Meeting of Fate

by Kairos Fateweaver

A role play with a friend, that turned into a story about magical girl's and their fights against each other and the hardships they face.

27. Chapter 27

Chapter 27: Gathering of the Houses

The next morning came, introduced by the sound of Haley's alarm clock going off. Haley was still fast asleep, unaware of the alarm's din. Underneath the cacophony of tones and beeps, the faint sound of hissing came from Haley's lower regions, followed by the faint crinkling of her nocturnal protection absorbing the expelled liquids. While it was partially normal for Haley to have accidents overnight, it was out of this norm for her to be having them this early in the morning.

At some point during the night, Kara had moved from her position. Upon the floor to into Haley's own bed with her. Kara was also still fast asleep and didn't hear the alarm clock going off. Kara was currently upon her side with her arm draped over Haley's side. Unaware that her own hand was rest near Haley's own crotch. Nor did Kara know that Haley was having a small accident now.

While Haley and Kara still slept, despite the morning arriving, the others had already begun to stir and prepare for the day ahead. Eventually, Haley's alarm was silenced by the half-asleep girl herself. After quietening the din, she simply went back to sleep, oblivious of all that was going on.

Kara was also still asleep but when Haley, in her half-asleep state. Silenced her alarm Kara awoke for a moment. She checked just to see how Haley was currently doing in her sleeping state. Before using this chance to place both her arms around her in a hugging motion. What Kara did next was try and link with Haley, Kara wasn't trying to force herself to enter Haley's soulscape but be allowed to enter.

Kara was briefly woken up by Haley turning her alarm off and took this chance to check how she was. Aside from a dangerous full to leaking pull-up, Haley seemed to be doing relatively fine. However, she may still need bed rest. Next, Kara attempted to Link with Haley but pulling herself in close and subconsciously requesting access to Haley's Souls cape. There was no resistance from Haley, so Kara slowly drifted into the familiar domain of Haley's Soulscape.

Among the Worlds that were present there before, Kara also noticed two additional Worlds located around the Crystalline Castle which housed the Dark Haley she fought against the last time she was here. These worlds had no actual physical manifestation of what they included, nor did they have names either. Both Worlds were represented by singular Crystals which blended in so well with the crystalline landscape around the castle that Kara barely even picked them up as Worlds when she entered. One of these Crystals was located to the southwest of the castle while the other was slightly to the east.

Kara had no trouble with entering Haley's Soulscape. Among the worlds that Kara saw present, she noticed two new additional worlds that were. Located around the Crystalline Castle where Kara had fought Dark Haley. Kara couldn't pick up their names or see what was included inside of them. They were represented by Crystals that blended in so well with the landscape that she nearly missed spotting them. Kara made a beeline to the Crystal southwest of the castle. Once she arrived there, she reached out with a hand to touch the crystal see if she'd be able to enter inside of it. If she was able to then Kara proceeds to enter inside of the crystal.

Curious as to the new worlds that had just popped up, Kara immediately went over to one of them and proceeded to try and enter it. As both crystals looked perfectly identical in every way, Kara had no clue which one led to where and chose to enter the one to the southwest of the castle. Upon touching the Crystal, Kara was almost overwhelmed by a resistance that nearly threw her straight out of Haley's Soulscape. She felt something glaring at her from the back of her mind. The feeling persisted, even though she was allowed into the world. However, even though she'd passed through the crystalline veil, she could not see anything now. Something was stopping her from viewing what was transpiring in this world.

"So, you seek to see inside my mind, do you? What a bad little follower you are. However, I'm feeling generous, so I shall humor you."

The crystal Kara tried to enter turned out to belong to Erys. The resistance that she felt nearly threw her out of Haley's soulscape but in the end, she was allowed into the world. Yet Kara didn't see anything as he view was being blocked. "If it allows me to understand you better then yes I'd like to see inside." Kara wasn't really sure on what she'd find out, but anything would be good.

"Why should I let you see? It is not the follower's place to pry into the life of their Master."

Erys was not as easily convinced as others had been towards the concept of being Linked with. Although blackness remained around her, Kara heard something crystallizing and felt like she was pinned to the spot. The very Crystals she used to be able to command had bound her where she stood, transforming her slowly into a being of pure Crystal.

"You showed promise to start with, but your own curiosity has gotten the best of you. I hope you'll learn from your mistakes as your essence is bound to one of my Sentinels."

"Because I wish to learn more about you."

Kara was still unable to see anything with the darkness all around her. Yet she heard something behind her and felt like she could move from her spot. Kara felt herself being transformed into a crystal being.

"Will I be able to change back into me?"

Erys didn't even consider responding to Kara's reasoning for intruding and simply chuckled when she asked if she'll ever change back.

"No, you won't."

The Crystalline conversion had already claimed nearly all of Kara's lower torso as it steadily made its way up her body, binding her arms and encasing her in a shell of blackness.

"I guess I'll need to find a new Servant."

Closing in on the last human part of Kara, the crystals increased their pace.

"You bought this on yourself."

As the last remnants of Kara's human form were eaten away by the parasitic crystals, she felt herself being forcibly ejected from the World she had entered. The darkness faded shortly afterwards, confirming that she was still inside Haley's Soulscape. A quick check of her body revealed that she was still human and not Crystal.

Kara tried fighting back, not wishing to change. She didn't know really what to say back she had been doing everything Erys wanted her to do. Yet Kara couldn't help but feel betrayed sure it was Erys' choice on if she let Kara into her mind. But still it would have been nice to have learned more about her.

After the change was complete, Kara was ejected from the world. Finding her back in Haley's Soulscape she was back to her normal self. Which was a good thing and she moved away from the black crystal? Instead looking for a world the belonged to Haley she could enter.

Kara moved away from where she was ejected to and looked around to find a different World she could enter. All the previous Worlds she had seen were still present, yet the Crystal Worlds around the Castle were not. Even though her foray into Erys' World was unsuccessful, it had still cost Kara precious time. Haley seemed to be waking up, so, at most, Kara could only visit one World and, even then, she might not get to see it through to the end before Haley wakes up.

With little time remaining Kara knew she needed to hurry. All the previous worlds were still there. She didn't see any of Erys own world and didn't try searching for them. Feeling Haley beginning to wake up Kara ran towards the world. That was close to her which wasn't the castle but instead one of the remaining ones.

Concerned about Haley's current chance of waking up, Kara dashed towards the closest World at hand that was near the Castle. The world she went towards was offset slightly from the Castle and had no timescale for when and where it occurred. The only information Kara had about it was its name. The icon for the world showed a locked door with several padlocked chains over it, sealing it shut from any outside attempts at entering. Touching the World's icon, Kara was transported into it after being consumed by white light.

When the light dissipated, Kara found herself in a rather empty looking space. There were no walls, no ceiling and no obvious flooring. Instead, the floor appeared to be some sort of mirrored surface that reflected what was on top of it, leading to the place looking boundless and infinite. Several empty picture frames the size of doorways circled the center ring while a huge set of padlocked double doors sat at the further reaches of the circle. The pictures and the doors created a small clock-like shape, totaling at around nine potential points of interest, eight of these being the picture frames. Kara stood at the farthest reaches of the circle directly in front of the Picture frame that led back to Haley's Soulscape. The sealed doubles doors were opposite here and a figure which looked like Haley sat on the floor directly in the center of the circle facing towards the doorway, her face buried in her raised knees and her arms folded across them.

Kara was able to enter the world near her. Which as she entered had an icon of a locked down with chains around it. She soon found herself transported into an empty looking space Kara walked around looking over the world she was in. Seeing several large picture framed sized downs around. She saw a huge set of padlocked double doors Kara was also able to find Haley seated within the circle. Kara walked forwards entering the circle trying to walk towards Haley and the double doors.

"Is everything okay?"

Deposited into this strange space, Kara looked around at what it had to offer. Once she saw Haley, she set off to try and reach her, asking what was wrong with the girl. Haley gave no answer and didn't seem to even acknowledge the presence of another. Kara moved closer and closer until she was stopped by an invisible barrier of sorts that covered Haley in a 10ft diameter dome. It felt like there was a wall between herself and Haley. An unbreakable wall. When she contacted the wall, words started to appear within her mind.

"Who am I?"

"A tyrant?"

"A victim?"

"A martyr?"

"Maybe even a normal girl?"

Three of the picture frames lit up and started to display a moving representation of each of the statements. Kara recognized one of the Picture Frames as displaying the Genocide that Haley committed after fully succumbing to Darkness. The word 'Tyrant' was carved into the plaque at the base of that picture frame.

The moving representations in the other frames were all blacked out and silhouetted, yet the carvings beneath them were clear. Each Picture frame had a different color associated to it akin to a rainbow. More phrases filled Kara's mind

"What am I?"

"Have I become what I hate?"

"Fallen prey to what others want me to be?"

"Am I the Demon or the Savior?"

Three more picture frames lit up, showing more blacked out images of potential pasts, presents and maybe even futures. Time appeared to be immaterial in this space, as how else would Haley be shown as the Monster Kara saw her as?

"Who is the True me?"

The final picture frame lit up, completing the circle of images. Seven chained padlocks wrapped around the door on the far end of the space as each Picture played out its history. Once the Genocide one had concluded its display, one of the padlocks began to explode with light as the chain sealing the door fell from its position. Only six remained now.

Another appraisal of the space allowed Kara to link each phrase to its respective picture frame, while also viewing her goal and where she entered from.

Red: Tyrant (Completed)

Orange: Victim

Yellow: Martyr

Green: Hatred

Blue: Influenced

Indigo: Demon or Savior?

Violet: True Self.

Gold: Sealed Doorway

White: Exit

With no reply and no way to get closer to Haley due to an unseen wall. Blocking her path Kara was at a loss of how to approach Haley. When she touched the wall, she began to hear voices in her mind. Not really understanding what that meant Kara pressed on, as thee of the empty picture frames lit up displaying various pictures. Kara saw one of them being the genocide that Haley had done after falling. Under the control of the darkness and saw a word carved into the plague which read Tyrant.

