Hello, it's mystik-dawn here! We humbly apologize for the delay in updating; procrastination is my currently favourite word of the month. To make up for our delay, we have provided an extra long chapter, filled with our favourite heroine, favourite know-it-all-angel, and our favourite Felsen! Enjoy this update, and don't forget all the reviews and cheesecakes :D
smallpumpkin: I forgot to mention this earlier, but, yes you can translate this story Berry~!
PS: We don't own 07 Ghost.
March 29th, 2143: 7:34 PM—
"Sorry, Aya-tan wanted it~!" the taller officer cheerfully said, but Felsen didn't return his smile. Felsen shifted his hands behind his back and winced; his wrists felt numb. The officers managed to place handcuffs on him—it was the special ones that prevented him from using his zaiphon. Two other soldiers were now assisting (dragging) the officers as they walked down the road. Felsen tried to ignore the curious stares from the people.
Felsen overheard the officers talking about Alex's whereabouts. "Clearly Alex has left the city," thought Felsen, relieved,"She must have already left to Hausen House."He sent a silent prayer, wishing Alex well on her quest. "May her wish be fulfilled," Felsen silently prayed.
Despite that, Felsen was more worried about himself. Once he ran into the officers, he immediately sensed that the taller, dark-haired officer was a warsfeil. Curiously enough, the younger blonde officer who was his begleiter wasn't, but if the officer was a warsfeil, then it meant...
"He's part of the Blackhawk unit,"realized Felsen. He had heard that not only were the members warsfeil, but the leader was the Chief of Staff Ayanami."Does that mean Ayanami is Verloren's reincarnation?" Felsen thought. He schooled himself to not panic, and to remain calm.
Felsen considered his current options, handcuffed and being dragged in the dark. The officers were going to take him to Hohburg Fort "for further questioning"."We are obviously not travelling on hawkziles," thought Felsen, "So we're going to the train station." The trains were going to travel over the thin land mass that connected each district to each other in the Barsburg Empire.
Felsen debated accompanying the officers to Hohburg Fort, but immediately dismissed it. He couldn't risk meeting Verloren's reincarnation, which would result in getting devoured. Already Vertrag was devoured, and Felsen didn't want to give Verloren's reincarnation more power.
"The only option is escape," thought Felsen, determined. The handcuffs were a slight problem; he could definitely use his full powers if he could somehow get the handcuffs off. They were magically placed, meaning he had to use zaiphon to remove them.
"Here we are!" the dark haired officer cheerfully replied. "I was right," Felsen thought, as the huge cargo train loomed in front of them.
"This will not be a comfortable journey," the blonde haired officer remarked.
"Don't worry~!" the taller officer replied, "We'll be in the carriage behind the driver around the front!" The group moved to the front of the train, where Felsen awkwardly clambered on. The two soldiers flanked him; soon, Felsen heard the large squealing of the wheels, and the train began to move. As the train moved, Felsen began his move.
Closing his eyes, he focused his inner magic. It was weaker without his zaiphon, but Felsen didn't want to show it. "They'll immediately find out that I'm a ghost,"Felsen thought. Without his zaiphon, it would take him a little longer for his holy magic to concentrate.
Felsen decided to distract the officers. He was thankful for the dim light; a majority of his body was hidden by the long shadows, preventing the soldiers and officers seeing what he was doing.
"How long will I spend at Hohburg Fort?" Felsen asked, forcing his voice to remain calm.
He thought he saw the taller officer shrug. "As long as Aya-tan wants you around," the officer replied. Felsen wondered whether the officer was still eating candy."Does he never get sick of it?" Felsen wondered. He was more wary of the taller officer than the blonde officer, especially after finding out that the blonde officer was actually the begleiter to the taller one. Meanwhile, the other two soldiers leaned against the walls, and began to quietly chat amongst themselves.
"Perfect," thought Felsen, "Almost there..." He still wanted to summon a little bit more holy magic, just to make the effect bigger.
He was glad about the lack of light; the darkness would help him with the next stage of his plan. The ground beneath him shook from the train's movement, and Felsen stumbled a little. His back hit the wall, and he managed to pull himself upright.
"And after that?" Felsen questioned, "When he is done questioning me?"
"Isn't that easy?" the officer remarked. Felsen saw a quick grin before his face melted back into the shadows. "We kill you," the dark haired officer replied, cheerful.
Felsen inwardly smiled, and moved his hands behind his back. It was somewhat difficult, with the handcuffs, but Felsen was fairly sure he was successful. Sure enough, the train jolted, and suddenly began to slow down.
The soldiers and officers exchanged looks with each other; Felsen noted that the soldiers appeared more fearful than the officers, but he schooled his expression into anxiety.
"What's wrong?" the blonde officer demanded. He turned to the soldiers and ordered them to go to the driver and find out what happened. The soldiers left, and Felsen began to move his hands again. The train now halted completely. The tension was high in the air as Felsen and the officers waited for the soldiers to come back and report what happened.
Finally, the soldiers came back and they reported that something was wrong with the zaiphon balance between the engine. "Ahh, Aya-tan's not going to be happy," the dark haired officer remarked sadly.
The blonde officer sighed impatiently and replied, "I'll go deal with this."
"I'll come too Kona-chan~!" the other officer volunteered, and Felsen noted the blonde rolling his eyes. "How does he put up with him?" wondered Felsen, "He says the most unusual and insulting stuff!"Either the taller officer was extremely skilled, or was extremely arrogant.
Some minutes passed, but to Felsen it felt like years. He patiently waited until the officers' footsteps died away, and he made his next move. Moving like lightning, he slipped into the shadows. He slipped directly in front one of the officers, and smashed his elbow into his neck. The other officer heard the loud thump, but didn't have enough time to draw out his gun. Felsen was behind him, and was choking him using the handcuffs.
