An Angel's Touch

by animesn

After losing her parents in a terrible accident, Kyler is taken in and raised by the Elder Kettle. Her life couldn't be better...until the day Cuphead and Mugman visit the Devil's Casino. In order to save them, Kyler must make a decision that changes not only her life, but also the life of King Dice

5. Ch 4 Getting to Know You

"Ahahaha! She actually slapped you? That sweet little thing?" The Devil could not stop howling with laughter when King Dice told him about the events of the previous night. It was probably the funniest damn thing he had ever heard.

"Yeah, yeah. Keep rubbing salt into the wound." King Dice grumbled as dropped the latest soul contracts he had prepared on his boss's desk.

The Devil snickered. "Well, you did kinda deserve it. But don't let it get to ya. She's not the first gal to do that to you."

King Dice sighed. "I know, but I really didn't want her to be one of them. I just want her to like me, you know?"

The Devil raised his eyebrows. "Never seen you so hung up on a dame before. Why are you letting her get you all hot and bothered?" He leaned closer toward his manager. "You don't have feelings for her, do you?"

King Dice flushed a shade of red. "Of course not! It's just...this is all new for her, and I want to make the transition as easy as possible. And before you point out that I haven't stuck my neck out this far for any of the other female employees, I want to remind you that none of them made an offer like Kyler did. She didn't do it for riches or anything else materialistic. She did it because she loves her family and doesn't want their souls to be stuck with you. That's one of her most amazing qualities."

The Devil didn't say a word. He was too busy processing the fact that his manager just lectured him. King Dice realized this, and he quickly glossed over what he had just said. "Sorry boss. I've just been under a lot of stress lately, and this whole situation with Kyler hasn't really been helping. I'm not saying she's part of the problem. I...I just want to smooth things over with her as quickly as possible so I can get her started here at the casino. Kinda of hard to do that when she's pissed with me."

Taking a long drawl on his cigar, the Devil smirked. "No problem Dice. It's kinda nice to see you've got some balls talking to me like that. It's why you're my right hand man." He narrowed his eyes as his smirk disappeared. "But don't make it a habit. I'm still your boss, ya know."

King Dice gave his boss a nervous grin. "Don't worry sir. I know my place." He cleared his throat. "Well, if you need anything else-"

"I don't." The Devil interrupted King Dice as he made the scrolls disappear with a wave of his hand. "Get back to charming the patrons like you normally do."

"Yes sir." King Dice gave his boss a polite bow like he normally does and turned to leave the office.

"And quit thinking about that dame so much. I've been getting comments that you've been distracted since you got here."

"You got it boss." King Dice was about to leave when he suddenly remembered something. "Oh, I almost forgot. Is it still okay for me to leave early so I can assist the movers in packing up Kyler's things at her condo? I know they can do it themselves, but..."

The Devil chuckled. "I get it. So you can convince her that you are invested in her life and want to get on her good side. And the sooner you can do that, the sooner she'll buck up and start working here."

King Dice nodded. "Yup. That's my goal."

"And it'll also show how much you love her." The Devil added with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"What? No!" The red flush that had appeared in King Dice's cheeks deepened.

The Devil laughed at how flustered his manager was. "Relax. I'm just kiddin'. You're not her type anyway. Don't worry about leaving early. I'll have Pierre take over for you around 2 in the afternoon."

Regaining his composure, King Dice grinned at the Devil. "Thanks boss. I owe you."

"Yeah, sure. Get on outta here." The Devil waved his hand as he made one of the contracts appear and started studying it.

As he walked down the hallway, King Dice's head was buzzing with many thoughts. He was grateful that his boss was giving him a chance to make amends with Kyler, but it bothered him that the Devil indicated that he wasn't her type. He never really thought about the type of guys she was into. He was curious to find out. Maybe she likes the shy kind of guy. Or maybe the studious type. She's gifted after all. Could she have a wilder side and be into the bad boy image? Or a little bit of good and bad? He shook his head. He didin't know why he was obsessing over the kind of guys Kyler would like. It wasn't like he wanted to impress her. He just wanted them to get along well enough in order to maintain a professional relationship, since he was going to be her boss. Although it would be nice if they could at least become friends.

Sighing to himself, he headed to the main area of the casino and mingled with the patrons like he always did. At around 1:30, he decided to head back to his office and prepare some paperwork that he wanted Pierre to work on when he came in to take over. As he finished the last of it, there was a knock on his door.

"Yeah, who is it?" He called without looking up.

"It's Rocco sir. Okay for me to come in?"

King Dice chortled. "Of course it's okay. You know you're always welcome here."

Rocco opened the door and walked in with a circular silver tray that had two shot glasses and what appeared to be a bottle of Fire Whiskey.

King Dice raised an eyebrow. "What's the occasion?" He asked as his friend set the tray on his desk and took a seat.

"Well," Roccos said as he set up the glasses. "I heard what happened between you and Kyler last night. She's got a bit of fire in her, huh?"

Once again, King Dice's face turned a shade of red. "My boss told everyone, didn't he?"

Rocco shook his head. "Actually, the head of the cleaning crew here heard it from your butler."

"Crap! I forgot Lulu was Terrance's cousin." King Dice muttered. "But yeah. She's mad as hell right now. She's has every right to be, but I didn't think she'd go as far as slapping me."

Rocco opened the bottle and poured a generous portion in each glass. "No offence boss, but that's not the firs time a gal has given you a smack."

King Dice sighed. "My boss said the same thing. And yes, I've been able to brush it off before. But when Kyler did it, it actually hurt. And I don't just mean physically. It also hurt here." He said as he patted the left side of his chest.

"Hmmm. You really care about her, don't ya?" Rocco said

King Dice shrugged. "Guess I do. A little." He picked up his glass and was about to take a shot when he stopped. "Say, something tells me you didn't just bring this to cheer me up."

Rocco chuckled. "You know me too well. Okay, you remember Kyler's friend Leann?"

"Yeah?" King Dice inquired as a smile began to spread across his face.

"So, she and I have been hanging out lately, and we decided to go steady." Rocco grinned.

King Dice gave his bartender a light, playful punch on the upper arm. "Congratulations, ya lucky bastard. And with such a fine young thing too."

Rocco laughed. "Thanks boss. Now all ya gotta do is patch things up with Kyler, and we can double date."

"Argh, enough already!" King Dice snapped. They both laughed and raised their glasses. "A toast to the new couple." King Dice said. "May you two have a wonderful life together." They clinked their glasses and downed their shots in one gulp.

King Dice let out a little gasp and shook his head vigurously. "Damn. That's good stuff. Now all we gotta do is find a guy for Kyler and Leann's other friend."

Rocco looked thoughtfully at King Dice. "You mean Arisa? Yeah, about that. I've mentioned that to Kyler and Leann, and...well, let's just say a guy is not exactly what she is looking for."

At first, King Dice didn't understand what Rocco was talking about. And then it hit him. "Wait. Are you telling me that she's a lesbian?"

"To the bone." Rocco said with a chuckle.

King Dice whistled. "Well I'll be damned. I never would've guessed. Someone as good looking as her." He guffawed. "Well then, we'll just have to find a good gal to set her up with, won't we?"

Rocco smirked. "If you wanna play matchmaker, then I'm game."

King Dice's face suddenly fell. "But I guess I have to take care of my problem with Kyler first, won't I? Tell me. I'm sure Leann and Arisa are aware of everything that happened yesterday, with Kyler making the bet to free those mugs and all."

Rocco was a quiet a minute. Eventually, he spoke. "Yeah, they know about it."

King Dice cleared his throat nervously. "So uh...how'd they take it?"

Rocco picked up the firewhiskey and filled King Dice's glass. "You're gonna need another shot."

King Dice groaned and put his head in his hands."Aw, fuck me. They're mad at me too?"

"Probably not as much as Kyler is, but yeah, they are pretty upset that you put her into that situation." Rocco said.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, King Dice let out a long sigh. "I didn't mean to. Sure it probably didn't help that I lied to her about not seeing the little mugs here at the casino, but I didn't think she'd go as far as giving up her freedom to my boss."

"Yeah, that surprised me as well. And for what it's worth, I did explain to Leann and Arisa that you were only doing your job when you pushed those boys to gamble their souls. Didn't soften the blow, but they understood."

Again, King Dice sighed and took a sip of his drink. "I just wish there was a way that I could prove to her that despite what's expected of me, I'm really not that bad of a guy. There's gotta be a way to earn her trust."

They were both quiet for a moment. Then Rocco suddenly snapped his fingers. "I think I may have the solution."

"Yeah? Well, don't keep me in suspense. Tell me!" King Dice said with anticipation.

"I was talking with Leann the other day over the phone while she was having lunch with the other teachers. You know that she teaches at Inkwell's private elementary school? My god man, you should see her in her teacher's uniform. She looks so cute and sexy..."

King Dice waved his hand impatiently. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. What's this solution you're talking about?"

"Huh?" Roccos shook his head. "Oh, right. Anyway, we were talking about Kyler's living arrangements since she basically can't go home, and Leann mentioned that Kyler had something that she really treasured. Said she'd go to pieces if she ever lost it."

King Dice was intrigued. "And what exactly is this treasure of hers?" He asked.

Rocco shrugged. "Unfortunately, one of her kids decided it would be a good idea to shove some fishsticks up his nose. Leann had to cut her lunch short so she could get him to the nurse's office, so she didn't get a chance to say what it was."

"Damn." King Dice huffed in disappointment.

"But before she hung up, she had time to tell me that Kyler kept it on her nightstand next to her bed." Rocco said.

King Dice's eyes lit up. "And I'm leaving soon to help the movers pack her things up. If I find this item that she really cherishes, it might help convince her that I'm worth giving a chance."

Rocco beamed. "Precisely boss."

King Dice chuckled and gave his bartender a pat on the upper arm. "Rocco, you're a genius. How can I ever thank ya?"

Rocco gave a sly grin. "Loan me your yacht next weekend. I want to take Leann out on the ocean for a romantic randevous. You know, just the two of us. Alone."

"Heh, heh. I know what you're planning, you sly bastard." King Dice teased. "You got it. I'll bring the keys for you tomorrow. You can pick it up from the bay whenever you're ready."

"Thanks boss. I really appreciate it." Rocco said.

"Don't mention it pal." King Dice stood up and proceeded to put his coat on. He glanced at the large grandfather clock and frowned. "Where the hell is Pierre? He should've been here five minutes ago.." Just then, the door swung open, and a short, balding human man with large spectacles stumbled into the office.

"Huff...sorry...huff...I'm late sir. I got stuck in traffic." The man said as he mopped his sweating forehead.

King Dice and Rocco exchanged looks with raised eyebrows. "I better get back to the bar." Rocco said. "I'll see you later." King Dice nodded, and Rocco started heading toward the door. "Hey Pierre." He said to the man as he walked out into the hallway.

Pierre waved before turning to King Dice, who was looking down at him with his arms crossed and a look of disapproval. He shuffled his feet nervously. "I'm...I'm really sorry sir. The traffic was really bad, you know."

"You knew I had something very important to do Pierre. I was counting on you to be here on time." King Dice said in a firm tone.

Pierre gulped and nodded. "I understand sir. It was irresponsible of me. I'm willing to make it up to you by coming in extra early next time you need me to cover for you."

