Hi hi!

Aight boiz, time to see if we can make some magic happen!

If I can pull this whole last-story part together, good on me, but if I can get it done before the New Year, I'm appointing myself as Queen of...I'll figure out the title later.

Nothing more to say here, let's get this ball rolling!

ONWARDS!

Corvus took a bit too long standing outside of the tower's door, a hand running through his hair while the other was placed on his hip.

He wasn't there to see it all go down, having been busy trying to cover for her from earlier, but he'd walked past what remained of the mid-court to get the the tower. He had seen it, from afar, how they had dragged her unconscious body back up to the tower, the other commoners rushing to get out of the area.

And now, here he stood, right outside the door.

He shook his head, he had wasted enough time right outside the door.

He knocked first, the other hand going to his hip to make sure that the bag he had brought was still attached to his belt.

When he heard no response, his mind believing that she must still be out, he slowly and quietly pushed the door open.

She was still asleep, but what he didn't expect was his brother standing over her, just watching.

The moment the door opened, Aranea turned, glasses in hand, "...Isn't she beautiful?"

"Leave, now." Corvus hissed, instinctively walking over, putting himself between her bed and his brother.

"Do you not agree?" Aranea spoke, shaking his head before dusting something off of his shoulder, "I do wonder if she's wasted on someone like you."

"I told you to leave." Corvus hissed, glaring his younger brother down.

"I don't see why you're so angry," Aranea murmured, shaking his head before taking his glasses off, "I mean, she's only here because I decided to help you."

"You decided to do what you had to so that you could still try to win her over." Corvus scowled, "Don't try to paint yourself the good guy here, Aranea."

"Oh, like you're so much better?" Aranea scoffed, before shaking his head. Finally, after a heated glare-off, he headed for the door, "Admit it, you're no better than me. In the end, call it what you like, it's just a game between the two of us. And, whether you like it or not, I do not intend on losing this time around."

And with that, the spider demon left the room, his footsteps slowly fading out the farther he got.

Corvus took some time to just study the door, fist clenched. He knew he'd hear it before he saw it, but if Aranea was to come back in, he was ready.

As for Kuro, now that he was in the right mindset, he couldn't help but feel...ashamed. When Aranea had first told him that she was escaping, he felt nothing but rage. He was still very much in control, of course, but the fury he had felt at the time, it was enough to rip a demon in half.

But after carrying the unconscious Kuro back, his mind settled, and even in his dreams, it shook him to the core.

The way she had looked at him, the utter fear and almost betrayal; as much as he would have liked to deny it, it hurt.

He was shaken from his thoughts when he heard the bed sheets rustling. He looked over to see Kuro rise up, about to greet her with a warm smile as he always tried to do, only to stop.

Everything about her looked fine. Same curly brown hair that was just a bit too long, same cute cat ears that would twitch whenever she got mad, same violet-colored eyes.

But something was...something was off. She looked almost deflated, vibrant eyes robbed of their color, as if something had been shut off.

"Hey there, Kitten." Corvus muttered, slowly sitting on the bed next to her. He waited for some sort of response, half of his waiting for her to snap at him, hit him, something to express that she was still alive and breathing.

He had fought so hard to be here, but now that she was awake, he didn't know what to say. His words almost fought to spill from his mouth, but none of them made any real rational sense at the time.

All the while, she just watched him, eyes dead, "...Kuro, I know that it won't amount to much, but...I'm sorry."

Again, he was met with nothing but silence.

"I know you're probably angry, but...Please know that I tried." Corvus went on. He never thought that she'd be the one to make him feel nervous, but the way she was staring at both him and yet also off into space sent chills down his spine.

"I know it looks bad, but I need you to know this; that everything I did yesterday I did to protect you." Corvus went on, wincing when he sounded a bit too defensive. Kuro, on the other hand, didn't budge, instead opting to look out the window, one hand on top of the other.

"Do you have any idea how hard it was?" Corvus said. He could feel just a bit of irritation rising up, the very least she could do was acknowledge him, "I brought you back, all three of your friends, they all came back alive. I fought for them, against my own father, as well as his followers. Have you any idea how hard it was, to vouch for you? I had to convince them that you were under their control, that they had used anything from blackmail to kidnapping to drag you out. I had to get them to believe that you had nothing to do with that attack when we both know that you're less than blameless."

