Authoress' Notes: Here's the next part, and the plot continues to thicken. Also, I've been thinking of making a spin-off of "BOA" about Kevin and the coming of the Four Heroes. What do you think? Tell me in your Reviews! Only 6 chapters left now.

Better Off Alone

Chapter 24: Taboo (Part III)

Lunar Peak was known as the highest and coldest place in the entire continent. No matter what time of day it was, the moon could always be seen from anywhere on the mountain. Thus, it was given its name.

The peak was barren and cold year-round, sometimes reaching below temperatures. Only the bravest of the brave ventured up there, and survivors were rare. No sane person would live in such a desolate place, save the small town of Bob-ombs near the foot of the mountain. ...Of course, that didn't include those who were accustomed to the settings.

A single soul walked through the deep snow, her striped hat barely visible from a distance. It was possible her height had something to do with it, but Beldam knew she was superior in every single way.

Nothing was out of the ordinary there; Frost Piranhas, Ice Puffs, and the occasional lost traveler asking for help to get back to town. She always gave them the wrong directions on purpose, considering it payback for trespassing on her turf. Frozen cadavers were a great way to keep Frost Piranhas fed and happy.

She stopped her aimless wandering to rest against a tree, drained from a recent battle against that blasted Stalwart Koopa. Drops of blood in the snow proved he was still too strong for her. The two seemed to fight almost every week, with the results always the same.

Whenever it looked like she was on the verge of winning, that Yoshi of his would interfere, giving him the chance to take her out. There had to be a way to eliminate them both at the same time. If only she could cast a spell strong enough...

Before she could brood anymore about the seemingly unbeatable Koopa, she sensed someone nearby. It was another Shadow Siren, and she knew just who it was.

A chilly wind blew the intruder's cobalt curls back, nearly revealing the indigo eyes underneath her blue-and-white hat. Unaccustomed to the conditions, she uttered soft grunts as she pushed through the thick snow.

Yuki was her advisor, despite being even younger than Lillian. Timid and nervous, she acted more like a lackey than anything else. She was once a servant, but her incompetence had gotten her in trouble one too many times. Her punishment from the queen was to serve under Beldam until she "grew up a little". Unfortunately for Yuki, Beldam never had an advisor when she was younger.

"Milady, I have news..." came her soft voice.

"How many I times have I told you not to bother me up here? When I give you orders, I expect you to follow them."

"Her Highness is requesting your presence at the palace..."

"Do I look like I care? Tell her I'm busy."

She trembled. "...I'm afraid that's not an option, milady. It's about the Four Heroes..."

Beldam stood, poised to strike, which made her speak up in fear.

"And Lillian! Lillian's in the report, too!" she finished, cowering. "I thought you'd be interested in hearing that, milady!"

"Lillian? ...What about her?"

"Her Highness can't seem to keep track of her anymore, so--"

She yelped and spoke louder as Beldam pulled on her hair. "Ow! She... She sent Princess Marilyn to investigate! They're on their way to Twilight Town now! I implore to you come, milady! Ow!"

Beldam pushed her to the ground. "That bumbling idiot can't do anything right. Why would she send her to do something like that?"

Yuki brushed the snow off her face. "If it would help, rumor has it she's been seen with the infamous Stalwart Koopa."

"The Stalwart Koopa?" She frowned. "Tell me more about this... insubordination."

If there was one place the Four Heroes couldn't stand going to, it was Twilight Town. It was cold, barren, and spooky, but a crucial part in their quest to stop the Shadow Queen. Aside from the bizarre Twilighters and sinister crows, the Shadow Sirens living there had to be their claim to fame. Compared to the natural settlers, they were quite common, with nearly three for every Twilighter. This made the village off-limits to… outsiders.

"Now, Kevin, please don't do what you did last time. Threatening to burn someone's house down is not a good impression," said Goombertha.

"Oh, come on. It wasn't that bad..."

Aaron counted on his fingers. "Well, you got us kicked out of the inn, chased by a mob, and lost in the forest. If Teresa hadn't asked those Boos at the steeple for directions, we never would've gotten out of there..."

"So, a few Hyper Clefts decided to make you a pincushion and we got a little lost. Big deal."

"Just try not to overdo this time," said Teresa, almost laughing at Aaron's recollections.

