"Time to get up, sweetness."

I yawned and stretched myself out. "What time is it?"

"A little past nine," Alvin replied. "You have time to take a shower and get dressed. We have to meet the wedding planner at ten."

"She's too peppy for the morning," I groaned and dragged myself out of bed.

Alvin chuckled and wrapped his arms around my waist. "I know, I know. It's only for today, when we actually pick a venue, and then the wedding day. That's it."

"Alright," I yawned again, gave him a kiss on the cheek and headed for the bathroom. "I'll be ready in a bit."

We happened to be in Kanbalar checking out the Xailen Woods Temple as a venue for the wedding and reception. This was our last stop before we had to choose. Before the Temple, we looked into Drellin, Nia Khera, Xian Du, and Sharilton. Out of all these places, I liked Sharilton the best. It wasn't too cold or hot, and we would be getting married at the Sharil Manor, which was big enough to hold many people and it was beautiful. However, I didn't know if Alvin's family would like us getting married in Reize Maxia. Especially in a government household. Anyway, we were having a fun time being along together away from everyone. It was like a mini vacation and I certainly didn't want to fuck it up with my worries.

Stepping out of the bath, I toweled off and stepped in front of the mirror. I spread the mousse in between my fingers and ran them through my hair until it was just how I wanted it. I couldn't believe that Alvin had been up before me. If we're both off from work, I'm usually the one that gets up early. Recently though, I've been so tired. Even if I stay up late, I usually wake up first. Maybe the fatigue of little sleep is finally getting to me. I wrapped the towel around my body and stepped out of the shower.

"I got you some coffee while you were in the shower," Alvin nodded to the mug that was on the desk. "Just how you like it."

I picked up the mug with both hands and took a sip. "Mmm, thank you."

"So," He sat down on the bed, taking a sip of his own coffee. "How are you liking the places I've picked out so far?"

"Well," I started, still with the towel wrapped around my body. "I'm really liking Sharilton as our venue."

"I knew you would like it," He confessed.

"However...," I sighed and took a big gulp of my hot coffee. "Do you think that your family will like it?"

"It's not their wedding," Alvin reminded me. "Who the fuck cares if they like it or not?"

"That's true," I mumbled, taking yet another gulp of my beverage. "But, aren't they expecting us to have it in Elympios? Aren't they expecting big things from us?"

"I'm not in line to be the patriarch anymore. I don't care what they expect of me," Alvin hopped off the bed and put his empty mug on the desk behind me. "All I care about is our happiness. Our future life together. They can be apart of it or not. I don't care."

I finished my coffee and put the mug next to his on the desk. "Alvin."

"Hm?" He looked at me with a hint of worry in his eyes.

"I should have told you this a while ago," I took a deep breath in and slowly let it out. "The only reason why I'm worried about your family accepting me is because... well, at the party I over heard a couple of people talking about how I wasn't nobility, about how I didn't deserve to be a Svent," I picked up my corset and strapped it on. "They even went as far as assuming that I was pregnant and that was the only reason why you're marrying me."

He leaned back against the desk, shaking his head in disappointment. I don't know if it was direct at me, his family, or both. I didn't really want to know. "Is that why you've been acting so strange lately?"

"Strange?" I cocked my head to the side. "Strange how?"

"You take my family in to account for everything. Strange like that," Alvin pushed off the desk and walked to my side, slinging an arm around my shoulder. "You've never been worried about anyone like the way you worry about my family."

"Well," I sighed and leaned into him. "That's why I'm worried. Yeah, I was nervous about actually meeting them in the first place, but I just don't want them to think that you're that careless with your life. I want them to know that you're marrying me because you love me. Not because of a mistake."

He took a step behind me and wrapped his arms around my shoulders, pulling me up against him. "Even if I did make a mistake, which I think would be a great mistake, I would still marry you because I love you. That doesn't change for anything," He kissed the top of my head and then gave me a little pat on the back. "Come on and get dressed. I brought you a scarf for the cold."

I got the rest of my clothes on and slipped Alvin's coat on. He tossed me his old scarf that he used to wear and I wrapped it around my neck and stuffed it in my coat. This was delightful. A year ago, I would have said that I didn't need all of this clothing to stay warm. Now, since I never had a reason to come to Kanbalar, my body wasn't used to the cold. Alvin buttoned up his own jacket and led us towards the Temple where we were supposed to meet the wedding planner.

