Bless This World With A Stranger

by RhineWrites

Arc 15: At the End of the World!

49. A10-3: Remember Kazuma and Yunyun

{|} Chapter 3: Remember, [Kazuma] and [Yunyun] {|}

{|} Remember... The Day We First Met {|}

"Miss... miss... milady [Yunyun], why won't you wake up already?"

Hm... wah... ah...

"Alright... alight, already. I'm up... I up, damn it."

I grumble as I open my eyes and smack my lips as I push myself up into a sitting position. I then turn my head towards the maid and send her a tired look while saying-

"Why the early wake-up call? I remember asking to be allowed a chance to sleep in this morning."

"I know that milady. But you see... it's already well past nine in the morning. Almost at the tenth hour, actually."

"What. Are you serious?"

I look at her, sending her a disbelieving stare before turning and reaching for the clock at my bedside table. Taking it into my hands, I see that it was indeed nearly 10am. I groan before throwing myself back onto my pillow and pulling the covers over my head.

"Guess I was up later than I should have been. Argh, I'm still sleepy so let me rest for a few more hours. I'm still a growing girl, after all, so getting tons of rest is important."

I then close my eyes, figuring that was the end of that little annoyance. A moment later, the covers are ripped away and my eyes see the annoyed maid glaring down at me.

"I'm sorry, lady [Yunyun] but I'm afraid I can't allow you that right at this time."

"And why the hell not? Have you forgotten who's in charge around..."

"Milady, that language. And yes, I do recall who's in charge around here; that person being your father. And it was on his instructions that I make sure you be up and ready before 11am lunch as he will be returning to the mansion... and with a special guest in his company. A guest the master is most eager for you to meet."

"Seriously... Aqua damn it all. Fine, I'll get up... but be warned that I will be sleeping in tomorrow to make up for my loss today and no amount of anything will change that. Now, do me a favor and leave me at once so I can change without having eyes watching me the whole time."

"As you wish... oh, one more thing milady. When you're meeting with our guest, do make sure you remember to act like a proper lady less you embarrass both you father and your family's good name."

"I make no promises..."

Once I was alone, I take a moment to consider if I should even care about this meeting or not before finally forcing myself out of bed. I make my way over to the vanity and take a seat. Upon seeing the nasty and unkept state of my hair, I let out an annoyed sigh. I didn't like the fact my station practically forces me to have long hair. If it were up to me right now, I would have my hair shorter, perhaps no longer than my shoulders.

I then begin the long, tiresome, and thankless job of combing all the tangles and other bed-head frazzles from my waist length locks. After an eternity of dealing with that, or forty-minutes... something like that, I dress myself in the attire I know father would want me to dress in when it came to entertaining a guest.

Truth told, while I do complain about a lot of things concerning my life, it wasn't as all bad as I mentally tend to make it all out to be. I actually have a lot more freedom than what most other girls of noble blood and bearing here on our world of Arbel.

Once garbed in a silken emerald dress, I made my way outside my room and made my way to the entry hall. As I begin to walk down the stairs to the main lobby of our mansion, I wonder if Eris would also be present for this meeting. Despite her... condition, father may feel that something as simple as a meeting would not tax her health to badly.

Once I reach the bottom, that annoying old busybody of a maid who ripped me away from my peaceful slumber early came walking into view. Upon seeing me, she smiles happily as she quickly makes her way over to me while saying-

"And here I thought I would need to pay you another visit, perhaps even force you out of bed this time. So glad that won't be necessary... and I must say, you're looking very lovely right now, lady [Yunyun]. In fact, seeing you right now makes me think of your dear sweet mother, Aqua rest her soul. I am surprised though, if I'm being honest with you. I was half expecting to see you dress yourself in your usual casual wear. What's that look and style called again... the 'tomboy?'"

"Yeah, going with my 'tomboy' look was rather tempting but even I know when the bite the bullet and act in accordance with my station. So, has father arrived yet with the guest?"

"Indeed he has. Currently, our guest is out in the garden. As for your father... hm, where did he run off too? Excuse me a moment, milady [Yunyun]. I'll see if I can find him."

The maid bows before quickly walking off in search of father. As I stand there, waiting patiently in the lobby while twiddling my thumbs. I wonder if I should go ahead and walk out into the garden. Perhaps see if I can find this mystery person who was our guest. I also wonder what kind of person this guest could be. Probably one of father's old fuddy-duddy friends from the Arkt Church.

"Is she gone?"

came a voice, father's voice to be exact from one of the side rooms. I can't help but smile as I say-

"Yes father, Mildred has gone... gone searching for you, that is. She's probably going to check your office first then head upstairs to check your room then mine. Perhaps check with Eris as well."

"Then that means I'm in the clear, at least for the moment."

Father then comes into view, quickly moving from his hiding spot over to me. He was a tall man, short cut silver hair with an upper back length ponytail and a neatly trimmed beard. His attire was a mixture of what one would expect to see being worn by someone who was both of noble blood and the leader of the Inquisitor Knights. Once he had reached me, he grumbles-

"That Mildred... love that woman for all the hard work she does for us, I do. But damn can she be utterly annoying at times. So rigid and inflexible at all times... how can one possibly have any fun with her watching your every action from over your shoulders."

"No kidding. She woke me up from the most amazing dream for this... meeting, I guess."

"Let me guess, riding around on dragons and slaying goblins and Heretics? You're so like your mother, both in your looks and your adventurous spirit."

I felt my cheeks warm up a little at hearing that. Being told that I was like mom was... nice. I then shake my head to clear my thoughts before saying-

"So, about this person you are wanting me to meet, the one who's out waiting for us in the garden."

"Hm... oh right, I almost forgot. Well, no time like the present. Let's go meet with him, shall we."

Father and I then begin to walk through the lobby and into a long hall. The doors at the end opening out into the garden. Once we reach the door, father stops and tells me as he looks at me-

"Before we step outside, let me prepare you for who you're about to meet. He's a nice, if somewhat quiet, boy. Not much older than you are, actually."

Not much older, huh. Guess that means he's around eight years of age then.

"I was recently introduced to him myself, by way of Praegem Calaster."

By the Praegem? This boy must be special if father was introduced to him by the leader of the Arkt faith.

"Sounds like a big deal, then. What, is he some kind of chosen one or something."

"Actually, yes... he is one of lady Aqua's chosen."

"Huh? Wait, I was just joking, father. This guy... he's seriously a legendary hero in the making?"

"He bears the mark on his right hand; the divine sigil placed upon him by the goddess herself that denotes him of being a child with divine blood flowing through his veins. I don't know much about his past or how he was found by the church, but the fact remains he is who is he is and we owe him our support."

"Amazing... now I can't wait to meet with him too. I am curious though, father. Why am I meeting with him like this. I'm guessing there's more going on here than just a simple introduction between us."

"You are correct, [Yunyun]. As the head of the Inquisitor Knights, I have been asked to personally oversee his training so that when the time comes for him to fulfill his destiny, he'll be ready to see it down. And seeing as that is the case..."

"Then it means he and I will be training together then, isn't that right father. Makes sense, seeing as I am your first born and I'm the one who shall succeed you as head of the Inquisitor Knights someday. That also means me and him will likely be working together a great deal from now on."

"There's that, but that's not the only reason. At the request of the Praegem, you and our chosen one are to become betrothed to one another."

I see, well that's OK I... wait, betrothed... as in we're going to be...

"You mean married? Me and this guy are going to be... dad, no offense but isn't it a bit too early for me to even be thinking about stuff like that? I mean, for one thing, I'm not even a double digit yet. Becoming someone's wife is the last thing on my mind right now."

"I know, I know... no need to worry. I told him the choice will ultimately be yours on this matter, though I do confess mixing our blood with the blood of a divine child would be a boon for our family's good name for centuries to come. The choice will still be yours in the end. For right now, just focus on getting to know our new friend here and we'll see where that friendship ends up going for the both of you."

I suppose that's fair. Besides, I have another eight to ten years before marriage becomes an issue. Plenty of time to become use to the idea of me and this guy as a couple.

With all that explanation having finished, father and I step out into the garden and begin walking down the many paths. It takes a few minutes of searching on our part, but we soon find our special guest; the so-called hero in the making.

From the looks of him, he was around my height. He had red bushy hair with a slight pinkish tint to it. He looked nice enough, if a little on the wimpy side. Still, he had a certain level of cuteness about him so perhaps this won't be all that bad.

I just hope he doesn't have a snooty and snobbish personality born from being treated all special.

Father clears his through, catching his attention. He then looks our way and I confess my breath caught in my throat. While there was an obvious kindness present in his azure eyes, there was also an intensity that seemed to be looking into my very soul.

"Allow me to introduce you to my first-born daughter as well as your training partner and perhaps future wife, [Yunyun]. Daughter, may I introduce you to our potential hero in the making; [Kazuma]."

[Kazuma] nods ever so slightly before stepping away from the sculpted shrubbery and walks to stand before me. He then bows down onto one knee with his head lowered, not saying a word as he does this.

In return, I do a quick curtsy before saying-

"Um... yeah, nice to meet you... [Kazuma]. Please treat me well and I shall do the same with you."

"See, fast friends already. I knew this first meeting would be a productive one. Now, if you both shall excuse me, I have other matters to attend too. I'll leave you both so that you can get to know each other better and will see you when it is lunch time."

With that, father excuses himself, making me panic just a little as I look back, watching him leave.

"Wait, father... do you really...?"

I then let out a sigh. Being honest, I'm not really sure if I'm ready to be left alone with a boy I just met. It's not like I've spent much time socializing with guys before now, so I really don't know what to say or talk about.

I then look back at [Kazuma] and immediately become nervous as, after standing, was looking at me with that intense stare of his. I back away on impulse as I say-

"What... what is it, what's wrong? Is there... something on my face or something?"

His azure eyes remained locked on me, making feel even more nervous and self-conscious. I was starting to become irritated, and I finally say angrily-

"OK, that's it. What's the big deal here. I don't know what's going on inside that head of yours, but I would appreciate it if you stop..."

"Oh, I think I know just the one."

he says suddenly before turning away and quickly walking over to one of the flower beds.

As he begins to examine the flowers, I just stand there and watch him. I had just heard his voice for the first time. It was... his voice sounds... nice. He appears to have made his decision as he takes one of the flowers into his hand before coming back over to me.

He then takes the blue-white flower and places it in my hair before stepping back and looks at me again, then says-

"I was encouraged to do this when I met you. It looks good on you... a flower for a flower!"

I was too taken aback from my surprise to say anything in response.

{|} Remember... When You First Met My Sister {|}

"... and above all else when it comes to any battle; always have an exit strategy."

Several weeks had passed since the day I met [Kazuma]. During that time, we had been made to train together almost daily. Sometimes, we would be trained by various combat tutors and others, like today, would see us being trained by father himself.

I was told the reason for me and [Kazuma] being trained together was to help up develop a rapport with one another, as well as to build the bond of friendship between us as well. Honestly, I didn't mind us spending time together as I found him rather interesting.

He wasn't like those other snobby kids I often found myself hanging out with. The ones who, like me, belonged to high society and thus acted like they were better than others. I hated that, I really did, and I'm glad father and mother, when she had still been alive, had raised me to be better and humbler than those other brats within my social circle.

"[Yunyun], were you paying attention?"

Father's words bring me out of my thoughts as I return my focus to him.

"Of course I was. Last thing you said was we should always have an exit strategy."

From the corner of my eye, I could see [Kazuma] shake his head just a bit while father himself lets out a sigh.

"I did say that, but I also said something else right after. Looks like you went into your own personal fantasy land a little too soon there, daughter. Never forget, never become so lost in thought that you drown out the happenings of the real world in the process."