With that, they spread out and began to scan the town for anything suspicious, which was easier said than done. Twilighters stared, sometimes unblinking, at them, while Shadow Sirens refused to make eye contact. Nearby crows cawed mindlessly, occasionally leaving the trees to perch on people. As one landed on Kevin's head, Nero promptly ate it, making the two laugh uproariously.

Goombertha tried to ignore their stupidity and continued searching for someone not so... weird to talk to. She finally spotted someone in an old cloak huddled against a house, seemingly asleep. Hoping it was a Shadow Siren, she approached.

"Uh, excuse me? Yes, hello there. Do you happen to know anything about the Crystal Stars?"

"...Those who seek answers are often disappointed," said the cloak. "You shall be the same. I have nothing to say to the likes of you."

"You sure about that?" Kevin appeared, unsheathing his sword. "Wouldn't want any trouble now, would we?"

"And we won't have any if you put that thing away!" warned Goombertha through clenched teeth.

"…Most who live here don't even work for the Shadow Queen anymore. They're either indifferent or tired of being servants." A toothy grin appeared from the hood. "Of course, that sure doesn't mean we wouldn't love to see her kick your sorry butts."

In the blink of an eye, Kevin sliced his sword past her, the cloak's halves falling to the ground. This revealed an older Lightning Siren with goldenrod, shoulder-length hair. She and Goombertha both frowned at Kevin.

"You won't find anything here, and resorting to violence will only be your undoing."

"Tell us everything you know."

"Why must you come here time after time to ask the same questions? I've already told you what you wanted to know, now leave me in peace."

"So you're saying you were a servant before you left?"

"Why should that matter?"

"Because you should know where the Crystal Stars are."

The siren crossed her arms. "The Crystal Stars are in a disclosed location; only Her Highness and the Shadow Princesses know where they are."

Kevin narrowed his eyes. "You're lying."

"Like you would know. Better keep your nose out of other people's business before it gets cut off. Now if you'll excuse me..."

Before Kevin could stop her, she'd already disappeared into the shadows. Only the tattered cloak remained where she was sitting.

Goombertha sighed. "Nice going, Kevin! I probably could've gotten some info out of her if you hadn't come along!"

"Whatever. The older ones always sugarcoat everything anyway. It's the little curly-haired runts that have all the beef, so keep looking."

The Goomba watched him stroll away aimlessly to the outskirts of town. She could only wonder how he survived with such a limited amount of knowledge...

A Koopa should've been easy to spot in a place like Twilight Town, but after nearly an hour of looking, he was nowhere to be found. Ever since she got there, Lillian had been searching everywhere for Kevin. Unfortunately, all she found were Twilighters, crows, and Shadow Sirens who bowed at her presence.

She should've known he wouldn't keep his promise. What was she thinking, actually trusting her enemy? Maybe this was what she needed to get some sense knocked into her...

Angry and disappointed for being stood up, she was about to leave when someone bumped into her, knocking her down.

"Uh! Watch were you're going, idiot!"

"Only idiots call other people idiots, idiot!" barked a familiar voice.

She stood and dusted herself off. "I'll have you know you're in the presence of a Shadow Princess, and I don't like the way you're disrespecting me!"

"Well, you just..." He stopped, looking at her closely. "Lillian? Is that you?"

"Kevin?"

To her surprise, it really was the scarred Koopa. After the initial shock, he started laughing. He wasn't sure if it was her flaring temper, lack of clothing, or their accustomed bickering he found so funny.

She punched him in the arm, making him laugh more. "Stupid! I thought you stood me up! I was about to leave, you big--!"

"You're late, y'know," he interrupted, knowing it annoyed her.

She groaned. "You never told me what time to meet you here."

"Uh, hello? Perpetual darkness kinda makes it hard to tell what time it is."

"Just because it's always nighttime here doesn't mean time is any different! If it's noon in Petalburg, then you can bet it'll be noon here!"

"Oh, like I was supposed to know that! Sorry for not being an inkblot and living here like the rest of you weirdoes!"

"The only weirdo around here is you!"

"So says the Shadow Siren!"

"Yeah, says the Shadow Siren! And she's gonna have her fist talking to your face in a minute!"

"You don't have the guts!"

