Disclaimer:  Don't own Shadow Hearts.

**

Author's Note:  Three days after last chapter…same POVs…some of this written with zero proofreading (enjoy that part :p).  Longer author's note shall follow (tomorrow)!

**

[Alice]

            "You know, Fox Face…I've been thinking."

            Fox Face turned away from the cooking meat to look at me.  "What?"

            "Are you a kitsuune because Hyuga was?"  At first I had thought that Fox Face had taken the form of a fox because of Yuri's mask.  But since hearing Hyuga was called a 'kitsuune-child', I wondered…

            Fox Face sighed.  "Yes.  Nis bedded a kitsuune."  It was obvious even he was uncomfortable with the idea.

            "But Yuri told me once about kitsuunes disguising themselves as humans.  Why didn't you do that at Tripura?"

            At this, his eyes flashed with anger and he quickly turned his head away.  "Yuri's rejected only that he's monster, not that he's human.  He keeps what he wants and I get stuck with the refuse."

            His frame was trembling slightly. I reached out and petted him, feeling the tension he held.  "You don't hate him, do you?"

            "I shouldn't—I know I shouldn't, but how does he expect me to forgive him?"  I was confused by this.  From the Yuri and Fox Face interaction all day (full of the usual swears and insults) I hadn't gotten the impression that Yuri was trying to apologize for anything.  The kitsuune moved closer, letting me scratch under his chin.  "…But, I guess it's fine," he sighed.

            "What are you doing?"  Yuri was back from his business in the bushes, looking between the two of us.  "You're letting the meat burn."

            Startled, I rushed to the fire and set the meat off.  Yuri was right; the meat was a little black.  "Sorry, I lost track."

            "What the hell is that look for?" Fox Face demanded.

            Yuri was watching Fox Face closely, almost suspiciously.  "What were you two doing?"  He tried to make it sound innocently curious.  Too much so, and Fox Face groaned.

            "Don't tell me you're jealous."

            "What'd he say?"  This had become the most common question in the last three days.

            "Yuri…what did you think we were doing?"

            "You were petting him, and—"  Yuri shrugged and made a movement with his arms, showing that our proximity was reason enough for suspicion.  I decided to not beat around the bush.

            "Yuri, are you jealous?"

            "Of course not!"

            "Good, because you shouldn't be jealous of yourself."

            "He said I was jealous, didn't he?" Yuri accused, looking pointedly at Fox Face.

            The kitsuune stretched out leisurely, his tails brushing and scattering the leaves and petals on the forest floor.  "Paranoid, aren't you?"

            "Paranoid with a good reason."  After all, Fox Face had said it first.

            "I am not paranoid," Yuri said obstinately, folding his arms.

            "No," Fox Face said in overly sweet tones, "You're just immediately jealous for little reason and jump to conclusions.  Which says absolutely nothing about irrationality and paranoia."

            I started laughing at this, covering my mouth as I giggled.  Yuri was put out by my reaction and sat down to the meat.  He handed me a piece and then rudely tossed one on the dirt near Fox Face.  The kitsuune grumbled, cursing here and there—but he did eat the meat, holding one part down with his paw as he bit and tore sections off.

**

[Margarete]

            "It's beautiful."

            As soon as I said the words, I knew they didn't describe the City of Water accurately.  Eden had not been Paradise; this place was closer to it, more lovely.  No, 'lovely' wasn't the right word.

            Twelve jets of water, six on each side, framed the path into the city.  Beyond the watery 'gates' there were fountains spraying a fine mist into the air, pools lining the street, and waterfalls cascading down the sides of buildings.

            "Is this place waterlogged or what?" Halley muttered.

            I ignored him, focused on the city.  It seemed to beckon me.  I took a step forward, into the gateway, and—

            "So you're leaving today?"

            "Of course.  Father ordered me to."  I was looking back on the city, letting myself see for once all its glorious illusions and mirages.  I turned towards Tiresias.  "I'll be fighting for the angels."

            "So I've heard."

            "And you?"

            "The same as always."

            I bit my lip and then said, "Yes, the same as always.  Inflexibility has often been the downfall of the Earth Clan.  As its leader, shouldn't you be more prudent?"

            The blond man did look like he could be Keith's relative.  He even had Tyrving at his side.  He shrugged.  "I believe I'm setting an example by fighting for what I believe in."

