February 3, 1988

I used to believe that a new year meant new beginnings, but now I'm not so sure. Things only seem to be getting worse in all aspects of my surroundings. The Alterian king is no longer cooperating with Dark World, and King Bowser even spoke of severing the alliance between the two kingdoms. While it was an idea I first championed, it has lead me to think of a questionable future. Would my kingdom be safe when this inevitable war erupts? Alteria could possibly retaliate against Dark World if she chose to do so. Knowing how my king fancies teetering back and forth between Alteria and Oceanside, I honestly have no idea who he will side with. King Bowser's greedy ambitions could serve Oceanside well, as both kings seek the same goal. There have been many times when I wished the gift of prophecy was mine, but it is not a power sorcerers can possess. The future is uncertain for everyone it seems.

On the home-front emotions seem to be running rampant. My relationship with the king has bettered somewhat. He's become more open with me over the past few months. We spoke at length about Dark World and Alteria's shaky alliance, and he has not pressured me as of late about the Council's vote to search for the Neatherrealm's gate with or without Alteria's permission. It doesn't matter what their answer is, because my opinion shall not be swayed. Business aside, I still hate him for the way he treats his eldest son, who I'm genuinely concerned with. Ties between me and Ludwig have been just splendid, yet his father can't even get a peep out of him. I certainly can't blame the boy. His twelfth birthday was an occasion without much pomp, as all his past birthdays were. I had suggested to Bowser that we invite the prince's Alterian friend to attend, but he informed me that Leirelat was no longer allowing Victoria to visit Dark World. I cannot say that I found this odd. The kings' last meeting in August did not go well at all. Leirelat is now fearing for his daughter's safety. Oceanside and my kingdom both covet her power, and the poor thing is oblivious to it! I remember the response I got from Ludwig when I told him Victoria would not be coming to his birthday celebration.

"Oh, I already knew."

"She told you, Ludwig?" I asked.

"Yeah." the prince answered as he read through some birthday cards. "She just said that her dad has been acting weird lately. She's not allowed to visit me here anymore."

"You don't seem too saddened by that."

"Why should I be? You'll take me to visit her in Alteria, won't you?" He didn't even bother looking up from his cards.

I chuckled, taken back by his aloof attitude. "I guess I will, Ludwig."

It took me a month filled with much apprehension to grant the prince's request. Since Alteria and Dark World's friendship has begun to dissipate, I first asked my king if he would be alright with his son's visit to Alteria. Although his initial reaction was negative, it didn't take long for him to change his mind and give me permission for the trip. Maybe he thought that by him doing this, he would alleviate the tension and aggression that has been building up between him and his son. It's going to take a lot more than that to heal such a damaged relationship, but it wasn't my place to say anything. Next, I asked the Alterian Head Administrator Gregory what he thought of the idea. After consulting his king, I got the green light to go. As Gregory and I spoke over the phone, he told me about Leirelat's increasingly bizarre behavior towards everyone, including his own daughter. He wanted to discuss things with me in secret. I was clueless as to what these "things" were, but was eager to find out.

Our journey to Alteria took place yesterday. We could not have picked a more worse time to go. Weather conditions were frigid in the kingdom. Alterian winters are known for their brutality. Ludwig and I were not used to such intense cold temperatures and stayed inside the airship's cabin for the entire ride there. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with hot chocolate and a roaring fireplace. King Leirelat was nowhere to be seen. Head Administrator Gregory was our host. Ludwig was especially happy to see Victoria, and proceeded to tell her about how much he disliked Alteria's frosty weather. Gregory led us to a sitting room, were we all enjoyed some hot beverages.

"Victoria, my you've grown!" I exclaimed when I caught sight of the princess. Indeed she had sprouted up quite a bit since I had last seen her in August. Why, I think she was even taller than Ludwig! The prince, on the other hand, is relatively short for boys his age, despite his mature appearance and personality. Sometimes growth spurts happen later than expected. I hoped that was Ludwig's case. All the princess did was snicker at my comment and squeeze her cat tightly. Isis got big too...big around her sides. She had gotten fat, leading me to think about all the human food Victoria was feeding her. "Where is your father?"

"Good question." Victoria quipped. "Gregory, where's my dad?"

"I believe he's preoccupied with business, your Highness."

