! For revenge!"

"Revenge?" I laugh in spite of him, "An eye for an eye? What good does that do? I wouldn't do something so petty if I were really after vengeance. Besides, didn't Allen confess to the crime?"

"Oh, the manservant? Yes, you're right, but I know now he was lying."

I feel a small prick. Allen lied many times and killed our father... I should be relieved the daughter of green's blood isn't on his hands as well. Yet I know there's a caveat...

"I heard it from Keel. That night, the servant helped Michaela escape. So that would leave … you."

"Why me?" I find this huge jump of logic illogical.

"Allen lied … To protect his sister, don't you think?" He smiles wryly, "Oh yes... You're the only one who could have...!"

I look into those crazed eyes, uncertain whether I should take him on or not. He's clearly mad.

"Allen and Keel … Only they knew where Michaela was and neither of them were the murderers! But you could have easily figured it out from either of them, being both sister and associate... SO!" He viciously points his sword at me, "CONFESS! And I shall send you to where your brother is with mercy!"

I sigh. "You won't listen no matter what, will you?"

"You have nothing to say do you, traitor?"

"No, but I don't think you'd listen the way you are now, anyway," I look him right in the eyes, "Think, you stupid idiot. We fought side by side. Do you really think I'm that kind of person?!"

He wavers, only slightly. "There's nothing to prove you did … but nothing you say convinces me of your innocence either!"

With that absurd remark, he rushes straight at me. I hop several paces backward to the edge of where the wall was, feeling the night air against me. He lingers, not advancing.

"I didn't kill Michaela. I'm no witch." I declare that with all my mind in the words, though I doubt he heard. With that, I vault from the room to the lower levels.

I'm sure he's looking as I fall. But he won't come. Instead the sound of ropes tells me the agents are upon me. I grab an intercepting gargoyle and fling myself into the banquet hall rotunda. These spies are not giving up, so I tussle with them. Strangely enough, I don't spy Ney among them.

Since I shredded some of them upstairs, they appear wary of me. I swipe and dodge, aiming to mitigate movement and conserve energy. This is the way to fight best against myriads of cautious enemies, I find. After about half an hour, I've knocked enough of them out to thin my way to the exit. With one grandiose sweep, I slash myself to the door and run out to the bailey. I hear something smash by the stables and quickly run there. Behind, I hear no footsteps from the agents, so they're not pursuing me. Weird.

Still, no time to worry about that. There is dust from the stables and the horses are neighing like crazy. As I get close, I notice a stone in the bailey's paved trail is pushed aside, revealing a secret tunnel. This must be where Yukina and Gumilia exited. I run around the side corner of the stable wall and freeze when I see the scene in the stable square.

Gumilia is slumped over motionless, her cloak torn and her body against a cracked wall where she was probably thrown. King Kyle stands there, pale and eyes raging. In his right hand hangs Yukina limply, his fingers wrapped around her neck. His left hand has the mirror we were supposed to steal. How did he get here so quickly?! Ah, who cares, I don't waste another second and charge the bastard.

"HA!"

He notices me and throws Yukina like a rag doll, dodging my slash. I expect him to come at me, mad and raving. Instead he stands away warily. He staggers a little on his feet, as though dizzy. The mirror in his left hand gleams an unholy light in the moonlight. His eyes are golden as he glowers at me. Keeping one eye on him, I quickly look over the two unconscious ones. Gumilia groans and opens an eye. Yukina does not stir.

A dreadful howl suddenly rips from the king's throat toward the heavens. As if by magic, six wings rip out of his back and his skin becomes a pale ash color. His golden, glowing eyes were still fixed on us as he flew straight up and away. My legs feel jelly and leaden at the same time. What just happened?!

"Germaine!" Gumilia's voice snaps me out of shock, "Grab Yukina! We have to run!"

She's right. I hear armored feet strike as the castle threatens to close around our location. I rush to Yukina. Her face is pallid and her chest isn't moving. Where she was holding her side earlier, I see the cloth darkening. I grab her shoulders and shake her a little. My fear rises. She's not waking up. The footsteps come closer. Gumilia is screaming for me.

"Come on, kid! We have to go! Yukina! Wake up, Yukina!"

My gods... "Yukina!"

For a fraction of a second, I hear a choking breath. I instinctively strike her on the back with my armored glove, which wasn't the best idea, but she coughs and her body shudders. Her eyelids flutter open as she coughs and gasps for breath to my relief. To my surprise, she smiles.

"You … called me by my name... Germaine," She rasps weakly.

I hoist her up. It's a good thing the stables are so close to the palace walls. Gumilia leads us to a secret section that opens when she chants runes over it. We make our escape quickly.

Good Levia … I can't believe what kind of a mess I've gotten stuck in.