More words filled her mind which and another three frames lit up. Kara began to feel afraid as she saw more of what the Monster that Haley was. It brought back memories of what Kara feared about herself. Yet while in some ways Kara and Haley were alike, they were not alike in many, many more Kara kept moving determinedly to see this through. A few more frames lit up and other words were said.

As the last frame lit up concluding the scenes of the genocide on display. One of the locks upon the door exploded with light having opened thus leaving six remaining.

With now learning the of the other picture frames Kara moved onto the orange tier.

As she had no means of interacting with the Haley in the center of the space, Kara decided to take things in a logical order, following the colors of the rainbow as a means of checking out each of the multiple Picture Frames circling the space.

Closing in on the Orange one, Kara now noticed that the picture frames didn't look solid in the slightest. They carried a rather ethereal appeal to them and looked rather translucent up closely. Staring directly into the shadowy center of the orange picture frame, Kara felt as if she could step right into the display that was unfurling beneath the cover of silhouettes however, if she did so, it may be the only thing she got to do before Haley woke up and she was forcibly ejected from her Soulscape. She also had a feeling that she wouldn't be able to interact with whatever was on the other side of the frame and would have no choice but to watch what was going on. This wasn't much different from her previous Soulscape experiences, but, at the back of her mind, it would be a harrowing experience if it was how she was expecting it to be.

Now came a choice: Should she enter this picture frame?

Now within the Orange area, Kara noticed the picture frames weren't solid at all but carried a different look to them she felt like she could step right into. The picture frame but she knew if she were to do so she wouldn't be able to press on to the other colored areas. As this would be all she could do before Haley woke up. Not knowing if she could press on to the next area or needed to step in the photo frame. To unlock the second lock up the large doors Kara decided to enter the picture frame.

Kara looked upon the Orange picture frame, contemplating what might lie inside it. If the picture frames held the keys to opening the large door and potentially awakening Haley from her stasis, then she would have to enter and resolve each aspect of Haley to reach her goal.

The world beyond the picture frame started to look more real as Kara stared into it. The plaque of 'Victim' beneath the picture causing a small sense of dread over what may be on the other side. As the shapes started to gain color and move, Kara stepped inside, surrendering her physical form to the picture to merge with it.

Not knowing what she was getting herself into. By surrendering her physical form to the picture Kara just stepped into she could see shapes that started to gain color and move, but she couldn't yet see just who or what this picture was supposed to detail. She only knew that the plaque beneath was called 'Victim' that surely had to mean something important.

/Inside the 'Victim' picture frame.\\

When she had passed through the Picture Frame, Kara was met with the inside of the Twins' bedroom back at the Sera Manor. Everything looked to be as normal as possible, until she looked towards the window. Shards of broken glass littered the carpet beneath the window as jagged bloodied segments remained inside the shattered frame. It looked like something, or someone had been thrown out the window with impressive force. If whatever was thrown outside survived the initial impact, then the two story drop down onto the patio outside would've sealed their fate. That was under the assumption that they were a normal person.

The sky out the window carried a blood red tinge to it, blending in with the crimson liquid that coated some of the glass shards which remained inside the frame. This wasn't a natural look at all, and it grimly reminded Kara of the fateful day she witnessed in the previous Timeline, the event which was within the 'Tyrant' picture frame. No sign of any struggle was to be seen inside of the bedroom, so whatever, or whoever had caused the destruction by the window must have done so without their target knowing it. Nobody was anywhere to be seen in the bedroom and everything was eerily quiet, save for the faint pulsating sound of something akin to a heartbeat. Kara could not voluntarily hear this sound and whenever she tried to focus on it, the sound faded away into nothingness, only to return when she tried to ignore it. The sound was drowned out by her movements, but it was always present when she was stationary.

Kara now had choices of what she could do:

Kara found herself within the Twins room after she stepped into the picture frame. Looking around everything seemed normal at first before Kara saw broken glass upon the ground near the window along with some blood here and there. As Kara looked outside, she saw a blood red sky and was reminded of that fateful day she had witnessed before. Kara did hear a heartbeat yet couldn't pinpoint where the sound came from.

Kara began to walk around the room and search for any sort of clues. She checked the bed and the area around it before looking underneath the bed. Before moving on to check the Twins wardrobe.

Before doing anything else, Kara decided to search the room for any traces of what might have happened. While the broken window and bloodied glass might have been a result, what led up to it was as yet unknown. First things first, the bed needed examining.

Much like it always looked, the Twins' bed looked to be neatly made, save for the small indication that someone had been in it only moments before. The covers were still all tucked in and the sheets weren't disorganized so, while someone had been in it, they had not slept yet. A cautionary push down on the mattress caused a faint sound akin to crinkling plastic. Underneath the base sheet of the bed must've been a mattress protector, likely installed to help combat Haley's nocturnal problems. Around the bed looked as normal as it could be with little to no trace of anything until...

... Kara looked at the side closest to the window.

From the bed all the way up to the broken glass was a faint trail of red droplets. The largest concentration of these were by the bed itself. This might be an indication that whatever happened originated at the bed and not by the windows. Curious as to what might have caused this, Kara looked underneath the bed, which was strangely empty and not how Kara remembered it at all. Usually, Haley had a whole lot of various toys, knickknacks and other paraphernalia underneath her side of the bed, but it was completely empty to the point where a person could easily hide under there.

Finally, Kara checked the wardrobe but found nothing of note on the inside. It seemed the events were focused solely around the bed and the window.

What should she do now?

Kara looked around the room, from what she could tell. The bed looked like someone had been on its moments ago from the small imprint on it. Even pushing down on the bed Kara heard the crinkling of plastic around the bed was all normal. Moving on she found red droplets were by the bed itself which were blood and after checking underneath the bed and wardrobe. Finding nothing else of interest Kara found out that things must have happened only around the bed and window.

Kara for her next move with searching more around the bloodstains upon the floor.

Deciding that the bloodstains would help to learn more about the events that transpired, Kara went back around to the side of the bed nearest the Window and took a closer look at the marks in the carpet. From the concentration of the drips, Kara deduced that the origin point was by the bed and the cause of them stumbled around towards the window. The broken window could be their attempt at fleeing an aggressor or it might have been caused by them falling through the window.

It wasn't easy to get much more information from it but, as the blood was still wet, it must've happened recently.

Kara was able to gather a little information. She found out that the origin point was by the bed and the person stumbled towards and either fell or leaped out the window. Kara wanted to know more about the blood maybe there was something she was missing here.

Looking more closely at the blood trail, Kara could hypothesize just what might have been the cause of it. Putting together all she's learned about the room so far, Kara deduced that the assailant must've used the space under Haley's side of the bed to hide. Once their target had stepped into view, they struck without warning. Confused and pained by such a sudden assault, the target fled away from the source of the attack, lost their footing and then fell out the window. Using the newly opened escape route, the perpetrator took off out the window as well.

Although she didn't want to think it was possible, there were faint traces that Wind Powers had been used. A strong enough gust of wind could cut as an equal to a sharpened blade. Alongside that, there was the suffocating malaise of Darkness Powers that had all but faded by now.

With little else to choose from, Kara must plan her next move. The persistent heartbeat sound had been getting weaker and weaker over the time that Kara spent searching. If that meant anything then...

/Something is happening in this World that Kara does not know of... Could the heartbeat mean something? \\

What should she do now?

Kara was able to gather more information now upon closer inspection. Kara found out the person must have used the space under the bed to hide. Before making their attack, which caused the one being attacked had lost their footing and fell out the window. And the attacker followed them outside Kara even though she didn't wish to think about it. Felt faint traces of Wind Powers had been used alongside that of Darkness Powers that had all be faded.

She also heard that the heartbeat sound was getting weaker and weaker. Kara moved closer to the window and looked outside of it.

Concerned about how faint the heartbeat was getting, Kara went over to the Window to look outside. The garden hadn't changed in the slightest but the patio directly below the window had quite the sizeable puddle of blood on it. From this distance, Kara could see drag lines in the blood, creating a trail of bloody lines leading off towards the back of the Mansion.

Before Kara could do anything else, the faint heartbeat pulsated its last echo before going quiet. The world around her began to collapse in on itself, ejecting her back out into the Hub of Picture Frames she was in before. Somewhere along the way, Kara must've neglected to see the importance of that sound. If the purpose of that World was to find the source before it's too late, then Kara will need to budget her time accordingly. Armed with the knowledge she gained from her last foray into it, she could try one more time before Haley wakes up.

Looking out the window Kara saw that things pretty much looked the same. Yet there was a sizeable puddle of blood on the ground. With bloody lines leading towards the back of the Mansion, she was about to try and leap out the window to see if she could find out. Who the person was? But the faint heartbeat she was hearing beat its last echo, and everything collapsed around her. She was ejected back out into the Hub, she learned that she had skipped out on the importance of the sound and needed to use her time more wisely. Kara was armed with all the knowledge that she had gained and jumped back into the photo frame.

She was willing to risk one last try before Haley woke up.

Kara wanted to get to the bottom of what that World had to offer so, once more, she entered the Picture Frame and found herself back at the start of the events. The heartbeat, her time limit, was at its strongest level. Now she knew exactly what had happened, she could cross off some options which wouldn't help her and use her time more wisely.

She knew that: Someone was attacked and had fallen out the Window, the attacker used either Wind or Darkness powers or a combination of the two and that the victim is, had, or will be dragged around the back of the Mansion.

Things weren't looking well for either the attacker or the Victim. Could they be...?

Regardless, Kara had a mission and she wanted to see it cleared!

What should she do?

/Pick one\\

1. Search the Window (2AP)

2. Leave via the Window (1AP Rushed [incurs a -30 Dex check to succeed], 3AP Normal [-10 Dex check to succeed], 5AP Cautious [Automatic success, but costly in time])

3. Focus to try and determine what Abilities were used in the attack (3AP) (+10 Int check for Wind, -10 for Darkness) "The Abilities feel like they've been used more recently, so it's easier to trace them back to their origins."