"Yes father. That was my bad."

I could feel the heat in my cheeks burn as I lowered my head in embarrassment. And here I was trying to create the impression that I was already an amazing and impressive force to my new friend here. Bet he's trying hard to not laugh right now, what with my father being here.

I then feel him place a hand on my shoulder, making me look his way to see him sending me an encouraging smile. OK, so he probably wouldn't be laughing at me... or maybe he would but in a good, fun-loving way. Regardless, he was sending me encouragement through his smile and that was enough to make me feel better here.

Father then clears his throat, making the both of us look at him again.

"Anyways, what I said was that I'm afraid our training time together must come to an end now. I have many things I need to go take care of, as is my responsibilities as the head of the Inquisitor Knights... something you'll have to deal with yourself once you succeed me, [Yunyun]. As such, you both are free to spend the rest of the day doing whatever you both want."

Seriously, awesome. Perhaps I can take [Kazuma] outside the mansion grounds and show him some of my favorite spots here in the city. I wonder if he's ever tried...

"[Yunyun], a thought just occurred to me. Have you taken the time to introduce young [Kazuma] to Eris yet? If not, then wouldn't now be as good a day as any other?"

said father before exiting the small room which was being used for our more book focused training.

That's right, while it's been a few weeks since we first met, I have never once taken [Kazuma] up to meet Eris. I've talked to her about him a fair bit and I know Eris has been wanting to meet him... alright. I have my plans with him for today decided.

I quickly get to my feet then look back at him while holding my hand out to him as he stands as well.

"Father's right, [Kazuma]. I think now would be a good time for you to meet my sister. What do you say?"

Without waiting for his reply, which I really wasn't expecting much, if any, from him as he was still the quiet type with me, I grab onto his hand and begin to lead him quickly around the mansion, up the stairs to the second floor, and down several halls. As we go, I hear him say-

"Sister? I didn't know you have a sister..."

"What, seriously? Didn't father mention that to you at any point in the past? Never mind, just wait till you meet Eris. I've told her a lot about you, and she's been wanting to meet you too."

A few minutes later, we had reached the doors to my sister's room. It was a large sized room that granted her an amazing view of the garden out back. Something that could help calm and ease both mind and heart from having to endure the troubles life had forced onto her.

Before opening the door to her room, I turn back to [Kazuma] and tell him quietly-

"Before you meet Eris, there's a few things you should know. My sister... she suffers from a weak constitution. Her body is rather weak and frail, leaving her bedridden for most of her life. She becomes tired easily and sometimes suffers these powerful coughs. Try to be gentle when with her and not overexcite her too much... for her sake."

[Kazuma] sends me an understanding nod. I then turn around and open the door partially, just enough to poke my head in so I could-

"Eris, are you awake right now?"

"Hm... oh, sister. Yes, I'm awake. I thought you were training with father today?"

As expected, Eris was resting in her bed, a book laying on her lap. I'm guessing she had been reading when I had poked my head inside. With her frail health being what it is, she didn't have much else she could do when alone in here.

"Yeah, I am... I was. Father had other duties he needs to deal with, so I've been given the rest of the day to myself."

"I see. Does that mean we're going to be playing some board games again?"

"Maybe in a bit. Before that, however. I believe today is the day to meet a certain someone whom you've been wanting to meet ever since I first mentioned him to you."

"Ah... you mean... master [Kazuma]?"

Eris became all panicky, probably because of her current state of being. Her hair was a mess and her night dress somewhat wrinkly. It was rather cute when she became all flustered. I grin as I open the door and pull [Kazuma] in behind me and towards her.

At first, Eris had been unsure on what to do though she did say-

"Wait, please. Don't let him in yet. I'm not... I'm not presentable right..."

"Ah, don't be such a worry wart, Eris. I've already given him the four-one-one about you, so it'll be fine. Now quit trying to hide yourself and greet him properly why don't you."

"Ah, sister. Why are you always like this. Stop being so mean to me..."

"I'm not being mean. You're just being stubborn now so stop trying to hide beneath the covers and let him see you already."

Eris had tried to hide beneath her blanket, forcing me to run over to her bedside and force her back out into the open. I'll give her credit; despite her poor health, she did a good job of keeping herself hidden away but seeing as I was the stronger here, I came out winning in the end.

Eris looked totally embarrassed as her eyes dart all over while she fidgets nervously. Finally, she lets out a defeated sigh before looking towards [Kazuma] and saying quietly-

"I'm sorry about all that and for my shameful appearance, master [Kazuma]. Forgive me. My name is..."

I notice her going quiet as her eyes finally locked onto [Kazuma], her cheeks now glowing from the intense blush as stars and puffy clouds filled her eyes. It was almost like... wait, was that the look of love at first sight I was seeing on my twin sisters face? Looks really weird if you ask me.

[Kazuma], for his part, does a simple bow before stepping forward, takes one of Eris's hands and plants a quick and simple kiss on it which makes her start to swoon just a little. As for me, I end up crossing my arms over my chest as I grumble out-

"You didn't go do that with me back then."

It takes a few moments later before Eris finally recovers from her little 'state' and finally continues.

"Eris, my name is Eris. So, you're the [Kazuma] my sister has been telling me so much about."

Once more, he simply nods before his eyes go from her to me then back to her then back to me. Understanding what was going on, I move in close till my face was pressed side by side against Eris's face. I then say-

"Your eyes aren't play tricks on you, [Kazuma]. Me and Eris do look exactly like one another. As you have probably guessed, we're twin sisters, alike in every way with the exception of our personalities."

"And that mole you have on your cheek, sister."

"Yes, and that... we don't talk about the mole, understand [Kazuma]. I'm not that big a fan of it and as soon as I can find a magical way to remove it, I shall."

[Kazuma] nods before pulling a chair up and taking a seat beside the bed. I remained sitting on the bed beside Eris and after a few moments of silence, I say-

"So, what should we do now. I'll let you decide, Eris. Play a game, tell some stories, anything you want here."

"Well, I would like to..."

Before she could say more, Eris begins to hack and cough badly. Moving quickly, I jump off the bed to go pour her some water to drink. As I'm doing this, I say to [Kazuma]-

"This is what I was warning you about. I guess just the act of meeting you was a little too much for Eris to hand... le?"

I take notice that my sister had stopped coughing suddenly which was strange as her coughing fits usually take longer to subside. Looking back, I see that [Kazuma] had reached out and taken her hand into his own, his eyes closed as Eris just looked at him in confusion.

"The energy within your body is out of alignment with your being. Please, allow me to help ease your suffering, even if only a little."

Eris nods as [Kazuma] takes his hand off her's and places both onto her cheeks. He then leans in closer to her, pressing his forehead against her's, making Eris close her eyes. I watch on, unable to speak as I see a light faintly come to life around [Kazuma], a light that then begins to flow over into my sister, making her body glow ever so faintly too.

After a few minutes of this, the glowing between them ends and [Kazuma] pulls away from her.

"Eris... are you...?"

Eris opens her eyes at hearing my voice, then examines herself. As she does this, I notice that some color had returned to her rather pale features and even her eyes had a bit more life in them.

"I... I feel good. In fact, I don't think I've ever felt this good before. What did you do?"

I also look at [Kazuma], waiting for him to answer. He also appeared to be confused though he does say-

"I... don't really know for sure. I could just sense it, the flow of her energy being out of whack within her body."

"Like trying to start a fire using an ice gem?"

"Something like that. Because of the strange way her energy is flowing, not all of her being is receiving the light that it should be. I merely used some of mine to help improve the flow of her power though I don't know how I did it, nor do I understand how I knew I could do it either."

"Amazing..."

"So, does that mean Eris's health... is she all better now?"

I asked, getting a shake from [Kazuma].

"What I did is only a temporary fix. I'll need to do even more, likely over many years if not for the rest of her life, in order to maintain any form of improved health within her to say nothing of possibly making this permanent."

"Well then, guess that means I'll have to bring him around to play with you a lot more often, huh sis?"

"Yeah, I would like that."

The smile Eris had on her face shown like the sun. For the first time in her life, she looked to be truly happy.

{|} Remember... Those Days We Trained Together {|}

"Miss... miss... milady [Yunyun]? Honestly, child. You're fifteen years of age now, far too old to being sleeping in like you so enjoy. Must we really do this each and every..."

Mildred's words are cut off when my bedroom door goes slamming right into her, clearly knocking her for a loop. Not that I had time to care as I had someplace important to be right now.

"Sorry about that Mildred. As You can see, I was already up, getting dressed and ready for today's activities. I'll be off now... oh yeah, tell the chef we'll be having a guest join us for lunch, and probably for dinner too so he should plan accordingly."

I shouted back towards her crumbling form without breaking my stride. I exit the hall into the second floor of the main lobby. While I could proceed down the stairs like the proper lady I'm supposed to be, I wasn't wanting to play the role of a proper lady right now, so I do something that was way more me here.

I hop onto the railing along the side that overlooks the main floor before jumping high and doing a flip before making a perfect landing, complete with one hell of a stylish landing pose. I look around, seeing the shocked expressions of the other help at my actions. I send them a grin before running down the left side hall.

After several turns, I soon reach my destination... the in-house training hall, where he would be waiting for me. Just as I'm about to kick the doors open and announce my arrival, a most evil idea comes over to me. I snicker like some evil villain as I turn to a side door and enter that instead.

I then emerge onto an upper floor; meant for observation should we ever have an audience watching the action below. While my family's training hall was usually a private affair sort of place, there were times we would have outsiders come around for a visit with this being a form of entertainment for them.

Moving quietly, like an assassin, I make my way around till I was off to one side before carefully peeking over the wall to see where [Kazuma] was at in here.

"I shouldn't be surprised... standing dead center in the room like always."

What's more, his eyes were closed and his blade resting against the ground. From the looks of it, he was doing some form of meditation. And he was, I think. Having known him for seven years now, I was confident that I knew him better than most. And that's why...

I channel my mana into my legs before leaping forward, easily making it so I was directly above him as I began my decent. I then pull free my two training daggers as I happily shout out-

"Hey, wimpy hero. Eyes up..."

I came closer... closer... close-click. Like a flash of lightning, [Kazuma] came alive, spinning and bringing his wooden training sword swinging upwards to block my own twin blades. I manage to perfectly balance upon his weapon as our eyes remained locked on each other intensely.

"A total sneak attack this time. Not very ladylike, [Yunyun]."

"I don't feel like acting like a lady, [Kazuma]. Right now, I'm just a normal girl who's getting to hang out with her best friend and wanting to make sure he hasn't started slacking on his training."

He sends me a confident grin before he begins to push his sword forward. I maintain my balance for a moment more before moving my legs, creating the momentum needed to launch myself up and off over to one side.

I quickly turn myself in the air to make sure I was already facing him once I was on the ground. The moment my feet were touching the earth, I launch myself forward at [Kazuma] with my next plan of attack already in place.

[Kazuma], who was still facing away from me, fails to move, I decide that I would have to punish him by way of knocking his feet out from under his legs. Just as I'm about to go knock his legs out from under him, he suddenly back-flips over me while using one hand to touch my shoulder and use it like a brace.

As he goes flipping over me, I look up and see that annoyingly addictive smirk of his, something that could both infuriate me and melt my heart at the same time, I quickly turn the moment his touch is gone, as does he upon landing, and our weapons collide as we begin a test of strength between us.

"So, have I improved any?"

"Maybe just a little bit... just a little. Seems you've gotten better since the last time we got to train together. However..."

I then duck down, causing him to stumble forward as I shoot around before jumping up and wrapping my legs around him while hooking his neck with my weapons.

"I'm still the overall better fighter. So, do you yield?"