"Oh," She turned toward Ludwig. "Louie, you'll have to excuse my dad. He's been real busy lately."

"It's okay." the Crown Prince said, petting Isis on the head.

"I understand how it is to not have much time for yourself," I began. "You tend to neglect things you care about."

"Victoria, why don't you show Ludwig the piano your father got you in December?" Gregory suggested. His tone was anxious, almost as if he were shooing the children away. He looked at me. "Ludwig has been taking lessons, has he not?"

"He has."

"Maybe he can teach you a few things, Victoria."

"Alright. Maybe you can help me, Louie. I really suck at playing the piano." She started to lead him out of the room.

"Sure, Tori. I'm sure you don't suck." Ludwig laughed as he followed her.

"Trust me, I do!"

The two exited the room before I could hear the prince's reply. Gregory and I sat in our comfortable cushioned chairs and sipped our cocoa. I wasn't quite sure how to initiate the conversation I wanted to have. Small talk was something I did not excel at. I opted to start with a general question.

"How is everything here in Alteria, Gregory? You mentioned that...things have been a bit out of the ordinary."

"That they have! But Kamek, let's keep our voices down. I don't want anyone else overhearing what I'm going to explain to you."

"As you wish."

"'Out of the ordinary' barely begins to describe it. King Leirelat has been acting eccentrically ever since that meeting last summer. His condition is gradually getting worse."

He definitely had my attention now. I rested my mug down and crossed my arms. "How so?"

"He's overly paranoid. He won't tell me anything anymore, Kamek. I'm telling you this because I feel that I can trust you."

"You know you have my word, Gregory. What we discuss today will not leave this room."

"Good." He forced a smile. "I knew you were the one to talk to. I feel that you and I are the only ones with any sense left in all the Eight Kingdoms. Anyway, my king doesn't seem to trust me anymore. He hasn't called for a Council meeting in almost five months. Usually, we meet at least once a month to discuss general going ons in Alteria."

"Has he mentioned anything to you about the Oceanside situation?" " Gregory shifted uneasily in his chair. "At first he told me that he would never give them permission to search Alteria's mountains for the goddam Neatherrealm gate. That was that."

"And it is Alteria's right to do so. I agree with him."

"Yes, of course! I shared your opinion, Kamek. I thought it would rest there. Oceanside would back off, and Dark World would continue to remain our ally. Then, things started getting strange."

"How strange?"

"Kamek...I'm not sure how to say this without it sounding like I'm overreacting, but I think my king is losing his mind."

"Losing his mind?" I questioned, not sure whether to believe him or not. It was a rather strong statement. "And what has he been doing that warrants you to say that?"

"Well, besides ignoring me and the Council, he's been acting irrationally in regards to his daughter."

"Do you believe Victoria is in danger?"

"No, not yet. Remember when I told you that she will no longer be able to visit you and Ludwig in Dark World?"

"Yes, I recall that."

"Dark World isn't the only kingdom she's not allowed into. As a matter of fact, Kamek, she can no longer leave the castle. Her nanny, Erica, used to bring her into Alteria's towns and cities all the time. Leirelat's become so paranoid that he's suffocating the poor girl. She hasn't begun to protest yet, but knowing the princess' character, she's bound to do so eventually. He's always been an overprotective father, especially after the queen died, but now he's out of control."

"He fears that someone would try to harm her if she leaves the palace grounds?"

"Yes, I guess so. Oceanside has made it clear that they would like her aid if they go on with their search to find the gate. Leirelat keeps muttering things under his breath...it's as if he's in his own world."

"I always considered your king to be quite rational." I said. "This news is certainly unnerving."

"And he doesn't trust Dark World anymore." Gregory continued. "He thinks that King Bowser is going behind his back, that he's plotting something with Oceanside."

I remained silent, unsure of how to react. Despite his paranoid rambling about his daughter, Leirelat was probably correct on that matter. Even I don't know what's going on anymore.

"Kamek, is that true? I promise I won't say anything, no matter what you tell me. I feel as if I'm the one governing Alteria now."

"I can honestly say that I too have been left in the dark regarding that issue. King Bowser has been acting suspiciously as well. He has been consulting with me more often, but still, something's not right."

"But Dark World will continue to be Alteria's ally, won't they?"