I didn't necessarily hate the planner. I just didn't care for her. She was way too peppy for me, especially in the morning, and she always had to give her opinion on everything. I guess that's just how wedding planners are supposed to be. I didn't know. I thought that she was too intrusive with her opinions, but Alvin liked her.

"There's the happy couple!" Keri smiled as we walked up to the Temple. She was layered from head to toe. I guess she wasn't used to the cold either. "So, I know you've been here already. It's a pretty popular tourist attraction," Even though there was no one here besides us. "However, I think this is such a romantic place! Let's go inside and I'll give you the run down on how we would do this if you chose this place."

Keri ushered us inside quickly and closed the door behind her. It wasn't as cold inside, but I would definitely need to get a jacket for my dress. I've been here more times than I can count and I still forget how beautiful this place is from the intricate design, to the stone walls, to the alter. It's just wonderfully romantic. Not to mention the wonderful amount of spiritual energy that flows throughout the place.

"Now," Keri started up. "You and your entourages would get ready in the respectable rooms at the top of each stairway. Of course, the groom would come down first and wait at the alter. Then, the bridesmaids and groomsmen would come down in order and walk down the aisle. Finally, the bride will walk down the stairs and down the aisle. Now, you don't have anyone to give you away, correct?"

"N-No," I stuttered, fidgeting with Alvin's coat nervously.

"Well, it's tradition, but we don't have to follow tradition!" Keri reassured me with her biggest smile. "You can walk down the aisle by yourself! It's totally fine!"

Alvin cleared his throat to speak. "Don't you think it's a little too cold for our guests?"

Keri tapped her chin with her pen that she always carried. "It is quite cold. However, I think they will be more focused on you getting married than the cold. Plus! We can get some casters to heat up the place so that the bride and her bridesmaids wouldn't have to buy coats for their dresses."

"I like the spiritual energy that flows through this place," I whispered and looked towards the entrance. "But, I think I like Sharilton more."

"You don't have to pick Sharilton just because you don't have to pay for it," Keri giggled. "Spirits deserve spiritual energy, correct?"

"They do, yes," I confessed, turning back to her. "But, I don't need it to be happy on my wedding day."

"Well, let's do what we did at the other locations," Keri took a step down from the alter and had us face each other. Taking both my hands, Alvin stepped a little closer and we stood as if we were getting married right then and there. "Now, how do you feel?"

Alvin's hands were frozen and so were mine. My face was too cold to really concentrate on Alvin's loving, dark brown eyes. Even with the spiritual energy flowing around me. Even with the castors that we would have to have. I didn't feel the joy and love that I felt back at Sharil Manor. It just didn't feel right. Alvin must have thought the same thing because he grimaced and dropped my hands.

"I don't think this place is going to workout," He told Keri.

"I don't think so either," I confirmed.

Keri shrugged. "Alright. Well, what are you guys thinking?"

"Well," Alvin hummed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm stuck on either Sharilton or Nia Khera."

"And the bride likes Sharilton," Keri mumbled and waved her hand at us. "Well, just text me when you've agreed on a venue and then we can meet up for dinner, and get the arrangements going."

"Sounds good," Alvin gave his lousy salute to her as she left.

"Nia Khera, huh?" I smirked, closing my arms over my chest. "Didn't know you liked that place so much."

Alvin shrugged with a grin. "I like the breeze and the atmosphere of the place."

I took a step down from the alter and started walking towards the doors. "I thought you would have wanted to get married in Xian Du."

I could hear Alvin's footsteps behind me. "Xian Du? Why would you think that?"

I took a step outside and sighed. I concentrated on my breathing, not really wanting to tell him the reason. "Well, I just thought that... er, you wanted to be... close to your mother on your wedding day."

Alvin leaned against the Temple and sighed, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "She'll be close wherever we choose to get married."

I nodded. "That's true. When a human passes on, their soul becomes a spirits and vice versa. She'll be there."

"Hey!"

We both turned towards the Kanbalar walkway to see Elle, Ludger, Jude, and not really Milla, coming towards us. How did they find us? Well, I didn't mind. I missed my friends a bit. I could also feel the stress of planning the wedding lift from my shoulders. Alvin smiled and gave them a two finger salute.

"Hey there! Whatcha guys doing here?" Alvin asked.

"We were in Kanbalar and Elle wanted to check out the Temple," Ludger replied, patting the girl on her head.

Elle put both hands on her hips. "Milla wanted to see it too!"

"I've been here before," Milla blushed furiously. "Just wanted to see if it was different here than in my world."