4. Leave via the Doorway (1AP) "What could be out in the hallway?"

5. Leave the Soulscape World (0AP)

/APL: 8AP\\

/New indicators - Action Points! Each action Kara takes in this world consumes 'Action Points' (AP). If the consumed points, go over the Action Point Limit (APL) then Kara will be booted back to the Hub and will have to try again. Progressing the story refunds some AP, leading to more actions Kara can take. AP is saved whenever she reaches a Checkpoint and will always return to the level, she was at upon crossing the Checkpoint if she fails or leaves the World.\\

Kara was once more back inside the photo frame she could hear the heartbeat. Once more as it was at its strongest, she knew what had happened. What she had done in the first time she had now known what happened. While she wanted to try searching around the window and trying to find out what magical abilities had been used. There was a more pressing concern for her Kara really wanted to know who the victim and the attacker was. Rushing over to the window Kara leaped out of it.

}}Dex Roll: 12 (Success)

Landing upon the ground Kara ran towards the back of the Mansion following the trail of blood.

Concerned more with time than her own safety or other potential things, Kara dashed straight out the window, avoiding the jagged shards of glass that remained, and used the side of the Mansion to rappel down to the patio below. The muffled sound of glass shattering came from beneath her as she landed. Thankfully, the shards were not big enough to penetrate whatever footwear she had on. Come to think of it, she was in bed when she linked so how does she have shoes on now? Putting aside the inconsistencies with Linked Worlds and the Real World, Kara have saved precious time and was now in a better position to find out what had happened.

She wanted to ignore everything else and just follow the trail of blood but...

...it wasn't there? But how?! This didn't make any sense!

Before she could look around at what had happened, Kara felt something smash into the back of her head. The force of the blow sent her tumbling down to the ground as her senses reeled from the impact. The world around her began to fade to black...

When light returned to Kara's vision, she was back in the Twins' bedroom with the heartbeat still at the same volume it was when she entered the second time. What did she do wrong this time? From what she recalled, something had attacked her from behind the moment she landed on the patio and noticed the drag trail wasn't there. Perhaps there was a set time when she should do things to avoid interfering with the World itself? If an immediate departure from the Window leads to a soft reset of everything, then perhaps she needs to follow a different order of actions? Her options remained the same, regardless, but now she knew it wasn't a wise idea to leave through the Window immediately.

What should she do?

Knowing that she was in the wrong about being more concerned about. Finding out more about the victim than searching for clues. Having ignored everything else and using the side of the Mansion to get upon the ground. She went to follow the blood trail, but it wasn't there that was strange Kara tried to look around but felt something. Smash into the back of her head, crashing to the ground the world faded to black and Kara found herself once more. Back inside of the Twins' bedroom, the world had reset itself once more. Kara did recall she was attacked from behind by someone and the trail wasn't there.

Kara needed to find out more about what was going on first. Before trying to rush out the window as she had done before. So, she focused on trying to find out what sort of Wind Abilities had been used.

Not wanting to risk heading out the window just yet, Kara focused on the faint traces of Ability use that remained in the bedroom.

/2 degrees of success, some information given.\\

From what Kara could gather, the Wind Power that was used was a simple Wind Slash. The difference from the wide slash that Kara was used to and the traces of this ability was that this had been shaped specifically to be as thin, as sharp and as long as it could be, effectively making an incredibly accurate and equally as deadly focused attack which could be used from nearly any angle to strike at vital points on the target. It would take some refining of her skills, but Kara could probably recreate this Ability if she wanted to.

/APL: 5\\

The heartbeat had gotten slightly weaker as Kara determined what Wind Ability had been used. She now knew a part of the Ability that had caused the incident. Perhaps it was safe to leave via the Window now and chase the culprit?

What Kara was able to learn next was that the wind power used. Was a Wind Slash that was different from what she was used to. The spell had been shaped to be thin and sharp if it could be used effectively. From nearly any angle to strike at a targets vital points it was a skill that Kara could recreate if she so wished to. Thinking more about this Kara concluded there were two people who could use wind magic. The first being Kara herself and Haley being the second. She had never seen Haley use wind magic before even with the closeness they had gotten through their bonds. Nothing had ever been used from Haley.

Which left Kara thinking that maybe she was the attacker. But she was unsure of just why she would be doing something like this. Knowing she needed to save whoever that heartbeat belonged to once more she rushed over to the window. Then jumped out of it in a rush much like last time.

Kara once again landed upon the ground even turning around and looking all around her. For the bloody trail to follow and whoever had knocked her out last time.

Now she knew part of what had been used in the attack, Kara believed she'd waited enough time to avoid the events of her last try and dashed out the window, using the same method she had before. Landing carefully onto the patio below, causing stray shards of glass to shatter underneath her feet, Kara looked around to see if the blood trail was present.

/APL: 4\\

The heartbeat was half of its maximum volume, so time was running short. Turning towards where she'd seen the trail before, Kara found that it was currently present and leading around towards the back of the Mansion. Nothing else seemed of interest to her so Kara followed the trail. It took her past the fountain, between the decorative flower gardens and to the entrance of a hedge maze she'd never seen before. Even though she hadn't been with the Sera's for long, Kara knew for sure that they didn't have a hedge maze. It looked as real as a maze could get, so something must've been used to make it. Only high-level Illusion Powers could create such a thing, and strangely Kara felt the faintest of affinities towards such abilities. She knew she'd never be able to make something as grandiose and real as a full-size hedge maze at the present moment in time, but it was not outside the realms of possibility.

As Kara looked upon the Hedge Maze, she heard the heartbeat get slightly louder, buying her a little more time. For some reason, she also felt like she'd be able to start from this position again if worst came to worst. For now, she only had one real option and that was to enter the Hedge Maze and see it through to the center. Whoever the attacker was, and whoever their victim was, she had a feeling they were in the center of the maze.

/APL: 6\\

/Checkpoint reached.\\

Stepping into the boundaries of the Maze, the edges of Kara's vision darkened as she felt a noticeable headache start. The sudden eruption of pain in the left side of her cranium was accompanied by what sounded like a mixture of white noise and radio static. The relaxing green hedges that made up the maze warped and changed into twisted black crystalline versions of what they were creating an oppressive and disorienting atmosphere. From where she currently stood, Kara had three options for directions she could go:

1. Straight on

2. Left

3. Right

Once outside the window and after finding the trail once again. Kara took off after it is arriving at the back out the Manor. Only to come face to face with what appeared to be some sort of hedge maze. Kara knew that the Sera's never had any sort of one before, but it did look real enough she knew. That she alone would never have the sort of power to create something as grand as this. Kara also felt the heartbeat grow louder as she had bought herself some more time which was good.

Kara stepped within the boundaries of the maze, as she did so. She felt a headache start and a sharp pain in the left side of her head. Looking around she saw the green hedges had changed into a black crystalline form. She saw that she had three options for where she wanted to go. Kara made her way into the left spot while studying things closely she looked up into the sky. Thinking that perhaps it would be best to try and fly over the maze.

Sticking to the unwritten rule of maze exploration, Kara stuck to her left as she navigated the sinister looking maze. The headache she had didn't get worse or better, but the static sound was getting louder as she followed the left-hand path, turning to her right as she reached a corner of the maze. Dead ahead of her was another intersection but this time there were only two directions to go:

1. Straight ahead

2. Turn right

Kara briefly considered just skipping the whole maze by flying over the top of it, which might be a worthwhile choice although, should she do it?

/Choose\\

A. Stick to the maze. There must be some reason it's here. (If you choose this, pick one of the directions)

B. Ignore the maze and just try and fly over it.

/APL: 5\\\

Her headache was still with her and the static sound. Was only getting louder as she followed the first left hand path. Knowing she needed to move quickly to save whoever it was that needed saving. Kara tried flying up into the air until she was certain she was high enough and went forward with trying to skip the maze by flying over it.

Believing the maze was nothing more than a Fool's Errand, Kara tried to fly up and over it. It took a couple of seconds for Kara to start to levitate and when she did it felt a little different from what she was used to. As soon as she crested just above the tops of the hedges, she was suddenly rendered immobilized as energy paralyzed her midair. She didn't fall to the ground but, instead, remained fixed to the spot she was at. Sharpened crystals burst forth from the hedges to skewer her from every angle. When she next realized what was going on, Kara was back at the entrance to the hedge maze. Seems she won't be flying over the maze any time soon.

At first, things seemed to be going her way. Kara was able to levitate off the ground and started to crest the tops of the hedges. But she then suddenly felt herself become paralyzed in midair and sharpened crystals burst forth. From the hedges to strike her at every angle Kara next found herself back at the entrance again. Knowing that she couldn't fly over the maze anytime soon. Kara went with the same option as before she took the left path again.

Looped back to the start of the maze through her own impatience, Kara decided to stick with her original plan and head to the left once again. Things seemed to be going just like before, leaving her with the choice of either straight ahead or turning right once she reached the intersection. Flying was a no-go if her earlier experience was anything to go by, so Kara would just have to trudge on through and hope she cleared the maze before time ran out.

Kara was right back where she was when she had decided on flying. Seeing that she could either turn right or go on straight ahead. Kara walked forward picking with going down the forward path.

Kara remained heading straight on when she came to the intersection. She didn't see any other turn-offs for a long while. As she progressed down the path, the static sound got quieter, but her headache did not lesson any, in fact it seemed to get slightly worse. Kara kept on walking and walking but didn't see any other turnings in sight. Could she be going the wrong way, or did this mean she was going the right way? Only one way to find out:

1. Keep on going. "Maybe that sound is misleading?"

2. Turn back. "Perhaps I'm going the wrong way and that's why I don't see any turnings?"

3. Blast your way through a wall. "Flying is out of the question, so maybe this is, too?"

Kara kept going straight ahead she had yet to see any other turn-offs. For a long while she moved down the path the static sound got quieter, but her headache was still there. It was getting slightly worse as she kept walking forwards. Kara just kept walking forward this straight path had to lead to somewhere.