"Remove them," ordered Felsen. The soldier gagged, and tried to kick Felsen in the shins, but wasn't successful. Felsen tightened his grip, making the soldier gag harder.
"Quickly now," Felsen said. The soldier's eyes began to glaze over, and he gave a tiny nod. Felsen slowly relaxed his grip, and the soldier moved his fingers over the handcuffs. As soon as Felsen heard the small click, he used his zaiphon and knocked the second soldier out cold.
Moving silently, Felsen moved to the front of the train where the other two officers were. He couldn't risk running away from the train yet due to the fact that the officers had seen his face. "I can't be branded as a criminal," thought Felsen grimly, "As a ghost, I must not interfere too much with the human justice system."If the pope found out what he had done, he might be stripped from his powers.
When Felsen arrived at the corridor, he saw the taller officer standing there, leaning against one of the frames. Felsen stopped, surprised, as the officer smiled back at him.
"I knew you were going to escape~!," the officer said, "Konatsu-kun now owes me two candied apples!" He rubbed his hands gleefully; Felsen was disturbed by the enthusiasm in his tone. "He was planning this too?" Felsen thought, his mind racing. The officer stood straight, and began to draw his katanas, still smiling at Felsen.
"I'm so glad that you tried," the officer began, "It's been a long time since I practiced, and I was feeling a little out of shape." The katanas glittered, and Felsen summoned his zaiphon.
"I have to try the last part of my plan too," Felsen thought, desperate, "It might not work, but still..." He hoped that he managed to summon enough holy magic at that time; he had the feeling that the warsfeil was going to prove tougher than what he appeared to be.
Without warning, the warsfeil charged at him. Felsen was astonished at his speed, and barely dodged the attack in time. He stepped out of the way, and managed to avoid another parry from him.
"Oh, you're good!" the warsfeil exclaimed.
"Good thing," grunted Felsen, "You're fast."
The warsfeil gave a small laugh, and went in for another attack. "I have to use my zaiphon," thought Felsen, "he's trying to use up my energy!"
He summoned a large wave of zaiphon, and threw it at the warsfeil. The warsfeil sliced the zaiphon in half using his sword. The duel continued on for several minutes, as both warsfeil and Felsen threw attacks at each other while dodging the other's attacks. Felsen didn't notice anything except for his opponent; soon, he found himself using more powerful zaiphon attacks and some holy magic every time.
Suddenly, the warsfeil moved, slicing part of Felsen's uniform. Felsen didn't know whether he got a wound or not, he was focused on the warsfeil. "Interesting," the warsfeil remarked. Felsen's eyes widened when he saw the warsfeil's eyes—they had a red glint in them.
"He's being possessed," Felsen realized. "Who are you?" Felsen slowly asked, circling him.
The warsfeil smirked; it was not the usual smile that the officer had earlier. "I could ask you the same question," the warsfeil remarked, "Using holy magic..."
"What are you playing at?" ground out Felsen. Using his holy magic, he threw the warsfeil back several feet.
"Which one of them are you?" the warsfeil demanded, quickly recovering. Felsen didn't answer, and instead used another attack on the warsfeil. Summoning his ice daggers, he swiftly threw them towards the warsfeil.
The warsfeil quickly used his wars, and built a shield. The ice daggers melted into the dark mass, and the dark mass slithered back into the warsfeil's hand.
"How much more time is it going to take?" wondered Felsen, "It should have worked by now!" He hoped the blonde officer and driver didn't find a solution to the problem.
The warsfeil stared at Felsen. His next words sent a chill down Felsen's spine: "I should have known. Good evening to you too Ea."
"He figured it out!" Felsen thought, shocked. He didn't have enough time to react as suddenly the warsfeil pinned him to the wall. Felsen cried out as the warsfeil plunged his katanas into his right shoulder. An explosion of pain overtook him; good lord, it was hurting a lot...
"What have you been doing with Alexandra Night?" the warsfeil demanded. Felsen gritted his teeth, focusing on the pain. "Come on," thought Felsen numbly,"Focus..."
"Are you Verloren's reincarnation?" Felsen quietly asked, "Chief Commander of Staff Ayanami-san?" The warsfeil's eyes narrowed; Felsen smiled triumphantly. He had guessed correctly.
"What do you want from Alexandra Night?" Felsen asked back.
"I have no interest to answer your questions," the warsfeil rapidly replied.
Suddenly, the train began to tilt. The warsfeil was pushed heavily to the other wall as the train began to derail. Felsen gripped the katanas and pulled them out. He fell heavily, but scrambled back to his feet. "It worked," thought Felsen numbly, "But now I have to get off the train before it plunges off the cliff."
He raced towards the door, but felt something tugging at his ankle. The warsfeil had gripped him by his ankle, and was glaring at him. "This isn't over Ea," the warsfeil replied, "We'll meet again, very soon. I will devour you."
"No," Felsen replied, "Let go of me!" He violently kicked the warsfeil's hand and jumped out of the train. As soon as he jumped out, he remembered landing into the dirt, before his vision became black.
March 29th, 5:20 PM—
Alex looked around her room, and thought, "It feels as if I've been travelling for so long. Funny...I first had ambitions to travel as an officer but now..." She sighed, and fell back onto the bed. She stared up at the ceiling, and thought about Xingfa's words.
"Where could the cursed ticket be?"wondered Alex, "He mentioned that it had no form."
"Perhaps it is in a person?" suggested Lazarus, "You must find the ticket quickly though, because—"
"This house isn't safe and you don't trust the people," Alex silently finished, sardonic. She swallowed a tinge of annoyance, and closed her eyes. She never felt so tired in her life.