King Dice scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Well...that might not be necissary. Just make sure it doesn't happen again."

Pierre's eyes widened in surprise. King Dice must've really wanted to get wherever he needed to go, otherwise he would've been a lot harder on him. "Oh, I definately won't let it happen again!"

King Dice gave him a curt nod. "Good. Now, I have some paperwork here that I want you to go over. You're pretty good at stuff like that, so it shouldn't be too complicated."

"Sure thing sir." Pierre said as he hung his coat on the coat rack and headed for the desk.

King Dice placed his head on the door knob and turned to look at Pierre. "And don't forget to mingle with the patrons every once in a while."

"Yes sir!" Pierre gave a salute and went to sit in the large cusioned chair. However, he didn't realize that the chair was too far out, and he slid off the edge and onto his bottom with a thud.

King Dice sighed and shook his head. "On the other hand, perhaps it's best you just stay in the office until your shif is over." He said.

Pierre picked himself up and gave his boss a sheepish grin. "Eheh. Yeah, I think I will."

King Dice gave him a curt nod and left his office. His assistant manager was a bit of a klutz, but he really was good at management and was quite capable of keeping things under control. The only thing he didn't do was convince patrons to partake in bets with the Devil. That was King Dice's job and his alone. If he can at least stay on his own two feet, the day should go by smoothly. He told himself. With that thought in mind, King Dice walked out to the casino's parking lot, got into his car, and started heading over for Kyler's condo. He was bound and determined to find the item that meant the world to her.

When Kyler first woke up, she had completely forgotten where she was. The first thing she noticed was that she was in a dark, small area. As she sat up, she was briefly startled when her head brushed against something, but immediately recovered when she realized it was just some clothing. Confused, she looked around as her vision came into focus, and she saw she was in a closet. Then it all came back to her, although she didn't remember the blanket that was covering her. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she opened the doors and squinted at the bright sunlight pouring through the large balcony window. She stood up and stretched, still rubbing her eyes. She was a bit stiff from sleeping in the wardrobe.

After Kyler had kicked King Dice out of her room the previous evening, she threw herself on the bed and sobbed for what seemed like hours. Once she felt like she had no more tears to shed, she rolled on her back and stared up at the bed canopy. She could not get the image of Cuphead's and Mugman's distraught faces when the train was taking them away from her out of her mind. In addition, she knew Elder Kettle and her friends were probably devastated when they learned about her fate. She missed them all so much and wanted to see them really badly. But she knew that was only possible if they came to visit her. At one point, she decided to call Elder Kettle on her cell and see if the brothers at least made it home safe. To her horror, it was the Devil who answered, reminding her that contacting them in such a way would be considered a breach of her contract and warned her not to do it again, lest Cuphead's and Mugman's souls would be reclaimed by him. Distraught, she hung up and sat on the edge of the bed for awhile as if in a trance. It was at that moment that someone had knocked on her door, and she immediately got up and hid in the wardrobe. It was something she used to do as a child when she was upset. The dark and enclosed space was a source of comfort, and she didn't really want to see King Dice. When she realized it was Terrance, she felt immediate relief. His warm presence and grandfatherly personality reminded her so much of Elder Kettle. Perhaps that was why she was happy to see him.

And then there were the events that followed when her cider was delivered. When the wardrobe doors swung open and Kyler saw King Dice kneeling down and giving her that cocky grin, something came over her. She was so enraged that he would act as if nothing horrible had ever happened, that she just lost control, and the next thing she knew, her hand had come in contact with his face. After drinking her cider and having the chance to calm down, she thought about her actions toward him, and she felt kind of bad. Kind of.

Now she found herself standing in the sunlit room, and she had the chance to finally take in her surroundings. Since she had fallen asleep in the wardrobe, the bed was left untouched. The blankets, pillows, and canopy were a beautiful baby blue, and it matched the drapes along the window. She walked over to the bed and ran her hand along the blankets. They were very warm and soft, like an animal's fur. Across the bed was an ornate fireplace with a large flatscreen television positioned above it. It's ledge was decorated with various books that were being held in place by fancy bookends. She turned and went to explore the bathroom. The first thing she noticed was that the shower and tub were separate. The shower was so large, she could lay down in it and stretch her whole body, and it was surrounded by a gray shower curtain with crystals on it. The bathtub itself was just a bit larger, and Kyler could see that there were what appeared to be jets surrounding it. Must be a jet tub. She thought. The sink was actually a double sink, and the counter was a gorgous black and white marble. The towels and round floor mat were all quite fluffy to the touch.

Heading back out, she walked toward the balcony window and tried the handle. It was unlocked. She opened the door and saw an outdoor table and two chairs on the balcony. It overlooked the large garden, which she thought was very beautiful and well kept, and there was an amazing view of the city. I guess I wouldn't mind sitting out here with a good book. The thought actually made her smile a little. She turned and headed back to the room. She thought about turning on the television when something caught her eye. Sitting next to the fancy phone that was perched on the bed stand was what appeared to be a folded note. Her name was scrawled on the front of it. She walked over and opened it:

Good morning Kyler,

I hope you slept well, despite the events that took place last night. I just want you to know that I am very, very sorry for everything that happened, and I'm even more sorry that I had lied to you. You have every right to be angry, and I want to do everything in my power to make it up to you. I think you are an amazing and wonderful person for the sacrifice you made for your loved ones. I can honestly say that I have never met anyone like that. Please don't ever change who you are. If you are willing to give me the chance, I would like to sit down and talk with you once I get home from work. If not, I completely understand. If you need anything or just want a tour of the place, just use the phone on the bed stand to contact one of my servants. They'll be more than happy to assist you. I hope you have a wonderful day and I, hopefully, will see you when I get back from work. Take care, and stay strong.

Your's Truly,

King Dice

Kyler felt a slight pang in her heart. She was still harboring resentment toward him, but based on the letter, it seemed like he legitimetly realized that what he did was wrong, and he only wanted what was best for her. Nonetheless, she did feel they were only words on paper. As far as she was concerned, she would believe it when she actually heard it from him herself. At that moment, she felt her stomach grumble. Since she didn't have dinner last night, it would only make sense that she was hungry. She decided to take King Dice's advice and call one of the staff members to send her something to eat. She felt kind of bad asking them to do it, as she considered herself an independant woman and could easily make her own breakfast. At the same time, the mansion was quite large, and she would probably get lost trying to find the kitchen. Picking up the phone piece, she pressed the button that had the word "kitchen" scrawled in fancy lettering on top of it.

"This is Chef Savory. How may I be of assitance?" A rather gruff, but welcoming voice said on the other end of the line.

"H-hello? This is Kyler. Kyler Sharmain. I'm sorry if I distrubed you." Kyler responded shyly.

"Ah, Miss Sharmain. Good morning. Don't worry, you are not disturbing me. Serving King Dice and his guests is a pleasure of mine, as I enjoy cooking immensely. Now, what can I do for you?" Chef Savory asked.

"Um, well, I am kind of hungry." Kyler said meekly.

Chef Savory chuckled. "I'll bet you are, since you didn't eat last night. What do you feel like having? Whatever it is, I can make it."

Kyler thought for a minute. "Well, maybe you can make me what you normally like for breakfast. Since cooking is your profession, I think I would like something that you are passionate about."

Chef Savory was quiet for a moment. Eventually, he spoke up. "You want what I normally like to have for breakfast? Think you can eat all that?"

"I think I'll manage." Kyler said with a giggle. "Despite my size, I can eat quite a bit. My only request is that you make it exactly the way you want to."

"Miss Sharmain, if I could leave the kitchen right now, I would run up to your room and kiss you. No one, and I mean no one has ever asked me to prepare one of my recipes without some sort of change." Chef Savory gushed. "I mean, I can understand food allergies, but constantly being told I can't eat this and I can't eat that because I'm on the latest diet and I'm a vegan because it helps my already inflated ego. Sorry, I'm rambling. But it makes me feel so good inside. You just sit tight. I will give you the best breakfast you ever had."

For the first time since last night, Kyler was able to smile genuiely. "I'm glad to hear I was able to make you happy, despite what I've been through just recently. And, you can just call me Kyler. There's no need for formalities."

Chef Savory laughed. "All right then...Kyler. In that case, you can just call me Chubbs. All my friends do. I'll have that up to you in a half hour. You won't be disappointed."

"Thank you Chubbs. I'm sure I'll enjoy it." Kyler hung up the phone and heaved a relaxed sigh. So far, all the servants she had met were really nice. It made her feel a little better about her predicament.

As Chef Savory had promised, there was knock on her door half an hour later. She gave whoever it was permission to enter, and she was happy to see Terrance walk in with a silver cart that had a dome covered platter on it, along with a jug of orange juice and a vase with some pretty flowers in it

"Good morning Miss Sharmain." He greeted her with a pleasant smile. "Did you sleep well last night?"

"I did actually, despite the fact that I slept in a wardrobe." Kyler said with a laugh.

Terrance gave a polite chuckle. He was happy to see she was feeling better. "I am pleased to hear that. Would like to dine out on the veranda, since it is such a beautiful day?"

Kyler nodded. "I would like that very much." She said, and she followed him as we wheeled the cart outside. He pulled the chair out for her and pushed it under her as she sat down. "Thank you." She said.

"You are quite welcome madame." Terrance said. He set the platter on the table in front of her and lifted the lid. Kyler's eyes widened at what was presented to her. Sitting on the platter was the most beautiful assortment of breakfast cuisine she had ever seen. There were two crepes topped with fresh fruits and drizzled with chocolate syrup, three pancakes topped with bananas and walnuts and a dollop of whipped cream, four pieces of thick bacon, and a succulent omelet.

"Wow." She said in a breathless voice. "Chubbs was not kidding. This is quite a lot of food." She looked up tentatively at Terrance. "I feel kind of bad now. I'm not sure I'll be able to eat all of this."

Terrance smiled warmly at her. "It's quite all right miss. Chef Savory has assured me that if you are unable to consume everything, he will not take offense. He will be happy to store any leftovers you have in the fridge for later. He also inquired that you won't be able to enjoy the meal if you try to eat everything in sight, and he'd be quite devestated if you made yourself ill."

Kyler still looked unsure. "He really won't mind if I can't eat all of this?" She asked.

"Not at all." Terrance assured her.

"Well, all right then. I will just have to make sure that I at least try a little bit of everything." Kyler said as she picked up her knife and fork. Terrance picked up the jug of orange juice and poured a glass for her.

It was probably one of the tastiest meals Kyler had ever had. The fruit was very fresh, and the sweetnesss of the pancakes and crepes were the most wonderful mouth watering sensations she had ever felt. She was hungrier than she thought, and by the time it got to the point where she couldn't eat another bite, there were only two slices of bacon and half of the omelette remaining.

She looked up at Terrance, who was standing there the whole time she was enjoying her meal. "I guess I was hungrier than I thought." She laughed.

Terrance smiled and bent over to pick up Kyler's almost-empty platter. "Chef Savory will be quite pleased to hear that you really enjoyed your meal."

"It was amazing. And so fresh." Kyler said as she sipped her orange juice.

"Indeed." Terrance agreed. "Chef Savory insists on always having the best ingredients for his dishes. The fruit, vegetables, meat...it all comes from local growers around the Island. And he never reuses anything. He wants everything used the day he gets it."