"Only one who's ready to admit defeat shall yield. Hate to break it to you, I don't feel like I've lost yet."

"Oh really, then what do you say to a little bet. If I win, you have to do anything I say without question for an entire week."

"Alright, I'll accept that. And what if I win?"

"Like that's going to happen... but if you were to somehow win, then I'll do anything you want me to do for an entire week. Is that acceptable?"

"What does this tell you..."

The next thing I knew, he had dropped his weapon which had caught me off guard but what he does next was even more unexpected as he sudden reaches around and starts to touch me in places no one other than me has ever touched before, That action was so unexpected that my grip weakens, allowing him to throw me off while grabbing his weapon with swift precision.

As I pick myself up, a send him a furious glare as I shout out.

"[Kazuma], you damn pervert. How could you go do that to me now. Where's your sense of honor."

"Funny, I seem to recall a certain someone once telling me, during our first training duel, that there were no rules when out on the battlefield. All one will find is either victory or defeat, life or death. Besides, I seem to recall you using certain moves to insure victory in the past."

Damn it, I hate when he does that. I keep my glare on him for a moment more before saying-

"Fine, but starting now, we'll have a no touching below the belt rule in effect. Be glad you're my best friend and future husband, otherwise I'd have father see you executed for sexual harassment."

"Very well. No below the belt stuff. Still plenty going on up top with you for me to enjoy."

"Just try it."

I probably sounded more excited than I should have with my words as we go charging at one another.

In truth, I didn't mind him doing 'certain things' to me. I dare say that I actually enjoy it, not that I was ready to admit to it yet. His actions had just caught me off guard as he usually doesn't act like that. Guess this shows just how far [Kazuma] has come since the day we first met those seven years ago.

While he's still the quiet, and sometimes shy, guy I first met that day, he has come a long way when it comes to his social skills, especially when it comes to both me and Eris.

Our duel lasted a good while before we finally decided to call it a draw. Currently, I was sitting on a bench next to the entry doors into the arena. I grab the water bottle, taking a long drink from it. Despite its small size, it was actually a magical bottle that could store enough water to fill a small lake.

As I was drinking, I became aware of [Kazuma's] eyes being locked onto me. I wonder... why would he be watching me so intently while drinking down... oh, I get it. Not all the water I was drinking was making it into my mouth and down my throat. More than a fair amount was dribbling down my chin and onto my white shirt I had chosen to wear.

I was already fairly sweaty as it was, which was making my top cling to my body but adding the water hitting my top on top of that was probably making said top become even more transparent... which had been part of my plan, if I'm being honest.

I finally stop drinking before turning my gaze towards my chest, easily seeing the outline of my growing breast before turning my gaze onto [Kazuma] while sending him a sly grin.

"Why [Kazuma], I can't help but notice you've been looking my way for the last few moments now. Is it because you're sneaking a peak at these."

I then turn his way and puff my chest out towards him. While my chest wasn't especially big, I still felt what I had was a decent size for a girl my age to have.

[Kazuma] immediately averts his gaze, his face red as his eyes dart here and there. Like a kid who's been caught raiding the cookie jar by his parents, he was totally at a loss on how to explain himself to me. It was really cute, actually, and I was happy I was one of the few who could see this side of him.

But I wasn't done yet.

"[Kazuma], do you... want to touch them?"

"Eh? [Yunyun]... are you... are you being serious with me? This isn't a case of you teasing me... again?"

"No, I'm fine with you touching me. We're alone right now, so I think it'll be OK. Besides, we are to be married here within the next two to three years, so I see no harm if we get a little head start on certain acts together."

"Um... well, OK."

[Kazuma] then reaches out towards me, his hands drawing closer and closer to my chest. I was just as nervous as he clearly was, of course. But I wasn't going to show it as I did have my pride after all and I couldn't allow myself to show him any weakness, at least not at this time.

Besides, I'd be lying if I said this hadn't been on my mind here as of late, especially after all those dreams I've been having about us... and that one that included Eris which I'm still embarrassed about.

Just as his hands were about to make contact, he stops before looking at me and asking-

"Actually... [Yunyun], has our future nuptials been finalized yet? Last time I heard it brought up by your father, he said there was still some paperwork needing done before our wedding date was set in stone."

Huh? That is a good question. [Kazuma] pulls his hands away while I let out a sigh. I then look towards the ceiling and say-

"Why are they dragging their feet on that? I already told dad I was fine with becoming your first wife so why haven't we been made to sign the papers needed to finalize it all. We'll need to ask him about that during dinner tonight."

"So, guess that means we need to rain check getting frisky with one another till after that's been done, huh?"

"Yeah, looks like it. Damn it all, and here I was all ready to start taking things to the next..."

Just then, the doors come swinging open as Mildred comes walking inside.

"Forgive me, milady [Yunyun]... lord [Kazuma]. I'm afraid you have been summoned."

The two of us look at each other before standing, moving over to join Mildred and leave the room.

{|} Remember... Our First Mission Together {|}

"So, this will be our first mission without a handler to watch over us. Honestly, can't help but feel a bit let down. What about you, [Yunyun]?"

"Seriously, that old man of mine. Even when we're finally trusted with doing something solo, he still feels the need to hand hold us. Well, nothing doing about that now. Let's just go find old man Alabaster and let him know we're here."

With shoulders slumped, I head through the wooden entry arch with [Kazuma] following behind me.

Our mission was here at the Alabaster farms, located a few miles south of our usual stomping grounds. Our purpose here was rather simple in truth. We would check in with old man Alabaster, then walk around on patrol for the bulk of our time here. Perhaps even help with seeing various chore's done while we're at it.

In other words, we were in for a LONG and BORING day. Fan-fucking-tastic!

About an hour later, we were in the middle of our first walk around the expansive property, keeping an eye out for anything that seemed out of place; like wild beast trying to sneak through the fences to harass and make off with the farm animals as well as the occasional thief and prankster.

"So, what did you and your dad talk about in private back then?"

asked [Kazuma] suddenly, drawing me from my thoughts which were my only source of entertainment during this dull and depressing day. I look to him as he adds-

"I know he told us that he should have the papers we'll need to sign to make our future marriage official at last but was there more relating to that you wanted to chit-chat with him about?"

Ah... right, that matter. I can't believe father could be so forgetful about something so important. I mean, actually saying that we had already signed the papers and that we were being silly only to discover that he was wrong when he couldn't find the documents anywhere.

Boy did he have egg on his face from that, figuratively speaking. It was then he said he would go take care of that once we were gone and we could make everything official once we return for dinner.

Something was off, though. The way he was acting, both with that matter and the other matter I brought up with him when [Kazuma] had left the room... I don't know. He seemed a little...

Nah, I must be over thinking things here.

"[Yunyun]?"

Hm? Oh, right. [Kazuma's] waiting for me to answer his question. I conk my head while sticking my tongue out then say-

"Sorry about that; lost in thought I was. Yeah, that other topic me and father talked about in private... Tell me, [Kazuma]. Would you be OK with having Eris become your second wife?"

"Huh?"

[Kazuma] comes to a dead stop which I had expected to happen. I stop as well while turning back to face him, waiting for an answer. Finally-

"Are you being serious, [Yunyun]?"

"Of course I'm being serious. When am I not being serious with you."

"I think you're mistaking serious for teasing..."

"Quiet you, if I tease then it's only out of my love for you that I do it. I would never waste time teasing someone I don't care about. Well, what do you think? Want to make Eris your wife number two?"

[Kazuma] takes on a thinking pose and after a few moments finally says-

"Would that even be allowed for me?"

"I don't see why it wouldn't be. Have you forgotten that divine doctrine within the Arkt faith says that all men have to have a minimum of three wives, do to how few men are actually born into the world when compared to us girls. Knowing that, I'm already prepared to share you with two other girls."

"I know that much. I'm not an idiot... mostly. What I meant was is having me take both you and you sister as my wives even allowed under doctrine?"

"Hm, I don't see why not. We can ask father about that once we get back but I'm sure it'll be allowed."

"And what about Eris? Shouldn't we talk to her about this before we talk to your father..."

"No need to worry about that. Eris LOVES you to death, you know. Don't forget, you're technically her only friend and whenever it's just the two of us, she almost always talks about you or wants to talk about you."

"Am I really her only friend? Doesn't anyone else come around to play with her when I'm not around? And what about you and the help..."

"What about me and the help. Yes, Eris and I are friends but we're also first and foremost sisters so I can't be counted in the numbers. As for the help, would you want to think of them as friends if you can avoid it? As for having other friends. Who would want to come by and play a sickly a girl a visit even just once to say nothing of paying her multiple visits often."

"What about your friends? Surely I'm not the only one you've brought around to visit... wait, you do have other friends besides me... right, [Yunyun]?"

I immediately avert my gaze, making him deadpan. I then nervously say-

"Well, I do have other friends... if you could call them that. I'd more call them other kids from the nobility that I have to associate with from time to time. There's no way I would ever bring them around to meet Eris as I fear how they would treat her. Not bad in any intentional way but they would create an atmosphere that would make one think they were looking down on her or pity her. She also doesn't need to be forced to put up with their snobbish attitudes."

"What about non nobility friends?"

"Hah, like I would ever be allowed to socialize with commoners. Don't get me wrong, [Kazuma]. I wouldn't mind hanging out and become friends with people who aren't part of the nobility but I'm always being blocked from doing that by this and that. It's really all super annoying. At least I... me and Eris have you in our lives. For the both of us, you are our one true friend; our best friend in fact and we wouldn't have it any other way."

"I see. Still, how can you be sure Eris would want to marry..."

He stops speaking, probably because I silenced him with a finger as I send him a serious look.

"Trust me on this, [Kazuma]. She loves you, just as much as I do if not more than I do. If you ask her, there's no doubt she'll say yes without a second thought. If you still need convincing, then ask her yourself once we get back. After that, I'll have father prepare papers for the both of you to sign as well."

"Guess I have too then, if you're being so insistent about it."

"Good call... also, how do you feel about Eris? Would you like to have her as your bride too."

"I... I'm not against it. I'm just worried I may not be able to..."

"HEY, YOU TWO DAMN SLACKERS. GET BACK TO WORK!"

came a shout from off to the side, making us both jump from shock. Old man Alabaster had arrived and had seen us standing around doing nothing and thus had felt the need to yell at us both.

The rest of the day was fairly uneventful for us. Lots of walking around looking at nothing interesting happening, unless you count milking cows, chasing chickens, and other dull and boring farm work.

All in all, for our first mission without a handler watching over us, this mission was total shit.

{|} Remember... The Day When We Became One {|}

The next year or so saw us doing even more mission together. Some missions were simple like that first one we did without a handler to watch our back. Some actually had a bit of a bite to them; meaning we actually had a little challenge from the experience. Some missions had us each working solo and independent of one another. And there were a couple of missions where we were joined by others who, like use, were younger members of the Inquisitor Knights and there were even times when we had some veterans along to make sure everything went smoothly.

Also in that time, my future marriage to [Kazuma] was finally finalized as was [Kazuma's] marriage to Eris. There was something that confused me though. He insisted that we had already finalized our union and that it was us who were forgetting that fact. In the end, we were proven right which left father acting all embarrassed and sheepish from his goof.

He also consented to the marriage between Eris and [Kazuma] which I was happy about, and yet... I don't know. Maybe this is just being a worry wart and all that but...

I just can't help but feel that something is right about things here with us and father. I just can't figure out what that thing could be. I know that, for one thing, he's been wanting [Kazuma] to spend less time with both me and Eris these last few months than what was once the case.

"Hey [Yunyun], doing OK over there? Do you need to take a break or something?"

Crap, what a way to embarrass myself here. I smack my cheeks a few times before turning to him and saying-

"Sorry-sorry, just a little lost in thought. I'll get my head into the game."