Kara chose to trust in her instincts and continue down the path. It took a short while but eventually it crested off into a T-junction. The static noise had all but faded away, yet her headache remained as persistent as before. Taking a quick look down either pathway, Kara found that both of them had additional turnings within her view distance. The left-hand path looked to carry on straight for a while but there was also a turning off towards the right partway down. The right-hand path, on the other hand, looked to turn a corner into uncertain territory. Through the brushes, Kara could just about make out a cross section which the right-hand path turned off into. Now, she had to choose which direction and which offshoot of the direction.

1. Turn left

1a. Carry on straight

1b. Carry on until the right hand turning

2. Turn right

2a. Turn left at the intersection

2b. Carry on straight at the intersection

2c. Turn right at the intersection

The static nose had all faded away and her headache remained. Kara kept on walking down the pathway and finally came across some additional turns that she viewed in the distance. Kara went forward by carrying on straight and then turned left at the intersection. She didn't know where she was going so she started to run.

As time was running short for her, indicated by the sound of the heartbeat getting weaker and weaker, Kara hastened her pace and took the right-hand turn at the T-junction, followed by a left-hand turn at the intersection. She was confident in her choice, but something didn't sit right with her. Both the static and the headache weren't present. Could this be a bad sign? Her own question was answered for her when, at the end of turning she took, was a dead end. She had no chance of clearing the maze now as the heartbeat was nearing its last few pulses. Her current attempt at clearing this Picture World had ended in failure and she could feel herself slowly being ejected from Haley's Soulscape as the girl in question started to wake up.

With the heartbeat sound growing weaker and weaker. With her time running out Kara soon reached a dead end. With only a tiny amount of time left Kara knew she wouldn't be able to clear the maze as she wasn't about to backtrack. Instead she got ready to blast her way through the dead end. But right as she was about to do so she was ejected from Haley's Soulscape and woke up herself.

Due to Haley waking up, Kara was ejected from her Soulscape and back into the real world. Haley started to groggily sit up in bed, still looking a little worse for wear but much better than she was the previous evening. As her pullup was on its last legs, Haley began to push aside her covers, unsteadily stand up and make her way towards the bedroom door.

Kara awoke a few moments after Haley did. Who seeing that she was up going over to help her reach the bedroom door? By using herself to keep Haley on her feet for support. Kara opened the bedroom door and they both walked out into the hall. Making their way towards the bathroom where Haley could go about her business.

Kara helped Haley make her way to the bathroom opposite the bedroom. For the most part, Haley was able to remain steady on her feet, but she was evidently in need of further bed rest and recuperation mainly due to post-sickness weakness. She wanted to keep some independence, so Haley split off from Kara and entered the bathroom by herself.

From the sounds coming from downstairs, Haley's sisters were already nearly finished with their breakfast. Kara had slept in a fair amount due to the Linking she did so, if she was going to be heading to school that day, she'd need to hurriedly get ready and go downstairs.

After splitting off from Haley Kara heard the sounds coming from downstairs. From the looks of things, Lilly and Holly were nearly done with breakfast. While she knew she had to head to school that day a part of her wanted to stay home with Haley. To keep an eye on her just in case anything was to happen. But in the end, she knew she couldn't miss school and knew Erys would be keeping an eye on her.

Kara hurried and quickly went about changing into some clothes and getting ready. For the school in a quick hurry and once all that was done finally rejoined the others downstairs.

Resigning herself to heading to school that day, Kara quickly went and got herself ready for the day ahead. Partway through her preparations, Haley returned back to her room and looked to be getting ready to go to school herself, despite barely being able to stand upright. Only her sisters could convince her otherwise, so it might be wise to get Lilly and Holly involved to ensure that Haley remains at home that day.

When she was dressed and ready, which was long before even Haley was able to get half dressed, Kara joined the others downstairs. Naturally they asked for an update on Haley's current state.

At one point before heading downstairs, Kara noticed that. Haley had returned to her room and looked to be getting ready for school. Kara tried to tell Haley that it might be best to stay home from school. But knowing that Haley didn't like alone knowing she'd need help to try and convince her to do so. Then once down with everyone who wished to know an update with Haley. Kara told them she was looking much better but was still feeling a little worse.

Kara then went on to inform them that Haley was trying to get dressed. To go to school and it would be better if she stayed home today. Along with needing some help to try and convince Haley to do so.

Lilly wasn't surprised that Haley would prefer to stagger her way through the school day than stay at home. Once they'd all finished their breakfast, Lilly and Holly went back upstairs to convince Haley to stay at home. It took some work to do so, with Lilly having to be a bit of an assertive older sister to get her point across but, eventually, Haley begrudgingly agreed to stay at home and took off her lopsided school uniform to change into a fresh set of sleepwear.

Now that Haley was back in bed, the rest of the girls could finish up their morning routine and head off to school. All the staff in the Mansion had already been informed of Haley's condition and agreed to make sure she got plenty of rest and fluids to help combat the effects of yesterday's incident. They also agreed to keep Lilly updated on any changes to Haley's condition.

Getting the help she needed from the others they were able. To convince Haley to stay home for the day. With the rest of the staff informed of Haley's status it was easier for Lilly to stay updated on things. Kara in the meantime finished up her morning routine and while waiting upon the others. Went about checking her phone to see if she got any messages from her work friends or Mikan.

As she waited on the others to finish up and head off to school, Kara checked her phone for any new messages. The Kira Chat had a few new messages sent to various topics but none really pertained Kara aside from the chat relating to their outing over the weekend. Leigh had already finished setting up the sleeping arrangements for everybody. Kara's name was included in one of the arrangements and it turned out she was roomed with quite a few interesting people. Her roommates were: Rya, Bryn, Mary, Kate, Tama, Xion and Annmarie. Leigh must've caught on to Kara's preferences as there seemed to be some theme with her assigned Roommates. Kate, being the eldest person in that group, was likely the Caretaker of the others.

According to the accompanying post from Leigh, each room had four older workers coupled with four younger workers. The older workers were supposed to take care of the younger ones and make sure they weren't staying up too late or 'forgetting' things before bedtime, so, going by that, Kara would likely be watching out for Mary, Tama, Xion and Annmarie with the assistance of Kate, Bryn and Rya.

Before Kara could ponder more on the intricacies of Leigh's planning, it was time for them to head off to school.

Kara went about checking her phone for any new messages. Reading the KiraChat she saw a few new ones were about various topics. None really caught her interest until she found the one relating to the outing this weekend. Reading on Kara could see that Leigh had finished setting up the sleeping arrangements for everyone. Kara spotted her name in one of the arrangements she saw found out who she'd be roomed with. There were quite a few interesting names listed.

Kara nearly dropped her phone but quickly caught it. Each of her roommates besides Kate was someone Kara had taken an interest in or had interacted with in some way. Kara didn't know why she'd been placed with this group when there were others who she could have been placed with. But she was happy as she got to have some fun with everyone. While secretly lewding out with whatever perks came with her job.

Kara learning what sort of role she and the others would be taking. Before she could think anymore about the subject. It was time to head off to school, Kara planned to make a post later when she had the time. Then went to join up with Holly and Lilly but paid a quick stop to Haley to say goodbye first then rejoined them.

Once she'd said goodbye to Haley, who wasn't too happy that she was being forced to stay at home, Kara went off with the others to school. She remembered that she didn't have much time once school had finished before she needed to meet up with Kiki in preparation for the evening meeting. Time was certainly not in her favour this day, but the shopping trip the following day would be a much needed relief.

Kara and the other headed to school together and Kara. Remembered she had little time to do anything after school since she needed to meet up. With Kiki to prepare for the meeting that evening. The three arrived at school and headed towards the classes for the day. Though at one point Yukina showed up for some fun pranking on Lilly. And at one point became serious and asked once again if she'd be willing to team up with her for the local tournament.

Kara, on the other hand, felt lonely she wasn't used to Haley. Not being there for a chance so, she didn't have much to do. She tried to make small talk with both Lilly and Holly when they were free. Even at one point looked around the quad for any sign of Eiko if she was even still around. Soon enough the bell rang for the start of the day and Kara spent the first part of the day bored out of her mind.

She focused on her classes the best she could do and managed to get. Through them up until the first break.

The start of the school day wasn't that enjoyable for Kara. With Haley not being present, Kara was left with loneliness. The group wasn't complete without her, and Haley was no doubt feeling lonely at home as well all by herself.

The usual playfighting between Lilly and Yukina persisted before being followed up by a partner request for the upcoming tournament. Naturally, Lilly declined under the reasoning that their teamwork won't be as solid as the others due to their rivalry.

Before the first lesson began, Kara looked around the courtyard for any signs of Eiko. Her search yielded no results and, soon enough the school day started. The first couple of lessons droned on with Kara not paying much attention to them at all. Eventually, after what felt like a much longer time than it should've been, the first break arrived.

With the first break has finally arrived. Kara took the chance to finally post a message in the KiraChat. About who she was rooming with during the sleepover which was to take place soon.

'I look forward to spending time with my new friends and coworkers. I hope that our time together shall be a fun and enjoyable experience. I'll try my best to help out the younger members while also helping the older ones as well.'

Having finished with her message Kara posted it then. Used the remainder of the break to spend time with Lilly and Holly but also. Checking up on Haley to see how she was fairing currently.

Kara checked in with the KiraChat during her first break. There had been a few more comments about the room situation but none came from those rooming with Kara. Kara sent off her response to the rooming arrangements and closed out of the app to check in with Haley. The report from the Maids back at the Manor was along the lines of Haley's condition improving enough for her to start looking a little more healthy, but she was still rather unsteady on her feet and had had a few toilet accidents due to this. Haley was going to the toilet a lot more frequently than she normally would, however that might not be a bad thing. Just for safety, she's been made to wear her protective undergarments and a bedpan had been provided for her so she doesn't have to go as far in order to take care of her needs.