Kyler couldn't hide her amazement. "So, even this orange juice...?"

"That is correct miss. It was freshly squeezed this morning." Terrance said.

"So it's homemade? No wonder it tastes so good." She said as she took another swig.

Terrance couldn't help but chuckle. She really was adorable and so pure. He hoped his employer will give her the respect that she deserved. "As a result of his job, Mr. Dice dines out quite often, but he seems the most pleased when he is able to come home to Chef Savory's cuisines. He's always enjoyed his meals the most."

Kyler didn't respond to any of that. She just continued sipping on her orange juice. Terrance noticed this, and he silently reprimended himself. She was probably still furious with his employer. "My apologies miss. Considering what you have been through, it is probably not prudent for me to bring up my employer at the moment."

Kyler shook her head. "No, no. It's fine. I was just thinking, that's all." She sighed. "I shouldn't have...slapped him. I've never done anything like that before, and I guess I'm angry at myself now. I mean, I'm still a little angry with him. Just not as much."

"Do you think you are at a point where you could forgive him? There is no rush to do so, of course." Terrance assured her.

Kyler shrugged. "I don't really know right now. At the moment, my impression of him is mixed. He seems nice, just...a little overconfident. And cocky."

Terrance nodded. "Interacting properly with individuals who are not as outgoing as he is has never been one of his stronger qualities."

Kyler tapped her finger thoughtfully against the table. "Has he always been like that?" She asked Terrance.

"No, he has not miss." Terrance said as he shook his head. "In fact, from a small child into his late teens, he was just as shy and introverted as you are. But unlike you, he was also socially inept. Still can be, as you have witnessed."

Kyler's eyes widened. "You've known him for that long?" She said.

Terrance smiled. "I, along with Bumblette, Chef Savory, and most of the other servants have been employed by the Dice family for quite some time now."

Kyler was intrigued with the new information she was receiving about King Dice. "So he does have a family."

"Had." Terrance said sadly. "He had a mother and father, and a younger brother."

"What happened to them?" Kyler asked him.

Terrance looked at her. "Forgive me miss, but I'm afraid it is not my place to say. Mr. Dice does not really like anyone to know about his family. It not only tarnishes the reputation he has earned, but it also is a source of great pain for him. However, I'm sure that since he is quite fond of you, he might eventually open up to you."

Kyler couldn't help but blush a little. King Dice liked her to the point where he might reaveal some skeletons in the closet? Maybe he wasn't so bad after all. "I guess I should at least give him a chance." She said softly.

"I know he would appreciate that." Terrance said. At that moment, the pager he kept in his pocket buzzed, and he pulled it out to give a glance. "Ah. Forgive me miss, but I'm afraid I must take my leave now. My assistance is needed in the butterfly atrium. Is there anything else you need before I depart?"

"Well, there is one thing." Kyler said. She got up from her chair, stood up on her toes since she was so short, and gave Terrance a hug. "Thank you for everything. You and the rest of the staff have been so welcoming and patient with me. I think if King Dice followed your example, he and I should be able to get along better. Tell him that for me, will you?

For the first time in his life, Terrance actually turned pink. He had never had someone show their gratitude for his services in such a way. Especially one as sweet and pretty as Kyler. He responded by returning the hug. "It is my pleasure miss. We all want you to be happy. Especially our employer. And I will relay your message to him." He said.

"I'm glad to hear that." Kyler said as they broke their hug. "And thanks for talking with and telling me a little more about King Dice. Learning more about him will help me toward forgiving him, I think."

Terrance gave her that same warm smile. "I am confident it will." He gathered the dirty dishes onto the cart and proceeded to leave. "If you need anything else, please do not hesitate to give me or any of the other servants a call." He said.

"Thank you, I will." Kyler said. "You and the other staff have a wonderful morning."

"And you as well miss." Terrance said. Kyler watched as he wheeled the cart out into the bedroom and left, closing the door behind him.

She sighed and headed back into the room. After all the events from the previous day, it felt good to sit down to a nice breakfast and talk to a kind person. Despite everything that had happened, she was a little curious to learn more about King Dice and his past. And she was willing to give him a second chance, as long as he learned to be as understanding and respectful like his staff.

She was thinking of how she would like to spend the rest of her morning when a thought occured to her. When was the last time she showered? She probably stunk to high heaven. She gave her clothes a sniff and winced. They smelled as well. Ugh. I really need to wash up. Giving up my freedom to the Prince of Darkness is not an excuse to neglect my personal hygiene. She scolded herself. Kyler decided to check the wardrobe to see if there was anything that she could wear. To her suprise, there was a large assortment of woman's clothing. She found that rather odd, since King Dice was the only resident of the mansion (other than his staff, of course.) Then she realized that a man like him probably had girls over at his place all the time. For some reason, that thought saddened her. No! There was no reason for that to bother her. After all, she did not care what he did in his own time. He could fool around with other women for all she cared. Grumbling to herself, she scanned the different articles of clothing and decided on a simple navy skirt, a tank top with a floral pattern, and a long sleeved thin black sweater.

Gathering her clothes, she headed for the bathroom and closed the door. Then she stripped herself completely and put a bathrobe on. Scanning the items in the bathroom drawers, she found a beautiful silver comb with crystals on it. She didn't know why, but she always felt more comfortable brushing her hair when she had nothing but a bathrobe on. We all have our quirkes. She laughed to herself as she started brushing her hair. It was pretty knotty. Once she was done, she put the brush away and headed for the shower. This part she hated the most. Once she figured out which knob was the hot and cold one, she turned them both at the same time and worked to adjust the temperature. She took a few deep breaths and stuck her hand in the running water to make sure it was right. The water was warm and comfortable, but it still made her quake with fear.

Kyler was just about to disrobe when the door suddenly opened. She spun around and saw Bumblette casually buzzing in while carrying some cleaning equipment.

"Oh!" She exclaimed when she saw Kyler and dropped the supplies in surprise. "I'm-I'm so sorry miss! I didn't realize you were about to take a shower! I thought you had gone for a walk after breakfast. Please forgive me!" She flew down to the floor and clumsly started picking up the supplies.

"No, no. That's all right." Kyler said as she bent down. "Let me help you."

Bumblette shook her head. "It's all right miss. I got it." She muttered nervously.

Kyler gave her a reassuring smile. "I don't mind. Really." She said as she helped Bumblette pick up the cleaning equipment.

Bumblettes nervoulsy smiled back. "Thank you miss." She said. Once she and Kyler had picked everything up, she hovered a bit higher. "Well, I will leave you to your shower. I shall come back later to clean. Again, I apologise for bursting in on you." She started to head for the door.

"No, wait." Kyler called, and Bumblette stopped. "Please don't go."

Bumblette gave Kyler a curious look. "Is there something I can do for you miss?" She asked in a kind voice.

Kyler looked down and shuffled her feet. "This may sound like a strange request, but would it be a bother if I asked you to stay here in the bathroom until I finished my shower?"

The maid wasn't quite sure how to respond to her. No one has ever asked her to do anything like that before. "You're right miss. That is a rather strange request. No disrespect, of course!" She said quickly.

Kyler smiled. "No, of course not. It's just that...I have aquaphobia. Being around water really terrfies me, and I have difficulty bathing. It's much easier to do when I know someone else is present while I'm doing it. It's a method my therapist suggested, and I'm hoping to get to a point where I don't need to use that as a crutch anymore."

"I see." Bumblette nodded in understanding. "I shall be quite happy to stay here until you are done." She smiled cheerfully.

Kyler was relieved that Bumblette did not judge her or start asking intrusive questions about her phobia. "Thank you so much for undertanding. I know it's kind of silly." She said as she started to disrobe.

Bumblette immediately looked away so that Kyler could have some privacy. "It's not silly at all miss. Lots of people are afraid of the water. Just tell me what it is that you need me to do."

Kyler climbed into the shower and pulled the curtain shut. "All you have to do is hold a conversation with me. It let's me know that you haven't left, and hearing another person's voice comforts me. Especailly a voice as cute as yours."

Bumblette giggled in embarrassment. "That's really kind of you to say miss."

She heard Kyler take a few deep breaths. "Okay. I'm going to pull the knob up so that the water will start coming out of the shower head."

"I'm right here miss. You will not be left alone, I promise."

"Thanks." Kyler said. Bumblette heard the sound of the water transferring to the shower head. She jumped as Kyler gave a small shriek.

"Are you all right miss?" She asked in a concerned tone.

"I'm fine. That part always startles me. I can handle it now. And please, just call me by my fisrt name. I would like for us to be friends." Kyler called to her.

Bumblette giggled and sat down on the floor. "Very well miss. I mean, Kyler."

Kyler giggled as well. "So, Terrance told me that he, you, and most of the other staff have been employed with King Dice's family for quite some time." She said as she begain washing her hair.

"Oh, yes. We and our decendents have worked with the Dice family, from generation to generation. You might say it's become somewhat of a traditon for us." Bumblette said.

"What's it like working for him?" King Dice, I mean.." Kyler asked.

"Not as bad as you might think." Bumblette responded. "True, he always appears arrogant and cocky when he is at work or mingling with the higher class, but he only does that because deep down, he does not like pushing people to give up their souls to the Devil."

"He did mention that to me last night, but...I didn't exactly give him a chance to explain." Kyler said guiltly while she reached for the bottle of soap.

"Yes." Bumblette agreed sadly. "The very first time he assisted the Devil in obtaining a soul was probably one of his most traumatic experiences. I remember that evening as if it was yesterday. He came home from work white as a ghost, and he looked as if he was about to pass out. Apparently, he actually witnessed the player having their soul taken from their body."

"What happened?" Kyler asked nervously.

"He wouldn't say. He just sat on the sofa clutching the glass of water Terrance had given him. rocking back and forth and muttering over and over again the eyes were empty, as if he was in a trance and couldn't snap out of it. It was quite alarming actually."

"That's awful!" Kyler said sympathetically. "No one should ever have to experience something like that."

"I know." Bumblette agreed. "Since then, he has decided the best way to counter feeling like that again was to put on an arrogant facade. If he appeared that he didn't care, then it wouldn't effect him as much. Eventually, it became easier for him to do his job. But we can all tell that it still bothers him. He's just gpttem better at hiding it."

Kyler looked down as she scrubbed her body with the thick scrub. She actually felt sympathy for King Dice. His behavior was all starting to make sense. If she had to deal with what he had to on a daily bases, she would probably put on an arrogant act as well. "But Bumblette, if it bothers him so much, then why did he accept the position as the Devil's general manager? Why would he torture himself like that?"

When Bumblette didn't respond, Kyler felt a slight twinch of panic. "Bumblette, are you still there?"

"I'm here Kyler. I'm sorry, it's just that King Dice doesn't like us telling anyone about his past. It upsets him too much."

"It's all right." Kyler told her. "I'd rather you didn't tell me if it means you will get into trouble."

"But since he likes you so much, he probably will tell you himself." Bumblette responded.

"You're the second person to tell me that. Does he really like me that much?" Kyler asked. The thought actually made her blush.

"Oh, very much Kyler. I'm quite certain he would like for the two of you to be friends." Bumblette said with a grin.

