Chapter 10: Sins

"My intentions were pure, as were my actions. I only wished for the liberation of humanity. However, I cannot deny that the power I wielded corrupted me eventually."-?

When Compa and I returned to the guild, we met back up with Neptune and IF, who informed us of how their side of things went. "Wait a moment, why didn't you transform during your fight, Neptune? Surely things would have went far more smoothly had you done so?" the girl in question had the gall to appear sheepish at my words. "Well, er, it wouldn't have been as... fun?" IF looked absolutely livid. "You...you sonofa-" sensing the incoming danger I quickly grabbed Compa's hand and quietly left the guild hall to wait out the inevitable chaos that would ensue.

Thankfully said chaos was rather short-lived, and the nurse and I quickly re-entered the building. Neptune had a red mark on her forehead, and looked as if she were about to shed tears, while IF looked far calmer than she had a moment ago. "so you two, how did the quest go?" I had to will myself to not wince at her question. "Not too bad, it took us a while, but we were eventually able to collect the required ore. Along the way we also came across another key fragment." I would rather not mention my near-death experience, therefore I chose to not bring it up, something that Compa apparently shared if her nodding her head was any consideration.

"Ooooooooh, gimmie!" our resident Goddess shouted indignantly, forgetting what just occurred to her. Not wanting to deal with her pouting, I decided to just give her what she wanted. "Neato, that makes two!" ignoring her childishness for a moment, I decided to speak with IF. "Apart from having to deal with the little one's childishness, how did things fare for you?" while she did inform us of what occurred, she never told us about how she felt, something I wished to know. "Eh, it wasn't too bad. At least it gave my muscles a decent work out." she spoke with a smile. "Right now, though? I just want to go to bed." she continued, yawning in the process.

I couldn't help but agree. After today's events, I too, was tired. "Then I suppose it would be best for us all to rest-" my speech was interrupted by a loud growling noise, looking around, I noticed that Neptune appeared red in the face. (Well, someone must be hungry.) "-after having something to eat of course." at my words, Neptune's face shifted from a sheepish smile, to a happy one. (Remember friend, you must never forget to feed your Goddess.) It was difficult for me to not laugh at what he said, but I didn't wish to appear insane in front of my dear friends.

The rest of the day was uneventful, as we all simply ate at a nearby restaurant before retiring to our room to sleep.

Neptune POV

"Nnnghh...aw, screw it!" I was trying to go to sleep, something I had been trying to do for the past 2 hours. No matter what I did, counting sheep, thinking of pudding, relaxing every muscle in my body, they all failed to do what they were supposed to. (Dammit TV, you lied to me!) looking towards where Zeddy slept however, I had an idea. I sneaky-sneaked into his bed and under his covers. (he'll be in for a big surprise when he wakes up!) I laid my arms around his torso in a mock-hug and waited for morning.

"h-huh?" however, not long after I entered his bed, Zeddy began to move in his sleep. He turned himself to the side and began to cuddle me like I was a teddy bear! (this wasn't how it was supposed to go!) the upside to this was that Zeddy was gentle in his sleep-hugging, making me all snuggly and warm. (Huh, this...isn't...so...bad.) I felt more and more sleepy as time went on, finally I'd be able to sleep! (shouda'...done this...sooner.) I quickly fell asleep after that, dreaming the best dreams I ever had.

Zed POV

I noticed two things when I awoke. One, that my body felt heavier than usual. Two, that it was difficult to move. Wondering what was wrong with me, I removed my blanket and looked down. (is...is that Neptune?) (I believe so.) for some reason, instead of being in her own separate bed, Neptune decided to sleep with me in mine. Her arms were wrapped around my torso, which explained the excess weight and restricted movement. The one thing that remained unanswered however, was why. Why was Neptune in my bed instead of her own?

"Nnnngah..." fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, I would get my answer soon enough, as Neptune began to wake up. "Oh, morning' Zeddy, sleep well?" she had the gall to act as if nothing was wrong. (Technically there isn't~) I did not like his suggestive tone. (shush you) with Rex providing nothing useful, I decided to just get straight to the point. "Why are you in my bed, Neptune?" in all honesty I didn't mind what she did. In fact, last night was the best sleep I had in a while, due to lacking the usual nightmares.