"I wonder where Felsen is," mumbled Alex. Her vision suddenly flashed from the comforting darkness into a scene.
There were flowers all around her. Happily, she ran her finger over them, smiling as she felt the soft petals. Laughing, she merrily twirled around; he stood there, watching her with a content expression on his face.
"I love it Father-san!" she said, "Is the rest of this place like it?"
He laughed, and gathered her in his arms. She giggled as he raised her high above the ground where she could see his face levelly. He stared at her lovingly and said, "Soon, when you grow older, you will see the wonders of Heaven."
Alex's eyes flew open. Blinking quickly, she sat up and looked around. "What was that?" wondered Alex, "Was that a clue about the cursed tickets?"
"What clue?" Lazarus asked. Alex frowned. Didn't Lazarus see the strange vision too? She mentally tried to explain what she saw, and there was a period of silence after that.
"Well?" Alex finally thought, "What was it?"
"It was nothing," Lazarus replied, "You are tired."
Alex bit back an angry retort; "Why are you hiding stuff from me?" Alex angrily thought. She knew Lazarus long enough to know that he was lying to her.
"It is for your safety!" Lazarus replied back, "It's important that you don't know about these memories—"
"Memories?" Alex thought, triumphantly,"What? Whose memories are they?"Lazarus refused to answer. At that moment, Alex narrowed her eyes.
Swiftly, she whirled around, pulling the curtain. She saw a shadow flash, but was startled to find herself holding a torn curtain and staring down at the ground.
"What?" muttered Alex. She looked around; she swore that she had sensed someone standing near the curtain. Still clutching the curtain, Alex opened the window, looking around.
"Perhaps they went outside the door?"wondered Alex. She went to the door, but didn't find anything else there. At that moment, Seilan appeared.
"Oh, I see you're ready!" Seilan remarked, "Dinner is to be served very soon." His eyebrows rose, and Alex realized that she was still holding the damaged curtain in her hand.
Flushing, she stuttered, "There was someone in my room, and I thought—" Seilan sighed, and started to walk down the hall. Alex meekly dropped the curtain and scurried after him.
"There really was someone there!" Alex angrily thought.
"Yes...I did sense their presence,"Lazarus replied, "Perhaps you should start to look for the ticket after dinner?"Alex agreed; she didn't want to waste any time searching for it.
Soon, they arrived at a large room. Alex wasn't marvelling at the simple elegance of the room, but actually the length of the table. At one end sat Xingfa Hausen, while there was an empty chair (for her, she automatically assumed). Alex hesitantly slipped into the chair, feeling awkward with the strange setting.
"Eating alone is lonely," Xingfa began, smiling; "Won't you give an old man the pleasure of your company?"
"I already have an annoying old person in my head," Alex thought.
"That was low," Lazarus snapped. Alex gave a little smile. Xingfa smiled back, and asked, "What is your name, young lady?"
"Alex," she replied. At that moment, Seilan entered, and set a tray down in front of her. Alex looked down at the food, marvelling it. She saw winkhob, but some other foods she didn't recognize.
"This is the first time I've seen such food,"thought Alex. She wondered whether the Hausen family was rich.
"I suppose, considering their servants and the elegance," Lazarus pointed out.
Alex took a tentative sip of the soup, and soon found the bowl was empty. She ate heartily, enjoying the explosion of flavours in her mouth—sweet, spicy, sour—it was all delicious.
Alex suddenly realized that she was being addressed. Looking up, Xingfa was staring at her, amused.
"You do not seem familiar with eating etiquette," Xingfa observed. Alex felt her cheeks turn hot, and she shortly replied, "I grew up with the military."
Xingfa's eyebrows were raised. "Oh?" Xingfa remarked, "Alex-chan wasn't brought up by the church. You were brought up to kill." Alex looked at Xingfa, her mind blank. What...exactly was Xingfa trying to say?
"Showered with the blood of others, that scent doesn't easily disappear," Xingfa remarked. Alex didn't like the smile on his face.
"He's baiting you," Lazarus whispered,"Don't listen to him."
"You are the same as me," Alex suddenly replied, "With your stained hands, you opened your doors to me. You grant me hospitality, but then you try to murder me." Her voice grew stronger through every word.
Standing up, she stared at Xingfa straight in the eye. "Someone intends to kill me," Alex announced, "But I do not see it as an inconvenience. Instead, I see it as a clue to what I am searching for." She left the dining room without another word, not caring about the others.
March 29th, 2143: 7:16 PM—
Lazarus froze when he heard Alex's next words. His eyes widened, as Alex stood up and left the dining table.
First the memory, then the strange presence, and now this...
"I wonder whether Ea was our ally after all," Lazarus thought, idly twirling a sprig of grass in his hand. Perhaps this place wasn't safe for Alex; they should leave tonight if someone is trying to kill her.
"But where would she go?" wondered Lazarus. Surely by now the officers must have either figured out her disappearance, and must have arrested Felsen. Lazarus wondered whether Felsen would tell the officers where Alex was.
"He's a ghost," considered Lazarus, "and one of the officers is a warsfeil. Obviously the officer would probably take him to Verloren's reincarnation, and Ea would then get devoured. Of course Ea wouldn't be that stupid."
Lazarus was presently worried about Alex in Hausen House. He first assumed Xingfa Hausen was a kind person, but his words at the table clearly suggested otherwise.
"Xingfa Hausen is responsible for the presence," Lazarus remarked.
"Obviously," Alex sarcastic response came, "This means that I'm on a time limit."
"Well done," Lazarus said, smiling. Alex was getting smarter every minute; clearly it had something to do with his presence.