Having learned from the maids that Haley's condition was improving. Which was a good sign, though she had a few accidents along the way. If this was a normal problem then perhaps Kara might have been more interested in it. But she was more concerned about Haley's health then her own personal pleasure. Breaktime came to an end and everyone went back to class Kara focused on her lessons just trying to get through the rest of the day.

Lunchtime came and went nothing really too exciting happened. Though at one point Kara excused herself from the others. She took a short walk around the quad looking here and there for anything.

Finding nothing Kara once again rejoined the others and spent the rest of the school day. Just doing what she normally did at school until the bell rang signaling it was time to go home.

Powering through the rest of the school day, Kara put aside her boredom and tried to persist until the day ended. Once the final bell rang, Kara left the school with the others and head on home to see how Haley's condition had progressed since that morning.

Kara and the others having finally made. It through the rest of the school day headed home to see how Haley was fairing. They all arrived home shortly afterward having gotten a ride and headed for the twins room.

Upon arriving home, Kara went straight to the Twins' bedroom to see Haley. Just from opening the door and looking towards the bed Kara was able to confirm that Haley was most certainly doing much better. She was looking a lot more like her usual self and was still openly showing disdain for being confined to her bedroom when she was certain that she was well enough to do other things.

Haley looked happier now that everyone was back at home so she was no longer all by herself. However, according to some reports from the more experienced Maids, Haley had been playing on her illness a little too much and seducing people into giving her treats and cleaning her room, which is what Haley should've been doing herself. If Haley's mischevious streak was back, then she was feeling better.

With Haley looking happier now that they were all home again. Kara perked up herself and now was happy she had something to do. But she still knew that time was against her since Kiki should be contacting her soon. So, in the meantime, Kara used this chance to spend time with each of her sisters in equal measure.

In the short space of time she had before the meeting, Kara spent it with the others as much as she could. When half past four hit, Kara got a message from Kiki reminding her about the meeting and requesting that she meet up with her in the 'Usual Spot'. It was unlikely that Kiki would request Kara meet her at the cafe, so that left only one other place she could be.

Enjoying her time with the others all that she could. The time flew by quickly and around 4:30pm was when Kiki sent her message. Kara remembered it got ready to head out she told the others that she'd be back later in the evening. As Kiki needed her help with a few things and finally hurried to the usual spot to meet her.

Explaining to the others about her need to leave as helping Kiki with something, Kara got ready and head on out. Haley evidently wasn't happy that Kara came back, only to head out again a short while later, but Kara should be able to make it up to her another time. She knew that Kiki wouldn't be at the cafe so that left only one other place she could be.

Kara went into an empty alleyway and pulled out the key she received in the previous timeline. Focusing on it, the gilded door appeared on one of the adjacent walls. Kara unlocked the door and headed inside it as the door disappeared with no trace once her action was complete.

Finding herself in the familiar hallways of where Kiki was staying, Kara went straight to her charge's room and knocked on the door to announce her presence. The door opened a small amount as someone peered out from the inside. The next thing she knew, Kara was pulled into the room and the door was closed behind her. Once she'd processed what had happened, Kara found Kiki standing directly in front of her wearing nothing but her underwear.

"You're here sooner than I thought you'd be." Kiki commented, disregarding her current state of half nakedness. She assessed Kara over before shaking her head in disapproval. "Are you really wearing that to the meeting. You do remember who we're meeting, right? Those clothes won't do at all!"

Kara headed to the usual place and opened the door with the key. She was given after entering inside the door vanished. Kara walked down the familiar hallways until she found where Kiki was staying. She headed into the changing room after saying her presence and opened another door. Then closed it to finally find Kiki who was basically standing in just her underwear.

"It's better to be here sooner rather than later right?" Kara asked.

Seeing Kiki shake her head about something. Kara wasn't sure what it meant until Kiki spoke up about the clothes Kara was wearing which. Was still her school uniform she had not changed out of it since arriving home.

"I know who we're meeting, I just haven't had a lot of time to do anything else. My mind has been on Haley's well-being she became sick yesterday. Somehow which we don't know how it happened and have all been worried." Kara explained.

Unsure of what she should be wearing she asked the question.

"What should I be wearing my work uniform or something else?"

"That's not good, but she's all better now, right? I mean, if she wasn't then you shouldn't really be here." Kiki replied to Kara's explanation about Haley. "Anyway, work uniform is a no as well. Don't you have any fancy clothes that you wear for special events and stuff?"

Kiki didn't fully appear to be paying attention to Kara and was still in the middle of getting ready by the looks of things. All three of her wardrobes were open and she was frantically pulling out various outfits to either throw onto her bed or place back in the wardrobes.

"We've got about an hour before we set out, so if you need to do anything you'd best get it done now."

"She's feeling better now," Kara answered. "Yes, I have fancy clothes that I've worn for special events and stuff."

Kara walked over to the open wardrobes seeing that some of her own clothes. Were stored here as well she began to look for a set of clothes. That would be suitable for tonight's meeting with everyone.

"What will I be tasked with doing other than just being your bodyguard?"

"Good, good. Put them on quickly but make sure you can still move around easily in them in case you need to do actual bodyguard things."

Kiki had finished looking through her wardrobes and had now gone to the outfits she'd thrown onto her bed. Holding up the various outfits against her in front of the Mirror, Kiki once again returned to deciding on what to wear.

"Not much else. You're just t here in case things go badly. At the very least you need to not make me look bad but, aside from that, just stand there and look official."

Kara was busy looking through the small set of clothes. That had remained stashed here which she had not yet taken home with her yet. A short time later Kara finally found an outfit that she could wear and moved away from the wardrobes and started to get changed.

"Easier said then done, I'd rather things remain simple tonight and no troubles shows itself."

Kara had finished changing into a black and purple evening gown. That upon the shoulders were small actual black raven's feathers. There was a slit up the right side of the gown to show some of her leg. Allowing Kara easier movement, the basic gown itself had been a gift to Kara from her late mother.

Kara had found a set of clothes which she deemed suitable for the meeting.

"Like I said before, we've got just under an hour now before we set out. You can use that time to make sure you're ready for anything that old man can throw at you. Ryu's off training at the moment in Training Area so, if you're certain you aren't going to get that nice outfit messy, you could do the same."

In all this time Kiki had narrowed down her choices to one of three outfits.

"Go do stuff and I'll let you know when we're ready to go. We'll be making no stops on the way, so if you need anything you'd best take care of it before we set out."

Kara finished up with putting on a small amount of make-up and perfume.

"I can always just use magic to change into my battle outfit. So that way this outfit won't get messy at all."

Kara headed for the door and took one last look over at Kiki.

"Thanks for all the eye candy, if only Ryu could see you now." Kara teased.

She then left the room and headed to the training area.

"Yeah, yeah fine. Don't get too into it."

Kiki remained oblivious to Kara's intentions until she mentioned Kiki's current state of undress.

"HEY! DON'T YOU DARE-!"

Before Kiki could fully answer, Kara had already left the room. From what Kara did see in the short amount of time, her tease had definitely got Kiki all flustered.

Kara went off to d o some pre-meeting training in the AR space along with Ryu. There was an active simulation going on at present so Kara waited until that one was done. From the looks of it, Ryu was training to fight against multiple opponents while also ensuring that his AR Companion didn't get struck. If Kara was to hazard a guess, he was likely training in preparation for the upcoming tournament.

Kara watched as Ryu trained for a while in the current active simulation. But then spoke up when it had come to an end.

"Care to try yourself out against a real opponent?" Kara asked.

She walked fully into the room and used her magic to change into her battle outfit.

Once Ryu's session had ended, Kara offered for a sparring match against a real opponent.

"I wouldn't advise it as, even if we use training weapons, you might get a few bruises. We both need to be in top form." Ryu responded. "If you're set on it, then we can see how well you do. First to get hit loses?"

Once the terms of the sparring match was agreed, the two started their little session using training weapons.

"Confident, are we who's to say it won't be you who walks away from this with a few bruises," Kara said. "That's fine with me."

With the terms set the two started their little session.

The sparring started out pretty close for the two of them with Ryu claiming the first hit. Both of them seemed evenly matched but it was clear that his prior training sessions were taking a toll on Ryu's stamina. Kara figured she could exploit this to her favour. Where before Ryu's swings were near impossible to counter, his endurance was causing them to be a little more telegraphed with wider openings. This allowed Kara to get a hit off on Ryu just before he could land his second one on her.

Now they were tied for hits, the battle was on. Ryu caught on to Kara's exploitation plan shortly after she nearly landed her second hit on him. He had to change up his fighting a little to land his second hit on her. In the last part of the sparring match, Ryu's stamina was close to being exhausted yet he still fought on, and proved to be quite the challenge for Kara even in this partially weakened state. However, she was able to land two more hits on him, with the final hit being just before the simulation ended.

"Not bad. You thought on your feet pretty well there. Exploiting your opponent's weakness is important." Ryu commended Kara. "However, don't think you'd be so lucky next time."

After a long and close fight that still prove to be quite a challenge for Kara. She was able to score the win by landing another two hits on him. With the simulation ended Kara changed back into her fancy clothes but not before using some magic. To heal both her own and Ryu's bruises too.

"That's for the tournament to decide, I'd rather fight you when you're at your best. Plus I've still got places where I need to improve myself." Kara tells him.

She helped Ryu put away the training weapons.

"We should be getting back to Kiki now."

From looking over at the clock display upon the wall their little training session. Had nearly take up the whole hours time. Once Ryu was finished and all cleaned up the two of them headed to see Kiki.

Once the cleanup after the training was finished, it was time for them to return to Kiki and head off to the meeting. Kiki had finally settled on a dress to wear, which looked rather impressive even by her standards. Kiki's natural Charisma enhanced the allure of the outfit she was wearing, and she seemed rather conscious of this in Ryu's company. Regardless, Ryu remained professional throughout their exchange and the three left the house to take their transport to where the meeting will be taking place.