Us, friends. Kyler thought. She nodded. "I think I would actually like that. If I'm going to make the best of my situation, staying mad at him won't help." She washed out her hair and shut the water off, relieved that her shower was finally over. "I'm done."

"Okay Kyler. Do you still want me to stay with you until you are finished in the bathroom." Bumblette asked.

"No, I'll be fine on my own now, thanks." Kyler said as she reached out for a towel and began to dry herself off. "Thanks so much for staying and talking with me. I really appreciate you taking the time out of your day to do that."

"Don't mention it. If you need me for anything else or just sitting in while you bathe again, just let me know." Bumblette said. She began to gather the cleaning supplies and looked up in time to see Kyler open the shower curtain and walk out fo the tub. She was back in the bathrobe and had her long hair wrapped up in a towel.

"Thank you. Hopefully, I will get to a point where I won't be that afraid of water." She said.

Bumblette gave Kyler an understanding smile and took a hold of her hand. "You will Kyler. You just need to be patient." She gave her hand a squeeze. "Well, I better get going. I've got a lot of cleaning to do. I will see you later."

"Bye Bumblette. And thanks again." Once Bumblette had left, Kyler let her hair down and blow dried it. Then she got dressed and walked back out into her room, feeling a lot better and refreshed. Now that she knew a little bit more about him, she decided she should make the effort to get along with King Dice. She just hoped that he would start taking a more gentle approach to her. In addition, she wanted to make the best of her situation so that by the time her family and friends came to visit her, they won't be worried about her. With that thought in mind, she decided that what she needed was some fresh air. She went over to the fireplace, selected a book, and went outside to sit down and do some reading.

The condo Kyler lived in was one of the most impressive structures King Dice had ever seen. It was located between the rural and urben areas. He could tell by the surrounding area that it was a more upper class residence. It didn't really surprise him, considering the kind of job Kyler had. He was able to locate her building number at the main office, which contained a home theater and large fireplace surrounded by comfy chairs. Once he found the place, he saw the moving truck was already there and the movers, a mixture of humans and large toon ants were busy loading it with what he assumed were Kyler's belongings. He said hello to all of them before entering the building.

If he thought the outside was impressive, the inside was even better. He had walked into a large leaving room, with a large balcony across from it and a gorgous kitchen to his right that contained an island counter. To his left were some stairs that lead up to what appeared to be the bathroom and a very spacious open loft that contained a queen sized bed. That must be where she sleeps. He thought.

"Afternoon King Dice sir." Said the chief mover as he picked up a box.

"Hey." King Dice greeted him. "How's everything going here."

"Pretty smooth. We just finished packing up the kitchen and are almost done with the living room." The mover said.

"So you haven't gotten to the bedroom loft yet?" King Dice asked him.

The chief shook his head "Sorry sir, no. We haven't gotten that far. If you want, I can tell my guys they need to cut their breaks in half so we can move faster."

"No, you guys are doing just fine with your current pace. It's just that there is something up there that a friend of mine told me is very dear to Kyler, and I was hoping to find it. It might be fragile, so I figured it would be best for me to take it separetly." King Dice said as he took off his coat and hung it up on the coat pegs that were located near the front door. "Okay if I hange this here?"

"Sure thing." The chief said. "I'll make sure my guys leave that for last so they don't accidently take your coat."

"Thanks. Much appreciated." King Dice said. He headed up to the loft.

The first thing he noticed was the bed was actually a water bed. It had a book case behind it that served as a headboard and was surrounded by a white base. He could tell by the hose that was weaving outside the upper balcony that it was in the process of being drained. "Didn't even know they still made these." He chuckled to himself. "I'll bet it's comfortable."

He looked to his left and saw the nightstand that Rocco was talking about. Walking over to it, he noticed there was a large picture frame pearched on it. Carefully, he picked it up and studied it. He recognized the two little mugs and an older kettle toon who was probably the grandfather sitting on the grass. Sitting with them was a little girl who had silver blonde hair and amathyst eyes, and he immediately realized that it was Kyler as a child. It made him smile to see her her hair styled in pigtails and the cute little summer dress she was wearing. Sitting behind her and the three toons were a human man and woman. The woman was very beautiful, with long raven black hair and amathyst eyes, while the man was quite handsome. He had silver blonde hair and aquamarine eyes. They must be her parents. I wonder what happened to them. He thought to himself. This definetly had to be the item that she loved so much. Nodding to himself, he took the picture and headed downstairs. Along the way, he ran into the chief mover, who was getting ready to assist one of his guys in carrying out the sofa.

"Did you find what you were looking sir?" He asked.

Kind Dice nodded. "I think I did, thanks. I'm going to head back to my place soon so I can give this to Kyler. Don't forget, I had my servants clear out two of my garages so you guys can use it to store her stuff."

The chief nodded and waved goodbye to him as he grabbed his coat and headed back to his car. As he drove, he wondered how Kyler's day went. He hoped that she was feeling better and was willing to give him a second chance. He figrued one of the best ways to encourage that was to make sure her environment was as non-threatening as possible...

That's it! He quickly made a right turn at the upcoming light and pulled into the parking lot of his favorite spa.

Bumblette hummed cheerfully to herself as she buzzed around and dusted the grand staircase, while Terrance was carefully arranging a fresh bouquet of flowers on the dressing table that was situated at the front entrance. Glancing at the clock, she noticed that it was nearing six o'clock in the evening. King Dice should've been home by now. She was about to inquire about his absense with Terrance when they both heard his car pull up to the front entrance.

Like he always did, Terrance promptly turned to open the door and walked out to greet his employer. However, he found that wasn't necissary, as King Dice had quickly gotten out of the car and was already up the stairs and through the front door. He was carring a brown paper bag and two fancy bags in one hand, and two more of the same fancy bags in the other.

"Welcome home sir." Terrance said. "May I be of assistance with your items?"

"Hey Terrance. Yes, thanks. Just grab the brown bag here. Be really careful. It's very fragile." He instructed as Terrance took ahold of the bag.

"Very good sir. I will make sure to handle it with care." Terrance told him.

Bubblette buzzed on over to both men. "Welcome home Mr. Dice sir. I hope you had a good day."

"I did, thank you Bumblette." King Dice paused before continuing. "How's Kyler doing?"

"She's feeling a lot better than she did last night." Bumblette told him. "Chef Savory made her a succulent breakfast, then she showered and read a book on the varanda. Afterwards, Terrance took her for a tour of the garden. She really enjoyed that. Then she had lunch on her varanda again and read some more."

King Dice sighed in relief. He was happy to hear that Kyler was doing well. "Good. That's very good. I'm really glad to hear that."

"Miss Sharmain has also expressed interest in giving you a second chance, on the condition you approach her with respect and dignity." Terrance added.

King Dice's eyes lit up. "Really? You mean she's not mad at me anymore?"

Terrance and Bumblette exchanged looks. "Well, yes and no." Bumblette murmered. "She wants to forgive you, but she prefers you don't act the way you normally do around the casino patrons and your upper-class friends. I'm sorry sir! I don't mean any offence!" She said nervously.

Nodding, King Dice gave her a reassuring grin. "No, I understand. She's a bit frail, so I have to be really gentle with her. I'm going to make sure to be on my best behavior from now on."

"By the way sir, what's all that for?" Bumblette gestered toward the four bags King Dice was still holding in each hand.

King Dice's eyes sparkled with excitment. "Just a few things I picked up. I thought I could further my chances of making amends with Kyler by giving her a little surprise."

"If I may sir, I think the young lady had experienced quite enough surprises during the prior day and evening." Terrance said. Bumblette nodded.

King Dice shook his head. "I know what you're getting at, but this is different. I'm going to use these supplies to create a calm and non-threatening environment for her. I picked up candles, aromatherapy vapors, soothing music...basically, everything that will help keep her relaxed."

"That does sound like a good idea. I think she will enjoy that." Bumblette said, and King Dice gave her a thankful nod.

"And this package sir?" Terrance glanced at the brown paper bag he was holding.

"That is the most important item of all." King Dice explained. "I picked it up at Kyler's condo on my way here. A friend of hers told my bartender that it is her most precious treasure."

"Ah, now I undertand why it must be handled with the utmost care." Terrance said.

Bumblette was intrigued. "What does this treasure of hers look like?"

"It's a picture of her and the two mugs with their grandfather when she was a kid. She looks really cute in it. And there was a human man and woman in it too. I think they might be her parents, because the woman's eyes look just like Kyler's, and she has the man's hair." King Dice explanied to her. He lowered his voice before continuing. "I think something might've happened to them. Kyler seems to clam up whenever they are brought up."

"Aw, poor thing." Bumblette said in a sad voice. "No wonder she was so upset about being separated from her adoptive family.

King Dice felt his stomach twist. Up until Bumblette brought it up, he was trying to forget the events from the previous night. He decided to change the subject. "So, where is Kyler?"

"She had just finished supper and is currently exploring the butterfly atrium sir." Terrance told him.

"Perfect." King Dice started to head up the staircase. "That'll give me a chance to set up the surprise for her. Follow me Terrance. That picture is going to be the icing on the cake."

"Very good sir." Terrance said as he followed his employer upstairs. Bumblette watched the two men as they disappeared down the hallway. She then went back to her dusting, hoping whatever King Dice had planned for Kyler will work.

Once King Dice and Terrance got to Kyler's room, he instructed his butler to place the picture on the bedstand, just the way it was at her condo. Then he proceeded into the bathroom and started unpacking the bags.

"Shall I retrieve Miss Sharmain sir?" Terrance asked once he had arranged Kyler's picture on the bedstand.

King Dice thought for a moment. "Ummmm...give me ten minutes. Then you can bring her on up. I want everything to be absolutely perfect. Oh, and make sure she closes her eyes before she comes in. Then you can lead her in. I'm going to come by later to see her reaction."

"Very well sir. I shall retrieve her ten minutes from now. If you will excuse me." King Dice nodded, and Terrance left the room.

King Dice then began to put his plan into action. He pulled out verious candles and arranged them around the edge of the large tub and used his cigarette lighter to light them all. Then he proceeded to put together the aromatherapy vapors. His messeuse recommended lavender and jasmine essential oils, as they both helped calm the nervous system and promote relaxation. He set them on the marble sink and pressed the buttons. In an instant, some vapor spouted out of each of them, and he was almost overcome by the combining scents that filled the bathroom. It was truely relaxing. Then he got down on his hands and knees, plugged up the tub, and started to fill it. He wasn't worried about the water being cold by the time Kyler arrived, as it had built in heaters that would help keep it nice and warm. He knew Terrance would explain how to operate the jets once he brought her up. For the final touch, he grabbed one of the bags to pull out the MP3 device that his messeuse had programed some relaxing music onto. He frowned when he didn't find it in there. He checked the second bag, then the third and the fourth. Nothing. "Shit. Did I leave it at the spa by accident?" He grumbled. Then he smacked his forehead with the palm of his hand. He had completely forgotten that he had taken it out and listened to it on the way back. It was probably still in the car. Groaning, he stood up, gathered up all the bags and started heading out the door. Terrance would've brought Kyler back up to her room before he had a chance to get the MP3 set up, but that was okay. He knew she would be happy with what he set up regardless.