They fumed at each other, fists clenched and teeth grinding in anger. After a moment of this, they busted out laughing.

"You've still got it!" Kevin said between laughs. "I thought yesterday was just a put-on, but I can see now you were serious!"

"What? You think just 'cause I'm a princess, I'm a little pansy?"

"Well..."

"Don't answer that."

"But you asked me!"

"It was a rhetorical question!"

"What's with you and all these weird words?"

"When one of royalty is brought up in an educated environment, she tends to learn the proper etiquette of a princess," she boasted.

"...You may have spunk, but that little display proves you're still a pansy."

Lillian was about to retort when, right behind him, she noticed Marilyn leaning against a house. Things would quickly turn violent if she saw her and Kevin together... Panicking, she tried to read her expression, but that was like trying to read a closed book.

"Uh, Kevin?" She darted behind him, making sure neither could see one another. "Do me a favor and stay there. I'll be right back."

"Okay, but I'll have you know I tend to wander off..."

"Just don't go anywhere!" she growled, disappearing into the shadows.

If it'd been anyone else, Kevin would've left just to spite them, but maybe he'd follow directions just this once...

Marilyn found it strange, yet ironic. Unlike Vivian and Lillian, who were too young to be left unattended, she could come and go as she pleased. She'd been staying in Twilight Town for a spell and now she was here again, on a mission.

The queen told her to stay vigilant and hidden, but she wasn't very agile or attentive. She'd let Lillian spot her on purpose to save a lot of time and frustration. From the conversation she had with Kevin, she knew more than enough to figure out what was going on...

Right on cue, Lillian appeared before her. "Marilyn, hello! I haven't seen you in some time now. Still vacationing here, I see."

"...It's not a 'vacation'. You know I don't go to the castle much anymore."

She laughed nervously. "Of course not..."

"What're you doing here? Where's Vivian? Mother told me to check up on you."

"She's not here right now, but I'm fine!" She struggled to push her away. "Listen, now's not the best time to be out, with those Four Heroes lurking about. I'll meet you back at the palace, and maybe we can have some lunch, okay?"

"...Why are you in such a hurry to see me leave?"

"No reason!" She kept pushing. "Really, just go home and I'll be there in an hour, or two."

"...Do you really think I'm that stupid?"

"What?"

"I don't think Mother would be too happy if she found out you were... betraying us."

She bit her lip. "Mary, please! It's not what you think! You can't tell her about this!"

"Lillian, I know you enjoy freedom, but you can't keep running away from the palace..."

"But I'm tired of being cooped up in that dingy palace all day! I wanna be free to do what I want without someone looking over my shoulder for once..."

"Look, I know you've never listened to a word I've ever said, but now's the time to start... Please come home before you end up getting hurt."

"But Mary, I've finally met someone who I can identify with. I mean, I know he's the enemy, but he means no harm. And he doesn't treat me like a princess... He likes me for me."

"...Really now?"

"Please, Mary. I know I've asked you to keep a lot of things from Mother, but this'll be the last one, I swear. Can't you keep this under your hat... for me?"

Marilyn was caught between a rock and a hard place. The hardest word for her to say to Lillian had to be "no". She just didn't have the heart to stress any rules on those adorable green eyes. Besides, Lillian was a natural rebel who refused to let monarchy stand between her and happiness. She was probably the only Shadow Siren in the entire district who dared disobey the Shadow Queen's orders. Disciplining such enthusiasm proved very difficult; it was like trying to crush a tiny flower.

"...Fine."

"Huh?"

"If it means that much to you, I guess this can be our little secret..."

Her face brightened. "Really? You mean it? Seriously?"

She stooped down to give her a hug. "Just be careful, okay? Please don't make me regret this..."

She happily returned it. "Oh, I won't, Mary! You can count on that! But what'll you tell Mother?"

"How about I teach Vivian her spells? I taught you how to use yours, so doing it again shouldn't be too hard. I don't think you should be bogged down with such a responsibility, anyway."

"Thanks. I owe you one, Mary."

Kevin was in the middle of a rousing game called "Hit the Ugly Crows with Rocks" when Lillian suddenly reappeared, nearly being bombarded herself.

She smacked the remaining rocks of his hand, making him laugh. "Quit it! You're acting like a child!"

