Greetings, everyone! I'm bringing you this chapter primarily focused on Pocket Mirror and its remake, Goldernertraum, of which the chapter's title was named after. Hope you enjoy the RPG Maker game's integration to the story and this chapter's contents! Please enjoy!


"Ah! We're here!" Goldia's lively words reverberated to his right ear, which sounded like it came from faraway due to how quiet she spoken.

"…It appears we are in the prelude area of your dreamscape, Goldia," He heard Emi talk to her, sounding a little let down for some reason. Her feet shuffled before she says more, "I was expecting we arrive at any of their worlds after we fall asleep."

"I'm aware mother, but because mister Kakyoin is with us," replied Goldia, "He needs to get accustomed to my dreamscape first. I don't want him to feel overwhelmed on his first time stepping foot here, especially after he told us he was once attacked by an evil Stand in his dreams."

"Oh, good point," conceded Emi. Again, her feet shuffles and he hears her voice clear and precise, as if she's looking in his direction. "…Your eyes are closed Kakyoin. Please open them. We made it to Goldia's dreamscape."

"O-Oh? Ah, right…"

Kakyoin has only realized he was standing on his own two feet and his eyelids are clamped shut, explaining why he thought everything appears dark. Abiding to her little request, he slowly opens his eyes, blinking once or twice to wipe off the blurs decorating the corners of his sight. After enough blinks, his vision entirely clears, and the first persons he sees are, as he expected after hearing their voices, Emi standing to his left looking at him expressionlessly and Goldia located on his right, her frown turning upright when she saw he regained his bearings.

Feeling like he woke up from a good nap, Kakyoin stifles a yawn as he stretches his arms up, shaking his head to erase any lingering sleep infecting his head. The process is successful, and Kakyoin is standing up sprightly after he lowers his arms back.

"Emi-san. Goldia-chan," he addressed the two with a nodding smile. "Good to see you two."

Emi didn't smile but returns his nod with her own in response with Goldia doing the same but with an eager smile and vigorous nod. "Likewise, mister Kakyoin! I see giving you my pocket mirror and having you hold on to it before you sleep is a success, so you didn't get far away from us!"

Mentioning her important object has made Kakyoin aware of the cold feeling clenched within his right hand. Opening it, he sees the golden object decorated with a gold rose in the front, appearing the same like it did in the real world. Thinking she wants it back, Kakyoin hands it out to her, leaning his body a little due to their height differences. "Guess I don't need to hold on to this anymore. Here's your mirror back."

"Okay Kakyoin!" Goldia gets her mirror back, glad her method of transporting someone through letting them hold it went off without problem.

With the object back, she holds it within her right hand, reminding herself to hold it close to her heart. Kakyoin straightens his posture after doing the deed, smiling at her. He's not sure how important the pocket mirror is for her, but considering how he got here due to it and having sensed some energy emanating from it back in the real world, he didn't have to pretend it's just an ordinary mirror she deems as her keepsake.

"Well then," they heard Emi's footsteps as she walks forward. "Now that we are here in your dreamscape Goldia, tell me… Which world shall we embark to? You have talked with your sisters and presumably told you whose world we shall partake in to let them meet with Kakyoin, yes?"

"Of course," responded Goldia, following her. "After giving it much thought and talking them in my head, we will go to… Fleta and Egliette's world. The two are planning a picnic taking place in their garden, expecting all of us, mister Kakyoin included, to come over. You know they wouldn't take no for an answer given this is a special occasion, right mother?"

"I am aware Goldia," reassured Emi. "Fleta may have tempered down thanks to my disciplining, but I fear I could not stop her when she goes all over her head. Even Egliette will have trouble calming her down."

"Yeah…" she stated. "I know too well how that turned out…"

Goldia feels her eyes starting to water and her frowning lips quivering at the memory related to her and Emi's conversation. She's thankful Emi granted her and her sisters a comfortable existence after she painstakingly restored each and every one of them, to the point she was very exhausted once she's done, but the events that happened to her before she met Emi are… too painful enough to remember. She won't bury it deep within her mind because she didn't want to forget why she was forced into a harrowing journey to regain her memories only to fail and have her soul taken and her promise to better herself and her relationships with her sisters, but she would be lying to herself if she said they didn't affect her so badly.

Sensing the piling sorrow within her watering eyes, Emi crouches down and wraps Goldia in a comforting hug, letting her rest on her left shoulder as she rubs her back soothingly. "Please cry no more, my dear daughter. What happened back then had long passed, and even if you will feel regret and anguish to this day, please do not forget… I, and your sisters, are here for you."

Her hug and soothing words manage to pull Goldia out of her misery, so she returns the hug by wrapping her arms around Emi, feeling comfort in her embrace. "I know mother. Thank you for reminding me…" She expressed her gratitude, hoping their hug last as long as she likes. In their embrace, they temporarily forgot the other occupant watching them express their affection and opting to not interrupt them at first.

It would rude of me to interrupt them. I'll let them continue hugging for now, thought Kakyoin, deciding to take his time observing their surroundings first and see where Emi and Goldia took him to. Though the place he was brought into is dim enough he can't see anything some meters away from him, what appears to be moonlight pouring through two windows near the door far from him and stairs give it some luminance. Aside from the doors and stairs out in the front, there are other three doors to the left, right and back of him, two or three unlit lanterns hanging on a chain up from the ceiling, petals scattered on floor coming from the leftmost door, unlit or candles scattered also across the floor near the doors or windows and lastly, five colorful spheres lodged in five holes surrounding a bigger hole or crack, spaced apart that it gives a shape of a star if traced.

Given the dim lighting and oppressive atmosphere surrounding this small room, it boggles Kakyoin that a place like this exist within Goldia's dreamscape. From her short interaction with her, she's a sweet, caring and nice girl who expresses concern to anyone regardless if they are strangers or not. Besides that, this room does look like it's a starting point or entrance and since first impression counts, he could only wonder why Goldia possibly created this place.

Once he's done examining, Kakyoin turns to Emi and Goldia, who have split apart once they realize he was watching them and have made him wait. "Ah, Kakyoin," addressed Emi, standing up on her feet. "Apologies if we made you wait. Goldia was remembering a sad memory and was on the verge of crying, so I…"

"It's fine. I understand why you did that, which is why I didn't dare interrupt you two," Kakyoin raised his left hand to stop her, nodding in understanding over why she did it. "I wouldn't like it either if one of my friends are feeling down over something. My first instinct would be to comfort them."

Seeing he empathized with them, Emi lets out a sigh of relief. She's glad that despite how much Kakyoin has changed, his golden heart remained so he wouldn't think of doing something bad, especially when he has Hierophant Green.

"Very well. Now then, let us not delay this any longer. Goldia?" Emi faced Goldia, who understands what she wants her to do without speaking it out.

"Yes mother."

The girl marches to the large hole in the center, gripping her pocket mirror as she stares down to it. With Emi and a curious Kakyoin watching her, she crouches on one knee and inserts the mirror in the center hole. Not letting go of her hand yet, Goldia closes her eyes and says the following words.

"Dream of MirrorsGrant us access to Fleta and Egliette's beloved garden in their world."

Stepping back after imparting a command to the embedded pocket mirror, she waits for two seconds before the small object produces a twinkling sound as the object glowed brightly, at the same time the green sphere glows. Particles are emitting out from the glowing object, and another two seconds later, the particles all coalesce together to create a big, rectangular object, which soon reveals to be a big mirror, framed by an ornate and shiny golden casing adorned with golden rose at the top and feather wings on the bottom made from the same material as the casing. The mirror is facing forward, towards the impassive Emi and stunned Kakyoin, as if it is expecting them to go near it.

With the mirror successfully appearing from the pocket mirror, which itself having stopped glowing, Goldia crouches again and retrieve it in her hands. She takes a step backward to marvel at her success with a proud smile, turning to the two happily. "It's done!"

"Very good. You are getting accustomed to your Stand, Goldia," Emi complemented her with a smile, marching toward the mirror. Kakyoin followed, albeit very confused but also still curious over what Goldia and Emi said and did to produce a mirror big enough for them to probably fit through.

"Yup! I believe I am becoming proficient enough in using Dream of Mirrorsand its ability that I might not need to say anything next time and let my thoughts do it, hopefully!" Goldia exclaimed.

"I would like to see that," smiled Emi.

"Dream of Mirrors, huh?" Kakyoin repeated the name, staring at the mirror conjured by a miniature mirror seconds earlier. Emi and Goldia turned to him, having predicted he wants to learn the Stand after the latter displayed it in action. "I should've suspected it given you were the daughter of a Stand User, even if you're adopted, but who would have thought you are a Stand User, Goldia-chan?"

"You didn't ask," she giggled.

"Heh, good point," shrugged Kakyoin. "So I take it your… Dream of Mirrorslets you createa mirror as a portal, right? Is there anything more about your Stand I should know of? Or does it have fighting capabilities?"

"You're right that my Stand allows me to create a mirrorthat connects one place to another, which I then go through it and arrive in a specific place I want after I spoke commands to it," she started explaining, raising the pocket mirror up near him. "In fact, that's the only abilityDream of Mirrors can do. I cannot fight with it, nor are there more abilities other than what you saw."

"Oh, so it's a non-combative Stand," corrected Kakyoin. "…Well, even if it's not fit for fighting, your ability is unique nonetheless Goldia-chan. I'm sure that your simple ability can become useful if you know what you can do with it. That's what I've observed from the many Stands I encountered, including myself and my friends. No matter how limiting or simple their abilities are, they can prove to be adaptable or even dangerous if its user are crafty enough."

Looking at her pocket mirror after listening to him, Goldia adopts a thinking look, humming absent-mindedly before nodding in understanding and affirmation. "Maybe you're right, mister Kakyoin. If I know how to use Dreams of Mirrors in other ways, I could become more proficient and useful," she smiled hopefully to express her determination.

"A good reasoning, Goldia," approved Emi, nodding in turn. "Please remember not to overwork yourself and use it too much or all the time. It will not be good for your mind."

"I know mother," Goldia says it in a slight exasperated tone, indicating she must have heard it many times from her before and she's somewhat getting sick of it. Nevertheless, she appreciates her advice.