The journey there was uneventful and, eventually, the small group arrived at a rather impressive looking Skyscraper. There were no obvious indications of the Evanesse House's hold over the Skyscraper but there likely didn't need to be. Only the most influential Empowered House could have such an extravagant building under their control. The three exited their transport, with Kiki taking the lead, and the group approached the doors to the building where a young looking servant stood. It didn't take any powers from anybody to see that this servant wasn't entirely human. They had the same kind of animal appendages as a good deal of the cafe workers. This one happened to have the ears and tail of a doe, and looked equally as meek as one, too. Their dress was impressive by servant standards but paled in comparison to the attire of the group.

The servant ushered the group through the doorway and towards the lifts at the back of the lobby. The interior design of the Skyscraper was as gaudy as the building was tall. Everything was polished to a perfect shine that reflected whatever happened to be above it. This didn't fall into the observation of Kiki or Ryu, but if Kara looked at the right spot on the floor she could see up the servant girl's dress, spying the blue star print panties the girl had on underneath it.

Once the group was inside the lift, which was large enough to fit a group nearly three times their size in and equally as well polished as the rest of the building, the servant pressed the button for the 47th floor. Without a sound and seemingly no motion, the lift began its ascent to the designated floor. After a few minutes, the doors opened out onto an exceptionally plush looking hallway. The floors were pure white linoleum tiles and the walls were blindingly white with lots of fancy looking decorations on them as well. At the other end of the hallway stood two very large doors. The servant girl lead the way to these doors but did not progress past them. Instead, she simply bowed her head to Kiki and indicated for her to open them. After a courteous knock, which was met by a commanding voice saying 'Enter' Kiki tentatively pushed open the left hand door and stepped into the office space.

Much like the rest of the building, the office looked immaculate and impressive. The desk was made out of a solid black wood, pairing nicely with matching chairs. The flooring was carpeted with an incredibly soft deep blue carpet. Along the walls were several certificates, commendation, trophy cases and pictures of various buildings, some of which looked to be research laboratories. The most instantly noticeably trophy case housed a fine looking sword. Before Kara could observe the sword any more, she heard the same commanding voice from before address the group.

"Foolish Granddaughter. We are here for a pleasant chat. You did not need to bring the riffraff in as well." The voice echoed through the room.

"With all due respects, Grandfather, a lady must never travel alone at night." Kiki replied evenly, though a hint of nervousness could be heard in her tone.

Looking at the source of the greeting, Kara observed a tall and aged male looking through the large windows at the back of the room. He was dressed in the finest white silk suit she'd ever seen. Golden threads accentuated the piece to eventually run off and join into a fanciful set of golden epaulettes. He present had his arms folded behind his back, but something did catch Kara's eye. The man's left hand was covered by a white silk glove and she definitely felt like there was something unusual about it.

"Come, sit. We have much to discuss." The man instructed. From what Kara remembered in the previous world, this was likely Jun Evanesse, the head of House Evanesse. "Your...'companions'...can sit as well." The way he delivered the word 'companions' was with mild disgust. Kara felt something trigger upon Jun finishing his statement...

Seeing Kiki in her fancy clothes Kara had to admit that she was impressed. By her choice of clothes for the evening she saw that Ryu was professional. During the whole thing and soon enough everyone got into their transport to the meeting. While the ride was uneventful Kara did spend a little time asking for some last minute pointers on how. A bodyguard should act since this was her first time being one and all. They soon all arrived at a large skyscraper and got out of the car.

Kara looked around at the building and as the three came upon. The doors to enter inside Kara saw a young servant girl. She had ears and tail of a doe and looked to be rather meek Kara greeted the girl with a simple 'hello' before they entered. Into the very building itself, Kara looked around again seeing how everything was all polished. To a perfect shine that everything reflected on what was above. But Kara at one point did spy the blue star print panties underneath the servant's skirt. She looked at it for a tiny bit then focused her eyes on her surroundings.

They all took the lift up to the 47th floor, soon the doors opened. They exited and were led down a plush hallway. Until they reached a large set of doors Kiki knocked on the door and they were then allowed to enter. Before the three of them entered into the office beyond Kara patted the servant girl on the head.

"Thank you," Kara whispered to the servant so only she could hear.

Once inside the office, the doors closed behind them. Kara was amazed at what she saw in the office. It looked similar to her own fathers at Ravenclaw Tower. But was also very different she could see various certificates, trophy cases, and pictures of various buildings. One thing did catch her attention was the fancy looking sword in the trophy case beside her. She went to study it more but was interrupted by the same voice from earlier.

Turning her focus towards the source of the voice. Kara could see it belonged to a tall aged man dressed in a fine white silk suit. He was looking out the windows moving closer Kara was able to see Ravenclaw Tower in the distance and wondered how her father was doing. Upon a closer look at the man she saw her wore a white glove on his left hand. Something felt unusual about it she saw knew that this must be Jun Evanesse.

Kara listened to the exchange between Jun and Kiki. She used this time to study the glove more closely with her eyes.

Jun then mentioned for them all to sit down. She didn't like the way he mentioned 'companions' she felt something trigger.

However, Kara didn't let that get to her she kept her cool and took a seat beside Ryu.

In the short space of time before Kara took her seat, She assessed Jun's gloved hand.

Kara didn't need to think too hard to know that Jun was attempting to hide something by wearing that glove, considering his right hand didn't have anything of the sort on it. Slight traces of Power emanated from the gloved hand, and it was likely the source of the strange feeling she had earlier. It was...unsettling. The signature of the Power was not one Kara had ever felt before, it was much older. Much more refined than the modern Empowered Abilities people had these days. Without him removing the glove, Kara couldn't get a feel for what it might be hiding. All she could gather was that: it wasn't anything like the Empowered Abilities people had, it was much older than even the Empowered Households and, finally, that it was incredibly unsettling.

When the Kiki was seated opposite the Master's chair on Jun's side of the table, and when Kara and Ryu were seated behind her, Jun finally turned his attention to the group. Much more noticeable than even his gloved hand was the fact that Jun's right eye didn't look natural at all. There was a deep scar both above and below it, which would've likely included the eye itself upon the time of its making. Being well versed in the ways of the Sword, Kara knew that the scar was caused by a longsword strike. From how it had healed up, it was likely inflicted well before even Kara's parents were born. Modern Medicine and Empowered practices could've fully removed the scar if it was inflicted more recently, but due to how old it was, the original genetic makeup from before it happened was long lost. Jun's replacement eye looked as close to the real thing as possible, but there was definitely a cybernetic quality to it. It matched as closely to his natural eye as possible, but it looked far too well made, far too 'mechanically' perfect.

"What a strange gathering we have here." Jun commented as he took his seat. "An outcast from a failing house, an obedient personification of their own House's Crest and, lastly, the final member of a doomed House in which its leaders have gone missing."

Ryu simply ignored the insult aimed at him and remained quiet.

"Give up quietly. Dissolve your broken House into my own, shed your false House's name and merge with your true bloodline." Jun instructed Kiki. "I have been too lenient for too long yet you have ignored all my offers and remained clinging to a pointless hope."

"I will, once more, politely decline that offer. I have no desire to remove my father's Family name. We both know what happened that day, and we also both know that there has been no conclusive evidence that I am the last surviving member of the Estelle Lineage. I am the Head of House in name alone. When I find my parents again, then they shall reclaim their rightful title." Kiki evenly replied.

"You still fail to see sense. I expected more from you. Your Mother had such potential if only she had realised it. It is a shame to see that she ignored her true calling to marry someone as insignificant as she did."

From what Kara was able to gleam off of having focused on Jun's glove for a while. Was that she felt faint traces of power ementating from the gloved hand. The feeling was unsettling when she thought about it. Manliy due that it wasn't a power Kara was familiar with at all, it was more older and refined and unless Jun took off his glove. Kiki then sat down and Kara saw him finally from the front. Once again things looked rather off with him with his eye not being natural and the scar there as well. Just what sort of things could this person have gone through in his long life.

Much like Ryu ignoring the insult that was aimed at him. Kara remained quiet as well at the one directed at her. She listened to what Jun and Kiki spoke about was spoken between them she listened closely. What she tried to do was just listen carefully to try and picked up anything that might be hidden among what was already said.

During the exchange between Jun and Kiki, Kara listened carefully to what was being said and tried to see if there were any kinds of hidden meaning behind the outer appearance of the conversation.

It wasn't easy, but Kara felt like she had a rough understanding of the conversation. Being inexperienced in this form of discourse, and completely unknowing of the history between Kiki, Jun and their families, Kara could only vaguely guess as to what it might've been about.

It was clear that Kiki and Jun weren't on the best of terms with one another, otherwise why would she have bought Bodyguards along for a meeting with her Grandfather, of all people? This seemed to stem back towards Kiki's parents or, more accurately, her Mother marrying her Father. From what Kara remembered, Kiki's mother was a prominent member of House Evanesse and one of the few remaining members of the Evanesse house who could harness the long-lost power of Song. This passed on to Kiki and, as she is a female descendant who has the Evanesse bloodline in her, she could also harness this power. Though diluted somewhat by the mixed bloodline with Estelle, the Song Powers Kiki possess were still a force to be reckoned with, one which Kara had experienced firsthand before.

Though Jun had worded it in the most polite way possible, it was still clear he was demanding Kiki to give up her family name and merge all her House's assets with that of House Evanesse, effectively wiping House Estelle completely off the map of Influential Empowered Houses and sacrificing everything her Mother and Father had built up together. It was no small feat, even for someone much older than Kiki, so it was understandable why she was so insistent she didn't want to give up her Family name. Evidenced by his words, Jun also thought that Kiki's mother had married beneath herself by choosing her Father over any other potential suitor that Jun may have had in mind for her. Arranged marriages were commonplace in the Influential Houses of both the Empowered and Normal worlds, so it wasn't anything unusual.

The discussion about Kiki giving up the Estelle name continued for a few minutes more before the conversation topic had taken a turn more towards Kara.