Lazarus's smile faded as he started to think about the memory Alex experienced."It's still too early for her to remember that," thought Lazarus, "but the wars are starting to wrestle out of my control. Perhaps they are the ones giving her the memories?" He thought back to her statement before she left the dining room.
Another thought occurred to Lazarus."That statement..." thought Lazarus,"would Alex have said that if there were no wars in her?" Lazarus worried about the wars's effect on Alex. Ayanami's response echoed back to him—"The wars will make your human host insane."
Alex was right. Time was running out.
March 29th, 2143: 7:24 PM—
Alex angrily stalked down the hallway. She had no idea why, but she was feeling angry. "Why do I always make friends with the wrong people?" thought Alex. Thinking back to the conversation, she felt a little guilty for losing her temper at him; but still, she was perturbed by his comment.
Lazarus mentioned earlier that Xingfa Hausen must be responsible for the presence. Alex agreed; why else would he make such a strange comment?
Suddenly, she realized that she was lost. Looking around, she tried to retrace her steps back. Instead, she found that she bumped into Seilan. Seilan stood there, coolly staring back at her. Alex stared back, and finally asked, "Why are you here?"
"Alex-chan," Seilan asked, dodging her question, "What do you know about the seven houses?"
"Uhm...they're chosen by the pope and emperor, and are apparently descended from the original seven ghosts?" Alex replied. "Why's he asking this?" Alex wondered.
Seilan nodded, but when she finished, he looked irritated. "That's it?" Seilan angrily said, "No wonder you blew up at Master Xingfa!" Alex glared at Seilan, and Seilan began to walk down the hallway; Alex followed him.
"The emperor of the first district's god house, the pope of the seventh house of god were selected unanimously by agreement of the seven houses," explained Seilan, "In other words, within the house of gods, the emperor and the pope are of equal standing."
"What?" Alex asked, shocked. "The Imperial army is the first district's house of god?" Seilan nodded, and said, "The Barsburg Family."
Alex stood there, her eyes wide. "Right within Hohburg Fortress, I have to get the cursed ticket there?"Alex thought.
"Have fun meeting your worst enemy,"Lazarus teased.
"You're part of this too!"Alex thought,"It's not going to be easy..."
"You went and spoke impolitely in front of the master!" Seilan ranted, and Alex blinked quickly, realizing what was happening.
"Seilan-san," Alex interrupted, "As the house head...you have a lot of respect for those houses of god, right?"
Seilan nodded, and explained, "The master took in an orphan like me and treated me like family. I appreciated it. That's why I won't forgive any mockery of the master."
Alex felt her heart melt a bit. All of a sudden, another vision overtook her.
"Father-san, what do you do?" she wondered. He looked down at her, smiling. He gathered her, and she happily sat on his lap, looking up at him earnestly.
"I preside over souls," he explained, "It is like being a father to everyone."
"So we're all family?" she asked, her eyes wide. He laughed; it was the most beautiful sound she had ever heard.
"What the," Alex thought, blinking. It happened again! Another strange memory from someone! Who was that person?
Seilan noticed her troubled expression and asked, "Are you ill?"
"No," Alex replied, and gave a small sigh. She thought of Teito and Mikage.
"I'm jealous of you, Seilan-san," Alex admitted shyly, looking down at the floor, "I wish I could protect the ones I cherish." Looking away, she muttered, "never mind...it's nothing." There was a short silence, before Seilan said,
"The mission of the sixth district's house of god, the Hausen house, was to assassinate those who threatened the prosperity of the empire. Proceed with caution from here, for your own sake."
Alex nodded, and said, "So I'll behave when I walk into Master Xinglu's room." She smiled when she saw Seilan's flabbergasted expression.
"What?" Seilan asked, horrified.
"May I please take a look inside?" Alex asked, trying to use a light tone. She badly wanted to find the cursed ticket, especially since Xingfa told her that it had no form. "What would it look like?" Alex wondered.
"Someone's been learning from me,"Lazarus remarked.
"You won't find the cursed ticket there," Seilan began.
"Really?" Alex asked.
"I don't know anything!" Seilan said, flustered. Alex's smile grew wider. "I suppose I'll go ask another loyal butler to help—"
Seilan grabbed her by the shoulder and said, "Wait. I'll show you the inside." Alex grinned, glad that she got it her way. Seilan dragged her down a different corridor; Alex noticed there was a lack of paintings and decorations down the hallway. It was strange, seeing the bareness.
Seilan opened a door, and said, "This is young Master Xinglu's room. He was the thirteenth head of the family."
Alex looked around, and found herself fascinated with the works on a table. She realized the pieces of wood were actually parts of dolls. "Those dolls," thought Alex, "They remind me of Castor-san."
She idly turned to the fireplace, and looked up. Her eyes widened when she saw the large photo.
There, were three people. She recognized Xingfa Hausen at the left, and a pretty dark haired lady on the right. In the middle, between the two, was...
"It can't be," Alex thought, her mind racing. She stared at the young youth; the reddish brown hair, the glasses, and the gaze.
"Castor-san?" Alex thought, astonished. She barely heard Seilan's words.
"Young Master Xinglu was young, but he had the abilities of a genius. There was nobody who doubted that. But because he was so young, there were many who sought to take that position from him, so he remained strong against criticism. Even the twelfth head was always very cold toward the young master. Only young Master Xinglu's mother was allowed to spoil him. He opened his heart to nobody. As if he had no other place, young master would immerse himself in making dolls."
