"No," Kadence insisted stubbornly, "They're your rooms. Ill sleep on the couch!"

We had been arguing like this for some time, each of us insisting to sleep on the couch while the other took the bed. I wanted her to use the bed, explaining that she was still recovering and that I was accustomed to sleeping in much less comfortable conditions. I didn't bother arguing that she was female, and thus I should be the one to accommodate her needs. It often appeared that she didn't even realise her gender as she talked brazenly, acted indecently and was constantly threatening to hit one person or another. But she had insisted that she was the one who should sleep on the couch because they were my rooms. In the end I had many more reasons, but there was no point in arguing with a brick wall.

I threw my hands up in frustration, "Fine! Do whatever you want! I'm going to go check on my knights, so don't wander off."

She nodded triumphantly, curling up into a mass of blankets on the couch. I rolled my eyes at her and left, adopting a stern face. I padded down the wooden staircase slowly, revelling in the knowledge that I could finally sleep in peace tonight. When I finally reached the bottom of the stairs all of my knights were gathered around a table in the corner, speaking in hushed tones.

"Are you sure it's really captain?" One hissed, looking suspicious.

"Or maybe that girl is actually a Necromancer that's somehow controlling him?!" Another piped in.

"It couldn't be..." One started slowly, looking horrified, "That Captain is sick?!"

I pretended to ignore their comments, instead clearing my throat loudly. They jumped and looked to me guiltily, some even knocking down their drinks. I tried to hide my disapproval of drinking while working. After all, they had worked hard and deserved the rest.

"Ignal," I said loudly, addressing my Vice Captain by his name, "Might I have a word?"

He nodded quickly, standing and walking with me to a quieter corner before asking, "How can I help you, Captain?"

"Is everything ready to depart at first light?" I asked seriously.

"Yes Sir!" He said formally, and I nodded. As I left he stopped with with a quiet, uncomfortable voice, "Ah, Sir... About what the others were saying-" I braced myself against his question, "Please don't worry, Captain! No matter what, we'll follow you!"

He turned and left quickly, face seeming slightly flushed.

I turned and ascended to my rooms, not thinking properly. Was that him telling me that even if I'm weird, they'll follow me or no matter what kind of Necromancer propelled me, they'd follow me?

I shook my head, opening my door and looking at Kadence in amusement. She was lying half on the couch, blankets tumbling off her clumsily. I gathered her in my arms, taking care not to jostle her, and moved her onto the bed. Then I turned and threw myself onto the couch, pulling my cloak around me like a blanket. For somebody who'd been running around taking care of Kadence for a whole day, it was the most luxurious bed in the world.

I fell into a deep, tired sleep.

"Hey Seriph!" Kadence's voice awoke me. She stood looking down at me, grinning in her usual manner with her bright golden hair sparkling, "Wake up! Somebody says they're here to see you!"

"Who?" I mumbled, sitting up and rubbing my eyes in a tired manner.

"It's Big Brother!" She said happily, walking across the room and opening the door to let somebody in. A tall, blonde boy walked in, his blue eyes focused on me. He was beautiful and elegant, but his skin was off-hue and entirely too white . Kadence linked arms with him, pulling him in closer to me and laughing merrily, "You know Big Brother, don't you?"

"Caelan...?" I whispered, unable to believe who was standing infront of me. He was entirely himself, from head to toe. The only thing that was missing was his bright, carefree smile. Instead he was looking at me sadly, completely silent.

"That's right!" Kadence laughed, "It's Big Brother Sun!"

"How can that... How are you alive?!" I stood, reaching forward, "Caelan!"

"Silly Seriph," Kadence said in a quiet voice, eyes distant, "Big Brother can't answer you."

"Why not?!" I demanded, looking between the two of them in disbelief. How do these two know each other?!

"Because, Seriph," Her face looked even sadder and tears of red began to flow down her face, "You didn't save him. He can't talk because he has nothing left to talk with."

Everything around me darkened and they looked at me with sad, accusing eyes as Kadence continued, "Why didn't you save us, Seriph?"

Their bodies disintergrated, turning into ash and leaving me alone in the darkness.

"No!" I shouted, sitting up and promptly hitting my head on something. Or rather, someone, "Kadence?!" I exclaimed, staring at her in confusion, "What-What was that?!"

"Owww!" She complained, rubbing her head, "This is what I get for being nice! Your vice captain told me it was first light, so I tried to wake you up!"

"Oh," I said softly, realising it must have been a dream, then realising it was already first light, "Shi-" I jumped up, running around and pulling my uniform on quickly, hopping on one foot as I pulled on my boots and said hurriedly, "I should have already been ready by now!"