"Yeah, whatever. Anyway, what was that all about?"

"Huh? Oh, nothing. I just had to... powder my nose."

"...But you don't have a nose..."

Lillian punched him again as he snorted with laughter. "You know what I mean, idiot!"

Marilyn watched the two walk off into the night like old friends, despite being mortal enemies. To her surprise, the Koopa actually seemed taken by her. It made her wonder if the old saying of "opposites attract" applied to this kind of opposite.

Perhaps the Shadow Queen was in the wrong for her intolerance of other species. Whoever said killing innocent women and children was so pious, anyway? Maybe Lillian was onto something...

Back at the Shadow Palace, the queen was surprised to see her second daughter already returning from her assignment. The shock was barely evident in her voice.

"Marilyn, you've returned. That was... fast."

"Yes, the problem was very minor. That, and Lillian isn't that hard to catch up with..."

"Hmm, proficient. What's your report on her?"

"According to Lillian, the Four Heroes have been planning to ambush us."

"A foolish move on their part. When was it scheduled? "

"It was for today, but Lillian attacked them with those Putrid Piranhas of hers. The Stalwart Koopa's been poisoned, I believe, so the attack was called off."

"Poisoned? Good, good. I detest him greatly... Anything else?"

"My queen, you honestly don't believe this buffoon!" interrupted a faint voice.

Unsurprisingly, both queen and princess knew such a stingy, sour voice could only belong to Beldam. Sneering, she appeared from the shadows.

Marilyn gritted her teeth in annoyance. That sneak! She'd probably eavesdropped on the whole thing! Why did she only bother showing up when she wasn't wanted?

"I was alerted about Lillian's sudden disappearances and went there to see for myself. What Marilyn speaks is everything but the truth!"

The queen frowned. "I find her story more believable than yours! And you are in no position to speak! I don't remember asking this favor of you!"

"Desperate times call for desperate measures, but trusting her is out of the question!"

"At least she pulls her weight around here, unlike some other traitor. I still fail to see you bring me something more valuable than your incessant nagging. This is exactly why you're more than not welcome."

"I'm the only one around here who ever knows what's going on! Lillian's a lose cannon and Marilyn's completely inept..." She crossed her arms. "I suppose you think Vivian could prove of some use?"

Marilyn cleared her throat loudly. "Mother, if I may... Lillian has asked that I take responsibility for Vivian until further notice."

"And the reason for this is?"

"She's been on an undercover mission for some time now, and training Vivian has become very difficult."

Her face darkened. "You're saying I've been misinformed? She isn't abandoning her duties like I was told?"

"No, ma'am. If anything, she's working harder than ever before..."

"She's lying right to her your face! I saw nothing but treason in Lillian's persona! She's not--"

"Insolence! You!" She pointed at a servant. "Make sure whoever started this rumor is thoroughly punished! I won't tolerate hearing falsely of my daughters anymore! Is that understood?"

The servant flinched. "Er, uh... Yes, ma'am!"

"As for you, Marilyn... Good work." She glared at Beldam. "You may not be as much of a buffoon as sources say."

"Thank you, Mother."

"You're making a big mistake! She's done nothing right! Lillian's out there right now, cavorting with the enemy! How can you take her word for anything?"

"Enough!" She stood. "I tire of this squabbling, so off with you! I've always known you were good for nothing, so make an effort to change my mind, however futile it may be."

Beldam knew she was fighting a losing battle, so she decided to withdraw. She began to fade into the shadows, but not before muttering, "You'll pay for this..."

"Marilyn, you are excused as well. I'm now entrusting Vivian to until further notice. Please tell Lillian that the next time you see her."

With a sigh of relief, she bowed. "Yes, Mother. Anything you say..."

"Dear Diary,

It's been some time since I last wrote, but I think you already know why... I've been seeing Kevin almost every day now. We always meet up wherever his friends are and end up spending the entire day together. He says deserting them's no big deal, since he was more of a wanderer. I can't believe it's already been two months since we first met, and I still can't believe we're both getting away with it! It's even gotten to the point where we only meet one-on-one; Kevin doesn't bring his Yoshi, and I don't bring Vivian. It's hard to be alone together when others are around...