"That would be recommended, seeing as we're in the middle of investigating this abandoned village."

That's right, we're on an important mission, given to us by the Praegem himself.

Recently, an important mining village in the western mountains had stopped sending the monthly ore supplies to the capital city. A team had been sent to see what had happened and had reported back that the town seemed to have been deserted suddenly.

Because of this unexpected event, further investigations were needed, hence why the two of us had been sent. Normally, a task such as this would demand a much larger team, but the Inquisitor Knights were being stretched rather thin as of late, due to all the recent sightings of the Moltana Devil and sending the regular city guard was seen as too lacking for such an important matter.

Because of this, a series of small teams would be sent to look around for a few days then return to make their individual reports and, if necessary, another team would be sent for further investigations.

Currently, it was our turn to do some looking around. We would search the abandoned city for a full day and then return home in the morning to make our report.

"So, see anything of interest yet?"

I shouted out as sneak a peek inside one small building that looked to be a blacksmith's shop.

"Nothing so far... this is damn strange, if you ask me. All the people are missing yet there appears to be no sign of any kind of foul play having occurred."

"I know. There's no sign of any fighting having happened, and all the homes are still fully furnished; food on tables and such. If I didn't know any better, I'd say everyone here disappeared into thin air."

Just then, thunder rumbled above us, making me look to the sky to see dark clouds were starting to appear quickly.

"Looks like we have some nasty weather coming our way. Perhaps we should consider taking shelter here before... [Kazuma]?"

I suddenly take notice of his absence and quickly begin to look around. No matter where I look, I cannot see [Kazuma] anywhere. I then begin to shout out his name, getting no reply.

Panic takes hold as I begin to run all over, going from one building to another until...

'[Kazuma], there you are. What the hell's up with you? Didn't you hear me back there. You had me worried... [Kazuma]?"

He was standing off in a corner, unmoving. Once more, my concern returned, making me quickly move over to his side and place my hand on his shoulder, making him turn to look at me. He looked like he was in some sort of trance and as I try to think, I heard a clinking sound hit the ground.

Looking down, I see a pendant with a curious design on it. I kneel down and pick it up to better examine it. It was then I saw it, the symbol carved into the metal of the pendant.

Heretics!

I then turn my attention back to [Kazuma] and I place both my hands onto his shoulders, followed by me shaking him. After several seconds, he finally snaps back to reality.

"[Yunyun]? What... happened. Where am I?"

"You're inside a house in that village we were sent to investigate. You know you had me all freaked out a few moments ago. Sending me into a panic when you went missing and failed to respond to my calls."

"Really, I did... I mean, didn't. Sorry about that."

Outside, thunder crackled loudly as the sound of the winds were starting to pick up. I ignore that for the moment as I show [Kazuma] the pendant he had dropped just seconds ago.

"Any idea what this is all about? You were holding it when I found you all out of it like you were."

"Really? Wait, I remember coming in here and seeing it as I was looking around. It... I don't know why but something about this looks familiar to me."

"Probably because of our education showed this symbol to us. This sigil of a tear drop with the branches of a tree behind it is the mark of the Heretic's, our great enemy. I wonder why something like this would be here. Is it possible that the disappearance of the people of this village was caused by the..."

A sudden blast of wind forces its way into the house, sending the both of us slamming against the wall. As we work to recover from our sudden abuse, a loud and terrifying screech cuts through the air.

"What the hell was that?"

"Nothing good, that's for sure. So, should we..."

"Absolutely NOT! Let's just hide out in here until..."

Before I could finish, the ceiling is blasted away with a deafening roar, revealing the creature responsible for the sudden destructive act.

I was a large bird like creature, hawk like in appearance. Its body surged with electrical energy and there were visible bolts of lightning flashing across each individual feather. [Kazuma] knew what it was right away as he says-

"A Storm Talon. Why is such a monster like this hanging around these parts?"

I've heard of Storm Talons. They normally only appear in the wild lands where few people live. Why would a creature like this suddenly appear around these parts?

A sudden buildup of electrical energy within its body alerts us to it about to do something and I feel [Kazuma] lift me up into his arms before running out of the house. The next thing I knew, we had been sent flying as the shock wave from the massive electrical bolt it unleashed destroys the house we had just been in.

We both hit the ground, being separated in the process.

I need a moment to recover and as I start to pick myself up, I see the Storm Talon looking at me as more energy starts to build up within its wings.

"[Yunyun], don't just lay there. Move, damn it."

Right, [Kazuma's] right. I have to move. I need to move, otherwise I'll...

But I didn't move, perhaps I was still not all here mentally to properly think and react or maybe it was because of fear? Or perhaps a bit of both, not that it mattered as it unleashes another blast of lightning right at me. Unable to do anything else, I close my eyes tightly and wait for the attack to land.

"[YUNYUN]!"

The next thing I knew, I was being pushed away by [Kazuma], watching everything move in slow motion as he takes the hit that was meant for me. A blinding flash blinds me momentarily and then, there was nothing but scorched earth where he had been just moments before.

"[KAZUMA]..."

My scream filled the air as the Storm Talon turns its attention back onto me.

For a moment, I just remained motionless as I was still in shock and disbelief. And then those feelings turned into an intense rage as I grit my teeth, get myself back onto my feet, and pull my twin daggers out as I glare up at the monster, sending it all my hatred as I scream out-

"Damn you, you... you killed my... I'm going to fucking kill you!"

I charge towards it as it begins to attack me in turn and then... it stops before turning its gaze towards the distance. I don't care as I jump at it, but it suddenly flies higher, avoiding my attack. It then looks at me again before suddenly flying off into the distance, leaving me to scream at it.

Once it was no longer visible, I collapse onto the ground, my rage turning to unending sorrow as I weep.

"[Kazuma-Kazuma], I... if only I had... I'm so..."

"Hey, don't mean to rush you, [Yunyun] but... I could really use a hand here."

Hearing [Kazuma's] voice cry out suddenly makes everything freeze for a second before I snap back to reality, my eyes quickly looking here and there desperately for him. I then see it, just barely; fingers grasping the rock at the edge of a very, very LONG drop.

I shriek before rushing over to find [Kazuma] barely holding onto the slippery rock face. Without missing a beat, I grab onto his arm with both of mine and using all the strength I had within me, I manage to pull him back up to safety.

As we both recover from that, the rains finally begin to fall, and it was a hard rain that was hitting us.

"Damn, that was a close one. Thanks for the save..."

I didn't let him finish as I quickly pull him into a hug, holding him tightly against me as I say-

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I'm sorry..."

I said this over and over endlessly. After a moment, I feel his arms wrap around me and return my hug and for the next while, we just stayed like that, unaware of the rains soaking us more and more.

A little while later, we had retreated inside another of the houses. By now, it was so dark outside that one would think it was the dead of night even though it was around lunch time in actuality. The rains and wind and thunder were still going strong outside.

As for us, we were sitting beside a lit fire; our clothing hanging to dry. As for us, we were essentially naked save for the towels wrapped around our bodies. [Kazuma] was currently stoking the fire while I just sat beside him, having not said anything since we had entered the house.

[Kazuma] then gets up and walks over to the window and looks outside.

"Looks like this nasty weather won't be letting up anytime soon. Guess we'll be staying inside for the rest of the... [Yunyun]?"

I don't respond to his call, nor do I respond to the next either. It wasn't till I felt his touch on my shoulder and one final call of my name that I finally reacted and looked up at him as he takes a seat beside me again.

I look at him for a moment, then turn my eyes away again while saying-

"I'm sorry."

"Yes, that has been well established by now. Seriously [Yunyun], are you OK?"

"No... No, I'm not OK [Kazuma]. I almost lost you back there, because I failed to act during a critical moment. If-if you had died, then I..."

"But I didn't die, did I. I'm still here... here with you, [Yunyun]. I'll always be here with you. Not nothing is ever going to change that."

I tear up as I look at him, sending him a smile. He returns my smile with one of his own before looking towards the fire.

"Gotta say, I was a little worried back there. Nothing like almost being sent flying off the side of a mountain to make one feel alive, you know."

He's trying to make me laugh, make me feel better. Goddess Aqua, how I love this guy so much. Trying his hardest to make me feel better and yet here I am... you know what, no more self-pity for me. I'm going to do what I've been wanting to do for a long time now. Something that will make me...

Make US feel a thousand times better.

"So, any ideas how we can pass the time here..."

Before [Kazuma] could finish, I quickly jump him, forcing him onto the ground. He sends me a confused look as I send him an intense stare. That last for just a moment before I finally make my next move.

I close the distance between us, pressing my lips against his as we both experience our first kiss together. The kiss last for a few moments before we break apart. That only last for a second before [Kazuma] pulls me back down to him and we once again kiss, this one lasting far longer and being deeper than the first.

Once that kiss ends, I pull away and allow him to sit up while saying-

"[Kazuma], please touch me..."

"Eh? You want me to... is this another joke on your part? Are you teasing me..."

"What I want, right here and now, is you and only you. Please... just love me."

And he did. On this day, he loved me as a man and I in turn loved his as a woman. For the rest of the day, oblivious to the sounds of the storm outside the building's walls, we loved one another and became one with one another. Many times, over many hours, we loved each other without end. Time became lost to us and soon, before we realized it, the sun of a new day was shining through the windows of our little hideaway.

Currently, we were laying together in bed with only the covers concealing our naked bodies should anyone suddenly come walking in on us. My head was resting upon his chest and after having awakened, I begin tracing little heat shapes which earns his attention.

I feel his hugging me while saying-

"Are you feeling OK, [Yunyun]? Was I... I wasn't too rough on you, right?"

"Hm... not at all. As for how I'm feeling right now. I'm feeling..."

"Complete!"

{|} Remember... When You Went Missing {|}

[WARNING: Instability detected within the Fantasia. Estimated time to simulation collapse...]

"... and then I took the head of that Saber Runner clean off his body. Guess he didn't have a good head on his shoulders, huh sis?"

"(giggle) Yes, I suppose though your bad attempt at making a pun leaves a lot to be desired."

"What are you talking about? I happen to think my puns are pretty good, if I do say so myself. Just ask [Kaz]tu when he gets back. I'm confident he'll agree with me on that subject."

"Sure, Kr[yun], whatever you say. (sigh) I really hope [Kazuma's] all right."

"Ah, don't worry about him. I'm sure he's fine. His latest mission seemed to be way easier than what mine was going to be. In fact, he should have... he should have gotten back before me. That's strange; him not being here already."

It had been several months since that day we become more 'intimate' with one another. Since then, our missions together had become, let's just say, more daring and adventurous.

By that, I obviously mean we took every chance we got to do all sorts of questionable things with each other though I'm still wondering what we both were thinking when we decided to 'have at each other' in the middle of that dark alley that one time. Sure, we were alone and were never seen by anyone... at least I think and hope. But still, doing what we did with each other out in the open like that? I mean, were we crazy in the head at the time.

Still, what an amazing and thrilling day that was.

Of course, there was no way we could continue to be as active with one another as we have been without causing us some issues. While us getting a head start on 'deepening our relationship,' it was still somewhat frowned upon as the expectation was for couples to wait till they were married before doing all the stuff we've been doing together for these last few months.

But really, who cares. I mean, I'm already his wife as far as I'm concerned, and I seriously doubt other couples are good enough children to be patient and wait till after the big ceremony before doing the deed.

Anyways, father decided we had been doing to many missions together as of late and we really needed to do some growing away from each other. He told us that being independent was important, especially in the line of work we were a part of.