In the meantime, Terrance had puttered around getting some work done before it was time to retrieve Kyler. He opened the door to the humid atrium and found her sitting on one of the benches. She had a bowl of honeydew chunks in her lap, and there were quite a few butterflies surrounding her. One even fluttered over and pearched on her shoulder. He felt a warmth welling inside him as he watched her giggle and talk to the butterflies who were crowding around the fruit.

"Hey now, don't shove. You'll all get a chance." She laughed as the butterflies continuously pearched on and hovered around the fruit.

Terrance smiled widely. If King Dice could see how pure and angelic she looked, he would probably be rendered speechless. He cleared his throat. She looked up and smiled.

"Oh, hi Terrance. You were right. This is probably my favorite room in the entire mansion. I've always loved butterflies." She gushed.

"I am delighted to see that you are genuiely enjoying yourself. It is also good to see that you are smiling quite more frequently." He told her.

Kyler nodded. "I still miss my family and friends, but I really want to make the best of my situation."

"There is no doubt that they will come to visit you as soon as they are able." He said as he gave her a comforting pat on the shoulder. "Ah, I almost forgot. Mr. Dice has sent me to retrieve you. He has prepared a surprise that he believes you will love."

Kyler's eyes widened. "A surprise? For me?"

Terrance nodded.

"Oh, what is it?" She asked as she put the bowl of fruit aside and stood up.

Terrence's eyes twinkled mischeviously. "Now you know very well miss that my telling you counters the purpose."

Kyle gave him a playful pout. "Can't you even give me the slightest hint?"

Terrence shook his head. "You will have to find out for yourself, I'm afraid.

Intriqued, Kyler walked with him out of the atrium and back up the grand staircase. Once they got to the door, Terrence had Kyler stop. "Mr. Dice has requested that you close your eyes while I lead you to where it is."

Kyler giggled and covered her eyes with her hands. "Will this work?" She asked.

Terrance chuckled at how adorable she looked. "That'll do just fine. Now, I am going to guide you." Opening the door, He placed one hand on her shoulder and another on her elbow as he helped lead her through the room and into the bathroom. He did one final check to make sure King Dice's preparations were final. When he was sure, he had Kyler stop just far enough from the tub so she could see how his employer had it set up.

"All right. You may open your eyes now." He said.

Kyler removed her hands from her face...and froze.

"Mr. Dice has taken the liberty of preparing a relaxing bath for you, complete with aromatherapy and scented candles. Now, to operate the jets-urgh!"

Terrence's eyes widened in shock as Kyler spun around and jumped on him, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck and her legs around his waist. He stumbled a bit before he placed one arm under her bottom and the other around her back so that they both wouldn't topple over. "Miss Sharmain! What-?"

"Pull me out! Pull me out!" She screamed at the top of her lungs.

Terrance couldn't figure out what she was going on about. "Miss Sharmain, I don't quite understand."

"Don't let me drown! Please, don't let me!" She cried as she clung to him more tightly.

He decided arguing with her would do no good, so he just nodded. "All right, all right. I will take you out of here. Just remain calm." He said as he carefully carried her out of the bathroom.

At that very moment, the bedroom door opened, and in walked King Dice with a gentle smile on his face. "Hey Kyler. I came to see what you think of your-what the hell?" A puzzled look came across his face when he saw Kyler and his butler locked in a bear hug. "What's going on here?"

Terrance sighed. "I'm not quite sure sir. I took her in to the bathroom as you instructed, and when she saw the bathtub, she seemed to have gone into a sudden panic."

Concerned, King Dice walked over to Terrance, who was still holding a whimpering Kyler as she had refused to let go of him. "Kyler? Hey, what's wrong baby girl?"

"My...my chest hursts." That was all she could manage to get out through her rapid breaths. King Dice and Terrance exchanged worrying glances as Terrance walked over to the bed and gently coaxed Kyler off of him.

Once he had her pearched on the edge of the bed, he got down on his knees so that he was at her level and took a ahold of her hands in his. "Now. Miss Sharmain, do you feel weak, faint, or dizzy?"

"I-I feel a little dizzy." She gasped.

"All right." Terrance said gently. "Any tingling or numbness in your hands or fingers?"

Kyler nodded, still breathing rapidly.

Terrance glanced up at King Dice, who was watching the whole thing apprehensively. "Just as I suspected."

"What? What's wrong with her?" King Dice asked in an urgent tone.

"I believe she is currently having a panic attack sir." Terrance said.

King Dice felt as if the bottom of his stomach had just dropped. "A panic attack?" He whispered as he knelt down next to his butler so that he was also at Kyler's level. "W-what should we do? Can we do anything to help her?"

"We can. It is imperative that we both remain calm for her sake. And we must not leave her side at any time. Panic attacks can normally come to an end in 20 - 30 minutes." Terrance explained.

King Dice nodded. He was willing to do whatever was necissary to take care of Kyler.

At that moment, Bumblette came bursting in. "Is everything all right? I heard Kyler screaming." Then she saw Kyler. "Oh dear! What happened to her?" She said as she buzzed over to Kyler.

"She's having a panic attack. We need to stay calm so she can get through it." King Dice explained to her.

Bumblettes eyes widened. " What caused it?"

"It seemed to be triggered once she caught sight of the filled bathtub." Terrance said. "She mentioned something about not letting her drown." Terrance said.

Bumblette let out a gasp and covererd her face with her hands. "Oh no! This is all my fault!" She started to tear up.

King Dice looked at Terrance. "Should I take her out of the room?" he asked.

Terrance nodded. "Please do. For Miss Sharmain's sake. I will remain with her until she recovers." He turned back to Kyler and continued to speak to her gently.

King Dice nodded and stood up as he gestered for Bumblette to follow him. She did so as she continued to whimper.

Once he closed the door, King Dice turned to his maid. "Bumblette, I need you to try and calm down. What did you mean back there? When you said what happened to Kyler was your fault?"

Bumblette took a few shaky breaths before she spoke. "I-I'm so sorry sir! I sh-should have told you sooner."

"Tell me what?" He asked her in a gentle and non-threatening tone. "Bumblette, I'm not accusing you of anything. I just want to know what 's going on with Kyler."

Nodding, Bumblette took a deep breath. "She...she confided in me earlier that she has aquaphobia."

King Dice felt his jaw drop. He was in absolute shock of what he had just heard. "She has a fear of water? Oh my god." He said as he placed a hand on his forehead.

"That's right sir." Bummblette said meekly as she nervously wrung her hands. "Like I said, it's all my fault. If I had just told you sooner, she probably wouldn't be having that attack right now."

King Dice reached out and gave Bumblette's hand a comforting pat. "No, this isn't your fault. It's mine. I should've varified that what I was doing, setting up a relaxing bath and all, would be all right with her."

"Oh, but you didn't know sir. You were just trying to help her feel comfortable. I'm quite certain that despite her reaction, she appreciates what you did for her. And that's what really matters." Bumblette assured him.

King Dice was silent for a moment as he processed what Bumblette had said, then he smiled at her and nodded. "Thank's Bumblette. I'm happy you feel that way." He sighed. "I should go back in and see how she's doing. I hope this attack will pass soon. It must be pretty scary for her."

Bumblette nodded in agreement. "It probably is. But she'll have nothing to worry about as long as you and Terrance are with her."

"Yeah, you're probably right. I might go to bed after Kyler recovers, so I won't see you until tomorrow."

"Goodnight sir. You and Terrance take good care of Kyler. She really is a wonderful person." Bumblette said as she turned and buzzed away.

She really is. King Dice thought. Probably the most wonderful person I've ever met. He quietly opened the door and gingerly walked into the room. Terrance was still on his knees talking to Kyler in th same calm, gentle voice, asking her various questions such as what color the bedding was and to tell him about her experience in the butterfly atrium. He assumed that Terrance was attempting to get her mind off whatever it was that triggered her attack in the first place. Thankfully, it looked like it was coming to an end. But he also noticed something else. Kyler was clutching the photo that he had picked up from her condo to her chest.

He walked over and once again kneeled next to Terrance. "Hey sweetie. How you doing?"

Kyler took a deep breath. Her breathing seemed a little more controlled now. "All right now. I'm...I'm sorry for scaring you guys like that. And for reacting that way to your surprise. Terrance told me that you were just trying to create a relaxing environment for me...and I went and ruined it."

King Dice gave her the warmest smile he could. "I'm the one who should be apoligizing, not you. I should've made more of an effort to learn what your likes and dislikes are. Trust me, if I had known about your phobia, I would never have done that."

It was then that Kyler did something that King Dice was hoping he'd have the chance to see again. She smiled at him. It was a small one, but a smile nonetheless. He actually felt his heart swell with joy. Hopefully, this meant she had finally forgiven him.

"I believe you." She said. "And..." She looked down at the frame she was holding close to her chest. "He also told me that you brought me my picture from my condo. I really appreciate that you would do that for me. I don't think you realize how much this made me feel better. It's like you brought a part of home to me."

King Dice's smile grew bigger. "I'm so happy to here you say that. And I promise I will do my very best to make sure that despite the situation, you're going to have the best life ever. You deserve it."

Kyler nodded. "Thank you. Thank you so much." She took another deep breath and slowly exhaled. "I think it's over now. I feel much more calm."

Terrance and King Dice both breathed a sigh of relief. Kyler was right about one thing. They were probably almost as scared as she was. But it was all over now. They proceeded to stand up.

Kyler felt her eyeslids growing heavy, but there was one more thing she was determined to say. "Um, King Dice?"

"Yes?" He said to her.

"I'm...I'm also sorry...that...I..." she was struggling to finish as she let out a big yawn.

Terrance chuckled. "I think you have been through quite enough for one day miss. Wouldn't you say sir?" He said to King Dice.

King Dice nodded in agreement. "Terrance is right Kyler. You should get a good night's sleep." He said as he and his butler coaxed her to lay down.

Kyler shook her head. "But...I have...to tell you..." she yawned again.

"Whatever it is, it can wait until tomorrow. It's Saturday, so I'll be off. You'll have all day to tell me. Right now, it's important that you get some rest." King Dice told her in a gentle tone.

Kyler knew there was no point in arguing. She nodded, carefully placed her picture back on the nightstand, and laid her head on the soft pillow. By the time Terrance and King Dice had covered her with the thick blanket, she was out like a light.

"She looks so angelic when she's sleeping." King Dice whispered to his butler, who nodded in agreement.

"It's probably best for us to depart now sir. As you indicated, you and Miss Sharmain will have the whole day tomorrow to converse." Terrance whispered back.

King Dice gave him a nod. "I'll be right behind you." He said as Terrance turned off the light and left the room, leaving him and Kyler alone. He looked down at her sleeping form, which was bathed in the moonlight that was shining through the window, giving her an angelic glow. She's so beautiful and pure. He thought to himself, and decided he was going to keep his promise that he would make sure she had the best life.

"Good night Kyler. I hope you have pleasent dreams." He whispered softly as he walked out of the room and gently closed the door behind him. Then he went to his room and retired for the night. He was dead tired.

The next morning, King Dice was sitting on the main varanda having a cup of coffee and reading the paper when he heard a soft sound from his left. He looked up from the paper and smiled. Kyler was standing there holding her picture. The soft sound was her clearing her throat.

"Morning!" He said cheerfully.