I was not at liberty to talk to others about what my king and I discussed in private. I could have told him the alliance was in danger, yet I decided not to. It was not my place to say anything. Plus, King Bowser would be infuriated if he found out I blabbed. Before I could answer Gregory's inquiry, an unexpected voice rang out from the doorway.

"Head Administrator Kamek! I didn't know you were here yet." It was King Leirelat. I stood up to greet him. His disheveled demeanor startled me. Usually he was always dressed quite nicely when he had company over, but in his untucked dress shirt and lack of footwear, he looked haggard. I do not think his face had even touched a razor in weeks. "How are you today, Kamek?"

"I am well..." I slowly answered as he shook my hand. His handshake was still strong. It was a quality I admired in a man.

"Head Administrator Kamek's just here on a visit with the Crown Prince, your Majesty." Gregory addressed his king. "I believe the children are tinkering with the princess' new piano."

"I'm glad to hear she's finally using it." Leirelat instructed me to return to my seat, then sat next to me. "How are matters in Dark World?"

"I suppose things have been going smoothly."

"Is King Bowser still taking the side of the enemy?"

"Excuse me, your Highness?"

"You heard me, Kamek. Is he still in cahoots with King Edward over invading my kingdom without my permission?"

Gregory shot me a quick nervous glance, as if he meant to say, See, this is what I'm talking about! I brushed off the king's comment as well as I could.

"King Bowser has no intentions of cooperating with Oceanside, your Highness. I understand my king may seem...callous at times regarding other people's feelings, but I assure you, there are no secret talks between Dark World and Oceanside."

"Hmpf," Leirelat muttered under his breath. "It appears as if he's lying to you too, Kamek."

"Your Majesty," Gregory interjected before I could respond. "Kamek is a friend to Alteria. I think if anyone in Dark World will be able to help us, it's him."

"I never said anything negative about Kamek, Gregory. I just think King Bowser has been keeping secrets from his own Administrator, that's all."

"It's all right." I said. "You have every right to feel that way, King Leirelat, especially after your last encounter with my king. But as I said earlier, as far as I know, no such secret alliance or pact exists. You can trust me on that."

"Yes Kamek, as far as you know. I take it that you are a man of your word, and I respect you for that. I just can no longer trust King Bowser. You were listening when he said how he wanted to use my daughter's ability to call the spirits of the dead, were you not? That she's the only one who can open up that blasted gate?" His voice heightened with tension as he spoke, and his words came fast and fluidly. "Do you think it's right that I have to fear for her safety because of someone's ridiculous idea?" Now his eyes were bulging. I carefully picked my words.

"No, of course not, your Majesty."

"Well now do you understand why I feel the way I do?"

I couldn't empathize with the king, so all I did was nod my head, unsure of what to say. Fearing for my child's well being was something I never had the opportunity to do. There was no way I could ever argue against a parent with that.

"Naturally you understand, Kamek. You are more of a father to the Crown Prince than his own father is, correct?"

"Your Highness, that's really none of our business." Gregory hastily added.

I didn't have to think about Leirelat's statement for long. In a way, I felt honored that others acknowledged the bond between me and the prince. Over the years, he had become much more than just my protegee, and I made no effort to hide that fact. But to finally have someone else remark about it...made me feel more than just pride.

"Yes, you can say that, your Majesty."

"What would you do if someone tried to manipulate or harm Ludwig? You'd retaliate, wouldn't you?" He took hold of my forearm and squeezed. "You don't even have to answer that, Kamek. I already know what you'd say."

Hiding a smirk at the king's comment, I started to think. Recently, I had been going through a similar situation with the Crown Prince. King Bowser was constantly questioning me about his son's progress, especially after our sparing match last fall. He doesn't get much of a response out of his own child, so he comes running to me for answers. I am reluctant to tell him that I don't think his son's full capabilities have been reached, so my response is always changeless-- Only time shall tell. If Bowser tried to use or hurt Ludwig in anyway, I wouldn't hesitate to use or hurt him back.

The sudden distress in the room had made me begin to feel antsy. Leirelat released his grip on my arm and leaned back in his chair. I noticed Head Administrator Gregory nervously shaking his right leg as he sat. The poor man probably had no idea how to remedy the situation. I had to say something.

"Ludwig was asking me if Victoria could come and visit us in Dark World next time-"

"Absolutely not!" Leirelat snapped. It was basically a rhetorical question that I shouldn't have even bothered bringing up.