"How's the wedding planning coming along?" Jude asked.

"It's going really good," Alvin grinned, putting an arm around the kid. "We were actually looking at this place for our ceremony."

"How'd it go?" Jude questioned, shifting his weight so that he'd be more comfortable with Alvin's weight leaning on him. "Did you like the place?"

I shook my head. "We were thinking either Nia Khera or Sharilton."

"Heh, a Great Spirit engaging in a human marriage with another human," Milla snorted. "I've never heard of such a thing."

"Oh, such sass from a human who was never a spirit in the first place," I shrugged.

"Such sass from a Great Spirit who's been exiled from the spirit realm."

"Okay, enough," Jude growled, getting in between us. "We have to get along with each other. We're in this for the long run."

Milla and I turned our backs to each other and gave a huff. Why was she still here? She was the reason why we couldn't get the real Milla back. She had to go and she had to go soon. The world needed their Maxwell. Not this fake Maxwell. However, I know that if I even attempted to do something about her, Jude and everyone else would probably back her up instead of me. Even Alvin.

"Achlys!"

My face landed in a pile of freezing snow. Thank the darkness there wasn't any ice underneath. However, I couldn't get up because there was someone kneeling on my back. Well, that was great. I would need a massage after this. My back hasn't really been the same after that fall in the temporal crossroads. The person on my back started to gently jump up and down, and rock back and forth.

"Oh Achlys! I haven't seen you in a year!" That was definitely Muzét's voice. She wrapped her arms around my chest and pulled my upper half off the ground. "I've missed you so much!"

"Can you get off of me, please?" I asked with a wheeze.

"Oh! Yes! Of course! Here, let me help you," Muzét put her arms under mine and hoisted me up to my feet. "There! All better!"

I turned towards the floating woman and ripped off the snow attached to Alvin's coat. "I've missed you too, Muzét."

"Muzét," Jude took a step towards her. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, as you know, Lord Maxwell has been missing," Muzét tilted her head. "I'm going around looking for her."

"Ah well, that would be my brother's fault," I grunted and rolled my eyes. "Chronos sent her to the abyss."

"The abyss!" Muzét shouted, taking a few steps toward me. "Why?"

"Because she sided with humans, that's why," I sighed and went to join Alvin by his side. "That's what he told us anyway."

"Well, at least she has the Four to protect her," Muzét floated in a circle out of relief. "Do you think you could perform the summoning?"

"The summoning?" Ludger asked.

"The summoning that your ancestor performed 2,000 years ago," I explained.

"You mean the Genesis Sage Kresnik?" Jude questioned.

"Yes," Muzét nodded. "Could you Achlys?"

"Well," I started, putting a hand on the back of my head. "It would be quite difficult, but I could do it. However...," My eyes shifted over to the Milla of another dimension. I didn't have to say anything. Muzét understood what I meant.

"I see," The Spirit mused. "Well, I'll figure something out."

"Alright. Keep me updated," I bowed to Muzét as she hurried away into the sky.

"That whole situation confused me to no end," Alvin admitted.

"What's there to be confused about?" I frowned and furrowed my eyebrows.

"You know how to do the summoning that the Genesis Sage performed all those years ago?" Jude asked.

"Jude, I was the one who helped Kresnik perform the summoning all those years ago," I declared.

"You helped with the first summoning?" Ludger asked wide eyed.

"Hm, well helped wasn't the right word," I coughed. "I was the one who told Kresnik about the summoning and actually performed the summoning in the first place. Kresnik was just there for the offering part."

"Just how old are you?" Elle sneered.

I smiled at the girl. "Older than you think."

"I've never read anything about this in any of the Genesis Sage books," Jude mumbled, locking an arm around his back.

"Figures," I shrugged and started to head back to Kanbalar. "I'm cold. Come on Alvin. We can talk about our venue over a late lunch at the inn."

"Sounds good," He hurried behind me and gave the others a wave. "See ya' later!"

I don't know why, but I wanted to get away from them fast. I really wanted to be left alone with Alvin some more. I didn't realize that I would rather have the stress of the wedding than the stress of saving the world on my shoulders. I didn't understand. I already saved the world once and it was amazing. It gave me friends and love. Was I really so selfish that I didn't want to help anymore?

"You must be hungry," Alvin snapped me away from my thoughts and into reality. He laughed, pulling out my chair and gesturing me to sit. "You rushed over here like you were being chased."

I sat down in the chair and he pushed me in, eventually joining me at the table. "I am. I guess."