Once again, silence.

Corvus forced himself to calm down, his face held in his hands, "...Now I'll have to explain it to them all over again, that whole...Whatever happened in the middle square."

He then took her hands into her own, the action enough to have her slowly but surely look at him, dead eyes and all. He nearly backed out, but forced himself to stay. It was something she had once rambled on about, one of the many things that she'd just go on and on about when they were spending time together; how some people looked more broken than they really were.

He hoped that this was one of those times.

"But, you know what, I'd do it again in a heartbeat for you." Corvus murmured, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles, "I'd be more than willing to do it, you know. Kuro, you gotta know, I really do lo-."

"Stop."

Corvus was taken aback, surprised. Her voice sounded hoarse, like one that had just finished crying or screaming. She looked at him, and as if a switch was flipped, her eyes went from emotionless to pure pain, "I don't want to hear it."

Corvus wasn't sure what to say, her hands now on his own, "I can't...I can't hear those words right now. Don't waste your breath."

She seemed to spit out the words with hate, but Corvus could see right through it. With a nod of understanding, he placed the bag he'd brought in next to her, "I'll be sending...someone in with food later on, is there anything else I can bring you?"

He expected her to keep silent and shake her head, only to have her laugh bitterly, "I don't suppose you can bring my friends back?"

He had never heard her laugh sound so...dull. Even in those most sarcastic moments, there was always a hint of that sort of childishness that just seemed so, well, Kuro. To have that gone and replaced with such a hollow sound scared him in a way.

All Corvus could do was nod solemnly. Originally, he was going to go ahead and pop the question, his father had been pressing for their union for too long, but right now...Right now didn't feel like the right time.

Corvus left with a few words of comfort, unsure what else could be said, before leaving the room, "If you need anything, there will be guards stationed outside. Call for them, and if it's dire, they'll call for me."

She didn't say anything as he made his way out, a hand over his head as he groaned. He had just finished twisting his way out of his father's grasp, there was still a chance that the king would have her executed if they deemed her irredeemable. He knew what had to be done to prevent it, and while Kuro would surely hate him even more for it, there really were no other choices from here.

Normally, the spider prince wanted nothing to do with whatever happened down in the dungeons. Whether it be because he didn't want to be near such scum or if he just found the screams of pain boring after a while, he never stayed down here for too long.

But not today, no, he was on a mission.

The moment he entered the "holding area", the guard not thinking twice to let him in, he covered his face. They never really cleaned out the cells down here, which did more than explain the smells, but he forced himself to get through it.

When he finally found the prisoner he was looking for, he waved a watchmen over, "I'd like you to take this one to the interrogation room immediately."

"Of course, right away your highness, but would you like anyone to accompany you?"

"I don't think that she'll be much of a threat, thank you." Aranea muttered, stepping back as the guard opened up the cell, dragging the demon right out.

If it weren't clear enough before, the tattoo and eyes were enough to tell him that this was the kind of demon he was looking for, "When did we get this one?"

"From the riots, apparently she was with them trying to bring down the gates," The guard said, holding the demoness in place, "They sent all the others out to get hung, but this lucky one...Well, let's just say, the other guards want to keep her around just a bit longer."

It took a lot of his willpower not to gag, as they finally made it to the room. The watchman unlocked the door, allowing the prince in first, before pushing the demoness in after him, "Knock twice on the door when you're done, I assume you don't want anyone watching in?"

"That would be optimal, thank you." Aranea said, his words sounding more so like "get out", but with a smile.

Once the door closed, however, the smile was gone, as he gave the female a look. Her hands were cuffed behind her back, as she glared him right back down. If Cresil was right about demons of Lust, and if he could find the one he was looking for, he'd finally have the advantage he needed, "...Good evening, I am Aranea."

"I know who you are." She spat out, mismatched eyes glaring at him.

"Then you'll know that it would be considered a common courtesy to someone like me to also give your name." Aranea said smoothly.

"...Andras."

"So, Andras, what sin do you follow?"

"I think we both know what kind of demon I am." She sneered, scoffing.