"Ah, can't say I blame you, your Majesty. From what I understand, Victoria is no longer allowed to leave the castle grounds?"

"That is correct."

"Don't you think that is a bit harsh for an eleven year old girl?"

The Alterian king looked at me, his brows furrowing as he spoke. "She is not like other eleven year old girls, Kamek."

"I am well aware of that," I laughed. "But her abilities as a sorceress shouldn't hinder her from taking part in things other girls her age do."

"Like what?"

"Playing with friends?"

"She's got friends. You and Ludwig are welcome here as often as you like."

"Besides the Crown Prince, your Majesty." ...Her cat doesn't count neither...

"Kamek, when I feel she is safe, I will let her travel at her own whim wherever she wants to go. Now just is not the time."

"I see." There was no way I was going to continue arguing with King Leirelat. He already distrusted my king. I didn't want him to think the same of me. I did not agree with his policy, but respected it anyway.

"As the guardian of a young sorcerer you too should know what I'm talking about. I will not repeat myself again."

Politely, I nodded my head and cracked a small smile. "And you won't have to, your Majesty."

Leirelat returned the gesture. Opening my mouth had only made the situation more awkward. Sensing this, Gregory anxiously got to his feet and began chattering away.

"Speaking of the kids, why don't we go and check up on them? Maybe Victoria learned a thing or two about music from the Crown Prince?"

"Sounds like a nice idea." I welcomed the escape.

"Agreed." The king stretched out his legs and positioned himself next to the doorway. "The music room is this way. Shall we?"

In silence the three of us walked down another one of the palaces long, elaborately decorated halls until we heard the sound of a piano echoing throughout the corridor. Someone was playing a scale-I was clueless as to which one it was-up and down the piano's keys flawlessly. I figured that it wasn't the princess creating such a beautiful, graceful sound, so it must have been the prince. He had been taking private lessons for years now, and was quite good at it. His days practicing on the keyboard for hours on end was eventually replaced by practicing his dark arts, but I still hear him toying around with his instrument every now and then. I guess it's like riding a bicycle. No matter how far you stray, you always manage to get back into the groove with a little practice.

At last we reached the music room. There, sharing the piano bench, was the Alterian princess and my prince. Isis the cat was seated between the two and was staring at the keys. We all quietly watched as Ludwig finished playing something. He then turned to Victoria.

"Now it's your turn. You can do it."

"No I can't."

"Yes you can." he reiterated. "I just showed you a simple C scale. It's the easiest out of the bunch."

"I've got butterfingers."

"Just try!"

"Oh, okay." Defeated, she carefully placed her hands over the piano keyboard and rather haphazardly began to emulate Ludwig's actions. Once she was done, the prince turned to her and giggled.

"You're right. You do suck."

Victoria began laughing. Playfully, she shoved Ludwig on the arm, knocking him over a bit. Isis, startled at the pair's conduct, jumped up onto the piano keys.

The two had no idea that they were being watched. Quietly I viewed them as they poked fun at each other and acted in ways that only children could. I smiled, remembering how Monika and I often behaved in similar ways when we were younger. I allowed her to rough me up just slightly for her own enjoyment, knowing that I could have easily overpowered her if I wanted to. For some reason, I never did.

My thoughts were interrupted as Leirelat leaned in close to my ear and began to whisper, "She is everything to me, Kamek. There is no way I can put her in danger. I've already lost her mother. I will not lose her."

"I understand."

"Maybe one day our children will be able to right the wrongs of our world. Don't you agree?" He motioned his head in the kids' direction. As I watched them innocently carrying on, I couldn't help but think about the future again. Perhaps the next generation was going to be the one to set things back upon the correct path, but that was the future. This is now, and now I am not going to idly stand aside and let greed corrupt the Eight Kingdoms we live in. It was at that point I think I finally realized what Leirelat was telling me earlier. I wanted to protect Ludwig from this world until he was old enough to understand for himself. The Alterian king was only trying to do the same, but at much higher of a cost.

On the airship ride home, the prince asked me if I had spoken to Leirelat about letting Victoria visit Dark World. I explained to him what the king had told me, and even Ludwig mentioned how the princess remarked about her father's sudden overprotective behavior. I had to chuckle, and told the prince that one day she would comprehend her father's actions. I just wish Leirelat does not remain this way forever.