            "You won't win."

            "That's not the point Mia."

            "I can't disobey my father.  You can choose though.  Would you fight against me, for a losing side?"

            "I fight against angels, not you."

            "It's the same thing!" I shouted at him.  "You're choosing a monster over me."

            His hazel eyes narrowed.  "You know my opinion of him, Mia."

            "Even if he is a man—are you choosing him over me?"  Here was the ultimatum, I would make him choose.  "If you don't want to oppose him, declare yourself neutral.  Who are you choosing, him or me?"

            He smiled gently.  "I swear if I should meet you in battle, I will not harm you nor will I allow any of my clan to harm you.  But I believe in him."

            "Then—you choose him."  I was dumbfounded for a moment, but then I said in a harsh voice, "You're a fool."

            "Mia—"

            "You'll lose.  That's already a fact.  There's no way you can hope to win.  And if you lose, you'll be punished for helping him."

            "I'll live with the consequences."

            "You'll have to."

            He turned and walked away, then suddenly stopped.  "Each of the clans has their downfalls.  Do you know what the Water Clan's is?"

            "What?"

            "When they make lies their reality."

            Floating in water.  No, not floating, sinking.  Sinking…can't breathe.

            My hands are hot.  They're burning.  The water both agitates and cools my skin, making the pain even worse than the one in my lungs.

            I'm so tired…I can barely think.

            Something red…a light…blood?

            My hands were stained red as I took them away.  His hazel eyes were wide open, lifeless.  Dead.

            "You…you killed him."  I looked up at Michael, seeing the blood that still dripped off his sword.  "Didn't you?"

            "Yes," he said calmly.

            I stood and grabbed my daggers, lunging at him—but someone grabbed me at the back, stopping me as Michael backed away.

            "Sarah," he asked, "What is the matter with her?"

            "What's the matter?!  You killed him!  You—"

            "Stop it.  Please, stop!" Sarah begged.  I could feel her grip slipping; with a last twist, I was free, bring my dagger down before a spell hit me, throwing me to the side—

            The light's died down.  I can see yellow dots—only lack of air.  Even they are fading now.  Everything's black…I'm curled up into a ball…I'm all alone…

            "Margarete!"

            "What's wrong with you?"

            I stood in surprise, staring at the woman in front of me.  "Mnemosyne?  I thought…just a legend."

            "Accept my judgment, and drink of the waters.  Decline, and quit this place, and find salvation another way."  She nodded towards the river.  "Will you drink?"

            "What's your judgment?"

            "Look into Lethe."

            I walked along the riverbank, stopping where the waters were tranquil.  I cast my eyes down into the depths.  I was in the sea still, curled up into a ball, my blond hair floating around my face and arms.  The image changed, and I saw a baby in an uterus, umbilical cord stretched from its stomach.  "That's me…?"

            "You'll be beautiful still."

            I turned to Tiresias, astonished.  He smiled, that same gentle smile he'd always had.  "Are you mad at me?"

            "Tiresias…?"

            "Margarete!"

            "Please wake up!"  That was Sharon's voice, wasn't it?

            "What's wrong with her?" Zhuzhen?  And then—

            "Idiot, you're not dead so stop acting like it!"  I felt a sharp pain and opened my eyes to glare at Halley.  He sighed and said to the others, "See?  She's awake."

            "Halley, I've already thought of ten ways to kill you, so get away before I put them into action," I gasped, feeling lightheaded.

            "He had to, you stopped breathing," Zhuzhen said.

            Had I?  No wonder I felt so short of breath.  "Are you alright?" Keith asked.

            "Y-yeah."  I tried to get up but almost fell over, using Sharon to keep myself upright.  "Sorry," I apologized to the girl.

            "That's alright."

            "Here, I'll carry you."  Surprised by the offer, I made no protest as Keith first hooked my arms around his neck and then picked me up at the knees.  I mentally shrugged and decided to enjoy my momentary weakness, resting my head on his back as we entered the City of Water.

            "What happened?"

            I lifted my head to look at Halley.  "I don't really know.  I thought I was drowning…and I was talking to a man.  Tiresias."

            After a few steps, we stopped and turned.  Sharon was looking down at the ground.