It took so much self control to try and keep himself from strangling her, but he managed, "If that is the case, Andras, I do believe that you have information that I need."

To this, she laughed. It was like Kuro's laugh, it wasn't in anyway just a bit childish and bubbly, it was full of malice and suffering, a sound that could only come from the mouth of a demon who had seen and been through too much, "You're gonna have to be more specific, buddy boy; I know too much to know exactly what you want. So, if you got something you want, and you want it now, you better cut to the chase. I've got a lot to 'think about' during my time here."

"In that case, I'll stop wasting your time." Aranea scowled, before slamming his fist into the wall. The action was enough to make her jump, which was enough. Inflicting fear was a good first step, "I'm told that there's another reason the angels targeted your kind when they first invaded."

"Apparently, if legend and a drunk Asmodeus is correct, your kind has the original sword, the one forged from the blood of demons. The very sword that has been shedding shards ever since its creation, which is why it has to have a demon as a sheathe to keep it together."

Andras scoffed, "I'm not an idiot, I know the legend of the original demon sword, just like how I know it's some stupid fairytale."

"Your kind is good at a lot, but lying through teeth isn't one of them." Aranea sighed, before flexing his wrists, eyes narrowing, "Now, you're going to tell me where that sheathe is and how to get to her."

To this, Andras grinned, "Oh, is the big bad spider prince going to break me in? Good luck on that, I've seen and been through a lot and I've yet to crack."

This only lead to another dark chuckle from Aranea, taking his glasses off before popping his fingers, "At least you'll make the entire experience entertaining."

The moment Corvus walked back through the throne room doors, he could feel the dread and anxiety threatening to take over. Unlike the audience of angry nobles from earlier, now it was only him, Belphegor and Satan.

Not that this was any better.

"And he's back for more." Belphegor yawned, shaking his head, as he leaned back on the side, against the stands that the nobility usually sat on.

"I won't waste your time trying to explain why," Corvus said right off the bat, "so I'll instead start with an apology."

"I thought that you didn't want to waste my time, Corvus."

Usually, his father's tone wasn't enough to get break him down, but after hearing it so often over the past week, it was beginning to take its toll, "I know that there is only so much that I can do-."

"Then you'll understand what has to be done. There was a chance of saving her before, but after that incident, the witnesses...Putting her to death would be merciful."

"As much as I hate it with Legion trying to make that crap into some sort of game show, he's right." Belphegor chimed in, "The people need some sort of stability. It has to be controlled or exterminated."

"Then let it be controlled." Corvus insisted.

"And how do you plan to do that? I warned your far in advance, Corvus; you've proven yourself unable to control her. Maybe choosing someone new is the only option left for you here."

"And how long do you think that could take?" Corvus muttered, nearly growling.

"You watch your tongue, boy."

"My lord, with all due respect, they want security here and now," Corvus tried to reason, "We need it controlled, extermination would only lead to more conflict between the Rift and us. Adding that onto the recent executions, our already strained relationship with them is slowly being torn apart."

"Than what do you recommend, young prince?" Belphegor pressed, rubbing his eyes even through the rather serious moment, "We've given you a chance to put her into control, and look at where we are now."

"On top of that, her actions of today cannot be ignored." the King went on, "Unless you can promise me a union within the next three days, I will have to have her put to death."

Corvus couldn't help but scowl slightly, knowing what angle his father was playing this, before sighing, "...I will have the plans ready by the night of tomorrow, my king."

It took some time, but at last, the King nodded, waving his hand off. Corvus took this as a sign to leave, offering one last small bow, before heading for the door.

"Will that really be enough to keep everyone out there under control, my lord?" Belphegor asked the moment that the door closed, "Some of the nobility could see this a sign of infiltration; giving a Rifter such as her the title of royalty."

"Most will see it as us taking control of her," Satan insisted, "It was up for debate before, but I'm sure of it now. Something like her must be controlled if it is to stay here."

"...Let's say that it happens again, my lord." Belphegor murmured, as he reclined, "Say that, for whatever reason, she decides to go ahead and…'explode' once more. What is the plan from there? If she is to hold power, what would happen if she were to turn on us, intentional or otherwise?"

"If that it the case...There will be no other choice. She'll be put to death on the spot."