"Why did you take in a stray from that uncivilised House?" Jun questioned Kiki.

"Am I not allowed to choose whom I socialise with?" Kiki retorted. "She is a commendable warrior, one who even poses to be a suitable challenge for the illustrious Trenshaw House. If I wish to be protected, then I must choose the best, is that not correct?"

"I can understand the Lowly Sera House taking in a blight, but I cannot allow my Legacy to be tarnished by this disease. Disown her, or you will be disowned."

Kara was only able to pick up a little of the meaning behind. Some of both Kiki's and Jun's words being spoken to one another. Kara didn't know anything of the full truth behind this feud and was only able to make guesses as to while Jun wished for Kiki give up. Her House name and merge into his own House. However, from what Kara was able to guess it had something to do with Kiki's mom and dad. And that Jun here was clearly upset that his daughter had married someone beneath him. While arranged marriages were commonplace in both Houses and in the empowered and normal worlds there wasn't anything wrong with that.

Kara's father had spoken of wishing for Kara to marry into House Tenebrae. When she was older but that had been a long time ago. Kara listened to the chat a little more between Kiki and Jun but was clearly growing bored. Just then the conversation shifted away from their own problems and now Kara was the main focus.

As she listened to what was said about her Ka ra was clearly beginning. To grow upset she didn't like the way Jun was speaking about her or her old House. But what Kara didn't understand was just by what did Jun mean by uncivilized. She tried to think about anything that this worlds 'Kara' might know.

Kara now was finding it hard to keep quiet. She hated the way Jun spoke about the Sera House. They had been kind enough to take Kara in when she had nowhere else to go. Spending time with Lilly, Holly, and Haley while totally new for her and she wasn't. Used to having sisters or really knowing how to act around them. She was learning and the Sera's were helping her.

Kara was gripping the edges of her chair tightly it was only a matter of time. Before something might break within her.

Mildly angered by how Jun referred to the Ravenclaw house as being uncivilised, Kara tried to recollect whatever memories this world's 'Kara' had which might support that claim.

Without even thinking too hard on it, Kara already came to a conclusion as to why that was the case. It was likely down to how she was quick to anger and turned to violence before anything else when met with someone, or something, she disagreed with. Her little stunt with Lilly when they first met had attested to this, and word does travel fast in a city like this. Moreover, the Ravenclaw House didn't have the best reputation among the other Empowered Houses for various reasons.

As Jun continued to talk derogatorily about the Sera Household, Kara began to feel herself losing control of her temper. This could very well have been Jun's intention to further cement his claims about Kara and her previous Family, and she may just be playing into his hands through this. She managed to keep her anger in check for now, but it was unlikely this would be the case for long if such talk continued. Ryu was more than aware of Kara's fading control and simply flashed her a knowing glance with a slight shake of his head. He knew this was hard on Kara but also knew the importance of her not acting up. This was just more training for her, and Ryu was willing to help her through it as much as he could.

"Grandfather, people are not objects to be owned." Kiki corrected politely. "Kara is free to decline the position if she wishes to. To control another's choices is nothing short of slavery."

"Is that not all that House is good for?" Jun countered. "Barbarians are only fit to be labourers of the more refined Houses. They cannot hope to keep their name in the annals of History without serving the superior Houses. How the banners of the Mighty Wolf fell once the age of brute force had passed."

Jun's insult towards House Trenshaw looked to irk Ryu a fair amount but he managed to keep his anger in check. Kiki, on the other hand, wasn't so lucky.

"Grandfather..." Kiki began, her usual calm demeanour breaking slightly. "We chose to accept their terms of partnership. We did not force them to serve us."

Jun caught on to Kiki's mounting anger but made no open comment on it. A faint smile could be seen on his face for a second.

"History is written by the victors. Were it not for our gracious investments then House Trenshaw would've collapsed decades ago." Jun continued. "While the Seras may hold the assets of the great Houses, we could buy them out without a second thought if we wished to. However, as the next in line for being the Head of that House is nothing more than a socially inept teenager, it would be an unwise investment. Even if that fool passed up on her right by bloodline, then it would fall to an even worse investment in the form of a hyperactive child."

It was true that Kara and her family were quick to anger. Usually lashing out against others she didn't like or agree with about something. Kara also knew that this was what had made everything in her old world fall apart. Setting everyone against her and making her hated, Kara didn't wish for that anymore. She wanted to have normal friendships with everyone and be well-liked not hated by those she called her friends.

Yet with Jun clearly speaking down about both Kara's House and the Seras. She knew she was in a losing battle Kara was trying everything in her power to remain in control. She knew how much this meeting meant to Kiki. Even Ryu was aware of how hard this currently was for Kara and with a shake of his head and a warning glance. Kara tried one more time to keep clear control over her emotions.

By sheer luck, Kara remained in control and looked to Ryu. She returned his nod to her having past this second test. But she was still upset about what had been said about her and her family. Jun changed topics and now moved onto Ryu speaking badly about him. Who had kept his anger in check while Kiki wasn't so lucky.

Her calm appearance broke slightly and she spoke up against Jun. Who while aware of this said nothing but kept speaking to Kiki. Kara turned her attention away from what was being said using this chance to calm down. She looked over at the sword in the display case and tried to get a read on it with her eyes. She was trying to see if there was anything unique about it.

Through sheer force of will Kara managed to keep her anger in check despite the attempts at antagonising her. It was a very close call so Kara tried to take her mind off the conversation by examining the sword she saw in the cabinet.

From what Kara could make out of the blade from where she was, it looked more ceremonial than functional. The blade itself, judging by the size of the sheath it was in, looked rather thin. The decorations on the handle and the material it was made from would serve only to be a hindrance for sword swings rather than a boon. Even the sheath carried elaborate decorations of a nature Kara had never seen before. She didn't need to think on this, but the sword definitely had some sort of powerful enchantments on it. It was a wonder she didn't pick it up as soon as she entered with how strong they were. Something was actively blocking it before, but why? And why was that block removed? Both the handle and the sheath looked to be made from some kind of golden metal inlaid over the hilt and the sheath's main body. Numerous gemstones were set across the sheath in some kind of pattern but, from this distance, it was unclear what the intricacies of the pattern were.

Jun had caught on to Kara's observations of the sword in the cabinet.

"Looking to steal from others like normal are you? Typical Ravenclaw beggars. You can try all you want, however, you will lose more than just your hands if you did so."

With her mind taken off the conversation. Kara tried to get a read upon the sword she had seen earlier. While it wasn't much to go on Kara was able to see the sword more closely and what it clearly looked liked. The sheath carried decorations that Kara had never seen before she didn't think on that. But knew there were powerful enchantments upon it, she had not noticed that before yet something was actively blocking it but it was now removed. Kara wanted to get up and take a closer look when Jun spoke to her.

She turned to look over at him, she said nothing to him. But did give him a hateful glare instead and went back to listening to the conversation.

Kara managed to not rise to the taunts of Jun once more and returned to listening to the Conversation. The current topics were more on trade agreements and other things of little interest to those outside of being the Head of a House. The Wellstone name came up a lot, as did the Sera one, but these references were more for routes of trade and potential investments which could work to better the Houses as a whole. There was still notable animosity between Jun and Kiki, with the former disregarding or discrediting the ideas of the latter as being 'unwise'. Not a lot of interest could be gained from the surface of these conversations...

Not much interest was gained from what Kara now heard. Being talked about once again with her focus turned back to the conversation. She did hear the Wellstone and Sera names, brought up more than once. She could even still see the animosity between Jun and Kiki. Yet was growing bored once again she remained listening. Though once or twice she thought about something else. As the maid, she had seen outside or wishing to know how Haley was fairing right now. But once those thoughts past she focused on the topic at hand.

Although she didn't understand much of the conversations and often drifted between boredom and focus, Kara was able to gather some information.

From what Kara could make out, it seemed like the Wellstone house had taken a plummet in sales of Empowered items over the past few days. Where they were once the sole provider of such illustrious wares, somehow there was another vendor for the items somewhere and Empowered Items were starting to circulate in regular people through Black Market trades or 'Curiosity Shops'. While this was no immediate threat to the Empowered Houses, if enough of the normal people had gained Empowered Abilities it might cause quite the uprising. Jun had the information from various sources and, even though she didn't like passing it across, Kiki had done her own information gathering through rumours she'd heard around School and in her Workplace. Jun wasn't impressed with the source of Kiki's information but it did tally up near perfectly with what his own informants had heard. It seemed like the conversation topic had now shifted to where this Black Market Empowered Item Shop is located and how they can dismantle the operation without getting the 'Civilian Authorities' involved.

Kara was able to gather some information between both boredom and focus. She could make out that the Wellstone had suffered some in a plummet of sales over. The past few days and that there was another vendor for the same items somewhere. Regular people were being brought in through the black market trades and if more came in. This might turn troublesome as both Jun and Kiki had gotten their own information through their own means. The topic then shifted to where this Black Market Item Shop was located and how they could put a stop to it.

At this spot Kara paid extra close attention and tried to learn just where it could be. Along with who would be sent to take care of this business.

Hearing about the Empowered Item Black Market, Kara's attention was now fully focused on the discussion. She tried to listen out to hear where it was and who might be being sent to deal with the issue.

Although the information which both parties had wasn't spot on, there was some overlap with a specific quadrant in the city which appeared in various information sources the two had. This quadrant was close to the city centre nestled away in a side street with other Curiosity Shops. Apparently, there was a lot of advertising for a new store opening there a week or two ago and the store itself only recently officially opened to the public. On the surface, it peddles basic Curios like exotically designed incense burners and other knickknacks which have some popularity in specific circles. It operated like every other average run of the mill store and showed little to no signs of illegal dealings. The only way the information sources which the two used got their information was from entering the store itself and overhearing conversations.