"It's not the end of the world," Kadence muttered, following me out. I almost jumped down the stairs, my black robes billowing out behind me until I reached the bottom and tried to regain my air of dignity. I walked out, head held high and face stern. Behind me trailed Kadence, looking bright as ever.

"Youre still not coming with us," I said sternly.

"You still can't stop me," She said happily, practically skipping as we made our way our of the inn. Infront of it stood both platoons, all mounted and ready to go. I quickly made my way to the head of the procession and mounted my horse swiftly. I grabbed the reigns loosely, sitting upright with the posture of a knight. Below me the black horse gave a little huff and shifted its hooves expectantly.

"Hey help me up, would you?" Kadence complained, looking up at me. She only came to about the height of my knee on the horse, and she had to shield her eyes as she looked up at me and grumbled, "Stop making me feel short, damn it..."

I arched an eyebrow, feeling slightly triumphant as I said in a smug voice, "Still not coming with us."

She flushed brilliantly, clenching her fists tightly and glaring at me, "Fine! I'll just ask one of your knights!"

"None of them would disobey an order," I said calmly, bending to tighten the straps on my saddle and checking the status of my knights. A few hung-over stragglers hurried to the horses, practically throwing themselves on in their haste. For once I didn't lament in their lateness, glad that I wasn't the only one holding the procession up.

"I'll follow you on foot then! If I die its on your head!" She glowered at me, looking like an angry fairy as the rising sun began to catch on her hair. All around us the snow had begun to glitter; sparkling from trees, the streets and even some of the knights. It clung to everything like white dust, soft and bright. I still disliked the North, but I could see the beauty in it at times like these. Still, I was glad to be heading back to the South where the world is painted in bright colours and the air doesn't threaten to freeze you if you walk outside in light clothing. Even now the cold air bit at my exposed skin, making me feel uncomfortable chilled.

I shrugged carelessly, "Do what you want."

She looked flustered, shouting, "I wasn't serious! Theres no way I'm walking all the way to Leaf Bud City! Dont be so heartless!"

"I'm the Judgment Knight," I said simply, "It's my job to be heartless."

We glared at each other, stuck in stalemate. Well, she glared. I just sort of looked on sternly, trying my best to salvage my 'Judgment Knight' reputation with my men.

"Well," Metal said slowly from beside us, leaning down to look at Kadence, "There's nothing that says the Metal Knight can't give hitchhikers a lift."

Kadence lit up, grinning widely to reveal teeth whiter than the snow on the ground, "You'll help?" He nodded and her grin doubled, looking about ready to break off of her face.

"Wait!" I protested, staring at Metal, "We can't take her with us!"

"You can't take her with us," He replied, grabbing Kadence's arm and dragging her onto the horse to sit behind him, "I can do as I please."

With that he kicked his horse into motion, not waiting for my reply. Feeling angry I followed in silence, no doubt fitting the part of the Judgment Knight well. Even my knights seemed to keep more of a distance as I glowered at the road ahead of us, ignoring the two mischievous people riding next to me.

Why is it that nobody ever listens to a thing I say?! Honestly! I bet Metal is just doing it to annoy me. Ah her brothers going to be worried! Wendy will probably faint...

As we continued to ride these dark thoughts accumulated, darkening my mood also. Suddenly we stopped and I looked ahead of us in angry confusion. The road was thick with snow, at least as deep as my hip, making it almost impossible for our horses to cross.

"Ignal," I called my Vice-Captain before ordering, "Get out the shovels. We'll need to dig through this."

I started loosening the straps near my feet to get off and help assist my knights in dealing with the problem. I hadn't gotten far before I was interrupted by a loud voice.

"No need!" Kadence's cheery voice piped up as she slid off of the horse clumsily, "I'll deal with it," A few of the knights who had not witnessed her capture of the Necromancer scoffed, until she reached forward her hands and the snow parted; leaving a clear path. I could see in their eyes that every knight instantly liked and respected her a lot more. After all, nobody wants to waste time digging through snow that thick snow, especially with the hangovers several of them must still be nursing.

"Hehe," Kadence said cheekily, turning to me with her hands on her hips, "Aren't you glad I came now?"

I stared at her coldly before signalling my horse to continue. I heard her indignant shouts, but chose to ignore them. Instead I remained in solitude, thinking up ways to return her after we arrived at Leaf Bud City. I could get a transportation circle, but they were often expensive. Or possibly even send some knights to escort her back... I shook my head. It wouldn't work. As long as she persisted on coming, there was nothing I could do to stop her.