I never thought I'd say this... It all happened so fast. I thought he was a selfish loser at first, but now I can't keep mind off him. He's the only one around here who understands my yearning for freedom. When I'm with him, I feel like I could travel to the ends of the world. He may not be a perfect goody-two-shoes, but I'm kinda glad he's not. He's everything I've always wanted all rolled up into one...

As the days lingered on, attacks and ambushes came in continuous cycles for the Four Heroes. The Shadow Queen was beginning to bring out the heavy artillery. After an ambush lead by Gloomtail proved nearly fatal, Goombertha was horrified to realize they still weren't ready for the final battle. To make things worse, Kevin was hardly ever around anymore, making it difficult for everyone to function.

He was asked several times by each member to resume his leadership, but their words fell on deaf ears. He left every day at the break of dawn, sometimes not returning until late at night. Even Nero was beginning feel left out, due to his daily disappearances. On top of that, he wasn't as dutiful anymore; he often left on his own accord, ignored his friends, and was never around to lead them into battle. Strangely, Goombertha noticed he was beginning to smell like flowers...

Teresa found this not only out of character, but very offensive. Kevin no longer wanted to be with her, acted more arrogant than usual, and refused to speak of where he'd been. The two used to be kindred spirits, but with her heightened supernatural senses, she detected the foul odor of treason in the air. Something weird was going on, and she was going to find out what, whether he knew it or not...

For what seemed like the millionth time, the Four Heroes had dropped by Twilight Town. Much to their dismay, it was the only place that provided adequate information on the Shadow Queen. Goombertha was determined to stay true to her calling of "The Wise Goomba", despite heated tension between the remaining members. She continued studying book after book for more facts on their adversary.

Sadly, the others weren't as motivated; Nero refused to obey commands, Aaron became self-absorbed in his archery practice, and Teresa had disappeared off to who-knows-where. Without Kevin, the team was starting to drift apart.

She sighed as the Twilighter innkeeper joined her at the table.

"So, the Four Heroes drop by once again," he said, familiar with their frequent visits. "Any news on the whole Crystal Stars plan?"

"I just can't figure it out... We've been traveling around the world for years, and just when we figure out the Shadow Queen's location, now this comes up! The Crystal Stars are each very powerful in their own way, but there's another we know next to nothing about: the Amethyst Crystal Star."

"Hogwash. There's no such thing. That last one's just a myth."

"That's what I first said about the Crystal Stars, and they're as real as ever. According to all the books I've read, it's more powerful than the other seven combined. I've already made plans of attack, but she'd wipe the floor with us if she uses that one!"

"I suppose that is a bit of an impasse."

She frantically flipped through a book. "Ugh! She's got to be keeping that thing somewhere! There's no way she could hide something that powerful forever!"

He placed a cup before her. "Here. Calm down and have some Koopa Tea."

"Thanks..." She took a sip. "Y'know, as if this Crystal Star stuff wasn't driving me up the wall enough, things've gone and taken a turn for the worst for the team. Without Kevin, I'm not sure we can keep this up much longer..."

"Say, where is he, anyway? I haven't seen him all day, er... night."

Sighing, she looked out the window. "That's a good question."

Kevin and Lillian strolled through the dark forest of Twilight Trail, laughing and talking about an argument they had earlier. Lillian loved the fact that her favorite place of solitude didn't bother Kevin. The woods were bustling with Boos, Hyper Clefts, and other unsightly things, but the two acted like they were skipping through Petal Meadows.

They traveled deep into the woods, fooling around and playing pranks on each other. They had no worries, no problems, and could care less if they were shirking their responsibilities. It was amazing how such disobedience took up nearly all their time.

Kevin hopped over a fallen log, whereas Lillian had to crawl over. Unfortunately, she lost her balance and fell onto him with a squeal. He laughed.

"For a princess, you aren't very graceful."

"Shut up. If it weren't for me, you'd be walking around in circles in here."

"I don't need you to tell me where I'm going. I've got natural-born instincts."

"When Chain Chomps fly."

He sneered at her, while all she could do was laugh. Before he could retort, she pointed into the darkness ahead of them.

"Hey, look over there."

Kevin squinted. "Y'know, not all of us can see in the dark like some weirdoes can..."