But with the other two sharing a room with us, they would no doubt witness it. Leading to a headache-inducing conversation where I would have to explain myself. "Well, er, at first it was to prank you. I just couldn't get to sleep last night, and decided to have some fun, but then you were just soooooo comfy that I fell asleep." the purple-haired girl looked embarrassed at the latter half of her explanation, going red in the face. "Is that so? Hmm, well if it allows you to sleep better, then I shall allow it."

if it could help her rest easier, then I truly didn't mind if she wished to share a bed. It helped immensely that it felt pleasant to be held in her arms. ""..."" Suddenly, I felt the stares from two pairs of eyes. Looking away from Neptune, I saw that both Compa and IF were already awake, and were staring at Neptune and I. "mind explaining this?" IF spoke, gesturing towards us. "Neptune, since this was completely your doing, you can explain." I then left the room, deciding to wait on the ground floor of the inn until the purple-haired girl was finished explaining herself. I was not dealing with any of their questions.

It was roughly five minutes later when the three of them came down, though for some reason Neptune had a smug grin on her face. "Zeddy, there's no need to feel embarrassed, we can get you a teddy bear when we next go shopping!"

...

(WHAT?)

"Excuse me but, where did that come from?" I asked, the smug smile on Neptunes' face widening. "Well, Neptune here told us why she was in your bed. Why didn't you tell us you needed a teddy bear in order to sleep?" (THAT'S BECAUSE I DON'T, WOMAN!) I didn't voice my thoughts however, shouting this early in the morning was bound to cause some issue with the other patrons. Instead, I decided to correct her. "i don't have the faintest idea why you think I require a toy in order to sleep, who told you such a thing?" even though I asked, I already had an idea of who the culprit was.

"Uh, her?" IF said, pointing towards our resident pudding-loving Goddess. "Spar, 10 minutes, no holding back." my words caused the girl in question to noticeably shiver in fright.

10 minutes later.

Fortunately, during those 10 minutes, I had managed to find a large open area nearby of which to spar in. "ready, my dear?" I asked. I stood on one side of the area, whilst Neptune, in her transformed form, stood on the other. "Ugh, as ready as I'll ever be." she replied, sounding as if she'd rather be anywhere else than here. "Oh cheer up dear, how about a wager?" she perked up at my suggestion. "I'm listening." "How about this, the winner of our spar is allowed to make one request of the loser." a ginormous smile appeared on her face.

"Deal."

And our spar began. I immediately called upon the Septimal energy of Golden Trillion, summoning my usual arsenal, and began my assault.

*CLANG*

My initial strike was blocked by my opponents' own blade, locking us both in place. "My my, you've certainly gotten stronger." "i could say the same about you." the both of us disengaged our weapons and began swinging at each other, our blades clashing each time, causing noise to reverberate throughout the area. We both jumped backwards, creating distance. Noticing how she held her blade at her side rather than in front of herself, I lunged forward, blade thrust towards my opponent.

"Too slow~" unfortunately, Neptune managed to step to the side, completely avoiding my strike, whilst also leaving me open to a counter. "...tch!" she took advantage of the opportunity, and struck my side, causing a laceration that quickly began to bleed. "Oh, my goodness Zeddy, I'm so sorry!" the purple-haired girl said, dropping her weapon. In all our spars, this was the first in which either of us got harmed. "don't be sorry, this was inevitable, let's keep going, I'm not done yet!"

There very well might be a time where she will be forced to fight human opponents, I couldn't have her be this sympathetic or remorseful if that were to happen, it would get her killed. "we're sparring with real weapons; this is how those sorts of bouts go." Standing up, I walked to my end of the area, and took up my usual stance.

"Show me your strength, little one!" "I'm not little, I'm fun sized!" (She has a point.) (Be quiet you, I'm in the middle of a fight.) and our fight continued. Our blades clashing again and again. "Take this!" Neptune held her blade with both hands and leaped towards me. Acting quickly, I stepped to the side, similarly to how she did earlier, and countered by grabbing her shoulder, pulling her towards me, and placing my blades' edge at her neck." yield." the girl did not look amused. "Hax! I call hax!" I smiled smugly before kissing her on the cheek.

"Since I won, erm...would you like to go on a date with me?" despite my earlier confidence, actually asking her appeared to be harder than I thought, my voice faltering. Despite that however my words did have an effect on the purple-haired girl. her face turned red with embarrassment, something I took great pleasure in, and could you blame me? She was adorable! "...fine..." the purple-haired goddess mumbled, before transforming back into her regular self.