I look upon the Eight Kingdom's current situation with much uncertainty. Dark World is thinking of terminating their alliance with Alteria. My king has made it no secret that he's interested in searching for the gate, and his attitude has been shady, even more than usual. Oceanside would jump at the chance to enter Alteria, whether they liked it or not. And, to top it all off, the Alterian king appears to be losing his mind. He's overly assertive in matters concerning Victoria, and seems not to trust anyone except Gregory and myself. In a world that seems to be going haywire, I hope I am able to maintain enough sense to return things to they way they once peacefully were.

March 7, 1988

I find cemeteries to be fascinating places. Carved into stone are the names and histories of people who have come and gone, reminding the living of who once occupied this land before them. In my days as Councilman, I'd spend hours reading in the local cemetery not too far away from my home. Some found my hobby morbid, but I'd explain to them how peaceful the environment actually was. I don't know why people fear cemeteries. The dead won't hurt you. It's the living that will. Anyway, every year on Monika's birthday, I'd visit her grave and place a single Alterian blue rose down. It was a tradition I had never broken since her death ten years ago. This year I wanted to be different. I brought Ludwig to his mother's grave for the first time. Well, he had been there before with his father in the past, but him and I had never gone together. So last week on her birthday the prince joined me on my visit. I know it may have been silly to bring him there in the first place, since he talks to her so frequently through his incredible ability of telepathy, but I figured it would be a nice gesture.

As we walked through the cemetery, the brisk mid-morning air penetrated through our winter coats, causing us both to shiver. I kept my arms folded as I spoke.

"Did you mention to your mother that you were coming here?"

"Yeah."

"Was she pleased?"

"She said I really didn't have to come...but that it would be nice to have a blue rose on her birthday."

"Oh," I smiled. "She knows I do that?"

"Of course she does, Kamek. She's always there, watching over us." Ludwig eyed the rose he was holding, and twirled it around with his gloved fingers.

"Ah, I'm happy to hear that my efforts have not gone unnoticed."

We finally entered the area that was Monika's family's plot. She was surrounded by loved ones, including her own grandparents. After her death, I found it strange that she was not buried in the Royal Koopa burial grounds. Now I see that she was better off remaining with her own family rather than her husband's. I guided Ludwig over to a modestly sized tombstone.

"You may lay your flower down."

Wordlessly, the prince obeyed my request. He knelt down and placed the rose on top of the tombstone, keeping his eyes glued onto the marker's elaborate engravings. After lowering his head for a few moments (he was probably conversing with his mother at that very minute), he rested onto his knees on top of the cold dirt. I too remained silent. I wasn't sure what was going through the boy's mind, but I did not want to interrupt him. My thoughts began to drift, and I did not notice how much time had elapsed before Ludwig started talking again.

"Kamek, what really happened between you and my mom?"

I sighed. This wasn't the first time he had asked me that question. This time though, he wanted more than the runaround answer I had been giving him. "Ludwig, I believe you're a bit too young to know what went on. When you get older, I'll tell you everything. I promise."

"She said that she's afraid of what I'll think of her once I find out the truth."

...Actually, I'm more afraid of what you'll think of me when you find out... I thought. "That's why I want to wait until you're older to tell you. For now, all you need to know is that I loved your mother very much."

"I believe you, Kamek." he said as he faced me. "You were the only one who ever made her happy...besides me, of course!" His reply was smug, making me grin.

That night I couldn't sleep. Restless nights were something I had grown accustomed to, but this night was particularly...nostalgic. As I lied there in the darkness, I recalled some fond events from my past. One certain memory dominated over everything else and played through my mind repeatedly. Remembering it vividly, I decided to record it in my diary, so maybe one day Ludwig would be able to read it when he really wanted to know the truth...or at least part of it.

I was suddenly taken back to the events of ten years ago. King Bowser had invited me and my wife Camille to an opera that was taking place in Dark World. Neither me nor the king had a love for musical theater, but we elected to go anyway. Camille told me it would give me some culture. I just went because Monika would be there.