"Assuming that she doesn't first kill us, my lord?"

"Indeed."

Kuro's eyes had yet to leave the bag Corvus had dropped off. She felt too much, but at the same time, she felt so...empty.

No amount of begging was going to get them back, she wasn't stupid enough to get on her knees and plead for something lost.

With that said, she wanted nothing to do with whatever was in that bag. She knew herself well, curiosity would get to her in the end, but at this moment here and now, she was too stubborn to give in.

In all honestly, it wasn't even him that she was mad at. She wasn't deaf, she was listening to what Corvus had to say. She understood, whether she liked it or not, that sometimes you didn't get to make the right choices. Heck, when you do get that chance, more often than not you'll be both threatened and influenced to go a different route.

When she came back through, she found herself clutching the bag, a small scowl on her face as she did so. The curiosity was going to kill her before the self loathing was.

She wanted to toss the bag away, but her hands had other ideas. Her fingers pulled the bag open, against her head's orders.

Her hands went to the side of the bag, pulling both sides up to dump out everything inside.

What tumbled out of the bag made her stiffen.

Her hands dropped the bag, shaking fingers reaching out to pull closer the nearest of both items. They were that same pair that Abraxas always wore, she knew that much. That same stupid color that always brought on so much teasing from her.

The other was a leather-bound book, just big enough to put into your back pocket. Flipping it open to the first page, only to close it as soon as she saw Shax's penmanship.

Kuro held both items close to her chest, nearly crying at this point.

It hurt. It hurt that she had nothing to really remember Zagan and Vale by. It hurt that she was only ever mean towards Abraxas, and the glasses were more than enough evidence. It hurt that she'd only ever have Shax's written words to og by instead of those bossy commands she was so use to mimicking and making fun of them.

But, at the same time, she felt just a bit of...Peace. She wasn't completely without them now. She didn't feel as alone in the stone tower.

There was a small smile, as tears fell from her eyes, holding the items closer. She'd given up her ring, her hoodie was long gone, and there was no way she'd ever see her sniper or bow ever again.

But, with all that was lost, at least some of it felt regained.

The door behind her opened, causing Kuro to turn, a small smile still on her face, "Corvus, thank-Oh."

The demon in the doorway had a heavily-bandaged face. But even then, Kuro knew the short head maid anywhere. She closed the door behind her, holding what looked to be a lot of white linen in her hands, "Good evening, Lady Kuro. My name is Azrin Sarai. I'll be your personal maid until, ahem, further notice."

Kuro glared the maid down, watching her put down the white cloth, "...What's all that for?" Kuro asked, pushing the items back into the bag as she stood up.

"Why, it's for your dress fitting." Ms. Sarai said with a somber sigh, looking like she wanted to be there just about as much as Kuro wanted her there, "Your wedding is scheduled in three days; we'll have to get this done as soon as possible if we wish to have the ceremony on time, my lady."

With those words, Kuro reverted back into the emotionless husk, eyes growing dull, as she stared out the window. With a sigh, she looked up, wondering if those four were still watching from wherever they were now.

How she wished for their guidance, especially when all she had for company was a bitch of a maid that was about to throw dresses this way and that.

Amy: You know, you're probably going to have a lot of angry readers.

Me: I don't recall asking-Wait, how did you get through!?

Amy: A magician never reveals their secrets.

Erin: She wouldn't stop bugging Lilith, so she pushed her through the wall.

Me:...I understand for her, but you too?

Erin: If Lilith doesn't like Amy, I don't see why she'd like me.

Amy: I knew that she could go through walls and all, but I didn't know that she could push others through walls!

Me: Honestly, me neither...Shit, I need to nerf you guys.

Amy: Why's that?

Erin: Yeah, I don't see how a half demon that is great at sword fighting and can control water is "over-powered".

Amy: Says the tiger-taming fire-bending gang leader.

Me: Okay, I just need to rethink all of my character designs, don't I?

Erin: Yeah, hurry up before the OC police catch up to us.

Me: You know what, this is crunch time, and I'm wasting time with you guys! I'm done here, I got other things to work on.

So, I hope you guys enjoyed, feel free to drop those reviews, and I'll catch you next chappie!

Till then, bai bai!