Not wanting to admit he was right, she ignored him and approached a skeleton tree. Despite it being dead, several dark pieces of fruit dangled from its bare branches.

"Those are Black Apples. Twilight Trail is the only place you can find them and even then, they're really rare."

A whip-like vine slipped out from underneath Lillian's hat, acting as extendable arm to grab a pair. It dropped both into her hands, disappearing under her hat almost as quickly as it came.

Kevin frowned. "They look disgusting."

"Can't judge a book by its cover." She began to eat hers, handing him one. "Try it. Unless... you're not man enough."

There was nothing that fired Kevin up more than challenging his manliness. With a scoff, he snatched the thing from her and stared at it. It looked like an apple in every way, but the color continued to throw him off. Anything black wasn't something you'd usually want to consume. Then again, his stomach was nearly cast-iron from all the Poison Shrooms he'd been tricked into eating. Expecting the worst, he closed his eyes and took a bite.

...Surprisingly, the flavor was sweet and succulent. It oozed with a sugary kind of juice that was so good, a trove of Jelly Ultras would've paled in comparison. It tasted a million times better than a measly, little apple! The mark left by his bite revealed a green inside, but he didn't care! It was delicious!

"Wow, this tastes great!"

"Told you."

"I gotta take more of these home! They're so good, it's almost a sin to eat 'em!"

Lillian lowered her voice. "...Actually, they're known as taboo fruits. We're not supposed to be eating them."

Regardless, Kevin took another bite. "Then, why are we eating them?"

She smiled. "Because we're not supposed to."

"Ooh, I like the way you think."

They laughed at one another's reactions until a glimpse of gold caught Lillian's attention from the otherwise dark road. An Amazee Dayzee bounced out of the bushes, happily singing to itself.

"Ooh! Ooh! Kevin, quick!" she whispered loudly, shaking him. "Look over there! It's an Amazee Dayzee!"

"So?"

"'So?' Amazee Dayzees are super-rare! I've only seen a handful in my entire life, and trust me, that's a long time."

"Then I'll just have to catch it." With that, he dashed after the flower. Horrified, it ran away.

"No, Kevin! You dunce! You'll scare it awa--"

Before she could finish, he was already walking back to her, holding the sparkling flower. Apparently, it had no idea how he managed to snag it. His kind endeavor flattered her, especially since he wasn't a very charitable guy. Such a nice gift deserved an equally nice reward...

"Here." He handed her the bewildered Dayzee. "You women and your flowers. I still don't see what--"

Kevin never got to finish that sentence. From all the vile, bloodthirsty things that could've easily taken his breath away, he was surprised to see that a kiss from Lillian carried out the same purpose. After what seemed like forever, she blew in his face, the intoxicating scent of Black Apple wafting through his nose.

She took the Amazee Dayzee. "That was really sweet. You didn't have to it, but thank you."

Kevin seemed to've lost focus. "What the...? Why'd you...? How the...?"

"What's the matter?" She tickled his beard, speaking flirtatiously. "Did that leave you... speechless?"

He shook his head wildly. "N-no! No! Y-you just caught me off-guard, that's all! I didn't expect you to go all loopy and kiss me like that! What's the matter with you, anyway?! That was gross!"

She laughed at his immaturity. "Come off it, Kevin. I know you better than you think... You like me, don't you?"

His appalled expression said more than enough. "What?! No, I don't like you! That Black Apple must've made you go crazy! Get away from me!"

She sidled up to him. "Well, I know I like you. You're very sweet. You pretend to be tough as nails, but deep down, you're really a big softie."

Kevin nearly slapped himself. "You're mad! Don't think you can sway me with whole infatuation thing you sirens do! I bet that's what it is, isn't it?!"

"No, I just really like you. Don't you feel the same about me?"

"No!"

"Not even a little?"

"Not even a little."

"Yes, you do."

"No, I don't!"

"Are you sure?"

"Lillian!"

"How long are we gonna go on pretending we don't like each other?" She stroked the Dayzee, making it giggle. "We sure do everything together..."

"So? For all you know, I could be using you. This could be a trap I set, and I could kill you right now if I wanted to!"

"Then, do it. I'm sure it'd make your life a whole lot easier."