            "Something wrong?" Zhuzhen prompted.

            "Who's Tiresias?" she asked me.

            I shrugged and closed my eyes, feeling sleepy.  Keith was warm.  "Some Earth leader.  I have weird dreams."

            "You sure do.  That one almost killed you."

            "I see…"

            I shut my eyes and drifted off.  I could hear the sounds of people laughing and talking.  It sounded like there was a festival going on.

            "Wonder what's this for?"

            And then someone started shouting.

            "That Regina!  Doesn't she have any respect for family!"  A man said, looking red in the face.  "Without even considering our clan—"  He spluttered in his furious mood, "And now your sister!  Disobeying my authority—"

            "Father," I said smoothly, "You may still be grateful for you two daughters.  I have found a way for us to be of worth to you."

            "Yes?"

            "Who's Mia?"

            "You don't know her?  My, you foreigners are ignorant!"  I opened my eyes and saw a plump woman who carried a bag full of clothes.  "Mia is the ruler of the Water Clan!"

            "I thought that was Lamia," Halley said, confused.

            "No, no, that's just what most of us call her—but never to her face," the woman said nervously.  "Today they're having a parade to celebrate her defeat of Nis's heir.  You must know about that, at least."  She passed on, swinging her bag merrily.

            Keith turned his head slightly to speak with me.  "Are you feeling better?"

            "Just a bit," I said softly.  I wrapped my arms tighter.  Keith looked confused, but he started walking again, going towards the main street.  I watched as another wave of water ran over the stone walls.

            The angel grinned.  "I think you'd be a nice partner."

            "But Sarah!"

            The blonde angel addressed the protesting clerk, keeping her eyes on my.  "God sent me to get a bodyguard.  She is one of the heirs to the Water Clan, and should be very strong."

            "A bodyguard?  Aren't you Sarah?"  My voice was too sharp as I asked, "What does an assassin need a bodyguard for?"

            "Margarete, it's starting!"

            I glared at Sharon for ending my brief reverie.  People were pressed all around us, and many uniformed were marching down the street; the parade had started.  I lasted only for a while, long enough to notice Sharon waving to someone with a brown hat, and then drifted away…

            I was on hard stone, stretched out as I gazed up into the endless sky.  I sat up and noticed that I was surrounded by water.  The pillar I was on slowly moved, making long ripples in the lake.  To my right there was a large temple approaching.  Seeing little else, I jumped from the moving pillar onto the white marble steps.

            The temple was dim and water dripped from the ceiling.  In the darkness I could see an outline of a path going further in.  As I wondered whether to go in or not, a wind blew, rushing into the temple.  It echoed on the walls.  It sounded like raucous laughter, but then it changed until it was bitter weeping.  Curious, I followed.

            As I stepped under the arch, I realized the floor sloped down.  I followed the path, keeping one hand on the wall.  There was a dim, bluish light at the end.  Towards the bottom, I saw two figures both slumped against the wall.

            They were Alice and Keith.  I splashed through the pool that was accumulating water and knelt by Keith, shaking him.  Then I felt his neck.  Then Alice's.  Both were dead.  I shook my head, bewildered.  "How did this happen?"

            "Don't worry.  They're not dead."  I looked behind me and noticed a silhouette, perched over the last arch.  The voice was a man's.  "This is your spirit world.  In the other world, they're still alive."

            A sigh of relief escaped my lips.  "Thank God."

            "But not for long."

            "What do you mean?!"

            "They'll be killed soon, by him."

            "Who's him, and who're you?" I demanded.

            There was a sigh.  "Of course, you're still bound.  But the binds aren't needed.  Why don't you break them?"

            Water lapped around my ankles.  "Just answer the questions!"

            "I am Asher.  And the man who will kill them is the man who changes into a monster."

            "Y-Yuri?"

            The water surged up to my knees; I almost fell forward but kept my balance.  Asher barked out a harsh laugh.  "What?  Does it anger you I tell the truth?"

            "Not as long as you are telling the truth," I retorted.  "…Which I really can't believe."

            "Not you.  You're the only one who has an ounce of sense here.  But really, Mnemosyne," and now he raised his voice, as if speaking to someone else.  "Do you think the oath is still binding?  I am free.  And I'll free the others too."  He jumped down, splashing water, and opened his arms.  "Or will you bind me again?"