"Youre joking!" Metal laughed behind me, conversing with Kadence and interrupting my thoughts, "The South is wonderful. I can't believe you've never been."

"I might have, when I was little. But in the end my brother and I have never had any reason to leave the North since we got there."

"Why the sudden change of mind then?"

"I'm not really sure," She replied slowly, "I just had a gut instinct. Like I had to."

"Aren't you worried about your brother?"

"Not really. He'll come if he wants to, but he won't be angry that I left."

"Seems nice," Metal commented, "Do you do this often?"

"Nope!"

"Then how do you know he won't be mad?"

"Brother never gets mad at me," She said cheekily.

"So you're spoilt?" Metal laughed.

"Spoilt is such a nasty word," She amended, "I prefer cared for."

"Youre very cared for then, aren't you?" He said with a laugh, and I heard the sound of her hitting him, "Okay okay! Geez you're strong. We should spar sometime."

"Definitely!" She exclaimed excitedly, "I'll kick your butt!"

"We'll see about that!" He retorted, "Hey look! We're almost there!"

Dark had almost fallen but the glow of Leaf Bud City still hummed in the distance, growing closer and closer until it engulfed us.

"Welcome," Metal said grandly, "To Leaf Bud City, Home of the Chuch of the God of Light and the Twelve Holy Knights!"

"Showoff," Kadence muttered, but as their horse pulled up next to mine I could see the excitement in her eyes. In the time we had been gone the Summer Festival had begun, and the streets were alive. Around us troupes were performing all sorts of tricks; singing, magic, dancing, music, blade throwing, plays and many more. Above the bustling crowds hung lanterns that bathed the streets in light, including the seemingly endless plethora of shops and stalls that lined every street. The festivities split, standing to either side of the road as we passed. Although they were always beautiful, I'd never had a chance to participate in any of the upbeat festivals. After all, my face was feared among the citizens. Instead the Warm and Kind hearted section would attend, bringing in even more festivities and (most importantly for the Pope) donations for the church. I couldn't see any on the way to the Church, but I was sure they were there, somewhere. They would all be running around for the entirety of the festivals, fulfilling their roles in turn. I struggled to keep the corners of my mouth down as I realised that Leaf was most likely in the crowds, having children dumped on him to play with.

When we reached the church I dismounted, signalling to nearby Holy Knights to take the horses for us. Turning to my knights I said in a deep voice, "You may leave now."

"Eep!" Kadence tripped as she dismounted the horse, but quickly righted herself again. Metal, meanwhile, dismounted with ease; jumping off the horse and landing easily next to her with a smug grin.

I sighed, "I'll take the criminal to the Judgment Complex from here." My knights nodded, dispersing and leaving the criminal in my care. I gripped his chains firmly, taking care to double-check all of his bindings before taking the bag off his head to let him see his way as we began to walk.

"I'm coming with you!" Kadence said quickly, hurrying up to me. Her hair flew out behind her as she moved forward, catching the light.

"I'm off to my rooms," Metal said simply, turning to grin but giving no explanation other than, "I have business."

With that he left, giving me no choice but to tow Kadence along with me. We padded along the dry grass silently, until after awhile she asked softly, "Are you really that mad at me?"

I shook my head wearily, "Not really. I'm just worried about you leaving your friends and family behind like that. But I know you must really wanted to have come. It's good timing, too."

"Isn't it?" She exclaimed excitedly clapping her hands together and practically skipping, "It's so beautiful here! We should explore together!I want to watch the performers and try the food they have here!"

"I can't do that," I said quickly, "Maybe you can go with Metal?"

"Why can't you come?" She demanded.

"The citizens don't feel comfortable around me..."

We entered the Judgment Complex and I promptly dumped the criminal in one of the cells, locking it securely behind me.

"That's nonsense!" She said crankily, arms crossed infront of herself, "They can get over it!"

"Let them be at peace," I replied calmly before looking down at her dirtied and ripped attire, adding, "You can't go out in that, either. It's all tattered now."
She fingered the torn ends of her dress while biting her lip, "I have nothing else to wear."

"I think Metal should be able to help with that," I said, looking over her critically, "He's probably been dying to show somebody new his skills."

"What skills?" She said excitedly, eyes sparkling, "Can he conjure clothing?! Or make this dress into a brand new one with magic?!"

I laughed despite myself, shaking my head as I began to walk in the direction of Metals rooms and explained to her, "I don't think that's the way magic works. He can't work magic for his life, either," She looked slightly disappointed, "But the clothing he makes is like magic. They're always very beautiful."