With our spar over and done with, we swiftly returned to the inn, and met back up with IF and Compa. "So, how'd it go you two?" the nurse-in-training asked, causing Neptune to groan in annoyance. "As you could probably inquire, due to Neptunes' groaning, I won." I answered, smirking as I did so. (You do realise you only won because she tried to avoid harming you, right?) (what?) (think about it, don't your usual spars last far longer?) hmm, he had a point. Curses! Now I felt guilty for winning. (I'll just make it up to her on our date.)

"We had a bet, whoever won could ask something of the loser. Zeddy here decided to ask me out on a date!" Neptune said, making Compa and IF look at me in shock. "Zeddy, I call dibs on the next one!" "Pfft, so you finally did it, eh? Well, after Compa, I'm next." I...was not expecting those kinds of responses. (I believe they are more likely just wanting to hang out with you, rather than anything romantic. Though with Compa, it could be either or.)

That explained it.

"Why of course my dears, wouldn't want you missing out now, would i?" I could never say no to going on outings with either of the three. "Well then buster, ya better be on you're A game!" Neptune spoke. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a date to prepare for, see ya'll in a few!" she continued, before going up to our shared room, then coming back down, grabbing Compa 'I'm gonna need advice.'-she said, before going back upstairs again, leaving me with IF.

"..."

There was a moment of silence, caused by Neptunes'...Neptuneness?, before conversation started back up again. "Quick question, do you have a phone?" IF asked, completely out of nowhere. "no...?" I responded, put off guard with her strange inquiry. "Good, then we have something to do on our date later." when was she this assertive? (Maybe she always has been? You and her have not interacted much compared to the others.) once again, he had a point. (Fair enough.) it took a few minutes, but Neptune and Compa eventually came back down. Neither looked any different from before, causing IF to speak up. "i thought you went up to prepare? you look exactly the same." both of the girls looked sheepish at being caught. "Well Nep-Nep tried on many different clothes before asking for my opinion. I said she should just be herself, and she decided that meant she should just wear what she usually does." come to think of it, when and how did Neptune get new clothes?

"Where did you get new clothes?" I asked, from what I knew we all had only one pair of clothes each, for better...or worse. "Well Iffy and I went shopping while you and Nep-Nep were sparring." her explanation caused IF's eyes to widen considerably. "Did you let her try on any of my stuff?" she asked, Compa, on her part, only looked back with a wince. "i swear to Lady Green Heart, if any of my new clothes have any dirt on them, I will end you!"

(is...is this normal?) I had never seen IF react like that before. Thankfully it didn't last long, as Compa was quick to quell her the brown-haired girl's anger. "Your clothes are fine iffy, Nep-Nep took a shower before she tried them on." that appeared to 'do the trick' so to speak, as IF immediately calmed down. "Good."

after swiftly avoiding an angry IF, Neptune and I left on our date. "Hey Zeddy, can we get ice cream?" my date asked, pointing towards a vendor who sold said frozen treat. "i suppose so. But please do refrain from eating too much, you would not want to spoil your appetite now, would you?" she gave no verbal response, instead, she pulled me towards the vendor. "Three scoops of vanilla please!" the purple-haired girl asked. The vendor nodded and quickly supplied her with what she wished. "And you sir?" she asked, looking at me. "Ah, none for me thank you. How much?"

I paid the asked price, and Neptune and I moved on. "Why didn't you get any ice cream? Is it because your lactose intolerant, would you get a stomach-ache? Would you explode?" (What is with that last one?) "No, Neptune, I am not lactose intolerant. I merely did not fancy ice cream at the moment." she looked at me with a complete look of horror on her face. "How can you say no to ice cream!?" I wasn't going to dignify that with a response, regardless of what I would say, she would just continue with her childish antics.

The rest of the date went quite well, we continued walking around the village, and interacting with the locals. Quite a few times Neptune would make us stop because she wanted pudding. To put things simply, I had to say 'no' today more than I have ever before. Eventually we both got hungry enough to go to a nearby eatery for food. Afterwards we visited one of the parks located in the village. "How has this date been for you my dear?" I asked. Neptune turned to look at me with a smile.