            The waters began to drain from the room, balking at his challenge.  But there was a faint rushing noise.  I strained to listen and realized it was coming from further in the building.  It grew louder and I started, realizing that it was only a few feet from us.

            "You're as corrupt as God," Asher murmured.  "I suppose you'd be a perfect archangel."

            Water roared into the room with the rage of a tsunami, sweeping me off my feet.  The water was a dark tint that foamed in its fury.  I went under, choked, and coughed as I came to a stop beneath Halley's and Sharon's curious expressions.

            "So what were you dreaming about this time?"

**

            "He's not here," Persephone sighed.  "Where could he be…?"

            "C'mon Pers, stop staring at that map and eat.  You're ruining my appetite," Kain complained.

            She folded up the map and began eating.  She only took a few bites before pushing the plate away.  "It's no good.  We shouldn't be sitting around here, eating."

            "No, we should be sitting around, starving," Kain replied sarcastically.

            Persephone opened her mouth to say something scathing, but then bit her lip, looking less certain.  Instead she left the restaurant.  Both Kain and Syth could see her leaning against the window.

            "Do you have to be so harsh?"

            Kain shrugged.  "She just needs some cold water in her face."  Idly he formed a ball of water in his hand, considering.  "Maybe then she'll wake up."

            "Or maybe she'll just hate you more for hating Regina."

            The illusionist laughed.  "Me?  Hate dear old coz?"  He snorted derisively.  "But still, just what the hell did she do to Pers?  This is a lot longer than it's ever been."  He was silent for a while.  "Which side do you think she gets it from?  Fire or water?"

            "I'd say Water."

            "Yeah…that was the stupidest alliance our clan ever made.  Or the Fire clan for that matter.  Look what they got."

            Syth laughed in agreement.  Both clans had lacked foresight and gotten an unusual result—and a war with it.  "Look, I'll go talk to Pers and see if she's still mad."

            Outside, Pers was playing with her flute, trying a few notes absentmindedly.  She didn't seem to have noticed him, so Syth said, "Listen Pers…"

            She kept playing.  "Pers?"

            "I…I have to find him.  And if I don't…"  She looked up at him with brown eyes full of misery, "…I'll just die."  Persephone leaned forward, onto him.  "I don't understand anymore.  I just have to, and if I don't…"

            "Come on," Syth said, lifting her up to her feet.  "It'll be fine.  You're just feeling discouraged."  Still, he felt a bit shaken up.  This was not like her at all—and it made him realize that he didn't really know who she was.

**

[Alice]

            "How much farther?"

            "Five days," Fox Face explained.  "Then we'll reach the City of Darkness, and then the City of Fire…Hyuga?"

            "What about Hyuga?" I asked.

            "Huh?"

            "No," Fox Face said, curling his tails tightly.  "He just wants me to go to the Graveyard."

            "Is it important?" I asked.

            "Must be…he's never called me before, besides the first time."

            "Could I come?  I want to meet Hyuga," I said.

            "I'm coming too," Yuri joined in.

            But Fox Face shook his head.  "Someone has to stand guard.  You watch while Alice and I go in."

            Once I translated for him, Yuri was cross.  "I can't go in my own Graveyard?"

            "Our Graveyard, and stop whining.  Besides, you've already met him."

            "Please?"

            Yuri softened when I asked, and he sighed.  "Oh, alright."

**

[Margarete]

            The bar was far too loud for me.  The sound of drunk laughter and clinking glasses and shouting morons made my head hurt.  Halley was pushing his way through the throng, holding Sharon close to him.  Zhuzhen and Keith were sitting at the counter, both with a beer.  I sat down and ordered a drink for myself.

            "Should you be drinking?  You're sick," Keith said.

            "I'm not sick."  I turned away from him, watching the door of the bar as I waited for my drink.  I was annoyed with him for going off to drink while I was out.  He'd carried me around all day without complaint, only to disappear as soon as he could put me down.  He'd just been being chivalrous—noble idiot.

            The door banged open and a pale, small man walked in.  He cast three coins on the counter and got a strange, dark blue liquid.  He took only a small swallow before addressing the barkeep in a loud voice.

            "There be some strange going-ons.  Have you heard of Tripura?"