Seilan pointed upwards, and Alex saw dark haired dolls. She gave a start, realizing the dolls looked exactly like the dark haired woman in the photograph. "He made all these dolls, trying to make them resemble his mother," Seilan explained, "His exact words was that he wanted a love that would change his life. That day, an organization planning the assassination of the king of Raggs was completely annihilated. Young Master Xinglu himself had killed the head, but he was attracted to something. It was singing."
His voice and eyes had a faraway appearance. "It was the strangest yet saddest thing I had ever seen in my life," Seilan said, "It was a mermaid singing. It was also the first time I saw that expression on Young Master Xinglu. Immediately, he ordered me to take her back. At the house, he dressed her wounds while I bathed her."
Seilan smiled, and continued, "She seemed to be quite attached to the young Master Xinglu." He chuckled, and said, "She lived with him after that. She would sing, and her songs would heal his lonely heart. Unfortunately, his father only ever widened the gap between them. They only ever spoke like parent and child in order to maintain the appearance of the family."
Seilan's smile faded, and his voice turned serious, "That mermaid...she could even change faces. I once was about to enter the young Master Xinglu's room when I heard him talking about god. To both of our surprise, the mermaids' face changed into young Master Xinglu's. What was most striking though, was that the 2nd Young Master Xinglu's face had a smile on it. She taught Young Master Xinglu how to smile."
Seilan walked further down the room, and pointed to another row of dolls. "At some point, dolls that looked like her began appearing in his room," Seilan explained, "He said it was because Razette—the name of the mermaid—wanted friends."
"Razette was so important to Castor-san," thought Alex. She remembered the loving look between Razette and Castor; she never realized how much Castor actually treasured her.
"Soon, Young Master Xinglu was going to be the official inheritor," Seilan said, "but the Raggs war began, and this land was caught up in riots. Those families on the side of the Raggs kingdom fought against the Barsburg Empire. However, they were all defeated. After it was over, these families, to save themselves from extinction, said for this...they would bring the head of their true master."
Alex's eyes widened. "They were going to chop off Castor's head?" thought Alex.
"Both father and son quarrelled," Seilan said, "Master Xingfa wanted to use the mermaid as a decoy, but Young Master Xinglu was completely against it. It was also the first time that Master Xingfa ever confessed his love towards Young Master Xinglu." He was silent for a few moments.
"What happened?" Alex asked hesitantly.
"Razette appeared," Seilan quietly said, "Xingfa moved to strike her down, but Young Master Xinglu...he was stabbed instead. He died, with a smile on his face."
There was a long period of silence, as Alex considered his words. "That doesn't make sense," thought Alex, "Castor and Razette are both alive, and they're at the church. Also...if Castor is part of the Hausen House...then what ghost did he descend from?"
"He is from Fest,"explained Lazarus. Alex clenched her fists, aghast at what she had just heard. The truth...it seemed so hard to believe. Castor...Xinglu...Razette...
Something else occurred to Alex. "If Castor is Feste, then Frau and Labrador are also ghosts?"
"Frau is Zehel, while I think Labrador is Profe," Lazarus was shocked for a moment. She never realized...she was surrounded by the seven ghosts? Even more...the perverted bishop was a ghost himself?
"Did he really die?" Alex asked, looking at Seilan. Seilan regarded her, and finally said, "Yes. But you look dubious."
"That afternoon, young master's father once again became the head of the family," Seilan continued, "And his mother was overcome with grief at the young master's death. One day, she disappeared."
"But Xinglu-san is alive!" burst out Alex.
"Alex no!" Lazarus angrily said, "Don't reveal things that shouldn't be hidden!"
Alex ignored Lazarus and continued, "He's alive, making dolls, while Razette is at the fountain, singing songs with him."
"Alexandra Night," Seilan coldly said, "I will not permit this kind of a joke. I saw the young master's death with my own eyes. You must have seen another coincidence." He gestured to Alex to leave the room, and Alex walked out, feeling more bewildered than ever.
"Castor apparently was Xinglu, and died, but now he and Razette are at the church and that's called a coincidence?" Alex thought. She thought about Xinglu's death, and felt sad.
"What a terrible way to die,"thought Alex, "At least his father told him he loved him." She looked at Seilan, who looked stoically at the hallway. "He's been enduring all this pain for years," realized Alex, "one death spirals into so much grief for others...even if Xinglu was hated, there were still people who loved him. Seilan cared so much about him."
"Grief is the hardest part of a person's life," Lazarus said, "Accepting someone's death is not easy." Alex grew sad, thinking of Teito and Mikage. She still had no idea whether they were dead or alive.
Out loud, Alex slowly said, "Seilan-san...you've been enduring it alone."
Seilan gave a start, and gruffly said, "What is wrong with that? It is not wise to display unnecessary emotions." Alex gripped his hand; she wasn't surprised to find it warm.
"You aren't alone," Alex said; she looked up at Seilan fiercely, and continued, "I'm holding the hand of Seilan-san who was alone!" Seilan looked down at her, agape at her actions, but Alex didn't care. It felt right; nobody needed to suffer alone.
March 30th, 2143: 9:34 AM—
Alex stood silently beside Seilan, as they looked at Castor's—Xinglu's picture and his grave. She had shortly went to bed after last night's events, from Seilan's insistence. She went to sleep, still confused about everything Seilan had told her. Despite that, she had a better opinion of Seilan. Her dreams were not plagued with any nightmares, making Alex wake up refreshed.
"Seilan-san is a good person," thought Alex, as they stood by Xinglu's grave,"He's always been thinking about Xinglu...almost like a brother. Mikage and Teito were my brothers, always there for me."
"I wonder why Seilan-san hasn't decided to travel to the land of Seele, or even Xingfa Hausen," thought Alex, "Wouldn't they want to wish for Xinglu back?"