Alvin ordered us a beer and some soup, then turned to me with a look of concern. "You don't seem like yourself, Achlys. What's wrong?"

"I don't know," I mumbled, holding back tears. "I don't know, Alvin. I don't know."

The beers were put in front of us and I immediately gulped it down. It wasn't good beer at all, but it would do the trick. Darkness, I hated this feeling. I didn't know what to do. Alvin pulled his chair up beside me and pulled me in close, nuzzling his head against mine. Usually, this worked and eased me of any bad feelings, but I just wanted to cry.

"There's no need to be worried about anything," Alvin whispered in my ear. "I'm here."

"I'm just... thinking about too much at once," I demurred, ordering another beer. "Anyway, we need to decide on either Nia Khera or Sharilton."

He chuckled at my attempt to change the subject, but didn't push it. "Well, the only reason why I liked Nia Khera was because I felt closer to my mom there. I don't know why. She's never even been there, but I feel closer to her there. But, if you like Sharilton, then we should have it there."

I shook my head and took a sip of my second beer. "No. This is our wedding, remember? Nia Khera sounds wonderful for the wedding," I took a gulp of the beer and set it down. "I know how much your mother meant to you. If you feel her presence there, then we should have the wedding in Nia Khera."

"Thank you," Alvin nodded as our soup was placed on the table. "Heh, it's funny. A year ago, I never would have thought that I would be this happy."

I finished my second beer, ordered another, and began eating my soup. "I'm always glad to hear that you're happy," Once my third beer came, I downed that quicker than the first.

Alvin looked at me wide eyed. "You better slow down with the beer. You're gonna feel it in the morning."

I grimaced, glancing up at Alvin. "Do you want to go visit her?"

"Who?"

"Your mom."

Alvin sat in silence for a bit. Not eating. Not drinking. Just thinking about my suggestion. He hasn't visited his mother's grave in a long while. I think it's been about six months since he last visited. He used to visit every week, but he stopped for some reason. I was thinking that it was because of starting up his business with Yurgen. However, he didn't even go when he had free time.

"Yeah," Alvin finally spoke. "Yeah, that would be good."

"We can go straight from here," I told him. "It's still bright out. We can go and then stay in Xian Du tonight. We can tell Keri to meet us in Xian Du tomorrow for dinner."

"Are you drunk?" He asked suddenly.

A little taken back by that question, I sat back in my seat, crossing my arms. "No. I'm a little tipsy, but not drunk. Why?"

"I just find it strange how you want to visit my mom all of a sudden," He mumbled the answer so lowly that I could barely hear it.

"You haven't visited her in what, six months?" I said. "You must want to. It'll be a bit of a breather from the wedding planning and everything else. Besides, I haven't visited her yet."

Alvin nodded in agreement. "Alright, that's fair."


I picked up a bunch of flowers and paid the florist in Xian Du. Alvin hasn't said anything all the way over here. I could feel his anxiousness, his sadness, and even a bit of disappointment. He wasn't himself. I tried to share his aura with him, however, his feelings were so overwhelming. I couldn't handle it. I don't even know how he can handle all that emotion. Now I understood why he wasn't himself a year ago when he tried to kill us all. How he tried to even kill himself.

We walked hand in hand to the Royal Hunting Grounds where his mother laid at rest under a tree full of flowers. At least Isla had the decency to bury her in a beautiful place. Even though Isla had killed her, Alvin forgave Isla and I don't think I could have done that if it were my mother. However, I don't understand humans in that way, nor do I think I would ever understand. I asked him once why he forgave her and his answer just confused me more.

I put the flowers against the base of the tree and backed up next to Alvin. He said nothing for a while. He fidgeted with his scarf for a bit. Don't humans usually talk to the dead when they visit? Maybe it was just a silly little story that I had heard. But then, Alvin finally started up, holding back an immense amount of tears.

"Hey mom. I know... I know I haven't visit you i-in a while," He cleared his throat and wiped away a tear that had escaped. "I-I'm sorry. I've been busy. Planning my wedding actually," He gave a little chuckle. "You know my fiancé. The Lady of the night. The Great Spirit of Darkness. She's helped me through a lot mom. She's my happiness," I took Alvin's shaking hand in mine and squeezed gently. "Miss you mom."

"Would you like to get going?" I murmured, looking up at his face.

"Y-Yes," Alvin choked back a few tears.

I jumped up and wrapped my arms around his neck, laying my chin on his shoulder. "It's okay to cry."

And he did.