            "Something happen?"

            The man laughed and drank a bit more.  "Few nights ago, I was doing the usual business—you know—and I saw a huge bird, the size of a man, flying over the city."

            "Did one of the clan's pets get loose?" someone called mockingly.

            "That's what I thought at first," the man explained to the small knot of people around him.  "But then the bird changed into a man."

            "That's Yuri," Halley said.

            I moaned.  "Could he go a day without doing something stupid?"

            "Come off it, you must have been drunk out of your mind."

            "Ask Tobias when he comes," the man said confidently.  "He'll tell you the same as everyone in Tripura knows: Nis's heir has returned."  His companions were silent as he finished his drink.  "And he was still hanging around the next day.  He looks much as he did two millennia ago, I'm told."

            "But Lamia said he was dead—"

            "Well, it could be his son.  But then the question is, who's the mother?"

            "That's obvious, Regina."  I raised an eyebrow at that.  Regina did not seem the maternal type.

            The man shook his head.  "An angel set that seal, I doubt her son could get out.  Don't get me wrong, angels are bastards, but they're clever bastards."  I glanced at Sharon to see how she was reacting to it; to my surprise, she was smiling.  Maybe she didn't know…no, she'd have to have heard it at least once before.  "And if Regina could escape, she'd be raising hell right now.  Probably a mortal."

            "Maybe it was another monster."

            Halley opened his mouth to speak; I motioned for him to be quiet.  We all knew very well that both of Yuri's parents were human—but saying it right now would be stupid.

            "Whether he's the heir or a descendent, he's got odd taste."

            "What do you mean?"

            "He was traveling with a Light class woman!"

            This was met with loud laughter, and the proclamation that he had indeed been drinking too much.  I drank the last and made my way back to our room upstairs.

            "Well, now we know Yuri and Alice are together, and they're in Tripura—wherever that is."

            "Tripura is another name for the City of Air," Sharon explained.  I made a mental note to check that later.

            "We know where they are."

            "Yeah, and everyone else does too."  I shook my head.  "I guess it's a good thing…so far."

            "You shouldn't be such a pessimist," Keith said.

            "I'm a realist."

            Our hotel room had three beds.  Sharon, at only seven years old, was easily small enough to share a bed with.  Zhuzhen and Halley took the remaining two while Keith simply lay down, folded his arms as if in a coffin, and fell asleep.

            I watched him for a few minutes, trying to decide between appreciation and annoyance.  Then I closed my eyes and let Sharon's soft breathing guide me to sleep.

            "The one who is both man and monster…a murderer."

            I looked up from the pool to see Asher.  He floated above the water and me.  He had long blond hair, loosely tied back and was casually attired.  "You must be mistaken," I said.

            Asher's eyes narrowed and he dropped onto the pillar.  "Mistaken?  I'm quite sure he's a killer.  I died because of him!"  He struggled to keep his arms from shaking, to hide his anger.  "Do you need proof?  I could tell you everything—"

            "You will not violate your oath, Asher.  You drank and accepted.  You will not break it now."

            A short Japanese woman was standing on the water.  There was a dark color beneath her feet; as she walked forward, the color spread, tainting the clear water.  The placid pool began to foam and churn.

            "Mnemosyne.  If an oath made on lies is binding—"

            "I never lied," she cut in.

            "Never lied?  I suppose then—"

            I took my gun and fired into the air.  The waters stopped their movement as both turned to me.

            "Who are you two and what are you doing in my spirit world?  I want a good explanation."

            "I am called Mnemosyne.  I am only here because Asher is breaking his oath—"

            "And I'm here," Asher thundered, "to stop that murderer—"

            "He is no murderer!"

            "Of course Mnemosyne.  Of course," Asher said silkily.  "It's obvious why you would say so, even if it utterly contradicts reality—"

            I fired again.  I was feeling extremely short-tempered, and if they made me shoot again it might be at one of them.  "Look," I said.  "I really just want to sleep right now, so either you two make it clear what's going on, or take your argument to someone else's world."

            "Then I'll tell you—"

            "You shall not break your oath!"

            The black waters formed a blast aimed at Asher.  He lightly jumped into the air and shot up fifty feet.  The jet changed course, rocketing towards him.  Again Asher moved out of the way and shouted, "The monster—he killed Sarah and Tiresias—"

            "Stop it!" Mnemosyne shouted.