"God decides when people should come and leave this place," Lazarus said, "He sent Xinglu for a reason. Besides, he has now adopted his role as Feste."
Suddenly, Seilan held Alex's shoulder tightly. Alex turned, facing Seilan. "Alex, leave this room right now!" Seilan yelled. To Alex's surprise and horror, a familiar black mass suddenly appeared, twisting around the grave stone.
Alex felt herself shoved by Seilan. "Seilan!" Alex yelled; "Another wars?"Alex wondered.
"No," Lazarus murmured, "Something worse."
"What?" Alex thought, worried. She summoned her manipulation zaiphon, ready to strike at the black mass. She couldn't see Seilan anywhere. Before Alex could throw her zaiphon, she felt herself being grabbed by several hands. Some clutched her legs, her arms, her chest, even her face. Alex screamed, terrified.
"Alex!" she heard Seilan yell, but felt herself being pulled into another area.
"Calm down, it's just dolls!" Lazarus said, "Use your manipulation zaiphon to destroy them!" Alex gulped, swallowing her panic. She summoned her zaiphon again, and successfully pulled off the dolls off her. She landed onto the ground, and saw more dolls approaching her.
"Find the person who is manipulating them," Lazarus said, "Quickly, before you get over run!"
"These dolls are everywhere!" thought Alex, as she destroyed another round of dolls. She was no longer panicking, but suddenly there was a creepy voice in the air.
"Xinglu...where...are...you...?" Alex heard. She turned around, seeking the owner of the voice, and saw a dark haired woman sitting against the wall. With a start, she realized that it was the same woman in the photograph—Xinglu's mother.
"Alone by myself," the mother whispered, loud enough for Alex to hear, "Is so pitiful."Her eyes opened, and Alex was shocked to see that her eyes were completely black...there was no white muscle around the pupil...it was just...black.
"A demon," Lazarus said, "I should have known. Alex, this demon is powerful. Be careful."
"Oh great," thought Alex, "this is going to suck."
"Concentrate you fool!" Lazarus hissed, and Alex had to dodge a wooden hand creeping towards her. "Xinglu..." the demon whispered, "come back to your mother's side..." Alex manipulated a shield, stopping the dolls from attacking her.
She looked at Alex, and hissed, "Human girl...where is Xinglu?"
"He's dead!" cried Alex, "He is no longer here!" she swung her zaiphon towards the demon, but the demon moved aside; the wood shattered, sending pieces flying all over the place.
The demon laughed, and remarked, "How interesting...your soul is different." Her facial expression changed, from mocking to sadness. Alex barely had any time to react; suddenly, she felt herself lifted high in the air, as the demon began to choke her. She brought her hands to the demon's, trying to wrench it off.
"Xinglu...where have you been?" the demon sadly asked, "I wished so many times for you to return to life!"
"I'm...not...Xinglu," gasped Alex, fighting for air.
"Lies!" the demon snarled, "Xinglu, where were you?" Alex wondered whether it was the demon or the mother speaking.
"It seems as if the mother takes over at random intervals," Lazarus observed,"Perhaps the only way to defeat the demon is to defeat it when the mother takes over."
Sure enough, it was the demon who spoke this time; "I sense something missing within you human," the demon rumbled, "I sense ancient magic inside of you. You have great power, great promise." Alex flinched when the demon hovered closer to her face.
"Maybe I should corrupt you instead," the demon hissed, "I sense so much in you...so much potential."
At the same time, the demon seemed to revert back to the mother. "Xinglu," wailed the mother, "I miss you so much!" Alex looked numbly at the mother, and pity welled up inside of her.
"Is this what a mother's love is like?"wondered Alex, "She just misses Xinglu."She remembered Seilan's words—after Young Master's death, his mother simply disappeared...
"Mother," Alex began. She hesitantly brought her hand and touched the demon's cheek.
"Mother," Alex continued, her voice stronger, "I do live! Even more, I'm no longer a child and I'm not alone!" The words were coming naturally to her, she continued looking at the demon; she said,
"Though I can't return to this house anymore, I found a place where I can be myself. I am happy, and mother, I am always thinking of your happiness." She imagined Castor's smiling face in her mind.
"Good idea," commented Lazarus,"Someone's learning from me already!"
The mother screamed, "You...You brat!" She moved, ready to launch another attack, but Alex was faster. Swiftly, she jumped into the air, and manipulated her zaiphon. The zaiphon wrapped around the mother, ripping her apart. There was a blinding light, and Alex knelt, looking up.
The mother's body was strewn on the ground. Her eyes were flickering. "Who are you human?" the demon weakly asked.
Alex cried out, as she felt a strange force in her mind. Alex closed her eyes, and her mind suddenly swam into another vision. She felt older, more grown up; this time, she was walking with the same man—Father-san—near one of his favourite spots, the grove.
"Father-san, who is Verloren?"she asked. He suddenly paused, looking at her.
"What? It's just a question!" she retorted.
"Verloren told me of your adventure," Father-san remarked. She inwardly groaned, and silently reminded herself never to ask the god for favours ever again.
"Verloren is my perfect creation," Father-san said, looking into the distance. She noticed that he wanted to say something more, but was holding himself back.
"Father-san?" she hesitantly began.
"Stay away from Verloren," Father-san suddenly said, looking directly at her. She flinched at his tone, and his gaze immediately softened.
"My dear Eve," Father-san began, "you grew up as a wilful, curious child. It is for your own good and safety that I am telling you this." He placed his hands on her shoulder and continued, "Do not spend time with Verloren. His duty is to the dead."
"But he's lonely!" she burst out.
"It is his job," Father-san patiently explained, "You will understand more when you grow older." He noticed her expression and laughed.