While I'm sure he wasn't aware of our personal activities, I can't help but feel that he may have had an idea of what we were doing in secret and was trying to force a break onto us. Perhaps subconsciously worried I would end up with child before the big day comes. If that's the case, then he doesn't need to worry as we have been careful in that regard.

"Are you really sure about that, [Yun]ys? After you both left, Ri[uma] was suddenly summoned back by father and given a new mission and..."

"Wait, what did you say, Eris."

"I said father recalled [Kazuma] and gave him a new mission. I don't know what kind of mission it was but according to Mildred, it must have been quite the serious matter. I mean, even the Praegem himself had been present... or so I was told."

"Praegem Calaster? But why would... no. Oh no, don't tell me..."

Without even needing to think about it, I bolted from Eris's room, ignore her calling out to me, asking me what was wrong. I raced down the hall until I had reached father's office, quickly forcing my way inside. He wasn't here so I begin searching the mansion. I soon found Mildred and...

"Mildred, where's my father?"

"Lady [Yunyun], is something wrong? Why are you..."

"No time for that. Please, do you know where my father is? I need to talk to him... NOW!"

The seriousness in my tone must have caught Mildred off guard as she took a few steps back and was clearly uneasy. Finally, she says-

"He's off at the Inquisitor Knight's sanctum. He needed to attend to some matters there."

"Right... thanks."

Not giving her any explanation for my actions, I turn and quickly leave the mansion. I end up knocking some people over in my rush, not that I felt like I had the time to stop and apologize. As if I was possessed, I needed to hurry and find father and ask him what mission he had sent [Kazuma] on that day.

And all the while, I hoped beyond hope that the growing fear within me was wrong.

Once I reached the sanctum, I charged in and quickly made my way to his office, hoping he would be in there. Once at the large double doors that led inside, I didn't hesitate to kick both of them in, surprising not only father, but several of the others in there with him who were quick to draw their blades.

Seeing me, they all breathe a sigh of relief though father had a bewildered look to him as he says-

"[Yunyun], what's gotten into you. Surely I don't need to remind you how one enters a..."

"All of you, please leave me and my father alone for a few minutes. I meant RIGHT NOW!"

The others in the room, all leaders of various teams within the order, looked hesitant till father told them to give us some alone time. Once they had exited the room, I quickly lock the door and activate the silence ward so no one could listen in on us. I then look back at father who was waiting for me to start the conversation.

"Where's Ri[uma]."

"Is that what this is about? You interrupted an important meeting to ask me that, [Yunyun]? I thought you knew better than..."

"Where is he, father? Tell me... TELL ME NOW!"

Hearing the seriousness, and the anger, in my tone makes father sigh as he rubs his temples.

"So, I guess you found out that there was a change in plans with him; with his mission to be exact. I'm sorry, [Yunyun]. It was important, you see. After so many years of searching for it, we finally found the lair of the Moltana Devil."

"What did you say?"

"You heard me, I know you did. Don't forget his sacred mission, given to him by the goddess Aqua herself, is to slay that fiend and save the world. Praegem Calaster believes..."

"I already know all that, father. I haven't forgotten any of it. What I want to know is why I wasn't informed of this sooner. I thought I made it clear that when the day came for him to set out on his destined mission, that I wanted to be there to support him throughout it all."

"I know that. That's the reason why I didn't alert you to any of this. Maybe you're fine with risking your life on a dangerous task like this, but I'm not. You're my daughter and your life is more important to me than his. It's as simple as that."

You... how could you... actually, I guess that's to be expected from a parent. But still...

"At least tell me you assigned some of our best and brightest to back him up."

"A team was sent to see him to his destination, but they were ordered to hang back upon arriving and to let him handle the rest alone. They are only to take action should he fall before ending the devil's existence or if he wins and survives... and needs assistance with being returned to us."

"I see... I still wish you would have told me, though. After all, while we may not be married yet... he is still mine, and Eris's, future husband so surely you can understand..."

I stop as I notice father flinch when I called [Kazuma] my husband. I can feel my eyes narrow as I say with a colder than intended tone-

"There's something you're not telling me here, father. Spit it out."

"[Yunyun]. I understand that you're upset but I will not have you talk to me as you are now. You're tired, having just returned from your latest mission. I suggest you return home and rest. We can talk about this in more detail later tonight when I return."

"No, we're going to talk about it, NOW. What's going on, what is it you're not telling me."

"Very well, if you insist. The truth is that neither you, nor Eris, were ever going to be married to that boy. Those papers you three signed... fakes in the fact that the Praegem never actually officialized them."

I just stood there for a few moments, feeling stunned... feeling like my whole world was shattering all around me. I then clench my fist and grit my teeth before saying with a low, cold voice-

"What are you talking about. Saying neither of us were actually going to become his brides. If that was always the case, then why sell me that story to begin with? Why allow Eris to think she could find happiness as well? Just what is really going on here."

"Look [Yun]ys, the thing of it is..."

A sudden banging sound from the opposite side of the door is heard, followed by the lock being removed as the twin doors swing open. Looking to see who had done this, I stand in shock as it was the Praegem himself walking in to join us.

"Sorry for the interruptions, my friends. But I must speak with you urgently. Lady [Yunyun], would you please excuse us for the moment."

"Actually, I would rather stay and..."

"[Yunyun], you will leave us now."

"The hell I'll..."

"Yes, you will. Head home and stay there till I return. We shall talk more then. Now go... GO!"

I send a scowl towards father, meeting his stern glare for a moment before turning and storming off. I wanted to scream out all my anger and frustrations into the air as I exited the sanctum. I almost did, in fact. But the cool air outside helped me to calm my head as I took in many deep breathes.

It was in this moment I made my decision, making me race back home. Upon arriving, I quickly made for my room, grabbing everything I felt I would need for my search. I then made my way back to father's study and practically tore the place apart till I found what I believed I was looking for.

The possible destination that [Kazuma] had been sent to fulfill his destiny.

I then paid Eris a visit and told her what was going on. Naturally, she wanted to come with me but knew she couldn't, due to her health issues though I told her to not worry, that I would return with Ri[uma] at my side. The big question that was still unknown was would we be returning to stay or to collect her before all three of us would leave and never return.

I then made sure to grab some food to bring with me before exiting the mansion. Once I had collected my personal steed from the stables, I wasted no time in leaving the city as I began my journey to find my beloved.

I don't care what father said or what he thinks. I am going to become [Kaz]tu's bride, as will Eris if she wishes it. And nothing was going to stop that from happening.

{|} Remember... When I Finally Found You {|}

[WARNING: Instability Increasing; alternate vocal and thought identifiers likely to fail at any...]

For the next six months, I searched all the corners of the home continent for [Kazuma]. My first destination was the location [Kazuma] and his back-up had gone to, where the Moltana Devil was said to be using as its lair: the Volshire Mountains.

Under normal conditions, the trip to that location would only need around two weeks at most. But because I felt the need to take a roundabout route to get there, my arrival was delayed from two weeks to just slightly over a month. My reason for taking longer, though I did not wish to, was because of father.

I knew it would only be a few hours before he discovered I had left, just like I knew that he would know where it was I was going and thus he would send people out after me, if not come hunting me himself. While I did have a few hours of travel time as an advantage for me to lean on, my gut told me if I didn't take this detour, they would catch up to me while I was in the middle of searching the Volshire.

Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if they caught up with me before I even reached those mountains.

During that month, I changed my attire to look more like a commoner and even went so far as to cut my long hair to give myself a more boyish cut. In fact, I made certain that anyone who looked at me would think me a guy. I also dyed my hair a bright green color.

In truth, I was not a fan of doing this to my hair but if it meant I would have an easier time on this quest of mine, then I could live with it. Besides, my natural hair color will return in time and my hair will eventually grow out to its previous length as well.

Finally, on the thirty-fifth day since leaving home, I finally arrived at the Volshire Mountains. I was glad I had taken the time over the years to build up my skills as a tracker as this allowed me to gain some valuable information from carefully examining the area.

First, I determined that father and-or the men he had sent to find me had indeed been here not too long ago. Perhaps some could even still be here; it was hard to say for sure, so I need to play it safe as, while I may not look like me exactly, being spotted by anyone could still bring about trouble.

For the next four days, I explored the Volshire carefully, making sure I didn't overlook anything. It was long, hard, and very tedious; to be sure, but on the fourth day, I believe I had finally found something that would lead me to [Kazuma].

One area of the mountain side, normal looking at first... until I found the area that had a massive hole blasted through it with some clearly still visible magical energies pulsing with life and power along the edges. Without wasting a moment more, I made my way towards this place, finding a kind of stone arch waiting for me to pass under.

After making my way through a long, and dark, passage, I finally entered a massive chamber where one of the walls had the hole in it, the very same hole I had seen from outside this place not long before. And from the looks of it, a most horrible battle had taken place.

I start off by examining the ground, looking for anything of importance. Many people had been in here, from what I could tell. Many wearing heavy armor; likely Inquisitor Knights if I had to guess. It wasn't just the few that had been made to accompany [Kaz]tu, but another team. Possibly a second team sent to find out what happened with Ri[uma] and the ones who had gone with him.

I then found dried blood here and there, in quite a few spots actually. Was any of this blood [Kazuma's] or was it belonging to members of the order or perhaps even the Moltana Devil. Wait, can the Moltana Devil even bleed blood?

"Damn it, there just isn't enough to go on here... wait, I almost forgot."

I reach into my pocket and pull out the small cylinder. Contained within was a 'special powder' like substance. It was a powerful, and rather difficult to use, magic tool that could reveal the happenings of past events if the memory of these events had yet to fade from the magic that fills an area. Seeing as it had taken me a lot longer than I wished, I wasn't sure if using this was still even an option now.

"I still have to try though, for you... (static)."

I make my way to what I believe was the center of the room before holding the cylinder out before me, I then open it while chanting the incantation to activate it. Instantly, all the powder, or perhaps I should say dust, comes racing out and begins to fill the air, causing sparkling lights to fill the room.

I then step back and wait, hoping something would be revealed.

A series of figures, nothing more than particles of light with no real distinctive features, form. Words, strange and hollow, but still well enough to be heard fills the room.

"Well, has anyone found anything yet?"

"Nothing that can tell us where those Heretics have gone too, sir."

"And what of Gillian and his team?"

Wait, I know that voice. It's Ektor, dad's second in command. So, he was the one in charge of bringing me back. I can't help but shudder at the thought of him. Ever since I was young, he had always had his creepy eyes on me. I knew he desired me, to make me his own once I was old enough. Luckily, I never had to see him all that often and was even happier when I had been promised to [Kazuma], even if that was a total lie in the end.

Wait, was there ANY chance father may have been planning on marrying me off to Ektor after all. Ew...

I return my attention to the men Ektor had with him, seeing them examining the dead knights.

"Well, do we know what killed them?"

"Yes sir, all but one were pierced by hellish fire. Clearly the work of that damn demon. However, it appears Lorban was slain by a blade to the heart."

"It has to have been that damn heretic boy then. I knew he would betray us in the end. After everything we did for him, try to help him understand, he still..."

"Funny to hear you say that, sir. Wasn't the order given to Gillian and his men to make sure the Ritu boy didn't make it back alive should he not suffer fatal injuries in his fight with the Moltana Devil."

"Or to finish it off should he die before it does. Yes, that is true. Finish checking the area, see if there's any sign of where they would have gone, then collect the dead so they can be given a proper burial."

I'm not going to get any answers from this moment, I'm sure. Let's see if I can go a little further back.

I then begin to fiddle with the cylinder while chanting out more words. The current images fade and I find myself holding my breath as I waited, and hoped, to see what I wanted to see. I wait and wait and wait... and then a new series of images appear.