The four of us met briefly before the show to discuss seating arrangements. Unfortunately, I was not to sit with the king and queen, but had my own little box on the opposite side of the theater. Camille seemed to enjoy this set-up, as she knew it would keep me away from Monika. We eventually all took our seats and the opera began. I was never fond of musicals. Give me a good dramatic play any day, but musicals and operas made me shudder in my seat. I fought to keep my eyes open. Camille had to elbow me in the side a few times. Then, as I struggled to keep my eyes open for the tenth time, I noticed someone staring at me from the Royal Box. Directly across from us were Monika and Bowser, and I could clearly see the queen eyeing me, as if she was trying to get my attention. Well, she now had it. Once she knew I had acknowledged her, she slowly rose up from her seat and said something to her husband. I saw him nod his head at whatever she told him. With one last glance in my direction, she exited the box. I knew it was a signal for me to follow her. In order not to make it obvious, I waited a few minutes to excuse myself.

"Kammy, I'll be right back."

"Where are you going?"

"Bathroom." I lied.

"Well hurry up. Don't leave me here alone."

Just as I was leaving, an actress took the stage and begin singing her aria. I had to admit, it sounded beautiful, despite the fact that I couldn't understand the language she was performing in. Pushing the velvet curtains aside, I darted out of my box, eager to get a glimpse of where Monika had disappeared off to. I walked down the hallway for a bit and saw a sign pointing to where the Grand Balcony was.

"Grand Balcony, eh? Sounds like somewhere she'd go." I muttered to myself. My hands found themselves buried in my pant pockets as I walked in the direction the sign indicated. I reached the balcony and stepped outside. The cool night air hit my face, and I breathed in a deep breath. Opening my eyes, I caught site of a silhouette against the moonlight. I had found her leaning over the balcony's rim, peering off into the black, star-speckled sky.

"I knew you'd find me." she started, not even bothering to look up. I didn't even have to say anything. She just knew I was there. "But then again, you were always good at finding me..."

Walking over, I kept my hands jammed into my pockets. For some reason I felt jittery, and I'm not one who easily gets like that. I stopped next to her and smiled.

"Yes, apparently I am good at finding you."

"Are you a fan of the opera, Kamek?" She still kept her gaze away from me.

"Not really."

"Good. Neither am I. I figured you weren't."

We both paused. Somehow, it did not seem like our usual small talk. Although her mere presence was enough to satisfy my ache to see her, there was more that had to be said.

"You wanted to see me?"

At last, she turned to face me. Immediately she began fiddling around with my ring, which she still wore faithfully around her neck. "I just wanted to spend some time with you."

"You've got my utmost attention, Monika." I quickly looked her over. Her beautiful blue eyes were not filled with their usual luster, and her lips were pulled back, denoting she had suddenly grown tense. "What's wrong?"

"Just the usual, Kamek."

"You mean about Bowser?"

"Who else?"

"What has he been saying to you now?" I felt my right hand clench into a fist in my pocket. Just the thought of anyone harming her infuriated me.

"Well, he's not really saying anything. He's been ignoring me more than ever lately."

"He's a fool." I grumbled. "...Any reason in particular why you think he's acting this way?"

"He's been suspicious of me ever since I rejected his advances about having another child. I had explained to him that Ludwig was enough. My son only turned two four months ago, and Bowser has dismissed him already."

"Dismissed?"

"He thinks that Ludwig should have showed potential as a sorcerer by now."

"The child's only two!"

"That's what I said. I told him to look at our son's eyes... He doesn't want to hear it though. So now, he's distancing me. He doesn't trust me. He thinks I'm doing things behind his back. I can't even be alone with my own son anymore without him or someone else being there. He thinks I'm going to take him away or something... I now fear for my child's safety, as well as my own." She took her head into her hands and shook it from side to side. "Gods, Kamek, I wish I could change everything."

"Monika, it's not your fault-"

"I'm only in my mid-twenties and am in a horrible marriage. I feel as if it's my fault. How the hell could I have been so stupid?"

"We all make foolish choices while we're young." It was ironic to hear me say that, considering that I was trying to console someone for feeling the same emotions I had been feeling. In all honestly, I think we both needed consoling. "It's part of the growing process, you know?"

"Like a trial run?" She forced a smile while rubbing some tears away from her eyes. Monika was one of the strongest women I knew. She wasn't the type to beak down and sob, but instead, she cried quietly and bravely. I reached out and gently brushed away a tear streaming down her cheek with my thumb.

"Yes, like a trial run."

"Unfortunately, not all things are easily rectified."