"Why don't you go play with your friends now?" he asked, "You have better things to do than getting lost in strange places. Next time, don't wander off!"
"Yes father-san," she dully said. Her mind on the other hand was fiercely thinking, 'I'm going to visit him again, whether Father-san likes it or not.'
More scenes rushed through Alex's mind.
"Eve-san!" a voice called out. She turned around, and smiled when she saw an angel land near her. She had heard rumours about Lazarus's abilities, but openly scoffed about them. Inwardly, she was laughing, as she wanted to see what he would do.
Lazarus puffed out his chest and grandly announced, "I, Lazarus, angel of dreams and illusions, is here to display to you my supreme powers!"
"Oh?" she asked, faking innocence, "Why would you want to do that?"
"To win your favour," he smoothly replied, winking. Her smile grew wider as he began to perform complicated magic. She was slightly impressed with his talent, but she could think of a particular death god whose magic was far superior than all the angels'.
"Lazarus," muttered Alex, "Verloren..."
"I regret coming here," she said, her eyes shining with worry, "I haven't talked to my father for a week. I won't go..." She was mad at her father—honestly, he was just nagging her all the time and treating her like a small child. She wasn't stupid; what was wrong if she spent "far too much time with others"?
"Then don't come here!" Verloren ground out, irked. She looked at him, surprised, and a little hurt. 'So much for being a kind friend,' she thought.
"Feelings are something without any form. So expressing them is important!" she insisted. She took her sword and began to draw letters into the ground. Looking down, she realized she wrote "Father-san is being annoying as usual."
"But is talking really an important thing?" Verloren questioned. She blinked, surprised. Why did Verloren say such a strange thing?
'Perhaps he doesn't have anyone to talk to,' she thought. Another wave of irritation took over her—Verloren was Father's creation, yet Father simply isolated him from the rest of heaven! It wasn't fair...
"Come look at this," he offered, and held up his hand. A mass slithered in his hand, writhing.
"Even if there are ugly feelings, when it forms into an object," she began, "Then maybe we can use it to reflect on what we did." Maybe Verloren would open up to her; after all, Verloren was her friend, right?
"On the other hand, love," Verloren countered, "the more pure love, the more light scatters, and so it can't have a form." He held open his hand, revealing nothing in it.
She was amazed. 'He's...right!' she realized, 'Wow, what a genius!'
"So cool!" she exclaimed, "I have a feeling I just saw an incredible secret! Thank you!" As they both began to walk down the glade, she remarked, "It can't have a form because love itself is scattered, it has an infinite amount of space to contain everything."
Her anger towards her Father seemed to be lowered a little. A strange thought suddenly occurred to Eve.
'What kind of love does friendship have?' she wondered, 'does friendship blossom into love?'
The scene changed again...Alex could sense strange thoughts in her mind; a strange emotion overtook her, particularly when gazing at Verloren's face.
"I want to play the most beautiful piece of music for you," she suddenly announced one day, "I want to paint the greatest painting also."
He looked at her, blinking several times. "Why?" Verloren finally asked. She was mesmerized by the deep purple in his eyes—he truly was a masterpiece.
"The most beautiful things can only be felt with the heart," she replied, "I want to see if you have a heart." 'Moreover, I want to see if you have a heart for me,' she secretly thought.
He was puzzled. "I am your father's greatest creation," he began, "My heart is true towards him."
"Having loyalty is different from having a heart," she countered, "If nothing beautiful could ever be touched, then you should learn to throw laughter behind your shoulders more often and loosen those expectations that have locked your thoughts behind you."
'Words of wisdom coming from my mouth,' she thought, 'Father-san should be proud of me.'
"I am the god of death," he replied stoically, "My duty is to the dying. If I care, then nobody will die."
"That's the problem isn't it?" she asked, "Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside of us as we live."
He had turned around and stared at her. "You figured it out," he replied. She smiled, pleased with herself. She figured out the secret behind his job! Her heart lifted when she noticed the warmth in his gaze; somehow, she knew that he only reserved that look especially for her.
Happily, she twirled around, laughing. The sun seemed brighter, the air fresher, and the world more alive. She stopped, and giggled again at Verloren's confused expression, and suddenly surprised him with a hug.
Alex groaned suddenly, and dropped to the ground. She placed a hand on her head, as her vision began to spin once again.
She turned around and her eyes brightened when she saw a familiar figure standing behind her. "Verloren!" she happily exclaimed, and rushed up to him.
"Where have you been?" she demanded, "I was looking everywhere for you! I have an important secret to tell you!" Today, she had made up her mind to tell him the truth...the truth about her feelings towards him.
Her eyes widened, as his scythe lunged towards her. She barely had time to pull out her sword and defend herself when the most awful pain appeared in her body. She screamed in agony, and felt as if her body was being stretched.
The last thing she remembered was seeing Lazarus's face before everything went black.
March 30th, 2143: 1:34 PM—
Castor looked up, surprised. He felt a pair of invisible arms wrap around him, and a sweet scent suddenly filled his nose. The scent made him nostalgic, as he remembered someone, someone familiar.
Turning around, he saw white doves fly into the sky.
"Mother?" Castor asked. The curse...it was lifted from his house...
March 30th, 2143: 1:34 PM—
"I see," the demon hissed, "Daughter of God..."
"No," gasped Alex, "Stop it, that's not me!" She was kneeling, and her fists were on the ground. She could feel tears seeping at the corner of her eyes, but she didn't feel sad; instead she was confused.
"What the heck," Alex numbly thought,"Those memories came again!" Lazarus didn't say anything, and Alex roughly wiped her sleeve against her eyes. Daughter of God...Eve...those were Eve's memories...what did this mean?