With the gateway to one of the places located only in this dreamscape of the Maiden of Glimpses floating before them, bobbing up and down as it waits for them to enter through the glass, Goldia incites Emi and Kakyoin to get moving, seeing they have lingered here long enough. "Come on, you two! Let's go! I don't want to keep them waiting!"

"Alright. We shall proceed to Fleta and Egliette's world by going through this mirror," Emi told them. "I hope the other threeare in the same world. We would be walking a lot in visiting their own worlds and ask them if they want to join us."

"Don't worry mother! They said they will be present!" Goldia replied. "All they must be doing is waiting for our arrival, especially Kakyoin."

"Oh, good to hear that," After asking Goldia for confirmation, she turns to Kakyoin, who is trying his best to follow their conversation that came natural to them but is leaving him lost because this is his first time being in Goldia's dreamscape they frequent every night. "Are you ready Kakyoin? We will enter throughthe mirror like you are going through a portal."

Coincidentally, he was going to ask what they should do in order to enter one of the places located in this dreamscape, of which an obvious and tempting answer if standing, or floating, there before him, until Emi answers it without him putting forth a question. Facing her, he nods, stating, "I'm ready. I'll follow you two."

With his reply, Goldia, Emi and Kakyoin go through the mirror, phasing through the glass like it's made of water that fittingly ripples upon contact. One by one, they entered through the mirror, and each time they did, a sound akin to a glass shattering except possibly reversed is heard, echoing within the soon-to-be empty entrance room or "foyer" of the dreamscape once the three occupants disappeared within the mirror.


The same sound is heard when Goldia, Emi and Kakyoin come out, in that order, from the other mirror. Compared to the two who has gotten used to the sound, Kakyoin winces a little due to how loud it was to his ears.

As soon as Kakyoin's foot leaves the mirror, causing the ripples surrounding it as long as he was in contact to disappear, the mirror portal glows brightly before shattering into many tiny pieces, and then dissipating into nothing. The three have watched it vanish after they used it to teleport somewhere, with Kakyoin being in awe the most.

"The mirror vanished…" He obviously pointed out, swerving his head back to Emi and Goldia's directions after he's done watching the particles dissolve. "Does that always happen whenever you used it as a portal, you two?"

"Actually, I have control on the mirrors I conjured. I simply cause the mirror to shatter like you saw once you came out from the mirror," answered Goldia. "Also, if I conjured another mirror exceeding the five mirror limit, the first one I created will shatter."

"Huh? You can only create up to five mirrors?"

"Yes," Goldia nodded.

Content of her answer, Kakyoin drops the subject and focus back on taking in the new change of scenery as he examines his new surroundings. Currently, he, Goldia and Emi are standing on a marble flooring that soon fades away into grass, the pathway having smudges of marble flooring within the sea of green grasses. Multiple healthy trees that has four red roses blooming among the leaves each line the narrow pathway leading to a small, grassy steps marked by a hedge arch few meters away from them, of which there seems to be pumpkin going ripe or still growing besides the archway. Squinting his eyes to see beyond the arch a little, he can see two marble pillars and big stairs pass them leading to an elevated platform, of which the pillar nearest to the hedge arch is broken in half. Red petals sway within the wind as it blow pass or through the vegetation, carrying it in the air or picking it up from the ground when few stayed.

Considering he was in a murky, dim room a minute ago, Kakyoin sees the change of place a literal breath of fresh air, feeling himself relaxing just by standing between the trees. He bet he would take a liking to his place more once he gets moving. Still, being a newcomer, he has no idea where this place is. He heard from Goldia about going to someone else's world so he presumes he's standing in the same world she commanded her pocket mirror to, but he's not sure yet.

"So uh… are we in… some kind of garden?" Kakyoin asked the two. "It's already obvious to me given the pleasant setting, but I want to make sure by asking you two."

"You're correct, mister Kakyoin," confirmed Goldia, swiveling on her feet to face him with a comforting smile. "We're in Fleta's backyard garden right now located behind her home. Or as she likes to call it together with her cherished companion Egliette, Their Beloved Garden."

"Well… Beloved is a right word to describe this garden," Kakyoin agreed, folding his arms as he continues taking in the scenery. "I'm getting positive vibes just by standing here even before we embarked."

"Then I suppose we should dawdle here no longer," Emi beckons the two with a hand gesture. "Let us proceed forward. I am sure everyone must have arrived already and is waiting for us."

"Okay! Let's go mother!" Goldia nodded, getting a head start by running ahead of them. "And you too mister Kakyoin!"

Influenced by Goldia's excitement and worried she might trip due to how fast she's running, Kakyoin and Emi followed Goldia across the pathway. Passing by the two pillars and the stairs "guarded" and flanked by two pumpkins (Kakyoin asked about them only for Emi to think not too hard about it, stating pumpkins are a common sight here in Goldia's dreamscape), they come across three statues, two of them overlooking near the edge while the one is situated in the center with a square-shaped pond below it guarded by a stone railing covered in vines and flowers. There's also another two statues located at the top of a second stairs depicting, bizarrely enough, two Goldias - one that has a crown on her head while her hands are on her lap with closed eyes, and another having one right wing holding a scythe. When they go up to the second elevated platform, Kakyoin asks why there are two Goldia statues.

"Oh, the one that has a scythe is not me," answered Goldia. "She may have my appearance, but she's separate."

"…What?" Kakyoin is baffled.

"You will see what she means soon…" Emi stated, moving away from the statues and walking together with Goldia. After sparing another puzzled look, Kakyoin follows them behind. "Speaking of which, there they are."

The two stop walking once they see four girls sitting on aluminum chairs circling an aluminum table with wide, circular and flat surface. Kakyoin stops too once he saw they have made it to their destination. Being the tallest one here, he's able to see and study the four girls sitting there.

The first girl he observed is the one sitting in the center of the table which, along with the ornately designed chair she's sitting on, makes her appear like she's the queen or princess and demands the need to be in the center of attention. She's a fair-skinned girl with short blond or lemon-yellow hair who has dark blue or green eyelashes and green eyes wearing a dark pink headband with a white, frilled outline, pink ribbon hanging on both sides of her head, a pink puff-shouldered mini cardigan that has a lacy collar hem tied together with or in a ribbon, fluffy dress with a lighter pink top having two split ribbon ends and whiter skirt that has a frilly hem, pink ballerina shoes, white knee-length socks with frilly white tops and lastly, pink ribbons spiraling up to her mid-calf. She seems to be holding a doll in her arms, holding it like her life depended on it.

Regarding the doll itself, it appears the doll has a royal crown with ruffled rim and crosses attached loosely on each side over its pink hair and two long ears with a heart-shaped piercing at the end of its right ear. Two golden rings are linked to the heart-shaped piercing ear, one of which is in the shape of a heart. Its eyes are the most peculiar part of the doll contributing to giving it a crazed look, as the left, narrowed eye with eyelashes has pink and light blue eyes while the right, circular and large eye is colored green and red; both pupils are consistently colored yellow and purple, and she has no nose. For attire, it wears a raggedy purple dress with a sewn red patch on its left worn over a white blouse with small red buttons and bloomers, oversized ruffled sleeves consisting of more crosses and a switched pink and blue color scheme on each side. Finally, tied to its neck is a large red bow.

On the pink girl's right sits a refined and self-disciplined girl who appears to be the taller one than her and possibly any of the girls, attentively watching her sisters. Her long, flowing hair is either peach or pink-colored ornamented at the center of the fringe with a blue, striped bow, two small braids restrained with golden cross falling from the sides and sitting on her shoulders, gradient blue eyes going whiter at the bottom that has a much more clouded appearance, blue eyelashes and fair skin. For her outfit, she wears a short, blue frilled capelet tied with a light blue striped bow (not unlike Emi's own capelet except lacking the frills), a white, long-sleeved ruffled shirt tied at her waist by a blue sash, knee-length skirt with a petticoat patterned by a sole line of white crosses and white tights with blue Mary Jane shoes each adorned with a white cross and blue bows.

The young woman sitting by the pink girl's left seems focused on staring at the table, staying quiet at all times. She has long, wavy and unkempt blonde hair parted hastily in the middle adorned by a flowered, lace ribbon on the left side of her head, very pale skin, and violet eyes having a ringed eyeshadow or eyebags below though they're less prominent. For her outfit, she sports a long-sleeved white blouse with high, ruffled dark purple collars and small, dark purple belts with gold buckles with a lavender rose pinned to the collar, brown buckled corset, white skirt that has dark purple fabrics and bigger, numerous belts sewn and attached into the waistband, two of which are buckled together while other two are left undone, dark purple tights and black ballet-slipper shoes with lavender roses on top of each shoe laced up to her mid-calf.

The last girl, and one that immediately caught his eyes even before he studied them, looks entirely identical to Goldia! Down to having the same attire but colored differently. Her long hair is colored black, her eyes are golden and more upturned than Goldia's are, and her clothes consist of white long-sleeved blouse with a frilled collar and cuffs with a gold brooch pinned to her collar, black knee-length skirt held up with black suspenders, bright yellow shoes topped with bows, and white knee-high socks. Aside from the inverted colors, this girl looks like a splitting image of Goldia, but if there is one distinct difference between her and Goldia other than colors, her left hand's ring finger appears to be stitched or sewn up. The identical-looking girl is busy looking up in to the blue sky, swinging her legs lazily with a bored frown.

Due to their elegant and elaborate clothing that Goldia and Emi also exhibited, Kakyoin's green gakuran uniform looks simplistic in comparison. Not saying he's not proud of his appearance as he felt his hanging twisting lock of hair and cherry earrings adds a sense of subtle uniqueness and remarkable air to him, but standing in the same place as these women wearing intricately designed attire from about late 17th to mid-18th century makes him appear conspicuous.

So these must be Goldia's personalities, or as she likes to call them, sistersKakyoin suspected. Each of them has distinct appearances separate from Goldia, except for one. They must be living in her mind, observing the real world Goldia is perceiving with her five senses, and apparently, they can talk to her in her mind? I must admit… I never suspected there are four individuals existing in her head until she and Emi told me.

As Kakyoin is absorbed in his thoughts, Goldia exclaims excitedly to get their attention. "Everyone, we're here!"

The five snaps their heads to her, and it didn't take long before their faces began smiling upon seeing Goldia and their mother.