From what they learned, the requirements for accessing the illegal goods include knowing a few specialised code phrases which are used in a randomised order to clue the Store Owner in that the customer is looking for the special wares. On the surface, these questions and answers would normally be overlooked by the general populace as they're no different from other conversations Store Owners have with their clients to build up a business relationship. When the code phrases are confirmed, the Customer is lead off to a different room which houses their 'New Goods' by another member of the store's staff. From that point on, the information sources lost the trail due to unusual interference. Two names for the store popped up in the information sources. Kiki's side had the store called 'Blue Moon Curios' whereas Jun's side believed it was named 'Crescent Rune'. Information was too sparse to do anything with at the moment so both sides were reluctant to send people into the field to dismantle the business.

Another overlap of their information was on the types of people who perused these 'New Goods'. The age ranges varied, as did employment paths, but the more frequent customers were all School Aged. The youngest members to use the code phrases were either 10 or 11 years old, and the oldest School Aged customer was mid teens. Usually stuff like this would be dismissed as a fad within the younger generations, but no chances were being taken. If youths were being exploited by this operation then things could spiral out of control quicker than anyone anticipates as news travels fast among Children.

The code phrases used in response to the questions had yet to be fully confirmed as the customers usually kept their voices down when saying them. Jun was planning to send a decoy in to infiltrate the operation and report back what information they had, but that's where Kiki and him stopped agreeing. Kiki couldn't condone the act of putting innocents in danger just to confirm information, although Jun appeared to care little for those under his command and was willing to do so whatever the risks were.

Fully focused up the Black Market information that. Was being spoken about between Kiki and Jun Kara was able to learn more about what was going on. As Kara thought over what she was currently learning about. She began to think about if perhaps this had anything to do with or if it was somehow involved with the recent murders of empowered ones. Or if this was just another fad that would die out given enough time. The only way Kara would be able to put her theory to the test was to find a means of visiting the shop.

It would be best to gather more information and seeing. What using these items truly did to those who used them. Then and only then would it be a good idea to shut down this bad place.

The remainder of the discussion about the Black Market trades included little more than conflicting viewpoints from both Kiki and Jun. Neither side wished to give ground to the other and allow their reasoning behind not sending in people to scout out the shop from being disregarded.

The topics for discussion in the meeting appeared to be dispersing down to a natural end. Aside from the things which Kara had interest in, the rest of the discussions were far too complex for a Bodyguard to have interest in. Eventually, after the last topic was discussed, the meeting was bought to its conclusion in pretty much the same way it started. A rather condescending goodbye was given to Kiki, who simply dismissed it off with a polite departure and the three guests were escorted out of the building by the same Maid as before. Their chauffeur had been informed just before they left the meeting and already had their transport back started up and waiting. The Maid looked to be a little more comfortable around the group than she did earlier, potentially due to Kara's acceptance of her. With a courteous bow to the group, the Maid went back into the building when the vehicle started off on the route back.

With the remainder of the talk about the Black Market dealings. Kara still kept her attention focused upon that but it soon came to a close and the choice. Of topics changed to things which Kara had no interest in at all. The meeting then came to a close and after a mild goodbye from Kiki. The three-headed out and were escorted out of the building by the same maid as before. She was a little more comfortable around them and Kara tried to make small talk with her. They reached the door where the maid gave a courteous bow and Kara gave one back.

Once again thanking the maid for her help and they call climbed into the vehicle minus the maid. Then began the trek back home and Kara sat in silence.

The ride back seemed mostly uneventful with little to talk about in the wake of the meeting. Kiki was left with a lot to mull over after all the discussions the meeting included. She was so lost in thought that she didn't notice...

"GET DOWN!" Ryu ordered the other two in the back of the car before quickly ducking down himself. A faint glint under the moonlight was all that was seen before something smashed through both the back windows, causing the driver to swerve the vehicle from the sudden event. "Down that street! HURRY!" Ryu barked more orders at the driver as something else impacted the side door as they turned into the sheltered underpass. Now they were safely located in cover, the group could process what had happened. Without a doubt, an assassination attempt was made. Kiki was, of course, the most startled out of the bunch as she trembled in fear virtually glued to her seat.

During the ride back, Kara thought over what she had heard talked about. What her general thoughts of Jun were, how Haley was fairing. She was about to think of something else when suddenly Ryu yelled out. Kara quickly ducked down herself as something smashed through the back windows. As the car swerved from the sudden event Kara nearly fell face-first into Kiki's chest before regaining her balance. Now that they were underneath the underpass Kara looked around.

"What was that?" Kara asked.

She saw as Kiki was shaken with fear and glued to her seat. She unbuckled herself and went over to check to see if Kiki was okay. But also tried to find the object that had smashed through the back windows.

Following on from the assassination attempt, Kara checked on Kiki while Ryu looked around in the immediate vicinity in case their assailant had followed them. Aside from having a few cuts from where the shattered glass had nicked her, and being clearly in shock, Kiki was fine for the most part. Ryu had taken the brunt of the glass shards from his side of the window but didn't even care about it and placed Kiki's safety above all else.

A few minutes after he went off to search, Ryu returned to explain what he found out.

"We're lucky to have come out of that with just a few cuts. They used rounds which could punch through the armour of a tank." Ryu pulled out a spent cartridge from the side of the car and held it under the light for greater clarity. "Carbon markings on the shell point towards them being shot out of a modified Sniper Rifle. Although, it shouldn't have been possible for them to see this distance even with visual aides. If they'd been shot from the furthest range a scope could go, then it'll still have blown the car up. These were shot from nearly twice that range."

Kiki was stil l rather shaken after all that happened.

"We can either stay here and hope we've lost them, or take our chances and head back as quickly as we can. Do you think she's up to the journey back after all that?" Ryu asked Kara. "Hopefully you weren't too badly clipped by the windows. We need to stay alert now in case they try again."

There were a few minor cuts upon Kara's face and arms from. Where some of the shattered glass had nicked her. Kara even went as far as checking to see how Ryu was fairing since he took the brunt of the glass shards. Ryu then left for a few moments as he went off to search and then returned. Kara looked at the spent cartridge that he held in his hand. Then went on to explain his findings.

"Why, go this far too attack us who could have done this?" Kara asked.

She had never witnessed an event like this before. So, she was at a loss on what to really do and Ryu then voiced some options.

"What about trying to locate the shooter may be, we can stall them while. Kiki gets taken to safety and I'm okay just a few minor cuts nothing more."

Kara turned back to Kiki.

"Do you want to stay here or try and head home?"

After getting her answer, Kara got out of the car closing her eyes she called upon. The wind itself to try and see if she could locate the attacker nearby.

Kara decided to check up on Ryu to see how he fared after the attack. The worst of the injuries were across his back from where he turned to shield Kiki from the shards. The cuts weren't that deep as the windows were made from shatterproof glass. It just looked worse than it was. Upon Ryu's return, Kara asked why anyone would do this.

"Isn't it obvious? Their target was none other than Kiki. You know that Heads of Houses make a lot of enemies. It's one of the dangers of the position."

Kara then suggested they look for the attacker.

"It's pointless. If they're even half decent at their job then they would've relocated after the second shot failed to hit. Looking for them now would be a wasted effort. Kiki's safety should come first. If we're not with her then they could try again. At a stretch, the previous sniping attempt may have just been a distraction so we'll be otherwise occupied while someone else strikes."

Kara tried to ask Kiki what she preferred but the poor girl was too shaken to answer. It'd be best to get her home. Before they set off again, Kara tried to check the wind to locate their attacker.

Kara couldn't trace anything on the wind at all. Rather than hang around and hope for the best, the group sped off back to Kiki's residence. Nothing else happened on the ride back but Ryu still remained vigilant for any other attempts.

"The most common suspect would be Jun being behind this. But also leaves us in trying to find out who the assassin could be?"

Ryu listed some more thoughts.

"Then its best to get Kiki to safety as you've pointed out. Even if they had relocated after the failed second shot. Finding them still needs to be an option at some point, do you think they were alone or could they be working in a group?"

Kara tried to trace the attacker but couldn't find anything. They got back into the car and sped off to Kiki's residence. Nothing else happened on the ride back but Kara remained to look after Kiki but also being vigilant for any other a ttempts.

"It's too obvious to be his doing. Although that doesn't rule him out as a suspect. We don't know if they're working in a group but we should expect the worst just in case."

/Moving on.\\

Safely back at Kiki's residence, Charon was there to escort the shell-shocked Kiki into the protection of the building as Ryu went off with them to update Charon on the occurrences. Kara was offered the option to spend the evening there or head on back to the Sera Manor.

Once back at Kiki's residence, Kara saw that Charon was there to greet them. As he escorted the still shaken Kiki into the building. As Ryu went to update Charon on what had taken place and Kara was offered the option of sleeping here. Or heading home it was a tuff choice to make for her. As Kara was both worried for Kiki and Haley, in the end, she picked to head back to the Sera Manor. But let them know she'd be here in a flash if she was needed for anything. After saying goodbye to the others Kara headed back to the Sera Manor to see the others.

It was a tough choice to make, but Kara decided to head back to the Sera Manor. The time was nearing 11pm so the others would likely already be in bed by now. Getting back home as quickly as she could, Kara crept through the house and went straight for her bedroom. In the relative silence of her Room, Kara noticed that the covers on her bed were raised ever so slightly. Once she'd changed out of her clothes and finished getting ready for bed, Kara discovered that she had a guest in her bed. Somehow Haley had nestled her way in there and likely fell asleep while waiting for Kara to get home. Kara would have to carefully get into bed to not wake Haley up.

Kara returned back at the Sera Manor at 11 pm. Quickly getting into the house she crept through it quietly and made it to her bedroom. Once inside Kara quickly changed out of her clothes and into her sleepwear. As she went over to her bed she saw that the covers were raised slightly looking to see what had caused this to happen. Kara discovered who had caused this to happen. Haley was currently asleep in Kara's bed most likely having waited for her to come home but fell asleep beforehand.

Being extra careful Kara slowly climbed into bed doing her best. Not to wake Haley up at all and after a few moments placed her arms around the small girl. Holding her close as a night of sleep overtook her.