I could see [Kazuma], (crackle) down on one knee, breathing heavily. Opposite him was the Moltana Devil, a giant of beast with a body of dark fire. Slowly, the fire fades to reveal that beneath it all was a girl, perhaps half a head shorter than I.

The girl looks at [Kazuma] and he looks at her, for a long moment. And then the run towards each other and... are they hugging. They were, both hugging and crying like two lifelong friends that hadn't seen each other in a long time.

"It's you, it's really you, isn't it. I've been... I never thought I'd see you again... Linear."

"Linear... that's right, that's my true name. I remember everything now, what they did to me. What they wanted me to do. I've finally found you at last, dear Realm."

Wait, what? Linear... Realm... I don't understand. What's happening, Ritu?"

Just then, Gillian and four others come walking in.

"So, Praegem Calaster's fears were well warranted. It seems like that damn heretic regained his memories after meeting up with his devil friend. Alright boys, let's get this over with. KILL THEM!"

What I saw next was a slaughter as [Kazuma] rose us and, with blade in hand, tried to fight back. He managed to hold his own but was quickly being overpowered. Seeing that his life was in danger causes the girl to unleash her power, killing all but one of them before she collapses onto the ground. The sole survivor then tries to kill her while she was helpless, only to be stabbed in the back through the heart by [Kaz]tu.

He then picks up the girl, Realm I think he name was, and she pulls herself close to whisper something into his ear. I then see him walking away with her resting in his arms and they leave what was being shown to me.

"I wonder if I can make it so I can hear what she said to him?"

I then search my memories on how this thing works before fiddling around with the cylinder again, returning it to the moment Realm had whispered her words to Ritu. I then get in close and let the scene play out again. It takes a few more tries, and me experimenting with a few ideas, but finally-

"Beyond the Gemini Coast... look for the Alicorn's dream..."

By the time I left the cavern, the sun was starting to set. I make my way off the mountain and head to the nearest village. That night, I mulled over a map of the land, trying to think of what those words meant.

"Beyond the Gemini Coast is easy enough to understand. That has to mean somewhere out in the Vesper Ocean. That has to be one of those islands in the Vesper Archipelago. But the Alicorn's dream? What could that be all about."

By the time morning came, I had made my decision on what to do next. I would go ahead and pay a visit to the Gemini Coast and visit the four small fishing villages and the port city of Neif. Surely, I would be able to find someone who might know the meaning of the term Alicorn's dream.

It took me another two weeks before I finally reached the Gemini Coast and from there nearly three months of going from one settlement to another, seeking anyone who might be able to help me. For the longest time, it appeared to be all in vain. Until one night, when I was on the verge of having my first hard drink, the barkeep asked me-

"Excuse me, friend. Did I just hear you say the Alicorn's dream?"

I stop, feeling the drink touching my lips but not flowing into my mouth. After a few moments, I pull the mug away and tell her-

"Yeah, I did. Does that mean anything to you?"

"Not to me, no. But my grandfather, on the other hand... I recall him saying something like that when I was younger."

"He did, really? Please, would it be possible for me to meet with him."

Thankfully, it was very possible and early the next morning, I found myself standing outside address I had been given. After a knock at his door and waiting a good few moments, the door finally opened and inside was the saltiest looking old man of the sea I had ever seen.

"Dar, who being interrupting me when I be having me morning exercises?"

Judging from the smell my nose was picking up; coming from within the house, something told me I didn't want to know what his morning exercises entailed.

"Sorry to bother you, sir. I heard you knew what the term 'the Alicorn's dream' means. I was hoping you would tell me?"

"Hm, tell me... ye be a lad or a lass? Sorry but me eyes aren't what they once be."

"Um... a lad, I be... sir."

There was no way in hell I was going to tell him I was a girl as he might ask me to 'assist' him in some disgusting fashion in exchange for my answer.

He studies me for a moment, then shrugs.

"Why be you looking to have this question of yours answered?"

"Because I believe that a dear friend of mine, a friend who was betrayed by my father and others in our lives could be there. Please, will you help me... help me to find him and be with him again."

He closes his eyes for a moment then says-

"Dar, what the hell. You look like a safe bet to share this with. Alright, I shall tell the what ya want to know... lassy."

Guess I shouldn't be surprised that he could tell I was lying. He then explains to me the meaning of the Alicorn's dream: An island that had an Alicorn like shape with a large rise of rock like a horn growing from where the head shape of the island was. As for the dream part...

I would understand once I found 'where the silver light shines.'

Later that night, after getting plenty of supplies, I went and 'borrowed' a fishing boat to see me safely to my destination. It wasn't an easy trip, taking many days and requiring me to make anchor on several islands between the port and my destination, to say nothing of suffering a few close calls, I finally reached... what is the name of this island anyways?

Now, where on this island could I find a place where silver light shines? I got my answer that very night as I made camp by a nice sized pool of water. As I was preparing to turn in for the night, I discovered the moon's reflection upon the water shown with a brilliant silver light.

What's more, upon examination, I discovered the reflection of something that wasn't there; an actual village. Walking out into the water, I touched a finger to the reflection of the moon. I was acting on a hunch, a feeling really, and it ended up paying off as my actions caused the village being reflected upon the water to suddenly come into existence.

"That's quite the powerful illusion the people who live here are using. I mean, I'm pretty sure I passed through where the village is located earlier yet never felt anything to indicate that it was there and invisible. I wonder if I can learn how they... later, [Yunyun], later. First things first, I need to see if [Kazuma's] here or not."

As I entered the village, I took notice of the people living here. They appeared to be a simple folk, dressed in clothing that looks to have been from a more innocent age within the history of the world. I like it, if I'm being honest. I don't know how to describe it other than... it just feels right.

My arrival hadn't gone unnoticed either as several people were looking at me. Finally, one of them, an older woman, approaches me and says with a kind voice-

"You're new around here, aren't you, child. It's not often we get visitors on these shores. May I ask what has brought you to us this night?"

"I'm looking for someone. A dear friend of mine who went missing months ago. I believe he may be here or at least maybe one of you might know how to find him. His name is [Kazuma]."

"Ritu...? There's no one here by that... ah, of course. You must be speaking of Linear. He's one of only two known survivors of the Ritu tribe. Before I tell you anything more on him, may I ask you your name, child?"

"My name is Kr[yun]."

"Krys, you say? I remember him mentioning that name once or twice. Truth told, we were wondering if you would ever come searching for him, would find us here. Very well, I shall take you to him."

With that, the older lady led me through the village till I reached what looked like a beautiful park. It was then that I finally saw him again. He looked a little different from when I had last seen him. His hair wasn't as bushy as it had once been and he had a little chin hair now. But there was no doubt about it, it was definitely MY [Kazuma].

He was sitting along with some children around a glowing fire light crystal, telling them stories.

"He often does this with the children; telling them many a tale once a week to excite them and give them new dreams to aspire to. Since he and [static] arrived a few months back, they have become much welcomed additions to our Sala tribe."

"Sala tribe?"

"Yes, the Sala tribe. Much like the Ritu tribe, ours is a tribe who pray to the goddess's to receiving their blessings. Those goddess's being Kyna of the harvest and her successor Aqua of water."

"Wait, your people are followers of Aqua too? But I thought..."

"That we were heretics who gave our faith to some dark deity or devil. That is what those who reside at the top of the food chain we call Arkt would have you believe. But you, and many-many others like you have been led astray. We were never the heretics, dear. Though I know it hard to be believed, the truth is that those who follow the path of the Arkt are the true heretics."

But... that's not possible. How can that even be the truth? And on that subject, how do you know that I'm...

"Krys?"

His voice saying my name brings me out of my thoughts. Seeing him looking at me, standing causes me to start losing myself. Tears begin to fall as I begin to shake before running forward and wrapping my arms around him in a tight hug.

"[Kazuma]... Ritu, I've... I've been looking everywhere for you. I thought... I thought you were..."

"I'm alive, [Yunyun]. Sorry for making you..."

I shake my head against his chest.

"It's fine, everything is fine. Just seeing you again, feeling you, hearing your voice and breathing in your scent... that's enough. I-I..."

"WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?"

Ritu goes rigid and I look around for the source of those words, quickly spotting a girl who looked to be half a head shorter than me with yellow cat like eyes, palish skin, and short black hair with red highlights sending me the deadliest of glares.

"You better not be trying to seduce MY man, you brazen hussy!"

{|} Remember... When We Went Back for Eris {|}

I'll be honest. I did NOT like Realm at all when we first met. While she was very protective of [Kazuma], something I both understood and agreed with, how she chose to treat me made me furious.

Actually, she was a total pain in the ass. Always acting so smug and cocky and filled with no end of self-confidence. While she was smart, she used that intellect of hers to make my time around her hell.

Ritu told her about us and what our relationship was which didn't surprise her but also didn't sit well with her either. She even had the gall to tell me to 'give up' on being with [Kazuma], something that was never going to happen.

Also, she would become so annoyed whenever I called Ritu [Kazuma], always correcting me and telling me his name was Linear. I still continued to call him Ritu though because to me, he is and always will be [Kazuma].

Over time, we did start to warm up to one another... at least I think we did. Despite not liking me initially, she never tried to force me to stay away from him. At least not after that first week together. In fact, we would often challenge one another in order to 'test' each other. A contest, if you will.

At first, it was about each of us wanting to see if the other was even worthy of being around [Kazuma] but it soon evolved into us just trying to one up each other, to prove which one of us was superior. Heh, guess you could say it was our very own version of a dick measuring contest.

And then, came THAT night. Both me and [Megu]lm might have gotten a little carried away with a drinking contest. Because of that, we decided to start 'another game', this one requiring [Kazuma's] assistance. What that ended us leading the three of us to do that night is the stuff of legends.

And by the next morning, me and Realm had become the best of friends, sisters even. And after that, we three always slept together. Well, maybe not always but often enough.

Also, during the amazing and beautiful months, I learned many things about the Sala tribe, as well as the Ritu and many other tribes as well. My natural hair color finally returned, and my hair finally grown back to its original length.

But then came the day, when I finally recalled that there was something important I had to go do. I wanted and needed to return home... I mean father's home so I could rescue Eris and bring her back to Sala village to live with us.

I spoke to this with [Kazuma] and Rea[min] about this and they agreed we needed to bring Eris back here to live as well. And so, with the tribe elders blessing, the three of us set out on our rescue mission.

Using Realm's amazing powers, we were able to reach (static) in only a few days.

"You know, Krys... I honestly never thought I would ever be returning to (static) again."

"I know the feeling. To think, there was a time seeing these walls that surround the city, both from the inside and the outside, used to make me feel so safe. But now..."

"Wait, you actually felt safe inside this ominous looking place? No offense but looking at those walls gives me fortress like vibes. Like I'm looking at the outside of some prison. How anyone could stand to live someplace closed off from the outside world just doesn't make sense to me."

I guess I can't blame [Megumin] in feeling that way. Having always lived out alongside nature, the idea of having to live behind walls must be a terrifying idea.

"OK, we shouldn't waste time here any longer. [Kazuma], you and I shall sneak on inside to retrieve Eris. Realm, I want you to wait out here for us to..."

"Oh hell no to that. I didn't come all this way just to remain out of the action. I'm going in there with you two, like it or not."

"But you can't. It's the dead of night out right now so we're going to be sneaking our way in and out, avoiding any trouble if at all possible. "

"Yeah, I know that. What, are you saying I can't be sneaky, [Yunyun]?"

"I know you can't be sneaky. You're the type of person who likes to make an entrance, to be all loud and at the center of things. And then there's that temper of yours and how quickly you tend to fly of the handle with the slightest provocation. We probably wouldn't even make it inside without you deciding to make some kind of scene that will alert everyone that we're here."

"What did you say?"