"Goldia!" "Mom!"

Possibly the most extroverted girls among the five, the pink girl and Goldia's color-inverted twin get off their seats and run straight into them, with the short girl dropping the doll ungraciously (who landed perfectly on the grass as if it can move by itself) to give Goldia a big hug, much to her surprise while the other one choose Emi to hug. Her short height means she could only hug her on her waist, not that she cared and neither Emi too.

Nearly losing her balance, Goldia manages to steady herself as she returns the hug eagerly. Despite this, she enjoys the tight hug, letting out a laugh. Eventually, the girl pulls herself out of her before looking at her with a big, excited smile. The peach-haired and blonde-haired girls arrive to greet her with a warm smile and a nod respectively. Even the doll, who soon revealed herself to actually be alive to the watching Kakyoin's silent surprise, marches up to her, emitting squeaks in her every steps.

"It's about time you two show up!" The pink girl complained in a childish voice, pouting her cheeks after her smile vanished. "I was thinking of finding you two and the guest together with Egliette here when you called us."

"Hehehehe," giggled Goldia, having the courtesy of being embarrassed a little. "We're sorry for keeping you guys waiting! I hope we didn't made you wait too long."

"Oh it's fine, my dear," the tall girl allayed with a shake of her head, her voice having the tone of a mature and caring person. "Only three minutes have passed after Fleta and Egliette invited us all here and came together. You didn't make us wait too long."

"Ah, we are glad to hear it, Harpae," Emi replied, putting her hand on the black-haired girl's shoulder and pulling her near them. "Now that we are here, how are you my daughters? I hope everything here within Goldia's dreamscape is doing well as always."

"It's as you have said," Egliette, the doll, responded (again, to Kakyoin's more surprise), as Fleta, the pink-dressed girl, carried her back in her arms. "No problems were fortunately detected within her mind when she's both awake and asleep. That goes the same to Fleta here and everyone else."

Goldia smiles gladly to Egliette while Emi nods at her, relieved. "And I detected all of your souls are doing well too… I suppose there is no problem as usual."

"You always ask us that question, mom," Goldia's twin told her, her voice sounding similar to Goldia's but with a slightly deeper tone and seemingly younger. "It's becoming a little annoying hearing you ask it every time you see us and having to answer the same thing too so… Can you stop asking the same question mom?"

After pondering about it while tapping her chin, Emi concedes she has a point. "I suppose if I must, Enjel. Goldia herself are doing well for many months. As such, I shall try not inquiring you all with the same question again."

The girls like her statement, humming or nodding. "I'll be alright mother!" Goldia added, agreeing with her assertion too. "If you're still worried for us though, you can examine our souls. We won't mind it if you did it without our permission."

"It would be rude of me if I did not ask your consent… But I will keep it in mind," she sounded unsure at first but she has faith in her daughters to maintain their own well-beings, so she nodded to let them know she understands.

As the four each smiled at her, the blonde girl turned away from them to look at Kakyoin standing and trying to stay in the background as much as possible and not interrupt them. He soon noticed she was looking at his direction, at the same time she brings their attention to the other visitor by sparing some words to him in a slightly shrill tone. "Hey, are you gonna stand there? You're shy or what?"

"Oh! Sorry…" Seeing everyone has their eyes on him now, Kakyoin felt like he didn't need to exclude himself from what seems to be a family routine and moves near them.

Nearly forgetting he was walking with them minutes ago, Emi and Goldia moves away from the girls to situate themselves at his side, hoping to abate his impending awkwardness. All the while, the girls look at the tall man dressed in green having a twisting, thin lock of hair hanging near his face with varying expressions. While Harpae stays calm and Lisette maintains a neutral face while warily looking at him, Fleta and Enjel have exhilarated expressions, coming up to him instantly once he's near, which causes him to back away a little due to their overeagerness. "Whoa!"

While Enjel stares at him with awestruck eyes, Fleta and Egliette examines him up close, moving around him and standing on her toes in an attempt to futilely reach his height, even raising Egliette up to achieve that. Kakyoin quirks an eyebrow over their antics before eyeing Enjel inquisitively. She seems to notice he's looking at her and, wanting to say anything to him, decides to speak.

"You must be mom's friend she made from forty-one years ago! She met you when you were just a short kid, but now you're tall and grown up! Also, are you really a zombie who uses makeup to disguise yourself as human?"

"Uhhh, yes," he replied with a chuckle. "I may not been revived by Emi-san, but I'm a zombie all the same."

"A zombie who's taller than even mom!" Fleta stops scrutinizing him and steps back to look back and forth at him and Emi, comparing their heights. "How come you get so big and tall than all of us!? As the princess of this land, I demand you to give us your secret!" She insisted haughtily.

"Princess?" parroted Kakyoin.

"It's a title she likes to be called. And also," Goldia averts her eyes with an embarrassed expression. "It applies to me, too."

"You may answer Fleta's question if you like to," advised Emi. "Though I believe she would not take no for an answer."

Deciding to indulge the girl's fantasy a little and get this over with, here is Kakyoin's response.

"Uhhh… Exercise? Plenty of good sleep? Oh, don't forget to eat healthy foods, like… green vegetables!"

Fleta stares at him with a scrunched face, seemingly considering his answer. "Isn't that what you told me some time ago, Egliette? Can exercise and healthy foods make me taller?"

"…" Egliette appears to stay silent, but in truth, she was whispering quietly to Fleta.

"Ohhhhhh, I see!" With a satisfied smile, she expresses her gratitude to Kakyoin. "Thank you for your advice, Cack-yo-ween! If I follow your advice, I'll grow as tall as Harpae!"

"You're… welcome?" He replied unsurely, preferring to ignore her butchering the pronunciation of his last name.

"We will never grow up though," the other blonde girl chimed in. "And neither Goldia will because we're zombies."

"…Well you're right about that, Lisette, but since we're in Goldia's dream," She pointed to her. "I will be as tall as you, maybe surpassing you!"

"I doubt it," shrugged Lisette, not taking her seriously.

"Grrrr… You take that back!"

Before a quarrel can happen between the two, Goldia steps in between them with placating hands. "Please don't fight! This is supposed to be a friendly meet-up and mister Kakyoin is watching us! We don't want to make him feel uncomfortable after going through this trouble to have him join us, right?"

"She's right," Egliette agreed. "Quit squabbling, you two."

After having a staredown, Fleta and Lisette broke contact, if only to appease Goldia.

"…Ahem! Well then!" Fleta exclaimed, moving to the center to address everyone present with a haughty stance. "Like Goldia here said, this is a friendly meet-up arranged by me, Egliette and Enjel. With the esteemed guest present, let us return to our seats and eat to our hearts' contents!"

"Well said, Fleta," Emi complimented softly, moving in to take a seat to the table's left. "Let us not delay this. Kakyoin, my daughters, please… Take your seats."

Muttering their agreements, everyone followed Emi's words and take their seats, with Fleta, Egliette, Harpae, Lisette and Enjel returning to their seats while Goldia and Kakyoin decides to seat next to Emi, settling themselves on both her sides so Goldia is sitting between Harpae and Emi while Kakyoin is next to Enjel, who hummed in delight and apparently happy he's right next to her. Additionally, another chair appeared next to Fleta, who plops Egliette on it and let her situate herself snugly.

"Now that everyone here is present," declared Fleta, swerving her head left and right and scanning them intently for attendance. "We can finally start this picnic! So, all of you, including you Cackyoween, what would you like to eat?"

Goldia already knows what food she will get. "I want apfelstrudel and chamomile tea, please!" At her words, a pie and cup of warm tea appeared before her, much to her delight.

Egliette turns her head to Fleta, making a squeaking sound when she did. "Cookie cups, though I'm sure you already know what I shall get." The dessert appeared before the doll's seat like it did to Goldia.

Harpae speaks up next, already sure of what she'll get. "I want rose tea, please. I'm okay with not having to eat."

"Are you sure Harpae? You're not hungry?" Fleta is a bit iffy of her order.

"I'm not hungry at the moment," she shook her head. "Please don't worry." Seeing she won't budge, a blue cup of rose tea appears and Harpae takes it and sips it gladly with a smile.

"…Guess I'll have apfelstrudel too," Having no favorite foods, Lisette chooses the same food Goldia is having, which appeared after saying it.

"I want pumpkin pie! And earl grey tea!" Like before, the food materialize after Enjel shouted it, and was about to dig in when Goldia stops her. "Please wait Enjel. Mother and mister Kakyoin haven't got their foods and drinks yet."

Seeing she's right, Enjel plops back on her seat with a pout, looking at Emi and Kakyoin along with Goldia, Fleta, Egliette, Harpae and Lisette waiting for them to make their order. The ghost woman picks up their impatience so she put forth her order. "I will go for green tea," As soon as she said it, a Japanese-styled cup of green tea is within her right hand, smiling when she saw it. Now that she's done, she turns to face Kakyoin and asks, "What will you have then, Kakyoin?"

Feeling everyone's eyes boring onto him and having already decided what he will get after understanding what this outing is, Kakyoin opens his mouth. "I think… I'll go for some… cake. With… cherry fillings and… toppings." Not long after, the cake came into existence before him decorated and filled with cherries like he said. He couldn't be happier than ever seeing his food appear just by speaking it out loud. "Great! The order came faster than I expected!"

"Cherries, huh?" Enjel muttered, staring at the cherry cake with watering mouth, believing it will taste so good. She remembered something regarding Kakyoin, one that she heard it from Emi. She brings it up to the table. "Guess cherries are your favorite food. No wonder you are called Cherry Boy!"

Kakyoin almost fell on his seat when she heard that dreaded nickname, spluttering in surprise and only preventing himself because he might fall on the cherry cake and make a fool of himself. Hastily straightening his posture, he gawks at Enjel and asks, "W-What? Where… Where did you heard that?! And… How did you know that moniker?!"

"Oh, I am the one who told them that," Kakyoin turned to Emi again with a disbelieving look. "Remember, I kept watch on you and your friends for many months, so I ended learning the nicknames you refer each other while in public shows. Judging by your reaction however…" Emi tilts her head with a concerned look. "You do not like the nickname Kotaro gave you? Cherries are your favorite food, so I believe that moniker fits you."