"I've loved it. Honestly, it would have been great regardless of what we did. All this walking around and taking in the sights is much better than all the fighting and drama we've been going through recently." she replied. "Being with you, most of all, was the best part." she continued, kissing me on the cheek. "i never did thank you properly for what you did for me that day. When you found me, I mean. Being that I lost my memories, I could have woken up anywhere, and have goddess-knows what happen to me. Instead, I woke up in the arms of an angel. You, Compa, IF, and Nowa are the greatest friends a girl like me could ever have, and for that, I'm thankful. You especially, for always indulging in my hijinks, for always having my back, for protecting me as much as you have." she continued talking, speaking of how grateful she was to have the people in her life. That is, until the mood changed.

"But honestly though? I'm scared." she said. "What of?" I asked, both curious and concerned. "For starters, there's that woman we faced back in Planeptune. What she did to me and Iffy still frightens me to this day, you told us you had taken care of her, but I still have this horrible feeling that she's still out there." her words both confused and concerned me greatly, I didn't inform her or any of the others of Arfoire's continued existence. (She can never know.) "Then there's the fact that apparently, I'm a goddess. At first, I was happy to finally know something, anything about myself. But then it set in, I'm a Goddess, I have not only an entire landmass but also an entire population of people to take care of."

She took a moment to breathe, before continuing. "i can barely take care of myself without you, Compa and IF, how am I supposed to handle dealing with ruling an entire landmass!? Not to mention the fact that I don't even know how long I was gone. For all I know my people may already hate my guts!" tears streamed down her face, tarnishing a once perfect visage. Not knowing what else to do, I simply wrapped my arms around the shorter girl. "Everything will be fine my dear. You're not alone, and you never will be. No matter what happens, no matter how much time passes, I will always be by your side." I spoke.

If she was having doubts about herself, then I believe it's about time that she learns just how much she means to me. "You know, before I met Compa, before I found you, I was alone. I had my own case of amnesia to deal with, but I had no one to help me. Then, you appeared from the sky, a beautiful young lady who could make anyone smile, who made me no longer feel lonely. Your 'hijinks' as you call them, were the perfect distraction, they never failed to make me laugh." I looked at her, tears streaming down my face, straight in her eyes.

"i was alone, with nobody to turn to, I had nothing." my voice was bitter, whoever sent me here, whoever took me from my homeland and loved ones, was someone I hated more than anything. "But then I met you. Someone who was the same as me, but never let it get to her, someone who I admired greatly." I hugged the girl tighter. "So please, please don't cry. Don't ruin that perfect face of yours with tears, don't burden that wonderful mind of yours with such thoughts." every word said, every tear shed, was genuine. "When the time comes for you to return to Planeptune as its Goddess I'll be there with you, we will face that day together." her teary eyes looked into my own, the words from her mouth nothing more than whispers.

"You promise?"

"Yes, I promise."

There was a comforting silence for a short time, giving Neptune and I both, enough time to dry our tears. "... thank you..." it was almost inaudible, a whisper. "Anytime, my dear." we stayed in each other's arms for an amount of time unknown to me, but neither did I care. Eventually our tears had dried completely, and our minds had calmed down. So, we decided then to return.

After returning, being welcomed by IF, Compa and Suzaku in the process, we were met by the same patron who we met the day before. "Heya kiddo, got a message for ya. ol'Ban wishes to see you. Told me to tell ya to meet him at his apothecary. He specifically wants you to go alone, and between you and me, I'd do as he says, he was as serious as I had ever seen him." the strange man then swiftly left, leaving the rest of us confused.

"Why would grandpa want to see you Zeddy?" Compa asked. I had no answer to give, I was just as confused as she was. "I have no idea." I replied. "i think you should go, the man made it sound serious, and if its Compa's relative, it's more than likely genuine." IF gave her two cents. "Hmmm, me sense an important plot point, methinks Zeddy should go." Neptune suggested, taking on a tone akin to a gremlin. (it's Ban we're talking about here, so it must be important, though I'm curious on why me exactly? Why not Compa, isn't she his granddaughter?)