The next thing I knew, both me and her were butting heads like we always do. While our relationship had indeed come a long way since our first meeting, there was still that aggressive rivalry we had going on. In truth, neither one of us wanted to lose or be overshadowed by the other.

I hear Ritu let out a sigh before breaking us both apart. He then looks at [Megu]lm and says-

"[Megumin], I need you to hang back out here and wait for us."

"Huh, you're taking her side on this matter. I can't believe you would do..."

He shakes his head while touching a finger to her lips to silence her. He then explains his reasoning-

"No, that's not it at all. Look, odds are things are going to go south in there. I'm hoping that won't happen to us, but the odds are not in our favor. That's why I want you to hang back. If things do go south, and you will know if that happens to us, you can then activate your (static) and come blasting your way in to save us. Isn't that more your style here; to come crashing the party and showing everyone who's the boss."

Realm looks at him for a few seconds before a smile appears. She then says with a confident tone.

"Yeah, you're right. It is my style to come flying in to save the day when things get rough. Alright, I'll hang back to now. But know this, if neither of you have returned within one-hour, I'll take that as a sign that troubles afoot with you two and I will come at that time."

"Agreed. Anyways, we should get going, Ritu..."

"His name is LINEAR!"

We have a quick laugh before parting ways with [Megumin], making our way to the main gate.

"I can't believe you talked her into staying back, even if only for an hour."

"You just need to know how to talk to her. Now, let's focus on getting this done. If memory serves, the distance between this gate and your old home is such that it's going to be cutting it close with the time we have."

A few minutes later, we had reached the gate and fond our first odd thing. There was no sign of any guards stationed for watch. Despite this, we passed through and began making our way through the city. This quickly led to the second odd thing.

"[Kazuma], is it just me or is this place looking rather... dead?"

"Yeah, no people... no lights other than the streetlamps. Even the way the air feels..."

Something wasn't right here. If our business here was for any other reason, I would have suggested we turn around and leave. There would always be another day to take action. But, considering our intention was to get my sister back, we pressed on till, after about twenty minutes, we reached the mansion.

I opened the front door, getting a loud creek which was a first as that had never happened before. Stepping inside, there was an equally ominous atmosphere about. Because of this, my nerves were on full alert.

"I can't believe I'm saying this now, after coming all this way, but maybe we shouldn't..."

"Hold that thought. Let me make sure of something..."

[Kazuma] then kneels down and places a hand onto the ground. It wasn't often I saw him using his 'sense' power; an ability that seen as highly important within the Ritu as it allowed one to link their minds to the flow of the world's mana.

"I can sense Eris inside her room. Wait, I'm only sensing Eris in here, alongside us that is. Miss Mildred and the other servants... your father; I can't sense them anywhere nearby."

"What the hell's going... forget that for now. Let's just get Eris and get out of here before things become even more creepy."

With that, we make our way up to the second floor and soon reach Eris's room. I ask Ritu to wait for me outside till I call for him. I then enter the room, making Eris jump from surprise.

"Ah... wait, is that you... sister?"

Eris was terrified, from the way she was shaking and the fear in her voice. She was also looking rather pale but that was how she always looked, being stuck inside most of time. I immediately run forward and hug her tightly, earning a hug from her in turn after a moment of hesitation on her part.

"Krys... [Yunyun], you're here. You came back... I never thought I would see you..."

"I know, I'm sorry for being gone so long. A lot of things have happened since the day I ran away. Anyways, what's going on, Eris. The mansion... not just the mansion but the whole city. Just where is everyone?"

"Before that, did you find him, did you find... [Kazuma]?"

I look back at the door, seeing Ritu standing there which makes me say-

"I thought I told you to wait till I call for you."

"Yeah, thought about doing that but that would mean I miss out on this lovely scene. So, you've been doing OK while we were away, Eris?"

Ritu then walks forward as Eris starts to cry. The moment [Kazuma] was close enough, she throws herself at him, crying into his chest as she hugs him tightly. After a few more moments of this and Eris had finally been able to calm down, I repeat my question. Her reply-

"I honestly don't know. All I know is that not long ago, there was this weird bell like ringing in the air. After that, the atmosphere seemed to shift into being what it is and everyone else entered a trance like state and walked off. And all the lights I could see shining off in the distance outside the window just went dark. And..."

"And?" (x2)

"I know this is going to sound weird and all but when all this creepy stuff began, I found myself feeling this... this darkness enter the room. What's more, I felt it trying to worm its way into my mind and for a moment, I feared that it would succeed until I felt this... pulse of raw light from deep within me fight back to drive it off. I know that doesn't make sense but..."

"I think I understand. Ever since the day we met one another, I could sense it within you; a power that went beyond the natural order of the world. I could be wrong, but I think the reason your body has always been so weak is because your body isn't designed to handle the true power within you."

"What do you mean, [Kazuma]?"

"Let's save this talk for later, you two. While I'm also curious to hear all this, I can feel my skin starting to crawl. Something tells me if we don't leave now, we may never be able to leave."

A few moments later, I exited back into the hallway with [Kazuma] and Eris, who was resting against his back, right behind me. It only took us a few moments before we were making our way down the stairs and standing before the front doors. But, before we could make our exit...

"So, you finally decided to return home, [Yunyun]. And you decided to come along with her, Ritu."

We turn back to see father having appeared from out of the dark with his personal blade in hand.

{|} Remem(static)... {|}

(WARNING: Instability critical; simulation failure immanent)

"Father..."

"Where have you two been all this time? Do either of you have any idea how worried I've been?"

Worried... he was actually worried about 'us?' Well, maybe in some form or fashion, he was worried about ME but after everything I learned these past few months...

"I don't believe you, father. Perhaps you have been worried about me, but not Ritu. I know the men you sent with him as back-up tried to kill him and that it was on YOUR orders... or the orders of the Praegem. Tell me, what the hell is going on here."

"Krys, you should know better than to..."

"You're the one who should know better. First, you tell me both mine and Eris's future marriage to Ritu was all a farce then I find out our man was to be killed once he had ended the life of the Moltana Devil. Don't start acting like kindness and curtesy are still on the table. I'm angry, seriously angry with you and the faith and I want... no, DEMAND answers about everything now."

Hearing my words clearly had an effect on Eris as she was clearly taken aback by all that I had said, given the confused look on her face. Father sighs before sheathing his blade. He then says-

"Fine, if that's what you wish. Years ago, I led a force of the Inquisitor Knights to attack a certain village that had been discovered to be a home to Heretics; the Ritu tribe to be exact. This was on the orders of Praegem Calaster, of course. Normally, I wouldn't have needed to go myself, but this mission had a certain detail about it the required me to personally oversee its completion."

"It was Realm, wasn't it. It was because she would be there in the village."

said Ritu, earning a nod from father.

"So, that's her name. Until now, I have only known her by the title the Arkt has designated her with. Yes, it was because of her. While she would still be young, the risk of her powers awakening was too great to ignore and as I was the best our order has, I was needed to be there in order to defend her."

"But something went wrong, didn't it father?"

"Correct; while the battle against the Ritu wasn't anything we couldn't handle, they still proved more annoying than we anticipated. During it all, an older woman was found trying to escape with two children. One was our target and the other we believed to be her container."

"Container?"

This was a term I hadn't heard before. I looked to Ritu and saw he was also confused by that word.

"Perhaps they have another term to describe the boy's role, but we see him as a container. Someone who can calm the rage the destroyer feels. To keep her in check, to... control her if you will. There are many ways to look at it but, in a nutshell, he was a vital component in how her mind was supposed to work."

"Hate to break it to you, sir, but that's not entirely how our relationship works. And that word, container. Honestly, I would prefer you say partner instead."

"It doesn't matter. Anyways, an effort was made to stop the two of you from escaping though it was a partial failure. The destroyer and the old woman escaped but you failed to make it into the portal that was used to permit said escape. My second was going to kill you but we received a message from the Praegem to instead bring you back. After that, it was decided you would be brainwashed so that one day you could be used to slay your own other half on our behalf."

"Why... why would even think of doing that, father?"

I shouted, making my father do something I wasn't expecting him to do; look regretful.

"The decision wasn't mine, but the Praegem's. He said that the boy was not only the one who helps the destroyer to be strong and keeps her in check but was also her greatest weakness. There's a humor in that, when you think about it. And so, he was brainwashed and made to train for the day he would be reunited with his other half so that he could either kill her himself or die and leave her in a weakened state so others could kill her if they struck fast enough."

"And if he did survive, why kill him? Surely Ritu would continue to be of use to the Arkt?"

"Because killing her would see her powers transferred to him, according to the Praegem. While having the power of the destroyer would be a boon to the Arkt, we couldn't take the risk as there was a strong chance that he would remember everything if given enough time and thus become an even bigger threat than the girl currently is."

"And my name? Why call me by my clan's name, sir."

"One, we didn't know nor care to learn your true name and two, calling you by the name of one of this world's most evil tribes would help keep people in the know about you being our enemy who was only helping us in the short term. To make sure they kept their guards up when around you."

I can't believe what I'm hearing. I mean, to think my father, who I once held such respect for, would be capable of doing something like this. Even if the orders were from higher up on the food chain, for him to agree despite that detail... this was all disgusting. Oh yeah, that reminds me...

"Tell me father, if all that you're telling us is indeed true, then why have me and Krys arranged to become his wives in the future and why didn't you tell us what was really going on. I know that our future nuptials was all a sham but why even make us think it was even going to happen to begin with? Hell, why even bring him into our lives if he was supposed to be our enemy."

shouted Eris, who had been quiet this whole time. I guess we really are twins, huh? I mean, we think alike on top of looking like each other.

Father, for his part, averts his gaze as he answers her question.

"That... the reason was purely motivational. It was determined that if Ritu had connections with others, then he would strive to succeed in the coming battle all the more. The deeper the connection, the more he would give it his all. Fighting for the sake of your loved ones, what greater reason could one have to win. Making him believe the two of you were waiting for his return would hopefully empower him to be victorious."

"As for not telling the two of you the truth? I didn't tell you, Krys, because you are a terrible actor and can't keep anything a secret."

"Excuse me? You're saying I'm a terrible actor who can't keep a secret. I'll have you know my acting skills are perfect and I'm damn good at keeping secrets. In fact, I'm so confident in that belief that if I'm wrong, may my next life see me be a shy, quiet introvert who has trouble making friends and is easily strung along by others in the hopes they'll become my friends." (wink-wink, nudge-nudge)

"I know you and Ritu's relationship has become more... involved. You think I wasn't aware what you two were doing when you went off on mission together. Why do you think I started having you two do less and less missions together? I didn't want you to become a mother before you two were... with a heretic being the father, I mean."

I narrow my eyes at him, letting him know I didn't fail to take notice of that little slip he nearly made.

"As for not telling Eris anything? In truth, I knew if I told her she would end up telling you, even if it was an accident as I know she can't keep any secrets from you. Also, I confess... her friendship with Ritu was having a positive impact on her health and I didn't want to interfere with that."

"That's not all true though, right father. I'm sure most of what you said was the truth but I'm guessing that as time passed, you started to change your opinion on Ritu, didn't you. Even the idea of me and Eris becoming his wives didn't seem so bad, did it? Please father, tell me... tell us the truth."

Father was quiet for a few moments before he finally said-

"I'll confess that when I gave the men who went with him the order to end him, I did so with a heavy heart. Despite my best efforts and better judgment, I did find myself becoming fond of him and was happy that having him in your lives was making you both so happy."

The room went quiet again as I found myself debating a serious question that had been on my mind for many months. Should I offer father a chance to leave all this behind and join us out there in the greater world. But before I could make my decision, Ritu speaks up to do it for me.