Remembering she told him that as to why she knows what they were up to during her hour-long explanation earlier this afternoon, Kakyoin lets out a defeated sigh before nodding to Emi. "Admittedly, it does. But it feels so embarrassing having to be called that, like… it's attacking or degrading my sense of pride. I would like it wasn't my nickname and Tatsumi-san chose a better one, but unfortunately, it stuck on."

"So you do not like it being called that…" Emi seems ashamed he put him in quite an awkward spot. "I apologize for having to explain that."

"N-No no, it's okay! You and Enjel-chan don't need to say sorry," he assured her and Enjel, who tries averting her eyes upon realizing she agitated him. "I was just overreacting. I mean, if my identity must be protected for as long as Tatsumi-san hopes, I wouldn't mind being called Cherry Boy. I only want not to be called that when I'm not in public."

"Is that so?" Goldia questioned. "Then we will call you by your last name! Right everyone?"

Thankfully, the rest lets out murmurs of agreement. Even Enjel apologized for making him feel embarrassed in spite of him saying she doesn't need to. Goldia nods in contentment after hearing them.

"So!" began Goldia. "Let us all eat! Our foods are going to get cold if we keep stalling."

For the next few minutes, everyone enjoys the outdoor picnic and it didn't take long for the lively mood to manifest around the assembled party, relishing in their drinks and foods stuffed in their mouths. Of course, such an enjoyable get-together between four sisters, an animated doll, a serene woman and levelheaded guest wouldn't feel complete without any chatter thrown around.

The group talks or discusses random topics regarding the state of this dreamscape and the outside world, whatever that interests them. Being the original personality of which the four girls and one doll emerged from, Goldia usually initiates a discussion by mentioning some odd curiosities she saw in the real world, specifically around Saga Prefecture. This time, she brings up Franchouchou's upcoming concert taking place in a big venue called Arpino, which they and Emi are keen on attending and witness the local idol group's concert after only hearing their songs through radio or Emi's smartphone. Since a certain bodyguard is sitting with them, it didn't take long for them to hound him about what song Franchouchou will perform.

"Sorry everyone. Tatsumi-san wouldn't like me if I leaked it," he stated with a shrug and sly grin. "Even if I learned all of you are Franchouchou's eager fans, I'm keeping my mouth shut."

"Awww, you're no fun!" Fleta whined, glaring at him with pouting cheeks.

"I was hoping you might tell us because you're living together with them and with your groupmates," Enjel also complained, also pouting.

"You two just have to wait. There are only few days left before the concert happens," Lisette reminded after taking a bite from a piece of pie and swallowing it.

"What Lisette said," Harpae agreed with a giggle.

The conversation then shifts on who's the best member of Franchouchou overall. Goldia can't help but join in, citing Number One as her favorite and best idol, which Enjel challenged by stating Number Two due to being endeared of her charisma. Lisette and Fleta both argued for Number Four and Number Six while Harpae and even Egliette believe Number Five and Number Three are the best members out there. Not wanting to be left out, Emi chooses Number Zero due to the fact her unawakened status means she's liable to commit crazy stunts and how she seems to be growing out of her shell slowly but surely.

"…What about you Kakyoin?" Emi asked him next after drinking from her green tea.

"H-Huh? Me?" He pointed to himself in surprise. "Well… My lips are sealed."

"Nuh uh! You're not doing again!" Fleta accused, pointing her finger to him. Everyone, including Goldia, agreed and pestered Kakyoin for his answer, until he eventually relented and answers Number One could be the best idol among Franchouchou because of her potential she's yet to tap into and being the only one who doesn't have a "legendary" title, something he shares with her.

After the topic of Franchouchou was done, they begin talking unrelated and minor topics that fancied them. Kakyoin and Emi idly listen, tuning their ears to their lively talk filled with laughter, giggles and surprise shouts. Even if they aren't planning on interjecting in soon, they won't hesitate to say something as a comment or response whether they are prompted to or not.

As long as it's anything unrelated to Kakyoin's line of work.

"You know, I've been wondering…" Enjel began, finishing the last of the pumpkin pie. "I still don't get the reason why there are clocks sitting atop some of the trees in this garden. Do they actually work so we can tell what time it is?"

"There are clocks on trees here?" Kakyoin inquired, having not seen it despite the many trees planted here.

Egliette turned to Enjel, her expression unreadable as always until she speaks. "We've already gone through this. The clocks are only there for decoration, not to let me and Fleta see what time it is."

"Yup! What she said!" Fleta added.

The girl raises both hands to calm them down with a shake of her head. "I know, I know. I can't help but be curious again on the purpose behind the clocks sitting atop the trees. I mean…" She grinned mischievously as she leaned forward from her seat and says, "I don't want to tick you guys off."

"Then I suggest that you shouldn't-" Harpae caught the words in her throat upon realizing what Enjel said. Narrowing her eyes when turning to her seat, she asks, "Did you… make a pun?"

"Oh? Did I? Whoops!" Enjel smacks her right fist with her tongue out. "Guess I should stop… tocking about it!"

Her undeniable pun attempt elicits groaning from Fleta and Lisette while Harpae and Enjel stared at her like she's out of her mind. Goldia, on the other hand, laughed heartily with her hands on her stomach due to how she finds her joke clever and funny. Good thing she finished eating and drinking her tea or else she might choke or spit it out, which is decidedly unladylike of her.

"Hahahaha! T-That's… That's so funny!" She exclaimed, trying to contain her laughter because she's going to fall on her seat if she continues laughing like this.

"I know, right?!" Enjel exclaimed with a smile, falling back to her seat.

"Indeed," Even Emi agrees, putting her hand delicately over her mouth as she giggled. "I never know you have a talent for making a joke. Were you inspired by the talking pumpkins Enjel?"

"Yup! I wanted to amuse everyone, so I came up with the joke on the spot!" That got Egliette to look, or maybe glare, at her.

"We're not," Lisette corrected with her arms crossed, resisting herself to glare annoyingly to her.

"W-Well, whether it is funny or not," interjected Kakyoin, producing a chuckle from his grinning mouth. "It is a clever pun." Gyro-san would have loved to hear it.

Enjel likes his response and would have cherish in his compliment if Fleta didn't make a fuss that she made Goldia laugh, telling her to know her place. This didn't endear well to Enjel, who says it's only a joke. This prompted the two to start arguing, or they would have until Harpae, Goldia and Egliette stopped them, the latter banging the table loudly than her size suggest.

"You two, no squabbling!" The doll exclaimed. "This is a peaceful outing, and Emi and that man is watching us!" She pointed to Kakyoin. "So be on your best behavior! I won't say it twice."

Seeing she's right, Fleta and Enjel relented and returned to their seats. With the impending quarrel resolved quickly, Goldia lets out a sigh of relief. She doesn't like to see any of her sisters having a fight over a petty reason. It is true her relationship with them has been healthy and her dreamscape is in stable condition, but their clashing personalities can often result in fights. Thankfully, they only seldom happened and in the end, there are no hard feelings between both sides.

"Sorry," Fleta apologized, looking at her empty plate regretfully. "I almost lose myself again."

"Just don't do it again, please Fleta?" Harpae lightly scolded her. "That goes for you too, Enjel."

"Yes. I'm sorry too…"

Staying quiet until now, Lisette look at the forlorn-looking Goldia. Worried for her, she asks her, "Are you okay Goldia?"

"Oh, I'm fine," she looked up and assured her. "I'm only relieved no fighting happened. You all know I don't like seeing some of you fighting." She feels her right shoulder being rubbed by a delicate hand. Turning to her right lets her see its Emi, wishing to comfort her with a gentle look in her eyes.

"Then say no more. I am sure they relearned their lesson."

Goldia nods, "Okay mother!"

As the atmosphere become relaxed and lively again it just occurred to Kakyoin that he has yet to know more about Goldia and her sisters sitting before him and the dream world he was invited into. For a short time after he sat here, he already observed and studied the five girls and a doll enough to remember their appearances and behaviors, and knowing they are Goldia's dissociated personalities means that the red-eyed girl must have some kind of history concerning creating the girls derived from herself and being adopted by Emi. Maybe… Maybe this is the right time for him to learn about the girl known as Goldia die Heilige.

"You know, seeing you girls interact with each other while knowing that you are all Goldia's personalities… It made me curious," Kakyoin stated, his words bringing their attention to him. "I fear I might be prodding on your privacy but… Can I get to know more of you and your sisters, Goldia-chan? Is that… okay with you all?"

Like he rightfully expected, his question proves touchy enough that Goldia averted her eyes off of him with a miserable expression. This applies to the rest too, with Fleta picking up Egliette and hugging her tightly in her arms with an uncomfortable look, Harpae closing her eyes solemnly, Lisette sighing while moving her face away from him and Enjel looks down to the table with quivering mouth and twitching hands gripping her skirt. With the way they're struggling to not cry or get sad, Kakyoin fears he might have invaded their privacy too much despite having considering his words carefully so it doesn't sting painfully.

Uh oh. I spoke too soon. Attempting to salvage this, he quickly comes up with a response. "U-Um, I'm not… forcing you to tell me. If you don't want to, please forget I asked."

"No, it's… it's alright, mister Kakyoin," Goldia faced him again, putting up a brave front. "As you're a friend of our mother and how much trust she's putting on you… You have a right to know my… our backgrounds."

"Are you sure?" Kakyoin is hesitant and feeling regretful for asking her about it, and was thinking of declining the request.

"It is alright, Kakyoin," Emi cut in. "You want to know more about Goldia and her sisters. I am sure you must be wondering why Enjel here looks like Goldia and how her dreamscape came into being the whole time you were sitting there. You are curious, right?"

Taking one look at Goldia's self-assured eyes as well as the other girls and a doll sharing the same look as hers albeit to some degree and seemingly bearing him no ill will at all in spite of his perceived touchy request, Kakyoin decides to indulge in his curiosity.

"Yes. I wanted to know who Goldia is," he nodded affirmatively.

"Very well," After hearing him, Emi turns to Goldia and says this, "Goldia, you can get close to me for your comfort. I did not forget that your life story up to your tragic death through your soul being claimed, all orchestrated by Ira, is not for a sensitive heart. Nothing makes my heart ache than seeing you so sad." Her right hand hovers over her chest with morose eyes.