"I would not have pegged him to be the tailoring type," She said, grinning to herself as we walked down the halls, "I figured his hobbies would include alcohol and fighting, more than something peaceful like tailoring."

"Oh? Isn't tailoring better, though? I mean he'll probably make you something nice. He seems to like you," I said, smiling faintly, "Tailoring is more productive."

"Drinking and fighting would have been more fun, though!" She insisted, dancing ahead and turning to look and me and walk backwards, "I don't know anything about tailoring!"

I sighed, exasperated as I stopped infront of Metals door, "I'm sure he wouldn't say no to fighting and drinking either."

She leant infront of my cheekily, knocking quickly and calling out in a sing song voice, "O' Insulting and Rude Metal Knight! Open thy door and indulge in my magnificent company!"

I heard a stifled laugh from the other side of the door and Metal opened it, grinning lopsidedly as he said happily, "O' Bratty Kid, enter my den if you dare."

She rolled her eyes and stepped in, dragging me along with her. Inside was brightly lit, with sewing equipment. Along the walls neatly stacked bundles of cloth laid, and in the corner were two mannequins. On one of them was a dress of a soft orange and red, glass and thread working together to create flames that snaked up the dress and caught the light. It clung to the mannequin well, flaring out at the bottom. The dress continued to the neck like a halter.

I could see her eyes get caught on it, widening significantly.

"How do you like it?" Metal sounded cheeky as he leant against a wall, staring at her with a glint in his eyes.

"I take back what I said!" She said promptly, staring at the dress in awe, "Tailoring is the coolest thing ever. After fighting and alcohol."

He chuckled as he loosened its hold over the mannequin, throwing it to her with a flourish. She caught it, surprised as she stared from it to him. He said in a bright voice, "For you. As a gift for your first day in Leaf Bud City, and in the South in general. Dont worry;it fits. There's a room to your left you can change in."

She followed his directions excitedly, closing the door quickly behind herself. I waited patiently to the side, expecting her to burst out in it at any moment. When she didn't I began to frown to myself, stepping forward and asking in a loud voice, "Everything alright in there?"

The sounds of struggle ensued, making me worried, until she finally cracked open the door and peaked her head out, saying in a quiet voice, "I can't get the zip..."

"Oh just come out," Metal said, rolling his eyes at her. She did so obediently and he quickly zipped in up in one smooth motion, "Go have a look."

She nodded excitedly, turning to the mirror and stopping to stare at herself in surprise. I can understand why. It fit her perfectly, of course. It started around her neck, trailing down in a brilliant red silk, curving around her before flourishing out at the ends, finishing just below her knees. She touched the fabric absently,running her fingers across the ornate bumps of bright orange glass-beads. In a soft voice she murmured, "This is beautiful."

"Of course it is!" Metal boasted, looking haughty, "Everything I make is beautiful."

"There's just one thing," She said quietly, making him frown in annoyance, "You weren't joking," She looked up to glower at him sourly, "About it fitting. Geez. I didn't know the Metal Knight was a pervert!"

His face reddened and I laughed softly. I took it as retribution for his earlier teasing. Then I felt a little uneasy. I'd never encountered anybody that disregarded our positions so easily, making us fumble with our acts as she did so. I really have no idea how she's managed to survive so far. It must be her brother, right? I mean, nobody who's this bold and fight-happy could possibly live this long without somebody looking after them. I suddenly felt pity for her brother.

"You two go enjoy the festival. I'm going to go deal with some paperwork," I said, turning. I was halfway to the door before Metal exclaimed loudly.

"What are you talking about?!" He said, staring at me incredulously, "I don't have time for that! Why don't you go? She's your responsibility!"

"But you're the one who brought her," I argued helplessly.

He shook his head seriously, pushing both of us out of his room as he said, "No, no! I don't have a miracle vice-captain like you! I have enough paperwork to drown in!"

"But you dump all your work on Moon!" I exclaimed, but he had already shut the door on our faces. I stood for a moment, staring at the door and resisting the urge to bang my head on it.

"So," Kadence said casually from beside me, a cheeky grin lighting up her face, "Now you have to take me, huh?"

This is what they call a Devil dressed as an Angel, right?

Thankyou for the reviews! I hope you like the story so far! If you have any questions or ideas don't be afraid to send me a message, I'll always reply!

On other news, I won't me able to update as frequently for awhile. I have a big event coming up so I'm getting fairly busy trying to get everything under control. For those of you currently reading Legend of the Dark Knight_Alternate Ending, fear not! I've got a half-baked chapter in the oven. I'll probably post it tomorrow, if I get time.