"Good morning. Bumblette said you were just about to have breakfast. Mind if I join you?" She asked tentatively.

"Of course not! I'd be honored to have breakfast with you." He said. Kyler smiled and was about to take a seat, but he stopped her. "Ah-ah. Allow me." He said as he stood up and pulled the chair out for her.

"Thank you." She said once she took a seat and he sat down in his own. "So, did you sleep well last night?"

Kind Dice took a sip of coffee. "I did. Mainly because I knew you were all right and safe."

Kyler blushed a little. "That's very kind of you to say."

King Dice chuckled at her reaction. "How about you? Were you comfortable? Was the room warm enough?"

Kyler nodded. "I slept very well, thank you. And the bed and room were very comfortable. You did a fantastic job preparing it for me."

"Uh, actually, it was Terrance, Bumblette, and most of the other servants who prepared it. I just gave them instructions." King Dice mumbled, a litte embarassed.

"Really? Well, they did a very good job. I'll make sure to thank them later." Kyler said.

Terrance walked out of the varanda with a pot of coffee. "Good morning Miss Sharmain. Would you care for some coffee?"

"Yes, thank you." Kyler said with a smile.

"Cream and sugar?" he asked as he poured a generous amount in the cup he had taken from the nearby cart.

"A little cream, please." She said, and Terrance obliged.

"Chef Savory is currently preparing your usual sir." He said to King Dice.

"Perfect. I could use a good breakfast, since I didn't eat much last night." King Dice said.

Terrance turned to Kyler. "Do you have a preferance Miss Sharmain?"

Kyler thought for a moment before giving him her answer. "I really liked those pancakes he made for me yesterday."

"Very good madame. I will make sure he prepares them promptly. Will there be anything else before I take my leave?"

"I'm good. Do you need anything Kyler?" He asked, and she shook her head.

"Then if you two will please excuse me." Terrance gave a polite bow and left them both alone.

A silence followed between them, though it wasn't quite as hostile as it was the other night. King Dice glanced at Kyler, who gave him a shy smile and took a sip of her coffee. "You know, I'm not quite surprised you didn't need sugar for that."

"You are?" Kyler said.

"Yeah. It's because you're already sweet enough. And I really mean that." He said to her in a serious, but gentle tone.

Kyler was quite for a moment while she traced her finger along the frame of the picture she was still holding. "Um, King Dice? I wanted to apologize."

King Dice gave her a warm smile. "Kyler, you really don't have to. Lots of people have aquaphobia."

Kyler shook her head. "No, I mean about the other night. When you brought up my cider."

"Oh, that." King Dice sipped his coffee as another but more awkward silence followed between them. Until Kyler had brought it up, he had forgotten about that incident. "Well, in all fairness, I asked for it. It was wrong of me to lie to you like that. You had every right to be angry."

Kyler sighed. "Yes, it was wrong of you to lie to me, and yes, I did have that right. But that was no excuse for me to react the way I did. I'm more level-headed than that."

"I'm sure you normally are." King Dice told her. "But don't forget that you had a traumatic experience. Anyone who has been through something like that wouldn't be able to think straight. Come to think of it, you mentioned it wasn't your first one."

"No. It wasn't." Kyler said softly as she carefully set her picture on the table.

King Dice studied it once more and gave her a comforting smile. "The man and woman in that photo. They're your parents, aren't they?"

Kyler nodded. "They are...were."

"Your mother is very beautiful, and your father is handsome. I can see where you got your looks from." He said.

Again, Kyler nodded. They both remained quiet as they looked at the picture.

Kyler gently ran her hand along the photo. "I wasn't always afraid of the water. In fact, I loved it at one point. I was even learning how to swim. It's just..." she trailed off.

King Dice could see that she was breaking down. The last thing he wanted was for her to get upset again. "It's all right. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to." He said gently.

She shook her head. "No, I want to. After all you've done to make me comfortable here, I think you have every right to know. I just don't know where to begin."

King Dice didn't say anything. He just nodded and gave her the chance to collect her thoughts.

Eventually, Kyler sighed once again and spoke up. "It all started the summer I was excepted in high school at an early age. I was nine, and my parents decided to celebrate with a day out on the ocean, just us three..."

"Mom! Dad! Hurrey up!" Kyler called as she excitedly ran toward the pier. She had never been on a yacht before, and now that her parents had finally saved enough money to purchase one, she could not wait to get on.

"Sweetie, slow down and wait for us. Besides, you're forgetting something." Her mother called.

"Huh?" Kyler stopped and turned. She scowled when she saw what her mother was holding. "Aww, mom! Do I really have to wear that thing?"

Her mother laughed as she kneeled down and put the life vest on her daughter. "If you want to get on that yacht, you do." She said as she buckled the straps.

"But why just me? How come you and dad don't have to wear one?" She whined.

"Because your mother and I said so little lady." Her father chuckled as he caught up to his daughter and wife. He was carrying a large cooler that contained their lunch and some swimming gear. "Also, you said you wanted to go swimming with Cala Maria, remember?"

Kyler stuck out her bottom lip in a pout. "Yeah, but I look so funny." She said as she tried to adjust to the vest that was situated over her little sundress

Kyler's mother smiled and took her daughter's face in both her hands. "How about this? When we get out into the water and Cala Maria joins us, you can wear your water wings instead of your vest. How does that sound to you Noah?" She said to her husband.

"Sounds like a plan to me Raina." They both turned to their daughter. "Kyler?"

Kyler sighed. "Okay. I can agree to that." She said. "Can we go now?" She said as she tugged on her mother's hand.

"Yes, we can get on now." Her parents laughed, and Kyler resumed running toward the pier where their new yacht was waiting. She climbed up the ladder and on board. Then she ran to the far side that looked out toward the vast ocean, holding onto the side and giving happy little hops.

Noah and Raina followed her and set all their stuff down. Once they got everything situated, Raina joined Kyler while Noah went to the upper deck to lift the anchor and get the motor started. "You're very excited about this trip, arne't you?" She said as she wrapped her arms around her daughter.

Kyler giggled and hugged her mother. "I've been waiting forever. This is gonna be the best day of my life!"

"Okay, everyone ready?" Noah called from the upper deck.

"Ready!" Raina and Kyler said.

Noah grinned at his wife and daughter and started the motor. "Here we go!" He called as the yacht pulled out of the dock and picked up speed as it sailed toward the horizen.

Kyler squealed with delight as she held out her arms and reveled in the wind blowing through her hair. "Wheeee! This is so cool!"

Raina laughed as she mimicked her daughter, holding out her arms and enjoying all the elements of this gorgous day. Noah smiled and felt a warmth grow inside him as he watched his beautiful wife and adorable daughter having fun.

"Kyler! Look over there!" Her mother said as she pointed at something jumping out of the water far ahead. "Do you see it?"

Kyler nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, I do! I wonder what it is? Do you see it dad?" She called to her father.

Noah laughed and nodded. "I do see it. Looks like a dolphin to me."

"Or maybe a small whale. Or..." Raina gave a playful gasp. "A shark! With big, large teeth!" She laughed and growled as she pretended to eat Kyler.

Kyler laughed hysterically as she fought to get away from her mother. "Mom! Stop! I'm not a fish!"

"Oh, yes you are." Raina teased. "You're my adorable, little fish. And I'm gonna eat you up!"

"Dad, make mom stop eating me!" Kyler called to her father, although she was enjoying the affection.

Noah, who decided where they were was a good place to drop anchor, turned off the motor. Once he had dropped the anchor in place, he climbed down to the main deck. He snuck up behind his wife and grabbed her around the waist. "And just what do you think you are doing to our daughter?" He said to her in a teasing tone.

Raina stopped "eating" Kyler and looked lovingly at her husband. "How can I not eat her up? She's so adorable."

Noah placed a hand on Raina's cheek. "You're both adorable. The most adorable girls in the world."

Raina smiled at him and also put a hand on his cheek. "And you're the most handsome man." She said as they shared a kiss.

"Ewww! Not in front of me! That's gross!" Kyler made a face as her parents laughed at her reaction. Somewhat annoyed, she turned her attention back to whatever was still jumping out of the water. "Hey, that's not a dolphin or a whale or a shark. It's Cala Maria." Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she started waving her arms. "Cala! Cala Maria! Over here!"

Cala Maria stopped her fancy jumping and turned her attention toward the small voice. Her face lit up as she excitedly swam over to the stopped yacht.

"Hiya Kyler! Hi Mr. and Mrs. Sharmain!" Cala Maria said once she arrived at the yacht. She was a young toon mermaid who was the same age as Kyler, with pale lavender skin, turqouise eyes, and a squid on her head that served as hair. The head of the squid looked like a bun, and it's legs like stylish whisps. She and Kyler have been best friends since they first met three years ago when her family first came to the beach during a family outing.

"Hey Cala!" Kyler said as she leaned forward so that she and her friend could share a hug, although it was a little awkward with her life vest on.

"Hello there Cala." Noah said. "Does mermaid school let out for the summer as well?"

"Yeah. Our teachers like for us to come to the surface during the warmer months." Cala Maria told him. "Said it's when humans are more likely to come out to the ocean. They want us to interact with them as much as possible 'cause it's important for us to have good relationships."

Raina gave a knowing nod. "And they are quite right. It's important for all of us to learn how to live together. We never know when we might need each other."

Cala Maria grinned and nodded. "Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Sharmain? Can Kyler go swimming with me?"

Kyler turned eagerly to her parents. "Can I?"

Raina nodded in approval. "We said you could."

"I'll go get your water wings." Said Noah as he headed for the lower deck where he and Raina had stored the swimming gear.

Cala Maria looked questioningly at her friend. "Water wings? What're those?"

Kyler shuffled her feet. She was a little bit embarassed that even at her age, she still couldn't quite swim on her own. "I still can't swim very well, so the water wings help me."

"Oh, I get it. They're like tail flippers." Cala Maria said as Noah returned with the water wings.

"Can't say I've heard of those." Raina said while she bent down and started umbluckling Kyler's life she removed her little sundress so she was wearing nothing but her bathing suit, which was white with cherries on it.

Cala Maria laughed. "They're like underwater balloons that mer-parents tie to their kids' fins so they can learn how to move them up and down when they swim. Kind of like those things humans give babies when they're learning how to walk."

"So, mermaids aren't born swimmers?" Kyler said as her father helped her put her water wings on.

"Nope. They gotta learn. Just like you are." Cala Maria said to her friend.

Kyler giggled. She felt better about not being able to swim very well. "Can I go in the water now?" She asked her parents.

"You're good to go sweetie." Noah said.

Raina nodded. "Remember what we taught you so far."

"I know." Kyler said as she climbed onto the ladder that led to the water. "Make sure to kick and move my arms at the same time."

"And you and Cala Maria stay right next to the yacht." Her father instructed.

"Yes dad." Kyler said.

Cala Maria splashed around enthusiastically. "Come on in Kyler! The water's great."

Kyler nodded and jumped right into the ocean. "Waaa! It's cold!" She exclaimed.

"Swim around a bit, It'll warm you up. Race ya around the yacht!" Cala Maria said as she took off.

"Hey! Wait for me!" Kyler called as she swam after her friend, doing her level best to catch up.