"…I would like that, mother," Goldia didn't complain, glad she's always considerate of her well-being and feelings.

"Ira…" Kakyoin repeated the name of Emi's aunt, the one who nearly made him her unwitting servant after she kidnapped him towards the tail end of his summer vacation back in 1977. Even to this day, he can feel his spine tingling because of the fact he nearly walked in Death's open door. Breathing deeply to ward off the thoughts away, he says, "Alright… I'm ready to listen."

"Okay," Taking a sip first from her refilled cup to calm her nerves, Goldia begins explaining her backstory.

BGM: Gaze (Pocket Mirror OST Title Theme)

"…I was born on July 16, 1862 in Austria to a wealthy family as the youngest of the twins. My father was a sergeant named Roman die Heilige, my mother's name is Elise and my twin brother is Henri."

"Austria, huh?" His hands are touching his chin and elbow as he listened. "I suspected you were from outside Japan given your foreign name. And you said you were born on 1862, huh…" He trailed off at the end when a thought crossed his mind, making him blink his eyes twice and widen them. "Hold on, you were born many years earlier than… Emi. Does… Does that make you… older than her?"

Goldia somewhat expected he would say that, so she nods. "Mmhmm! It's amusing that I'm actually older than my adoptive mother, right?"

"Uhhhh, yeah… For sure." Kakyoin conceded, trying not to let the fact Emi's adoptive daughter is technically older than her overwhelm him. He's yet to calculate what ages Goldia and her sisters are, but there's no denying that it's pretty absurd.

"That goes the same for us, too!" Fleta added with a smug grin.

"Um, I do not see the problem with Goldia being older than me," Emi sincerely added. "Am I supposed to find it… funny?"

"Don't worry. It's not really significant," she assured her before continuing her recounting, "Anyway, back to what I was saying… Even though I was born in a wealthy family, everything about my family is anything butnormal," she looked down to her tea with a forlorn look, which the other girls imitated. "My father was always participating in the war while my mother, Elise that is, was both physically and mentally ill who would spent her time looking at the wall bemoaning how she doomed her entire family or her true love she sacrificed to achieve the wealth and fame she desperately wanted. As such, my brother and I both suffered under a dysfunctional and distant parents."

Goldia stops speaking briefly to let Kakyoin absorb the info to his head, who is listening attentively with a slightly worried look. "So Elise didn't actually love her husband? And her true lover was sacrificed to… Let me guess," Connecting the dots based on little info he heard, he dismally stared at her and says, "Your mother made a contract with Emi's aunt, Ira Essence, to gain wealth and privilege at the cost of her true love, right?"

"You have it right," Emi nodded with sad eyes. "Elise has no choice but to sacrifice a woman named Rozenmarine to Ira's jaws in order to achieve her dream of escaping poverty, a choice she heavily regretted for the rest of her life due to her leaving the few friends she made in her home village."

"Oh? She was in love with a woman?" He pointed out curiously.

"That is what I said," Emi affirmed.

"P=Please don't take my words the wrong way," he quickly clarified. "I don't mind someone being in love with someone else of the same gender. I do approve of her orientation and the freedom she has over who she really loves. I only want to confirm the facts."

"We all understand, mister Kakyoin," reassured Goldia, glad and relieved he has no problems with her mother loving a female. "And like you have guessed, Elise made a contract with Ira to achieve her dream. But that's not the only price she has to pay. Sacrificing her true love isn't enough payment for the vile woman to complete my mother's contract with her. Ira required a payment that she will later claim in order to complete the contract…" She swallowed the lump in her throat, aware that what she'll say will be the most difficult part, something the girls agreed with and even averting their gazes like Lisette and Enjel had done.

"What's… second payment?" Kakyoin knew he would regret asking that, expecting he would not like her answer.

"A name bathed in gold," Emi revealed, moving her eyes away from her refilled green tea to rub her daughter's back after sensing her discomfort. "That is…" She looks up to Kakyoin and clarifies what she said, "Goldia herself."

! !

"What!?" Kakyoin is shocked beyond belief that the second price Elise must pay after the aunt granted her wish by Ira is her biological daughter. His shock gives way to anger and disapproval over Goldia being cursed thanks to her mother's selfish wish. "That's…" He takes a breather before expressing his feelings to this fact. "That's so cruel! Hearing your father and mother was distant to you and your brother contributing to a dysfunctional household is one thing, but dooming you to Ira's clutches over a selfish wish she desperately want above else?" He shakes his head with a sigh. "I… I don't have any words to best describe it except… that it's too cruel."

"I expected you would react that way. And to be honest, I felt the same after I discovered her letter when I was young," admitted Goldia. "But despite what she'd done, she really regretted her decision that doomed her lover and her distant family. Up that point however, it's already too late. She had committed a great sin that would haunt her up to her death few years later. I was still a child then."

"Regarding the letter I found, I did not take it well learning a demoness will come to me and claim my soul when I came of age," continued Goldia, pushing away her mounting discomfort and leaning in Emi's reassuring touch. "Eventually, my mental well-being became unstable and strained as the years went by, eventually disassociating myself into three girls you're seeing before you and have them function into different roles as a result of my dysfunctional parents and distant brother."

"You mean… They represent facets of your… life? And by extension… your personalities?" He turned to them, starting to slowly understand them.

"That's correct."

"Hmm, what about Egliette and Enjel?" He inquired. "Since they're here too, would you consider them part of you?"

"You're right that Egliette is part of me because she represents the doll I used to own. But Enjel… From the start, she was actually not part of me."

"Huh? From the start?"

"I may look like Goldia, but I wasn't part of her mind when I was created," Enjel admitted. "I was like a parasite invading her world to steal her pocket mirror and live in the real world I came to admire."

Kakyoin turned to Enjel, then back to Goldia before he scratches his head with a very confused expression. "I still don't understand…"

"Rest assured Kakyoin," Emi placated him understandably. "It will make sense later when you fully learned the ordeal Goldia went through. Please be patient, for she has not gone past the beginning yet."

He's feeling the opposite, though he ignores it and sighs, "Well, guess I shouldn't interrupt Goldia from now on and let her explain everything. I don't want to waste time."

"Worry not, mister Kakyoin. You will soon understand," Goldia reassured him again. "So, after Fleta, Egliette, Harpae and Lisette were created and they, as well as my fractured mind, influenced my entire life in the die Heilige family to detrimental effect, tragedy struck my parents. Elise died from an unknown cause, my father became an alcoholic in response to her death, which also resulted in his death, and Henri, he… he made a contract with Ira and became her servant in order to escape the unstable household he couldn't take anymore."

Kakyoin can feel himself squirming in dread over what he's hearing and the events that will soon follow as Goldia continued solemnly with prickling tears in her eyes and restraining her quiet sobs. "As part of the contract, Henri most likely sacrificed father. Possibly shortly after that, Ira changed him into an entity that would haunt me during my journey of self-identity after I was admitted to a mental hospital in 1878, at the age of 16 for over two years. He would be known as… the Strange Boy."

"Strange Boy…" he parroted quietly, unsure if he should be disgusted or pity Henri for his decision.

BGM: Hexen (Pocket Mirror Mystery Theme)

"For the journey I mentioned, I first woke up with amnesia and… having aged to at least thirteen-years-old like you're seeing me now," she looked to her sisters again and examined their expressions. They silently urge her to continue and trusting her and Emi, so she continues with a deep breath. "I don't know who I was and where am I, other than the pocket mirror that was given to me by my mother, telling me to hold it close to my heart and never letting go of it. What I didn't know at that time was it was given to me like a gift… The last gift I ever received from her… in order to protect my soul from Ira and Strange Boy, both of whom decided to send Enjel, whom she was actually her creation, to retrieve it under the pretense that stealing it from me would grant her freedom to the real world when in reality, she was nothing more than a pawn to be disposed once she's done."

Enjel has a remorseful face as she turned her head away from her.

"With the pocket mirror in my hand at all times, I ventured deep within my dreamscape, exploring surreal places derived from my delusions and encountering Egliette, Fleta, Harpae and finally Lisette. Even though I don't recognize them and wished to be friends with and help them, they didn't treat me kindly; Egliette wanted to execute me, Fleta insulted me and threw tantrums when things didn't go her way, Lisette attempted to kill me using a pair of sharp scissors, and even Harpae is obsessed in making me rely on her all the time while restraining my freedom, even slapping me at one point. In spite of what they've done to me, it is a miracle my compassionate blank self didn't break under pressure," she mirthlessly laugh on that part. "And because I was so focused on learning who I was, I didn't get to appease them and so they suffered a terrible, gruesome end before shattering before my eyes."

She remembered Fleta becoming far gone in her tantrum that she wouldn't listen to Egliette's words, who is starting to rip her body apart by itself and ooze black fluid or blood, culminating with the Queen shattering the Princess before she can kill Goldia out of anger, Harpae gouging her eyes out messily in despair over failing her perceived role, pitifully telling Goldia to stay away from Lisette as she shatters, and Lisette herself being cynically correct that the amnesiac Goldia is as selfish as Elise and she always treated her as the scapegoat like she did before. She may not have died gruesomely, but her scathing words took its place to make Goldia regret heavily her choice.

BGM: Pumpkin Märchen ~ Mitternacht (Pocket Mirror OST)

Tears begin to pool in her eyes, compelling her to scoot her chair up close to Emi who laid her hand to her shoulder and squeeze it comfortingly. She's sniffling and letting out hiccups between sobs but she still continues with a brave front. "At the end of my harrowing journey, Enjel, who I believed is my only friend and may have wanted to help me escape, decided to drop her nice act and attempted to claim my pocket mirror by force to escape into the real world. Despite my best effort, she succeeded… And that's where Ira and the Strange… *sniffs* Henri… abducted both of us in their domain and forced me to watch a theater show mocking Egliette, Fleta, Harpae and Lisette before they were killed in horrific ways again…"

She remembered again Fleta beating herself up and slamming her face against the door while Egliette watches, spewing blood from her eyes, nose and mouth and staining her face and clothes, Lisette crucified on a blood-stained cross and grinding grisly against the rough wood, causing blood to spill from her forehead where a thorny vine was wrapped around on before being pelted by tomatoes and beaten up by an invisible force, and Harpae suffer through another gruesome death by having five swords pierce her and slice her upper and lower body in half with all the gore and blood that entails.