"Sir, I want to clarify something with you. The Arkt faith... everyone who's part of the Arkt are followers of the goddess Aqua, correct."

"That's right."

"And us who are called Heretics, what entity are we said to follow? I confess I've never bothered to ask that question before this day, this moment."

Now that I think about it, I haven't ever asked that question either. Nor has Eris, given the look on her face. And judging from the look father had, he was just as confused as well.

"I... I don't know. I've never bothered to ask the Praegem about it before. All I can ever remember hearing said, back when I was a child, was the heretics served the dark one. Just what is that?"

"I'll tell you who we HERETICS give our faith to. We are also followers of the goddess Aqua, as well as her predecessor, the goddess Kyna. Always have."

Hearing that makes father look at Ritu with a shocked expression.

"You're lying... that can't be the truth."

"Actually, I'm afraid that it is, my CAPTAIN!"

The sudden words of the new voice makes us all jump before looking for the source of the voice. We find him quickly, seeing him looking down at us from the second floor; Praegem Calaster.

"Praegem Calaster... what did you just say? And why are you even here right now. I thought you would be needed back at the temple, leading the people in mass."

"My presence is not needed at this time as all my loyal children have entered the great pool which will see them undergo a change and be reborn... as my army to aid me in purifying this tainted world."

"What do you mean, Praegem? What's really going on with the Arkt faith and those who believe."

I shout, getting his eyes to look at me. He then sends me a smile that makes my skin crawl.

"Ah, little Krys. How nice of you to have finally returned home. I would have you head to the temple so you too could enter the pools to be reborn, but it seems your time living life outside these city walls has released you from the sigil of the Arkt. Or perhaps it happened when you gave yourself, in both body and soul, to that Ritu boy... speaking of which..."

He then turns his attention to Ritu and Eris and says-

"I'm surprised to see you again, little pawn. Did you not bring that little devil with you? (closes his eyes for a moment then opens them again) Ah, there she is; just outside the city walls right now doing some silly... poses while chanting out strange words. Truly, she has a curious way of spending her time."

I look at Ritu who shrugs his shoulder and says-

"What do you want me to say here. We both know how childish she can be when she gets bored or excited. That's part of her charm, don't you agree."

No, not really. If anything, I feel she's more of a hassle than she has any right to be. Oh well, can't be helped. Despite her shortcomings, she's still fun to have around.

"You haven't fully answered my question, Praegem. You told us why you aren't at the temple but not what you meant when you said that it's true that the heretics are also followers of the goddess Aqua. What did you mean by that and what did you mean when you said that everyone who follows the Arkt faith will be reborn to become your army."

shouted father, getting us all to look at him, then up to the Praegem; awaiting his response.

"Oh right, that. It's really quite simple, dear captain. You see, I'm not sure you've ever noticed before, just like so many others have failed to notice in the past, but I have never once proclaimed myself to be a follower of the goddess Aqua."

"But the nature of the faith, and the other priest and priestess's..."

"What they say is not what I have ever said. Now, let me tell you all a tale. A great truth from the past."

The Praegem then moves to the stairs, walking slowly down them as he continues his speech.

"Once, long ago, there was a discovery of some ancient ruins. Many researchers went there to study this place, in order to sate their natural academic curiosities. There in, deep inside, they found a seal and a warning to NOT undo the seal. Naturally, they ignored that warning and broke the seal. Because of their foolishness, a dangerous force of nature was unleashed..."

"The Harbinger; a beast of the end times."

"This Harbinger then begins to spread across the world, killing any and all things without hesitation. Because of this, the goddess who watched over this world, Kyna, decided she needed to take action."

"Kyna, not Aqua? Just what kind of goddess is she?"

asked father, getting Ritu to answer by saying-

"Kyna, goddess of the harvest. It's said she's one of the divine that oversees the development of life within creation."

The Praegem nods before adding-

"I also believe that Aqua was a student to Kyna, but I'm getting ahead of myself. Kyna wanted to deal with the harbinger directly but was prevented from doing that by the others as they deemed the threat to not yet be so great that it requires direct involvement from them. Because of this, Kyna did the one thing she was still allowed to do; she gifted a select few with power and sent them off to save the world."

"The battle was a fierce one, to be sure. So much so that one entire continent here on Arbel was destroyed, leaving nothing but a series of small islands where it had once been. Also, three of the heroes died to see the harbinger destroyed... except it wasn't destroyed completely."

I don't like where this is going.

"One of the few survivors, a young priest whose role was purely to be a healer, had been infected by the Harbinger but didn't realize it. One way to think about the infection is to say this priest had a seed planted within his body that would permit something of the Harbinger to be reborn as more than just some mindless monster. It would gain sentience and a newfound will."

"Believing the danger to have passed, Kyna decided to give up her station as the goddess who watches over Arbel and to diminish into the night. I confess I don't understand what that could mean myself but that was what she told her faithful when she made her departure clear. In her place, her young student Aqua would take over as the goddess of the world."

"In the years that followed, the young priest would rise in power and station within the faith, and within him the seed would grow and germinate. By the time he realized what was going on within him, it was too late to act as all that he was had been consumed and the reborn Harbinger was now in control."

"Hold on a moment, Praegem. If what you're saying is true, then how do you know all this? And does this mean that the entire leadership within the faithful are all traitors to the gods?"

shouts father as the Praegem finally reaches the ground floor then comes to a stop.

"Because... I am that young priest who once played a part in saving the world. I rose in status and became the leader of the faith. None of the others are aware of the truth nor are they aware that any who follow the Arkt faith and have the sigil placed upon them will see all their faith, devotion, and prayers sent to me as a form of empowerment that will eventually see me regain the power my original self once had."

"That's not possible. How could you have remained in control for so long without anyone noticing the Praegem never aging or changing?"

I asked.

"Simple; I have the ability to control my aging and it also helps that you humans are very-very stupid creatures. I've learned a lot since I began to live amongst your kind and I have to say, I'm disappointed."

"What you're saying doesn't make sense. I mean, there's no way the goddess Aqua would..."

"The goddess Aqua? Let me tell you about her. From what I have learned about her, the goddess Aqua was not ready to assume the position she currently has. She's still a child, in mind and emotion; too busy being lost in her own personal fantasy on what she believes it means to be divine that she has yet to fully understand the full extent of what her status brings with it, both the good and the bad."

"Before, you said that all the faithful have been summoned to the temple to start some rebirth process. If that's the case, then why am I and father here now. I mean, I renounce the Arkt faith now but I'm only doing this after all that I've just learned. But before..."

asked Eris, finally speaking up for the first time since this had all began.

"It's simple, really. It's all due to the nature of the power within you, little Eris. As you know, you suffer a from a weak constitution, a weak body. This is due to the energy that exist within you being incompatible with your mortal shell. I believe you must be a candidate to one day become a divine being yourself, as hinted by all those visits from that mysterious doctor you've had over these last few years."

Eh, a mysterious doctor has been paying my sister a visit behind my back. I'll need to ask her about that later.

"As for why the captain is here and not at the temple. That's simply because I decided to let him have one final moment to be with his daughters as himself before I kill them."

"I won't allow you to do that, Praegem. So long as I live, I will never let you touch them."

Father then brings his sword to the ready, pointing it at the Praegem, who just laughs. I then ask-

"Why are you doing this, Praegem. What's your end goal here?"

"Simple, I'll wipe from this world all those who believe in those lazy gods who sit around and do nothing, and I shall arise to become a god myself; a REAL god who actually does something... even if that something isn't a good thing. And to become the kind of god I want to be, I must destroy all life."

"But that's..."

"Correct... Genocide; it happens every now and then."

"You're a monster."

I heard Eris say no louder than a whisper, earning a chuckle from the Praegem who says-

"We're all monsters, when you think about it, child. The difference is that I'm at least honest about it. Now, what do you say we get down to business, shall we."

"Krys, take your sister and get out of here."

"But father, we can..."

"I said get out of here, all of you. I'm good at reading the threat level of my opponents and if I have the ability to combat them. Because of this, I know that... look you two, let me buy you both the time you'll need to escape and to live, if only a few days longer. Let me do this... one final act as your father."

"No way, dad. We aren't going to leave you behind. I know we don't have your skill or years of experience under our belts, but we can fight too. Maybe together, we can..."

My words are cut off as I feel Ritu places a hand on my shoulder, making me look at him to see him shake his head at me. This made me angry but at the same time, I also understood his meaning. He understood, as did our father, that us staying to help would only end in all four of us dying this night.

Damn it, why did this have to happen.

"You're going to take me on alone? That's brave of you, my captain. Don't worry, I won't kill YOU as you're an important component in my plans for the great purge that is to come. The one I have chosen to become my Death Inquisitor."

"Yeah... about that, sorry to break it to you but I'd rather die than help you anymore."

shouts father before once again motioning at us to leave.

"Father, stay strong. I swear one of these days, we'll save you and all the others under this monsters control. Have faith..."

I cried out before letting Ritu lead me away towards one of the side doors out of the mansion. Just as we leave the main hall, I hear father say one final thing to us-

"Ritu, I leave my daughters in your care. Please, keep them safe for me from now on. That is your role as the one they chose to spend their lives with. Krys... Eris... never forget, I love you both and I always will..."

All I could do, as was the case with Eris, was close my eyes as I felt my tears rolling down my cheeks.

(ATTENTION: Simulation collapse in progress...)

"Never forget, my dear prey. No matter where you run or where you try to hide; whether it be here in this world or another... in this life or some future lifetime, I will find you and I will make you all suffer again and again and again and again, until you all have been broken beyond repair."

(now initiating subject release)

Like having a rude awakening from some dream, I found myself suddenly flying through the air before making a rather harsh landing upon the ground. I hear a loud thump and look to see Kazuma had landed right beside me.

I have no idea what had just happened to us, but it looked like we had been forced into some kind of weird dream that felt like it had lasted many years of my life. As I try to pick myself, I realize that there was a dim light shining nearby. I look and I see the source of this light floating in midair-

That strange star shaped crystal with little electrical arcs surging across it. I look at it for a moment more before looking at Kazuma and see him picking himself up off the ground.

"Kazuma, are you OK?"

"Yeah, more or less. You...?"

"I think so. What happened to us and what did we just see?"

"Your guess is as good as mine, Yunyun. But I think, and I know this is going to sound strange, that maybe..."

"Maybe what?"

came a voice, making us look back at the star shaped crystal, now finding a shadowy figure having appeared beside it, looking at us with a curious stare.

{|} to be continued... {|}

AN: I wonder if anyone is confused my what they just read. Wondering what just happened. Well, in a nutshell, Kazuma and Yunyun just experienced memories from their previous lives. We'll learn a little more about how this happened next chapter but yeah, that's what happened in this one.

Kazuma is Ritu/Linear, Yunyun is Krys, Megumin is Realm, and Eris is... well, Eris. In case you're wondering why I'm calling Eris' twin sister Krys here when I called her Chris all the way back in arc 4. Well, I have two reasons. One is to help distinguish between the Chris we already know and her dead/reincarnated sister for this chapter and two... it was just something I decided to do more recently, after having finished arc 4.

You all might also be wondering why I had an entire chapter focused on a past life, or even why I took time to talk about this past lifetime at all. Well, in my opinion, if a writer introduces the concept of main characters having lived in a past lifetime, then they should be doing something with that, right. Note this this isn't over with yet as we will be learning more about this past lifetime lived on Arbel in the future, like arc 13 which will be a, mostly, Eris focused arc.

And yeah, Krys did jinx her future life. Poor Yunyun, I wonder what she might have to say about this, now that she knows her troubles with making friends before meeting Kazuma was all because of something she herself said in a past life but couldn't remember it.

Anyways, see you next chapter.