Kevin was speechless, but she was right. All he had to do was give her one good stab and she'd be dead. He'd done it to hundreds of other Shadow Sirens, so what made her any different? She idly turned her back to him, as if giving him a chance to strike. The Koopa knew he was only using her. Just like so many girls before, he'd milk her for all she was worth, then drop her like a Mistake gone bad.

Lillian heard him unsheathe his sword, but refused to move. As crazy as it seemed, she trusted Kevin indefinitely. She knew he wouldn't go through with it, and even if he did, at least her taxing life of royalty would finally come to an end...

Her thoughts were shattered as Kevin's sword swept by her face and into a tree she was facing. It sliced off small strands of her hair, nearly cutting into her cheek. While she didn't even flinch, the Dayzee was on pins and needles. She saw his reflection in the blade looking at the ground, distraught and confused.

"...You can't do it, can you?"

He shrugged, laughing bitterly. "I guess not. You win... I can't kill you. That must mean you want to kill me, right? Go ahead. The sword's right there."

She sighed, pulled the sword out, and stabbed it in the ground. Putting the Amazee Dayzee down, she wrapped her arms around him.

"Why does it always have to be fighting and killing with you? Have you ever once in your life stopped to think that someone might really just want to... be with you?"

"I'm not the best guy to hang around with..." he muttered, thinking she deserved a fair warning.

"I don't care."

"You could be throwing your life away..."

"I don't care."

"You could be killed..."

She grabbed his handkerchief, pulling him close. "What part of 'I don't care' don't you understand?!"

Unbeknownst to Lillian, Kevin was looking right into her eyes. It was as if the Emerald Crystal Star itself had lent her its dazzling green sparkle. If anything, her eyes were even prettier than that.

"Y'know, you have a really piercing stare..."

The jeweled eyes reflected shock, then horror as she realized he was right. She jammed her hat down in embarrassment.

"No, it's okay. I don't think it worked..."

"No, it's not. If you ever look into the eyes of a Shadow Siren, you'll totally lose your head and become infatuated. And the only way it won't work is if..." She raised her head, sparkling eyes visible. "You love me, too."

Kevin felt himself blush, something he hadn't done in nearly a decade. "Well... Maybe I... sorta, kinda like you, too... A little."

She smiled. "Really?"

He retrieved his sword, refusing to face her. "...Maybe."

He couldn't believe it! It was impossible! When he first met Lillian, never in his wildest dreams did he think she'd ever fall for him, or vice versa. Did she know how cocky, egotistic, and self-absorbed he was? Did he know how rough, defiant, and tomboyish she was?

...Probably, but they didn't care. He'd finally found a girl who wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty, and Lillian had finally found her lust for freedom in another. In some strange, twisted way or another, both parts of completely opposite sides had come together to make something new and wondrous.

"Hey, I have an idea... if you'll hear it," said Lillian, breaking the awkward silence.

"...What?"

"Why don't we spend the night... here? Alone."

"Alone?"

"I mean, if you're not scared. I understand if you wanna go running back to your friends. It is pretty dangerous out here..."

"I don't run away from anything! Never have, never will!"

"Then show me." She placed her head on his shoulder. "When it comes to being a real hero, the best thing you can show is... love."

Kevin wasn't used to showing such feelings toward others, and who could blame him? Ever since he began this long and perilous journey of his, he'd been in a continuous circle of hedonism. He did what he wanted, when he wanted, and how he wanted. He loved nothing more than living on the edge and throwing caution to the wind. His friends had always seen him as an all-around joker, never taking his most ridiculous claims seriously.

Lillian had to be the first person to ever approach him sincerely without getting on his nerves. Plus, she was a real looker, and that always got a lot of extra points...

Looking away, Kevin slowly put his hand around her waist, giving her a firm squeeze. Lillian knew this was a big step for him, so she simply tugged on his handkerchief in a playful, but loving gesture.

Without another word, the two walked off into the thickening forest, not certain when or if they'd ever return. Lillian's Amazee Dayzee watched them disappear, and happily sang them a symphony that they would always remember.

Authoress' Notes: Good news, all! I really got my scanner fixed this time, so if you wanna see a pic of Lillian and Kevin, visit my profile. I'll put one up soon. Good luck trying to find the out-of-game reference! It's impossible to weed out, "SPM" players.