"…M-My mouth was stitched shut and… I couldn't do anything except watch with terrified eyes Fleta, Egliette, Lisette and Harpae getting killed. Once they're done, Enjel lastly appears against her wish, where Ira reveals that she was created by her and tells her she cannot go to the real world because she lacked a physical body, only using her as a disposable pawn, before killing her when… a whole trunk of y-yellow roses with t-t-thorny vines crawled out of her mouth along with a mouthful of blood. And… *deep breaths* and then… she finally… c-claimed… m-my soul…" Goldia stopped speaking with a hurried breath, her face full of streaming tears and looking drained after she recounted the horrible first half of her past.

Kakyoin stared at the traumatized girl being hugged by Emi with wide eyes and open mouth, horrified and shocked so much any words he want to say is caught in his mouth. He had expected Goldia's past is an unhappy one, but learning how she was cursed from birth thanks to Elise's selfish contract with Ira and suffering under an unstable household and as a mental asylum patient before her soul was claimed after a futile adventure of discovering who she is, on top of witnessing many gruesome sights for her innocent eyes, are all too much. If he wasn't feeling sorry for her, then he should be except multiplied tenfold.

"I…" He began speaking, slowly getting out of his shocked stupor. "I don't know… what to say. Describing your life story as horrible isn't enough to justify how you… suffered so much, even for a sweet girl like you." he adopts a sympathetic look to her. "I'm so, so sorry you have to go through all of that."

Goldia didn't say anything as her eyes pooled with tears, but she smiled in response to him, thankful of his empathy. She turns away from Kakyoin to see how the others are reacting to her story, and sure enough, they are not taking it well whether influenced by her or not.

Fleta hugs Egliette more tightly, sniffling and trying but failing not to cry so hard while the doll wraps its short arms around her waist to comfort her.

Harpae appears composed, but closer inspection reveals her body is shaking even a little. Her eyes are closed to stop more tears she shed a little from pouring out.

Lisette seems focused on not looking straight to anyone's eyes as her sleep-deprived eyes stared intensely on the table, her arms shaking due to her hands gripping her clothes tightly.

Enjel is already crying before Goldia finished recounting, being the most affected among them. She would wipe the tears off her eyes with her sleeves, but that didn't matter when more tears come pouting out. She sniffled and hiccupped, truly expressing her sorrow.

"Everyone…" Goldia whispered, sensing their emotions.

No one dared to speak for many minutes as she, Kakyoin and Emi wait for their tears to dry and they calmed down. Though they didn't stop crying yet, they have calmed down and feeling better after they take out their suppressed melancholy.

BGM Ends

"It is true Goldia did not lead a happy life up to her accursed death," they heard Emi begin speaking, so they turned to her, expecting she's next to narrate the next set of events. "Once her soul was claimed, Ira planned to make Goldia her second servant like Henri became before she traveled back to the present and resumed her plan to kill me and destroy Saga, so assured of herself she will succeed. However!" She looked up with eyes full of relief and happiness shining upon it in spite of her expressionless face. "It is because she claimed Goldia's soul that I managed to rescue her from her hands… But not before killing her and the Strange Boy just as they are about to enact their scheme."

Sensing he will learn how Goldia came to be Emi's adoptive daughter, Kakyoin straightened his posture and says, "Returned to the present day Saga? Through Ira's Stand, right?"

"Yes," confirmed Emi, having told him about Ira's Stand during her entire explanation surrounding Saga's secret. "And unlike the many times I have to search Ira by following along the carnage she inflicted to mock me for being always too late to save anyone, I sensed her impending arrival and ventured to her location quickly with Hartzler and Lynn. After the two ambushed her and Strange Boy, I doused their bodies with Bring Me to Life's intense flames and as they burned, I indifferently gazed at them and did not respond to any of their words. It all happened in a secluded location, so no witnesses were in the scene…aside from Goldia, who fell unconscious when Ira died."

"And that's how you met her," he surmised, anticipation welling up in his chest over the events involving reviving Goldia.

"Correct," Emi continued with a small grin. "When I saw her fall unconscious, I was intending to burn her too under the belief she was another servant of Ira like Henri was. But then, I sensed her soul calling out and beggingsomeone, anyone to help her. The intense emotions behind her silent words that appeared in my very soul, telling me without learning her plight of the suffering, grief and wish to be given one happy day in her miserable life… I realized then she was the victim of Ira's ambition. My decision was already made once I guessed the wider picture behind the unconscious Goldia."

Kakyoin felt he didn't need to spell it out loud over what she did next, and judging by everyone's mood being lifted up as they admirably looked at their kind rescuer and adoptive mother, he can feel his worries gradually give way to triumph and relief.

"After I told Hartzler and Lynn to stand guard around me and Goldia, I transferred my consciousness inside her mind, unaware that I shall experience the most complicated soul restoration process, especially it was the first time I am reviving a human. Armed with my Stand, sharpness and determination to succeed, I ventured through Goldia's flickering soul housing her shattered mindscape, walking along the exact same locations she travelled on during her failed journey to rediscover herself. Vanishing the monsters possibly spawned due to Ira's influence, I stumbled upon her shattered personalities lingering within her mindscape, sensing each of their souls identical to Goldia's. I pieced together what I need to do to properly revive Goldia back from the brink of death…"

BGM: The Name Bathed in Gold (Pocket Mirror OST)

"So with Bring Me to Life, I sewed Egliette's doll body back after restoring her soul," The Puppe Regina nodded in appreciation. "Disciplined Fleta regarding her troublesome behavior after I restored her next and threw tantrums when I won her games, but not without reassuring her I would not leave her behind in spite of it," The Liliputian Princess beamed at her, and does feel ashamed over her childish actions and afraid of Emi's calm temper she didn't want to see again. "Told Harpae she should not concern herself on watching over Goldia at all times, for I shall lighten her load because she has me to rely on if she required reassurance," The Maiden of Pristine Eyes puts her hand on her chest, giving Emi an appreciative smile. "Gave the insecure Lisette a sorely-needed hug from me, whispering to her she would suffer no more as long as I am here with her," the Sleeping Maiden of Horrors also smiled at her, the first smile she did after she was restored and during this outing between them, Emi and Kakyoin. "And lastly, even if she was not part of Goldia and created by Ira as a disposable pawn, removed the thorny vines out of her mouth, restoring her soul and body, and promising her she will see the real world with her own eyes…" The Cherubina of Shed Wings happily glanced to her, having already seen her as her real mother due to her benevolent nature.

"Now that their own souls were repaired, I told them what I am currently doing to Goldia's body outside her mindscape and my earnest wish to revive her after I did the same to them, which I believe should pull me closer to her own soul. Out of gratitude and concern for Goldia, they start telling me where I could find Goldia… but all of a sudden, I got snatched away into a different area."

"Snatched away? By who?"

"By me," Kakyoin turns to Goldia in surprise and confusion. "Or rather… the delusion I created once I learned Fleta, Harpae and Lisette are all reflections of myself but never found out who I am still. The persona I was poised to take when Ira made me her servant if she succeeded. While I didn't remember what I did while I was in that form, I know what it called itself… Platinum."

BGM: Platinum (Pocket Mirror OST)

"Correct," sighed Emi. "This Platinum pulled me away from them with the intent of purging my very soul out of her world and away from Goldia's body. Figuring out Platinum is Goldia under a delusion, I tried to talk sense with her, only to be refuted each time with mellow words masking her condescending tone. Even her angelic appearance I was greeted with did nothing to hide how… uncanny she became. Seeing I have no choice but to fight, I engaged Platinum, hoping to weaken her enough that I can gaze into her eyes and fully mend Goldia's soul and get rid of the Platinum persona. However, since I was in her domain, she overwhelmed me with her power, and even worse, my Stand energy was running low from restoring their souls, especially Enjel's."

"Despite my best effort, I was soundly beaten by Platinum," she shakes her head over the memory. "After mocking me for going through all the trouble of reviving Goldia only to fail, she began erasing my soul painfully. Fortunately, Lisette and Enjel interfered, attacking Platinum whom they deemed as a mockery of their original self, allowing Fleta and Harpae to pull me to safety. Platinum quickly overwhelmed the two, throwing them to us and visibly furious. She was going to assimilate four of her personalities while erasing Egliette and myself out of this world, but help manifested for a second time through Hartzler and Lynn appearing at the last minute to severely weaken her, having foreseen this possible scenario. After the four eventually weakened her, an opening is made so I did not hesitate to take it. Before Platinum can do anything, I successfully gazed upon her eyes, restored and retrieved Goldia's soul back to the surface, and as a result, the Platinum persona and its world shattered, putting all of us to a black void. In the place where the deluded being once stood, Goldia herself shows up along with her pocket mirror that Lynn catches in its talons before it landed on the floor while I caught her simultaneously."

BGM: The Name Bathed in Gold (Pocket Mirror OST)

"After I woke up to the sight of everyone looking down on me worriedly," Goldia decides she will be the one to finish explaining. "Emi told me what happened and all the hard work she undertook just to revive me back from the dead. Thanks to the repaired pocket mirror and Emi's efforts, I managed to learn who I am… before apologizing to my other selves for every misdeed I committed even if it was accidental and promising to better myself and my relationships with them. Though Lisette understandably do not accept my apology immediately, she's willing to give me a second chance. With my entire soul restored, Emi, Hartzler and Lynn returned to the real world, and the next day, I finally woke up as a zombie subservient to Emi. And that… is my whole story and how we were adopted and cared for by her."

Releasing a lot of air she didn't know she contained for the entirety of her recounting, Goldia sips the last of her chamomile tea, muttering a satisfied "Ahhh" after lowering the cup. Her nerves had calmed down and is feeling satisfied she let out her life story to someone she can place her trust whether they are friends with Emi or not.

"I see," Kakyoin nodded, lowering his hands down off his chin and elbow now that he didn't have to listen intently. "Having listened to your entire story Goldia-chan and learning the amount of misery you experienced due to factors out of your control… getting revived by a benevolent zombie woman as your adoptive mother is the best possible outcome you could ever have after your bleak existence challenged your sanity. I am happy and relieved for you, and your sisters." He puts a smile on his face to show he means it.