She looked at the demon, but there was no body; there was nothing. Slowly—shakily—Alex stood up, and looked at the doorway. Xingfa Hausen stood there, with his bodyguards.
"Last night," Alex began, "It was you who attacked me, wasn't it? To the point of sealing off the guest room below the stairs with a barrier. Did you sometimes give a soul to her?"
Xingfa Hausen's face looked aged. The wrinkles appeared prominent on his face, and his eyes were filled with unseen emotions. "I had...lost Xinglu," Xingfa hesitantly began, "I wasn't even able to do anything to not lose my wife. But heaven decreed that the house of god's injustice would not go unheeded. When the traveller of Seele was sent from heaven was time for the injustice to be exposed."
Xingfa smiled, and suddenly, Alex was shocked when a familiar shadowed figure appeared before her. "Just like those statues at the church," Alex thought.
The shadowed figure spoke, "Thou, the chosen traveller of Seele, do you have the courage to accept the curse?"
Alex stared up, at the skeletal face. The face reminded Alex of Verloren, yet the voice..."Castor?" Alex wondered.
"Castor-san," Alex hesitantly began, "When you died, you reincarnated as one of the seven ghosts, didn't you?"
"Frau, Labrador, and Felsen...they're reincarnations too," thought Alex.
"Yes," Castor said, "to be precise, in order for the ghosts to exist in the world I was chosen as a vessel."
"But the result is that you live," Alex burst out, "That's great! Seilan-san, your father...they are waiting for you here!"
There was a moment of silence as Castor regarded Alex, who looked back at him, earnest.
"Once someone dies, it is prohibited by heaven for that person to come in contact with people who knew that death," Castor gently said, "I...cannot even be seen by my family."
Alex paused. "What?" she whispered.
"Alex-chan," Castor said, gesturing around, "To me, do you not appear to be alone here in the wilderness?" Alex blinked, realizing Castor was right. The mansion...it had disappeared! They appeared to be standing in a desolate area.
Alex watched was Castor gently picked up a broken wooden hand. Castor gently caressed the hand against his cheek, and whispered, "Thank you Alex-chan...Mother has been sent for by heaven."
"Castor-san," Alex whispered. She felt her eyes tearing up. It was so unfair. He could never see his family again.
"The houses of god are blood relatives of gods. As they are god's blood relatives, there is an absolutely unstained existence dividing the seven ghosts and blood. However they're also people that neither church, nor military, can judge," Castor explained.
"There is so many things I wish to ask from Father-san," Alex thought. She blinked, realizing that it was the first time she called god her father.
"I heard that to go to the land of Seele was to die to meet Father-san," Alex said, "How on earth does one get an audience with Father-san in exchange for life?"
"It would be easier if I were to kill myself then," thought Alex. She noticed Castor have a surprised expression on his face.
"Father-san?" Castor echoed, staring at her.
Alex blinked quickly, realizing, and hastily said, "Well, I got these memories..." She explained about the different visions she had, and finally fell silent.
"You truly are the daughter of god," Castor remarked. He looked at her closely, and continued, "Eve..." He bowed, and Alex stepped back, surprised at his actions.
"Verloren is innocent!" burst out Alex, "He didn't kill me!" Castor looked at her, his eyes narrowed.
"What?" Castor asked, "Are you sure all of your memories are back with you, my lady?"
"It's Alex!"Alex angrily said, "Yes, I am sure!" She didn't want to tell Castor about Lazarus yet.
Castor looked at her for a long time and said, "Yes...your soul...it's different. It doesn't shine like Teito-kun's—"
"Teito's alive?" Alex exclaimed. Teito...Teito's alive! Then Mikage was too, right?
"Yes, Teito-kun is alive and well, but Mikage-kun unfortunately passed on," Castor said, slowly. Alex's face immediately fell. Mikage...Mikage...Mikage was...dead?
"I don't believe it," Alex quietly said, "Mikage..."
"Ayanami must have killed him,"Lazarus said.
"The chief of heaven keeps the houses of god from defilement in return," Castor said, "If a new life is desired, to be a king, a mutli-millionaire, whatever life of happiness can be obtained."
Alex's eyes widened. She could...she could ask for Mikage! "In that case, can someone's life be exchanged for my own? Such a life of happiness!"
"The chief of heaven is omnipotent," Castor interrupted, "If in exchange for losing your new life, you were to wish such..."
"Please give me the cursed ticket!" pleaded Alex. It was her first step to making things right. She could...she could get Mikage back! Castor swung his scythe, and Alex felt something burning on her arm. Looking down, she saw a curious symbol—"The mark of Feste," Lazarus whispered.
"When the time comes that you have collected 7 tickets from the 7 people that are ghosts, the tickets will guide you to the land of Seele according to your will," Castor said. His form began to vanish, and Alex heard him whisper, "Good luck, daughter of god."
Alex blinked, realizing she was at Hausen House again. Turning around, she saw Xingfa Hausen looking at her, with wide eyes. "You...are not an ordinary person. Please tell me who you are," Xingfa slowly asked, "Whose blood runs through your veins?"
"My name is Alexandra Night," Alex began, "I do not know who I am, but I hope to find out someday."
Xingfa surprisingly laughed, and said, "Seilan, she is an important noble guest. See her off courteously. I am greatly indebted to you." Seilan bowed, and gestured to Alex to follow him.
Alex hesitantly followed him, and they walked to the front of the house. "That was impressive," remarked Seilan, "You have done what nobody else could." He opened the door, and Alex was shocked to see a group of soldiers standing there.
"Exposing Hausen House's disgrace to society is impossible but you are under arrest girl," the head guard announced.