            "Two thousand years ago—don't you remember?  How much you hated him—"

            "You're only acting out of spite!"

            He dodged the water's attack in a far away corner; the black water sprayed as if hitting an invisible wall.

            "Spite?  Is it spite to not want to be murdered again?"  He pointed to me and declared, "She knows—she knows full well how much of a monster he is!"

            "But I don't know," I protested.  "Yuri's not a monster."

            Asher moved back towards the pillar, still chased by the water.  He hovered near the edge—the water was closing in on both of us—and then he vanished.  My eyes widened as I saw what would happen.

            "Margarete, move!" the woman shouted.

            It was too late.  The water carried me off the pillar, into the lake.  Surprisingly, it didn't hurt much.  It only stung at first, and then I was numb, floating in black.

            A hand grabbed my arm and lifted me out.  Mnemosyne groaned and rummaged through the water again.  I stared at my arms and then looked at her.  We had both become translucent.  No, it must have just been my eyes.

            "Here."  She dropped a small blue stone into my hand.  "Hold onto this, don't panic—"

            "Why would I panic?  And what's this?"

            "That's your soul.  But don't worry; I'll fix it soon.  Oh, this is almost as bad as when I made Adam a woman…"

            I was at a loss for words.

**

[Alice]

            Hyuga was wrapped in a black cloak, sitting at the base of the temple stairs.  He was idly flicking pebbles at the frozen masks, laughing at their complaints.  "So you're here," he said, turning to Fox Face, "I—"

            He froze himself as he caught sight of me.  I smiled nervously, wondering if there was something wrong with my appearance.  "Hello."

            "Sarah…"

            Fox Face sighed.  "She might look like Sarah, but this is Alice."  He sat on his haunches and asked, "So, why'd you call me?"

            Hyuga looked away from me.  "Have you had arguments with any of the others?"

            "You mean Halley and Zhuzhen…those guys?"

            "Yes."

            Fox Face's tails swept back and forth as he thought.  "No.  Not recently.  Why?"

            He sighed.  "Well, that's a relief at least."

            "Is something wrong with them?" I asked.

            Hyuga shook his head.  "They're fine, but…you know, how Sarah looks like you, and I look like Yuri?"

            "I can't tell with the hood up."

            This made him play anxiously with the hood, but Fox Face jumped in.  "Yes, we know, so?"

            "Well, for the others, there's also a person that goes with them.  And we…we know certain things that we are bound not to tell you."

            "So…?"

            "So, one of the others has broken their oath.  Mnemosyne is trying to bind them again—"

            "Mnemosyne?" I asked.

            "She has dominion over Lethe.  Anyways, she'll be here soon—"

            "Like now?"

            I looked up from Hyuga to the temple doors.  Standing in front of them was a short Japanese woman, dressed in rich purple and red colors.  She had a tense expression as she said, "Hyuga…there was a problem."

            "What was it?" Hyuga asked suspiciously.

            "Asher was using Margarete's spirit world, right?"

            "Yes, wasn't that clever of him," he grumbled.  Seeing my puzzled expression, he explained, "We thought that he would go to…well, it was just unexpected."

            "And I tried to bind him…"

            "It didn't work, did it?"

            "Well, the binding worked…just on the wrong person."

            Hyuga was silent for a minute, before he demanded, "Did you bind Margarete?"

            Mnemosyne looked down.  "Yep."

            Hyuga groaned and covered his face.  "Mnemosyne…"

            "Wait, what does that mean?" I asked.

            "She's just created a shadow soul out of a living person.  Where's the crystal?"

            "Margarete has it," Mnemosyne answered.

            "Wait, Margarete's a…a shadow soul?  Is that bad?" I asked.

            "Not really," Fox Face said.  "Look at them.  They're both shadow souls."

            "It's not bad if you're dead," Hyuga corrected.  "For Margarete, it's a problem.  But it's easily fixed…it'll just take some time."

            "I'll start on it now," Mnemosyne said, walking through the doors again.

            He shook his head idly.  "Well, at least she didn't make any sex changes this time."

            Fox Face snickered.  "Margarete a man?  Heaven help us…"  He burst out laughing as I made a face.

**