"Yes… It's nice to hear it from you, mister Kakyoin," reciprocated Goldia, choosing to remain sitting directly beside Emi. "I'm glad it's finally over."

"That's right. Thank goodness we're all in safe thanks to mother," Harpae sighed in relief, no longer having to think on coming over Goldia's side and comfort her even with Emi by her other side. Still, she's worried for her, so she turns to her and asks, "How are you feeling Goldia? Are you distressed on giving an account of your entire story to mister Kakyoin?"

"I am fine Harpae," she answered with a smile. "Even though I haven't lived a great life, it's all in the past. We can take comfort to the present being cared for by our mother."

"She's right!" Enjel chimed in. "Without her, we wouldn't be here in the first place, living together and bonding like friends and sisters!"

"Emi has made our lives easier," Lisette agreed, flashing a small smile to Emi. "I can take comfort in her vow that no harm will fall upon us and that we have changed."

"Indeed," the woman nodded after sipping from her green tea. "As long as I exist, I shall do my utmost best to continue giving you all a better life you were denied thanks to Ira."

"And kill that hag eventually, right?" Fleta reminded eagerly.

"Aye… When she inevitably returns."

A chuckle is heard beside her, prompting her and everyone to turn to Kakyoin clamming his mouth up when he noticed their stares. Nonetheless, he's smiling at the amount of trust and bond each of them shared, which felt natural to him.

"What's so funny?" Egliette inquired.

"Nothing," Kakyoin raised one hand in a stop gesture. "I'm just… happy watching you all put so much trust in Emi-san and feeling protected by her serene gaze. After listening to Goldia's terrible upbringing and how it affected her and all of you, this outcome is the most favorable one that could ever happened to you, Goldia-chan like I said. You deserve it after suffering for so long. And again, I apologize for making you remember it just to sate my curiosity of who you and your sisters are."

Liking his sincere words, Goldia shakes her head and says, "You don't need to apologize Kakyoin. Please don't feel bad I have to remember my previous life. As I said earlier, it's all in the past."

"Well… if you insist, then alright," he added. "I can rest assured I learned everything about you and your sisters."

Goldia giggles at his statement, "Now that you know everything about us, I hope you won't get so confused again."

"Hehehe, yeah, I hope so… after I organized the facts in my head," he jested, rubbing his head to ease the little headache he got over learning many information than he liked. Goldia and Enjel laughed at his little joke, Harpae and Fleta giggled that he'll need his head to calm down to process properly. Even Lisette and Egliette, who are not fans of joking, admit he has a point.

"Now that Kakyoin knows who my daughters are," Emi began speaking, finishing her refilled green tea before settling the cup aside and place her clenched hands on the table as she stared at them each with a gentle smile. "I believe we can properly enjoy our time here in Goldia's dreamscape, together with Kakyoin. So then, is there anything all of you would like to do? Anything that makes you happy and so Kakyoin enjoys his last night with us after being in a coma for two days."

Listening to her, Fleta lets out a shout as she stands up eagerly, pushing the seat backwards. "Oh! Since Kackyoween is here, he will have to play with us! This is my order as your princess!"

"Hey, he doesn't get to say yes, yet!" Enjel chided her lightly, not wanting to make her beloved mother's friend uncomfortable. She turns to him with a pleading look and asks, "Do you want to play with us Kakyoin? It will be a fun time for you!"

"Hmmmm," After pretending to consider it, Kakyoin nods favorably. "Sure. It would be rude of me to decline after Emi-san and Goldia-chan personally welcomed me here and you five has taken a liking to me even if this is the first time I met you all and I'm still digesting all your backstories."

Goldia clasps both her hands in delight to his response. "Great! Thank you for agreeing mister Kakyoin! You'll have a good time spending time with us more!"

"Hehehe, I hope so. Oh, and by the way, please refer me only as my last name," he told her and everyone. "I'm not really old to be called mister."

"And yet you add a san suffix to Emi's name every time you address her?" Harpae pointed out his little hypocrisy.

"Well… she is older than me. I have to be respectful to anyone above my age," he reasoned, not denying her point.

"He is right," conceded Emi. "While I am over a hundred years old, my body I was born in was slated to be 20-years-old. That said, I do not mind it if you choose to keep addressing my name with a san or omit it, especially since we are friends."

"I think I'll keep adding san to your name," he admitted. "Force of habit, in case you want to know why."

"Heeeeeey, are we all gonna play or not?" Fleta is becoming impatient, slamming her hands on the table causing the tableware to rattle under her force. "We don't want to waste time in Goldia's dream if we keep talking!"

"Ah, right. Sorry Fleta," Goldia giggled. She stands up from her seat, which the others except Emi follows, with Kakyoin and Lisette stretching their body to loosen the knots. "Are you all ready to have fun? What game should we play first?"

Egliette raise its high-pitched but pompous voice first. "Since we're outside and there are six chairs already, may I suggest we play musical chairs?"

Goldia likes her suggestion. "Yes! It is suitable for location we're currently in! Should we choose it as our first game?"

"Yeah!" Fleta, Egliette and Enjel shouted, raising their fists up in unison. The rest who didn't simply nodded to Goldia with a smile.

"Looks like everyone has decided," Emi announced. "We shall play the musical chairs game…after I finished drinking this refilled cup of green tea." She takes a sip from the cup and lets out a satisfied sigh as the liquid traveled through her throat, unbothered of how steaming hot it felt.

For some reason, the occupants turn to her in silence, their vacant look locking daggers at her. Kakyoin sees this sudden change in behavior as odd, so he asks, "Hey, what's wrong everyone? Why are you staring at Emi-san like she did something wrong?" His question pulls Emi out of her reverie, now noticing they're looking at her.

"…"

"…"

"…"

"Mother, how many cups of green tea did you drank?" Goldia questioned.

"How many cups?" parroted Emi. "I believe… This is my sixth cup."

"…"

"…"

"…"

"Your sixth cup will be your last one, mother," sighed Goldia, looking exasperated peculiarly. "You already filled your daily quota of five cups a day earlier. You must learn self-control."

"But… But… This is my… favorite drink…" She weakly defended, feeling herself shrinking under her stony gaze as she clutched her cup protectively with a pitiful expression.

"We know," Harpae reminded, walking away from her seat and near Emi's side. "You may be a zombie, but you're not adverse to various effects both good and ill humans have. Please abstain from drinking more than three cups a day, mother. That's the only beverage you ever drink other than water."

"I am drinking water too! It was just mixed with powder! That is all!"

Goldia and Harpae are undeterred, so they choose to closely monitor the green tea-addict Emi to make sure she doesn't take another cup after she's finished drinking it, which she's taking it slow to savor the taste as much as possible. Seeing Emi acting like a sulky child is amusing yet surprising and unexpected all the same to Kakyoin, having been familiar with her unemotional attitude hiding her benign heart that always pop up.

"…What was that about?" He asks the four girls and a doll.

"She loves green tea," replied Lisette simply.

"Oh, right. I remembered green tea being her favorite tea when I friends with her as a kid. I never knew she was obsessed with it," Kakyoin chuckled, deciding to watch a sulky Emi taking her sweet time sipping her green tea slowly, but Harpae and Goldia told her to speed it up because Fleta and Enjel are getting impatient, much to her sadness.

BGM: Kleine Beere (Pocket Mirror OST)

For the next hour, Goldia, Fleta (holding Egliette), Harpae, Lisette, Enjel, Emi and Kakyoin play many games with each other, like musical chairs, a card game, catching butterflies, hide and seek, and racing. While they mostly played in the Dollhouse of Fleta's world, the last two games has them transporting to separate areas where Harpae, Lisette and Enjel reside and it being done at least four times. These required a lot of physical movement, and since Fleta herself suggested them and vouched by Goldia and Enjel, it lead them to suspect she is following Kakyoin's advice by doing as much exercise as possible. Not only that but Goldia, Emi and Kakyoin used their Stands to gain unfair advantage, like Emi turning invisible during hide and seek and Hierophant Green adding a lot of range for Kakyoin during the butterfly catching game.

However, everyone have a great time playing these games, becoming competitive and indulged in scoring a win. They laughed and hollered during all these, especially around intense moments when they were about to win or lose as a festive mood hovers over their heads. Even if some complained or whined that they lost, they never took it hard. All that mattered is they enjoyed themselves and everyone's company. In fact, Goldia and her sisters got to see Hierophant Green in action, which Kakyoin noticed it and decided to amaze them with its abilities, and he gets to visit other locations and its associated places in this dreamscape, which everyone are happy to give him a tour during intervals between games.

During the impromptu tour, Kakyoin gets to learn more about Goldia's sisters based on their environment and their words. He was surprised Harpae is blind, remarking how impressive she can traverse the dreamscape without or little difficulty and enjoy hobbies like reading literature, painting and sewing, unnerved of the many Lisettes loitering in the circus section of Lisette's world thanks to the girl "purifying" herself by removing negative thoughts out of herself through splitting (she has stopped doing it ever since Goldia made an effort to better herself) and amused of Enjel's question if Nail Jockey or Spin Cowboy can let her ride their horses once she meets them, given how she likes carousels so much.

This was also the first time where he witnesses Emi's oddball behavior that have been her notable trait since after over a hundred years of existence; like climbing the stairs' railings in Harpae's manor, recite a Shakespearean line and have a staring contest with her reflection, which went on for five minutes until the loser cowed (They try not to think too hard about who won and lost). Kakyoin might have remembered barely she exhibited odd behaviors back then, but now that he's witnessing her up close, he's not sure if he should be worried of her… or be amused. He chalked it up to Emi being created in a dead adult's body and never experiencing growing up like a human, thus having a tenuous grasp on reality. In spite of her eccentricity and acknowledging it, Emi genuinely doesn't understand why they find it odd, or maybe she took it in a stride. At least everyone didn't mind it, citing those traits as what makes her unique not just because she's a zombie creation. That is not to say they got exasperated when she pushed her eccentricity too far, though.