They laughed and swam around the yacht. Because Cala Maria was a mermaid, she had a bit more of an advantage since she could dive under the water and propel back up. Kyler could swim just fine with the water wings, but they slowed her down a little because they kept her afloat. Nonetheless, she was having a wonderful time with her friend.

"Hey, you're water wings are pretty neat." Cala Maria said once she had let Kyler catch up to her. "I wouldn't mind having some."

Kyler laughed. "Maybe I'll get you some for your birthday. Blue ones. Because that's your favorite color."

Cala Maria laughed as well, and she Kyler started splashing one another. They were both definately having a wonderful time together.

"Okay! Who wants lunch?" Raina called from the yacht.

"Me!" Kyler and Cala Maria yelled as they both swam for the yacht. Raina had opened the back portion of the yacht so that Cala Maria could hop up and pearch on the edge of it. Kyler did the same as well. Once both girls were comfortably situated, Raina and Noah served them each a shrimp sandwich. They both settled in a couple of deck chairs while Kyer and Cala Maria sat on the edge of the opening. Kyler really enjoyed having her lunch while letting her legs dangle in the water.

"Honey, those clouds in the distance look rather ominous." Raina said to Noah as they finished their lunch.

Noah followed her gaze and frowned. "Hmm, you're right dear. Strange. The forcast said it was supposed to be sunny all day."

Kyler and Cala Maria, who had been listening to the conversation between the two adults, exchanged worried looks.

"Mr. and Mrs. Sharmain? My mermaid senses are telling me that there's a storm coming. And it's coming fast." Cala Maria informed.

Kyler looked at her parents. "Does this mean we have to go back?" She asked in a sad tone. She wasn't ready to end her fun day with Cala Maria.

Raina nodded as she stood up. "I'm afraid so sweetie. Come on. Let's get your life vest back on."

Kyler's shoulders slumped. "Okay." She said as she gave Cala Maria a hug. "I had fun with you today Cala."

"Me too Kyler." Cala Maria said as Kyler stood up so her mother could remove her water wings and put her sundress and lifevest back on.

Noah walked over and gave his daughter a comforting hug."Don't be sad baby girl. We'll come back tomorrow, okay?"

Kyler's eyes lit up. "Cala, you hear that? We'll be out here again tomorrow!"

Cala Maria was just as happy. "I can't wait!" She said as she hopped off the edge of the back wall so that Raina could reel it back up.

Noah headed back to the upper deck, hoisted the anchor, and started the engine. The sky was quickly becoming overcast, and the wind was starting to pick up. "Goodbye Cala Maria! Tell your folks we said hello!" He called.

"I will!" Cala Maria waved. "Bye Mrs. Sharmain! Bye Kyler!"

Kyler and Raina waved goodbye to her as she turned and swam away. Then they both watched as Noah started guiding the yacht back to shore.

Cala Maria was right about the storm coming fast. The wind had really picked up and the waves were getting choppy. Noah was having difficulty keeping the yacht under control as he attempted to battle the elements. He grunted as he felt a few drops of rain.

"Honey! Are you all right?" Raina called. Her concerned tone scared Kyler a little. She clung to her mother.

"I'm fine love!" Noah responded. "But you and Kyler had better get inside to the lower cabin! It's going to get nasty out here!"

Raina nodded and took her daughter's hand. "Come on Kyler. You heard your father."

But Kyler wouldn't budge. "What about dad? We can't just leave him!" She cried.

Raina gave Kyler a reassuring smile. "He'll be fine sweetie. See? We're not far from the shore. We'll be back in no time."

Kyler nodded and followed her mother to the lower cabin. Once they got there, Raina shut the door tightly, and she and Kyler huddled together as the small yach started to rock from side to side.

The rocking got worse as the storm picked up. Both mother and daughter could see out the port windows. It was raining hard. The waves banged against the side of the yacht, and there was thunder and lightning. Kyler started to cry.

"Shh. There, there. Everything's going to be all right." Raina soothed.

"I want dad with us." Kyler sniffled. She was so scared, even in the comforts of her mother's embrace.

"I know sweetie." Raina said as she stroked her daughter's hair. "We're almost back at shore. He'll come get us once-"

THUD!

Both she and Kyler jumped as they heard something heavy fall from above them.

"Daddy!" Kyler screamed. She sobbed as her mother did her best to comfort her.

Raina looked toward the closed door, and a terrible thought crossed her mind. "Kyler, honey, I need to go check on your father." She stood up and did her best to maintain balance in the rocking yacht. Kyler stood up as well, but Raina immediately made her sit back down. "No! You stay right here!"

Kyler shook her head, tears rolling down her cheeks. "N-no mom! I wanna be with you and dad!"

Raina shakily smiled at her daughter. "It's all right sweetheart. Mama and daddy will be back before you know it, okay? Right now, your daddy needs help. I'm going to go get him, and you can help by staying here and making sure we get back inside. Can you do that for me my brave little girl?"

Wordlessly, Kyler nodded, and her mother gave her a kiss on the forehead.

"Don't worry. We'll both be right back." Raina stood up and clumsily walked to the door, opened it, and started walking out into the stormy weather. "Noah? Noah! Answer me!"

That was the last thing Kyler heard before her mother slammed the door shut. Kyler pulled her knees to her chest and burrowed her head in her arms, whimpering and leaning against the wall. She screamed each time a strong wave would cause the yach to sway violently. A moment passed. Then two. And still her parents did not come down.

Suddenly, there was an urgent pounding on the door, and she heard her mother calling frantically. "Kyler? Sweetie, open the door right now!"

Kyler immediately crawled toward the door and swung it open. As soon as she did, both her parents fell into the entryway. They were both soaking wet and breathing heavily, as if they just ran a marathon. But her father was in the worst shape. He was gasping for air, and Kyler could see a large bruise forming on his right arm.

Still whimpering in fear, she crawled toward him as her mother slammed the door shut. "D-daddy?" She sobbed.

Her father rolled on his back, looked at his daughter's terrified face, and gave her a meek smile. "Hey baby girl." He reached up and wiped the tears from her eyes. "A big wave came and knocked me off the upper deck. That was the load thud you and mom heard. Pretty clumsy, huh?"

Kyler gave her father a small smile and nodded.

"Oh Noah." Raina said as she got on her knees and took her husband's face in her hands. "Are you hurt? Are you hurt bad?"

Noah smiled at Raina and reached up to stroke her hair. "I'm all right babe. It's nothing but a bruise."

Raina couldn't hold it in anymore. She started to tear up as she laid her forehead against her husband's. Kyler had never seen her mother react in such a way. It upset her, and she started to cry again.

Noah noticed this, so he pulled his wife in for a kiss. When they broke apart, he gave her a rather mischievous grin. "If I wasn't all right, I wouldn't have been able to do that."

Raina caught on that her husband wanted them both to remain calm for Kyler's sake, so she played along. "Noah, not in front of our daughter." She scolded in a playful manner.

"It's okay mom." Kyler said. "I don't think it's gross anymore."

Her parents were able to laugh as Noah sat up, but they were all immediately knocked over when another large wave crashed agains the yacht. They clung to each other as they rolled across the floor.

"Noah, we've got to get back to shore immediately." Raina said.

He shook his head. "I'm afraid we can't babe. The waves are too strong. We're going to have to ride out the storm until it's over."

Kyler's bottom lip quivered. "How much longer dad?"

"I don't know sweetie." He said. "All we can do is wait. In the meantime..." He pulled both his wife and daughter in a tight embrace. "It's important that we stay together. If we do that...oh, shit!" His calming demeanor disappeared as he stared in fear out of one of the portal windows.

Kyler and Raina followed his gaze, and they both felt fear as well. A very, very large wave was coming for them. So large, it toward over the yach. All three knew that once it came down, their little yacht would not stand a chance.

"Noah." Raina whispered. Both she and Kyler were scared to death.

Noah hugged them tightly. "Hold on everyone! This is going to be a very bumpy ride!"

The wave did more than just crash down on the yacht. It caused it to roll over. Kyler and her parents screamed as they all lost their grip on one another and went flying in different directions like rag dolls. Eventually, the rollowing stopped, and Kyler landed hard on the floor. She was dazed and hurting all over, but conscience. When she sat up, she could see through the flickering lights that the entire cabin was a wreck. Furniture was scattered all over the place, and there was broken glass here and there. Worst of all, she couldn't find her parents.

"Mama! Daddy!" She screamed as she crawled around the wreckage trying desperately to find them.

"Kyler? Baby?" Kyler felt her heart leap with joy as she saw her father standing up near the other end of the cabin. He started climbing over the wreckage as well so he could get to her. When they reached each other, Kyler hugged him in relief. She didn't even care that his bleeding chest stained her lifevest.

"Where's mama?" She asked him.

Noah shook his head. "I don't know honey, but she's got to be around here somewhere. Help me look for her."

Kyler nodded and started to assist her father in picking up pieces of the wreckage so they could locate her mother. The yacht was no longer rocking, so it was easier to walk around. As Kyler appoached the attached bookcase, she heard a moan and found her mother buried under the fallen books.

"Mama! Daddy, I found her!" Kyler called as she started throwing the books aside.

Noah came over as fast as he could. "Good job Kyler! I'm proud of you." Her father got down on his hands and knees and assisted his daughter in removing the books and other wreckage from her mother's groaning form. He then got his hands under her back and cradled her in his arms. There was a large, bloody gash on her head, and she seemed really out of it. "Raina? Raina, baby? Can you hear me?" Noah said as he softly tapped his wife's cheek.

"Mama?" Kyler whimpered as she shook her mother's arm. She noticed that one of the nearby heavy bookends had blood on it. It must have fallen on her mother's head when the yacht rolled over.

Raina groaned again, and her eyes fluttered open. "Noah...are you all right? Where's Kyler?"

Noah smiled in relief and hugged his wife tightly. "She's fine babe. We both are. See? She's right here by our side. What about you? Are you all right?"

"I'm...I'm okay. My head hurts a little." Raina said as she smiled weakly.

"You have a cut on your head mama. I'll put pressure on it so the bleeding will stop." Kyler said. She had found a fallen towel and pressed it against her mother's head.

Noah and Raina were about to compliment their daughter on her quick thinking when they heard a series of sounds. Kyler did too. It sounded like gushing sounds. They followed the source and found that the small cabin was filling with water. And fast

"Raina, can you stand?" Noah asked his wife.

Raina nodded and her husband helped her to her feet. All three of them looked out the window, and they felt panic as they realized their predicament: the yacht was underwater.

Kyler gave a yelp and ran into her parents arms as the water level increased. "Mama, Daddy! I'm scared!"

Noah bent down and scooped Kyler in his arms. "Shh, shh. It's okay baby girl. We're going to be fine." He soothed as he gently bounced her up and down However, deep down, he knew they were in danger. The likelyhood of them getting out of the yacht alive was slim to none.

As dizzy as she was from her injury, Raina started wading through the water, which was now up to her and her husband's waists, looking for a way out. She tried the door, but it was jammed shut, and there was no way to open the portal windows. She looked at Noah and shook her head helplessly.

Still holding Kyler, Noah waded over to his wife and pulled her into an embrace. There just had to be a way to escape, there just had to be. In less than a minute, the water had risen enough that both he and Raina had to start kicking their legs to stay afloat. Thankfully, Kyler still had her life vest on, so she was in no immediate danger.