"Well, some situations might take more of an effort to-"

"Kamek, do you wish you could change aspects of your life?"

She knew her question hit me close to home. My gaze was cast down at the concrete beneath my feet as my weight shifted from foot to foot. After some hesitation, I gave her my answer. "...Every day."

Her hand came up and caressed the side of my face. Too nervous to look up, I continued to focus on the ground. When she saw her first gesture didn't work, she resorted to lightly lifting up my chin with her fingers. From inside, I could still hear the soprano singing her morose song. Smirking to herself, Monika listened for a minute or two. She appeared to be thinking about something. Before I could say anything, she leaned in and kissed me. I wish I could've said that I was alarmed, but I wasn't. I slowly began to kiss her back, not caring that our significant others were still inside the theater or that we might have gotten caught. Neither of us held back. My arms wrapped themselves around her, pulling her in closer as our kiss deepened. I couldn't even begin to say how incredible it felt to finally embrace and share such an intimate moment with the woman I've loved for almost all my life. Right then and there, it felt like we were the only two people left in the world.

Sadly, the interlude was fleeting. She pulled away from me after what seemed like mere seconds, but I knew our kiss had lasted for much longer. I was so greedy for her that I wanted more, but chose to restrain myself. Our foreheads came to rest against each other as our lips still slightly touched. I kept my arms around her tightly, unwilling to let her go so soon. I wanted time to suddenly freeze for us, so that we could remain with each other instead of returning inside. She ran her fingers through my dark brown hair and giggled.

"Think we should be getting back?"

"No," I said, but then acquiesced, "You're right. We better leave."

"I'll go back first, then you follow."

"We're already sneaking around."

"Isn't it fun?"

I chuckled, then planted another quick kiss on her mouth. "Let's go."

Monika took a hold of my hand and squeezed it before she left. I waited a good five minutes after her departure to return to my box. Casually, I slid back into my seat. Camille gave me a strange look.

"What took you so long?"

"Er..." I stammered. "Dinner didn't quite agree with me."

"Ah,"

I didn't care if she believed me or not. Monika was again seated next to her husband, but this time, her eyes were glued onto the opera playing out in front of her. Grinning heartily, I too focused once again on the musical, content at not even knowing what the hell was going on.

At the time, I had no idea how Monika and I would've been able to work a relationship out. I was already married and a prominent member of the king's Council. She was the queen of Dark World, and not to mention already married as well. Her husband was one of my closest friends until I found out the breadth of how horribly he had been treating her. Luckily, not only was I stubborn, but I was persistent. We did manage to see each other on several occasions over the next couple of months, but I will not divulge the details here. At least not yet. Thus began one of the best times of my life. My hopes for anything more with Monika were shattered upon her premature death. Our time together was short, but I wouldn't trade it for anything else in the world. My only regret was that I never told her I loved her while she was alive.

I suppose life has a funny way of working itself out. Thanks to her son, she now knows that did I love her, and that I was a fool for never admitting so. Although I can no longer be with her, I can continue to treat her child as if he were my own. After death, she has given me something my own wife couldn't--a son. Speaking of Ludwig, I'm thinking of taking him out again for another training lesson. We have been taking it slowly over the past few months, but I'd like to get going again. I am going to continue pushing the boy whether he enjoys it or not. He might perceive me as a pain in the ass for doing so, but being able to fully harness powers as great as his is not something easily attainable. This time I do not want the king watching; he is an unnecessary distraction. The way he discouraged his son last time only worsened the situation. I don't think King Bowser realizes what he's doing. Then again, I don't think he cares. It doesn't matter, because his opinion means nothing to me. He can barely handle his responsibilities as king, and his reputation as a father is even more abysmal. Nevertheless, training will commence as soon as possible. I've gone from being a Councilman to a Head Administrator/teacher/father-figure. My plate is full, but I look forward to the challenge. Surely, these will be among the best days of my life!

This chapter took me a long time to complete, particularly the last entry. I tend to drag out writing romantic pieces, so I hope I did a good job with it! Now the story will start picking up, as I'm now setting the stage for Part II. Well, as always, thanks for reading! Reviews would be great!! I realize that my chapters might be much longer and detailed than the average story's, but still, every writer loves feedback. And for all of those who think this story is too original...thanks!!! ;) Oh...and check out my website, dammit!