After they are done playing due to being tired or having enough of excitement in their bodies for one night, everyone takes a rest up on top of the hill in Lisette's world. The bright, giant full moon looming over the graveyard in the purplish sky, pristine white flowers filling the spaces of the cross-shaped tombstones and across the hill, their detached petals swaying and dancing with the breeze and an Austrian town or village etched in the background all combine to create a beautiful, ethereal sight that has Kakyoin held his breath in astonishment when he first set foot here. While everyone frequently see this place, they never get tired bathing their eyes with the picturesque scene.

BGM Ends

"Wow. I never expect a place like this exist in your world, Lisette," applauded Kakyoin, settling himself on the patch of white flower next to Emi. "I am glad I get to see this place that are similar to the scenic locations I only saw in books."

Though she has gotten better in socializing and receiving compliments, it still feels surreal to Lisette to hear pleasant words. Perhaps it's because of this that she avert her eyes off of him, but not maliciously since she did like his statement, "T-Thanks…"

"Please don't be shy, Lisette," assured Goldia, making herself comfortable kneeling between Fleta, Egliette and Enjel while Harpae and Lisette sits behind them as they keep themselves close to Goldia. "I'm sure we are all thinking the same."

"Yeah… I'm a bit jealous. Wished my guardian was filled with so many white flowers," Fleta admitted without adding a backhanded statement.

"There's no need to change it, Fleta," Egliette stated, who is being held in Goldia's arms for now so she gets to see everything. "Our garden is fine as it is."

"One that fits each of us!" Enjel exclaimed to Goldia's right ear.

"And it does give variety to our respective domains," added Harpae.

Smiling to their remarks, Emi turns to her side to see Kakyoin really admiring the sight with a smile. So far, he's reveling every moment no matter small here in Goldia's dreamscape, only made possible thanks to her and Emi. Out of curiosity and concern for him, she chose to ask him anyway. "Kakyoin, are you truly enjoying yourself? How are you liking it so far?"

"All I can say is… It's great!" Kakyoin responded with a growing smile. "I can no longer worry that my last night here with you and Goldia will be boring or unremarkable. It's like… I became a kid during Christmas day opening presents!"

"We are happy to hear that, mister Kakyoin!" Goldia turned to him and smiled widely. "I hope you enjoy your time here more and our company and appreciate every moment we have!" Her sisters agree as Fleta, Enjel and Lisette give him an appreciative nod.

"I will," he simply replied. "I have an experience to tell my friends about. Oh, by the way, if it's possible…"

"Oh, I'm considering it! You only have to ask for permission nicely!" Goldia guessed that he wants his friends to visit her dreamscape.

Kakyoin beamed in delight and gratitude. "Great! I hope all of you and Emi-san meet my friends once I returned home!"

"Maybe tomorrow, when we personally see you off," Emi proposed, then she resumed watching white petals flutter around up in the purple sky that everyone followed.

As silence settles in, Emi, Kakyoin, Goldia, Fleta, Egliette, Harpae, Lisette and Enjel continue admiring the scenery for the next three minutes, hoping the scenery watching continues longer, maybe up until morning…

"Meow!"

"Hooo, hooohoooohooooo! Hoooooooo! Hoooohoooooooo!"

"Huh?" Emi flinches when she heard those calls below and beside her. As she comprehended those sounds, she realized there is something lying on her lap and her right shoulder is being pricked with sharp objects. Her confusion only took two seconds before she moves her head to see the tabby cat and great horned owl looking up to her and from her side respectively. "Hartzler? Lynn? You two… came back earlier than I expected.

Everyone is made aware of the two animals' sudden appearance as they get off her and move behind Emi with a sense of urgency in their movements. "Meow! Meow!" "Hooooo hooohoooooo! Hooooo! Hooohoooooo!" They called out again, their panicking tone being audible to their ears this time as they stand up and face them.

"What?" Emi blinked after she heard them again. "There is something urgent you two need to tell me? And… Kakyoin must also hear it too?"

"M-Me?" The mentioned figure pointed at himself. "And wait… Can you understand what they're saying, Emi-san?"

"It's because our souls were linkedto her. Also Hartzler's and Lynn's souls were linked to us as well," explained Goldia. "Since we only knew German language, it was convenient Emi's knowledge of Japanese language was transferred to our minds. That goes too for Hartzler and Lynn, though oddly, we can somehow understand their meows and hoots."

"Hmm… I suppose I can't understand Hartzler and Lynn because I wasn't revived by Emi-san," theorized Kakyoin, unsure if he should be disappointed or relieved.

"Everyone, please be quiet," Emi told them as the cat and owl grow agitated with each passing second. "I need to hear what the two has to tell me so urgently."

With everyone clamping their mouths shut, Emi listened to Hartzler's frantic meows and Lynn's rapid hoots. Their urgency transferred to their body movements with Hartzler walking back or forth or in a circle and Lynn flapping their wings so fast three feathers were plucked out from her wings and either laid on the ground or carried away by a gentle breeze.

Once they're done, Emi gasped with a shocked and alarmed look on her face. "Are… Are you two certain of what you saw!?"

"Meow!" Hartzler replied, which sounds like he's saying "Yes!"

"And… And that he… he kidnapped her to a place far from Karatsu…? In front of her… manager?"

"Hooo hooohoooooo! Hoooooo! Hoooohoooooo!" Lynn answered.

ゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴ

In spite of their shocking responses only she understands, Emi takes a deep breath to recompose herself before looking at Kakyoin with a serious look. "It appears… you must return to your friends and rescue Sakura, who was kidnapped."

Everyone looked at her in surprise and puzzlement. "H-Huh? What are you talking about, Emi-san?" Kakyoin asked her, becoming a little alarmed. "What did Hartzler and Lynn told you that warrants my crucial attention? A-And… you said Sakura was… kidnapped?!" Emi goes silent for a moment to adjust her thoughts before she reveals what the two animals told her.

"Shino was found in the Kagamiyama Observatory Deck where Kotaro and Sakura were visiting in. He, for a lack of an appropriate word… kidnappedSakura and took her somewhere."

Screams and gasps came out from everyone aside Emi, Hartzler and Lynn, with Kakyoin taking the shocking news the hardest.

"WHAT!?"

To be continued


Stand Analysis:

Dream of Mirrors (Stand Master: Goldia die Heilige)

Destructive Power: Null
Speed: C
Range: A
Stamina: C
Precision: B
Developmental Potential: D

Manifesting as a pocket mirror, Dream of Mirrors only power is to let Goldia create up to five mirrors and enter through the glass to go from one place to another, like it's a portal connecting two places at once. Having gained her Stand from her experience during her living years, comatose dream and near-death experience, Dream of Mirrors is indelibly linked to her dreamscape where her "sisters" are living in and all objects that were created in.


Finished!

Invited to the dreamscape by Goldia and Emi, Kakyoin got to meet the former's personalities living in her head as her "sisters" - Egliette, a living doll christened as a Queen, Fleta, a Princess who can be a spoiled brat at her worst, Harpae, a well-mannered blind woman, Lisette, a reserved and vigilant girl hiding a malevolent side and Enjel, an outgoing girl having Goldia's appearance when she was 13. Taking a liking to each of them due to their varied personalities, he gets to enjoy an outdoor picnic with them, Goldia and Emi, listened to their story, play games with them, given a tour of their own worlds by them and lastly, resting in a beautiful place together with them. All is well and good as they enjoy each other's company… until Hartzler and Lynn appeared in the dreamscape to tell everyone of a pressing news: Sakura was kidnapped by Shino!

With the lore of Pocket Mirror integrated in this fanfic, I am proud and happy everything about the game made it to Living Things! It feels surreal seeing a third work added to the existing lore of both JoJo and Zombie Land Saga, all because of a spontaneous thought that I grown interested and cannot let myself go of, similar to Sakura being a potential Stand User that crossed my mind spontaneously too when I first wrote the first chapter due to being an interesting plot point and a consequence of JoJo being crossed over.

If you knew about Pocket Mirror and its remake and noticed certain things in its lore have been changed as a result of being a crossover taking place in one universe, allow me to emphasize what changed and explain them:

- In the original game, the Strange Boy is the main antagonist and a demon who attempted to claim Goldia's soul to complete the contract he gave to Elise as her second payment. In this fanfic, Ira Essence, Emi's aunt and the next main antagonist for the sequel of Living Things, took over his role in (successfuly) claiming Goldia's soul and relegated Strange Boy to be her servant instead. As a side note, Ira's not a demon and was only called that due to her inhumane actions.

- Speaking of Strange Boy, Goldia's twin brother Henri was not only made as Ira's servant after making contract with her (itself derived from the secret bad ending of Pocket Mirror), but was transformed into the eponymous demon by Ira and have aided her in collecting Goldia's soul and being successful in doing so until Emi burned him and Ira to ashes and rescued Goldia. Making Henri as a Strange Boy isn't too hard really because there was a disproven theory that Henri is the Strange Boy in the original game because they look alike, only for him to be actually a separate entity who just looked like Henri.

- Goldia has a Stand named Dream of Mirrors. I thought it would be interesting she gets a Stand formed after her own experiences and personality. In turn, I decided to have her pocket mirror be the Stand, especially since it apparently houses her soul and we all know Stands are psychic projections of their souls.

- The ending I chosen for the events happening on the Pocket Mirror side is the worst ending you can have in the game, titled ? ? ? Ending ~ Witching Hour. It's depicted in detail on the chapter proper above.

- Lastly, with Ira supplanting the Strange Boy's role, this also applies to Pocket Mirror's prequel, Little Goody Two Shoes. Let me say that Ira does have a role in the prequel's story and how Elise searched her to make a contract that kickstarted the original game's events, but for now, I will not reveal it in this fanfic.

I hope you like how I meshed the lore of Pocket Mirror to the combined world of JoJo and Zombie Land Saga. The world of JoJo is already bizarre as it is, so having one crazy producer create an idol group made out of seven zombie girls to save Saga and one Austrian girl with four girls and one doll living in her head originating from a dysfunctional family with implied magic background over a century ago fit so well it may have been a normal Tuesday.

The next two chapters will focus on the events of episode 11, where Sakura go through a depression after her pre-mortem memories came back right when the Arpino was around the corner. And as you read above, Shino will be involved in the tail end of the next two chapters adapting episode 11 that will lead to the final battle. Hope you look forward to the next two chapters, everyone!

Adieu for now, my readers! Please stay safe and have a good day/night!