It was then that Noah heard a soft thud. Through the murky water, he could make out a figure outside one of the portal windows. "Raina, take Kyler." He said as he handed his daughter to her. "I think there's someone outside the yacht. I'm going to swim under and see who it is."

Scared but at the same time understanding her husband's disicion, Raina nodded. "All right. Be very careful dear." She hugged Kyler closely to her.

Noah gave them both a reassuring smile. Then he took a deep breath and dove underwater.

"Daddy! No!" Kyler screamed. Her mother put a hand behind her head as Kyler buried her face into her chest.

"It's all right Kyler. Daddy will be back. He may have found a way out."

No sooner had she said that did Noah re submerge, gasping for air. "Kyler, Raina! Great news! Cala Maria's out there! One of the portal windows had broken, and she can pull us out."

Raina was relieved, but at the same time unsure. "Noah, that's wonderful, but you and I...we can't fit through the portal window."

Noah nodded. "I know. However..." He trailed off.

Raina immediately understood what he was saying and turned her attention toward her daughter. "Kyler, daddy and I are going to take your life vest off."

Kyler gave a frightened shriek. "No mama! No! I can't swim! You and daddy said I must never go in the water without my vest or water wings!"

"I know, I know." Raina said as she started to unbuckle the straps while Noah held onto Kyler so she wouldn't sink once the vest was off. "But listen. You are the only one who can fit through that window. Cala Maria is out there right now. She's going to get you to the surface."

Once Raina got the vest off, Kyler immediately threw her arms around her mother. "Nooo! I won't leave you! You and daddy have to come too!"

Noah pulled both Kyler and his wife into a hug. "It's okay baby girl. Once Cala Maria gets you to safety, she's going to come back for us. You know your mother and I are very good swimmers, and there's a lot of stuff around here we can use to make the window wider."

Kyler shook her head. "NO! NO! NO!" She screamed.

"Kyler, you have to go with Cala Maria. That's an order from your mother." Raina said in a firm, but gentle tone.

"And your father." Noah added.

Kyler looked fearfully at her parents. "You promise to come out after me?" She whimpered.

They smiled at her. "We promise. We'll be right behind you."

Kyler nodded shakily. "Okay. Okay. I'll go with Cala." Her parents hugged her tightly.

"Okay Kyler. Your mother and I are going to take you underwater and swim you to the portal window. When Cala Maria pulls you out, you hang on to her real tight, and don't let go. Do you understand?" Noah instructed.

Kyler gave a nervous nod. "Okay, I'm ready."

"Good. Are you ready dear?" He asked his wife, and she nodded. "Okay then. On the count of three, we're all going to take a deep breath. Ready? One, two, three!"

Kyler took a very deep breath and held it as she and her parents plunged under. The salt water stung her eyes, but she was able to keep them open as her parents helped her swim over to the portal window where a very scared, but determined Cala Maria was waiting. She reached through the broken window and grabbed a hold of Kyler's arm. When Kyler glanced at her parents, they both mouthed the words "We love you", and she felt their hands slip out of hers. It was then that she saw the gravity of their situation. They were all deep underwater, and the yacht was sinking fast. She suddenly changed her mind about leaving her parents in the structure and struggled to get out of Cala Maria's arms, but the toon mermaid held on to her tightly as she rapidly swam to the surface. Since Kyler hasn't had experience being underwater, she ran out of oxygen quickly. She made a glubbing sound as bubbles escaped from her mouth, her lungs stopped hurting, and everything around her went dark...

"When I woke up, I was in a hospital bed. I was told that once Cala Maria had gotten me to the surface, she found Captain Brineybeard's ship and signaled to him that I was in trouble. She swam over with my unconsciousness form in tow, he got me onto his ship, and revived me with CPR." Kyler said as she finished her story in a cracked voice.

King Dice, who had not said a word the entire time, was in complete and utter shock. He just couldn't get over what Kyler had told him. "Jesus Christ Kyler. That's horrible."

Kyler nodded as Terrance arrived with their breakfast and set their platters before them. He wished them good eatings and left.

King Dice picked up his knife and fork and started cutting a piece of his omelet. "And...your parents?" He asked her tentatively.

Kyler took a bite of her pancakes and swallowed before continuing. "After Cala Maria was sure that I was in safe hands, she dove back under to find the sunk yacht. Because of the storm, she couldn't find the exact spot it had gone down. She had to look around before she located where it had come to rest. My parents were in the process of widening the window, but both lost conscienceless before they could complete it. Cala was able to use a nearby rock to finish the job. She got in there, grabbed a hold of their bodies, and got them to the surface as quickly as she could. But by the time the paramedics arrived, it was too late." She took a deep breath. "My parents had drowned. I've been afraid of the water ever since."

"Oh, Kyler." King Dice's throat tightened, and he felt like he was going to cry. He reached out and placed his hand on hers. "I' am very, very sorry."

Kyler did her best to smile as she gently squeezed his hand. "Thank you King Dice. I appreciate your condolences." She took a sip of her coffee. "These past ten years have been difficult, but things have gotten better since then. Even after what happened the other night, I still feel my life has improved."

King Dice shook his head. "I still feel like because of me, I screwed up everything you have worked for. Recovering from the trauma of losing your parents, getting a good education, obtaining your dream job...I took all that away from you in one night."

Kyler was quiet for a moment as she processed what King Dice had just said. She could tell he felt awful for what he had done to her, and probably believed that he would never be able to make it up to her. She decided he deserved a second chance.

He looked up in surprise when she took ahold of his hand in hers. "I forgive you."

King Dice was sure he hadn't heard her correctly. "What did you just say?"

"I said I forgive you. For lying to me and everything else you think you have done wrong." Kyler told him with a gentle smile.

For a moment, King Dice couldn't speak. He was so certain Kyler would hold a grudge against him for a long time, if not forever. Eventually, he smiled back. "You don't know how relieved I am to hear that. I really like you Kyler, and I would love for us to be friends. In fact, how about we start over?" He put his knife and fork down and extended his hand to her. "Hello. My name is King Dice. And you are?"

Kyler giggled. "Hello King Dice. My name is Kyler Sharmain. It is very nice to meet you." She said as she shook his hand.

"And you as well. Would you care to have breakfast with me?" He said.

Kyler grinned and picked up her utensils. "I would be delighted." She said as she resumed eating.

"There's just one thing I'm curious about." King Dice said. "You have aqua phobia, but your bed..."

Kyler gave a small laugh. "You'd think I wouldn't want it after what I've been through. However, my parents gave me that bed just before the accident. As you probably can tell, I haven't gotten much taller since then. And that bed is a source of comfort to me. Whenever I lay in it, it's like they're right there with me."

King Dice looked thoughtful. "In that case, I can have it brought over here, and we can set it up in place of the current bed you are sleeping in."

Kyler smiled and shooked her head. He really was doing everything possible to help her feel better. "Thank you, but that won't be necissary. I'm going to find a new place anyway. Besides, it's a real pain to drain and refill it again, believe me."

King Dice laughed. "I'll take your word for it."

They were able to have a cheery conversation for the remainder of their meal. Once they had finished, Terrance came by to collect their empty platters. "Did you and Miss Sharmain enjoy your breakfast sir?"

"We did, thanks. Tell Chubbs he outdid himself again." King Dice said, and Kyler nodded in agreement.

"Very well sir. I shall inform him." Terrance said as he placed everything on the cart. "Ah! And Bumblette wanted me to inform you that your guests have arrived."

A wide grin spread across King Dice's face. "Thanks for letting me know Terrance. Kyler and I will meet with them momentarily."

Kyler gave King Dice a curious look as Terrance left. "Guests?

King Dice's eyes twinkled with delight as he stood up. "That's right. I thought I'd invite some friends to come along with us for an outing. How does that sound?"

Kyler stood up as well and picked up her picture. "I think I'd like that." She said with a smile.

King Dice grinned again and offered his arm to her. "Shall we then?" Kyler giggled and laced her hand through his arm. Then they headed back into the mansion, down the long hallway, and into the sitting room.

Once they entered, Kyler almost dropped her picture in surprise. Sitting around the emaculant coffe table were her family and friends. Cuphead, Mugman, Elder Ketter, Arisa, Leann and Rocco, Dr. Hoot and Mrs. Hoot...they were all there!

"Kyler!" They all jumped to their feet and ran toward her (well, Dr. Hoot and Mrs. Hoot flew toward her), and nearly knocked her off her feet as they all hugged her. Except for Rocco, who stood by King Dice's side smiling jovially along with his boss.

"W-what's this?" Kyler said with a large smile on her face. "When did you all get here?"

"King Dice called us all early this morning and told us to come here so we could spend the day with you. He said you really neeeded your friends and family." Arisa said as she gave her friend a kiss on the forehead.

Kyler's eyes widened with surprise. "He planned all this? Just for me?"

"That's right my dear." Elder Kettle said happily.

Kyler set her picture down on the coffee table. Then she ran over to King Dice, threw her arms around his neck, and hugged him as she gave happy little hops. "Oh thank you! Thank you so much! You don't know how happy you've made me!"

King Dice chuckled and hugged her back. "You're welcome Kyler. You deserve it more than anyone."

When they broke their hug, there was a little concern in her eyes. "But the Devil. He said..." she trailed off, praying that seeing her family and friends like this wouldn't be a breach of their contract.

King Dice's eyes twinkled with slight mischeviousness. "Yeah, he said you couldn't call them. But he didn't say I couldn't. It's not in your contract."

Kyler gave a happy gasp and once again threw her arms around him. "You're amazing!"

King Dice couldn't help but blush a little. He secretely hoped that if things continued as well as they were now, he and Kyler could eventually be more than just friends.

"Kyler! You've got your picture!" Mugman said enthusiastically.

Kyler smiled at him and nodded. "Yes. King Dice was told how much it meant to me, so he went to my condo and brought it hear because he knew it would help me feel better. Wasn't that nice of him?"

King Dice grinned at the two mugs, who were both glaring daggers at him. "See? I'm not that bad of a guy after all."

"This doesn't make us forgive you for what you did to Kyler." Cuphead snapped.

"Yeah." Mugman agreed as he folded his arms.

Kyler bent down and pulled the duo into a hug. "Now, now guys. Don't be like that. Besides, I think King Dice has learned his lesson. I made sure of that." She gave him a knowing and somewhat mischievous smile.

King Dice laughed in an embarrassed manner. "Eheh. Yeah, you sure did. Anyway, shall we all get going? I thought we could all go to the downtown shopping area."

Everyone agreed and all prepared to leave the mansion.

"So, did anything happen these past few days I was gone?" Kyler asked as she and her friends and family headed for the long limo waiting for them.

"Not really." Leanne said. "Well, except..." She looked at Rocco and giggled, who smiled at her and nuzzled the top of her head.

Kyler gave a happy squeal. "No way! So you guys have actually decided to go out?"

"That's right." Rocco grinned. "We're officially a couple."

"Congratulations!" Kyler said as she gave them both a hug.

Arisa grinned. "Aren't they cute together?"

"They sure are." Kyler agreed. "Now you and I just need to find our soulmates."

King Dice smiled at the two giggling girls as they all climbed in the limo and started heading for the shopping district. Hopefully, Kyler and I will be soulmates. He thought happily.