"Well." I said with a sigh. "i suppose I have no choice but to go. Sorry Compa, IF, I suppose we'll have to postpone our dates, for now." Suzaku began making noise at me, alarmingly so. "what's wrong friend?" he continued to gesture wildly with his body, I couldn't make sense of it. "Suzu must be feeling poorly, I'll take him to the vets while you're gone." Compa said, looking as confused at his behaviour as I was. "Very well then. I suppose I will see you all later, farewell." I said with a smile. """See you later Zeddy/Zed""" they replied.

It took longer than I liked to admit to reach my destination. I didn't know my way from the village I was in, to the village I needed to get to. Thankfully however I happened to come across a local who knew the way, from there I followed the directions I was given, and finally arrived at Ban's apothecary.

Ban POV

"MAGES., MarvelousAQL, CyberConnect2, Tekken, Broccoli. All fellow Makers, who according to the guild, were dead. Felled by the hands of monsters, apparently. This was harrowing news. Not only had they fallen, but they were ended by something other than human hands. Meaning the souls and authorities of the old ones that lied within them were released. The old Gods were coming, and due to a loophole in my father's wish, they could obtain their full strength once more. (Tsukuyomi. Its appearance made sense now.)

*GACK!*

To make matters even worse, my body was failing me. My time was near. The legacy of my father, it had to be passed on, otherwise countless Gods would be reborn. However, I would not burden my only grandchild with such a thing. That is what he was for.

Zed POV

"So, sir, why did you call for me?" I asked the grey-haired man. He looked far frailer than when I first met him. "Because I am running out of time." he spoke with a grimace, face contorted in a look of...guilt? "What do you mea-" "follow me to the forest, I'll explain then, be quick." Ban said, interrupting me. He then rushed out of his Apothecary with a sheathed blade in his hands. Wishing to understand what was going on, I followed. Like he had said, our destination was the forest near the village, the same one I woke up in some time ago. We stopped in a large open area.

"Stay there." Compa's grandfather ordered. Heeding his words, I watched as he walked to the opposite side of me, wherein he unsheathed his weapon-a sword, the sheathe shifting into armor that covered the entirety of his left arm. What was going on!? "what's the meaning of this!?" the old man looked at me with an utmost serious expression. "it's not ideal, not in the slightest, but I'm afraid you'll have to do, boy..."

(Play Shin Megami Tensei 4 OST: battle B4)

*FWOOSH*

Akin to a ferocious storm, a black and silver aura surrounded Ban, sending shivers down my spine. "Now, come! Prove your strength!" he lunged forwards, blade in hand, intent on cutting me down. Snapping out of my stupor, I quickly summoned one of my blades, and blocked his strike.

*CRRRRRKKKKK*

The creaking of clashing blades rang out as I held his blade at bay, arms aching, and knees almost buckling, at the strength behind the blow. "Come on now, I even dulled its' edge, you can do better than that, BOY!" the weight behind his strike suddenly doubled! Causing me to have to disengage, lest I be cut down. Quickly moving to the side, I was barely able to dodge his strike. "Why, WHY are you doing this!?" I shouted, anger and confusion leaking into my voice. "it's either you, or Compa, and I will not allow a grandchild of mine to have to suffer through murdering their last remaining family." he replied, remorse present in his tone. (Murder their last remaining family?)

It suddenly clicked.

"You want me to kill you!?" what the hell! "WHY!?" he looked at me, face still in its earlier expression, unchanging. "When a Godslayer has a child, they are gifted one divine authority, one gods' soul. The rest however, stay with the parent." he spoke, before lashing out at me with his blade once more. The clashing of blades was heard again, as I blocked his strikes. Each time feeling as if my entire body would give out at any moment. "Should either die by anything other than human hands, the souls and authorities of the Gods they'd slain would return to the earth and be reborn once more. But-"

*GYKK!*

Using his armored left hand, Ban grabbed me by my throat. "-if they were to be killed by a human, they would inherit their power, becoming akin to the Godslayers of old!"

*THUD*

(Arrrrghhh!) the man threw me to the ground, a short distance away from himself. "That is why you must slay me!" he spoke. "I am nearing my end; I can feel my body breaking down as we speak. Should you fail, the whole world is forfeit." he placed his sword at his side, and the armor on his left arm retracted, forming the sheathe. Ominous purplish-black light began to gather around it. "If they returned, their first victims would be the four fragments of the traitor, as well as any remaining Godslayers. The Goddess of Planeptune, the girl I know you love more than anything, will die. My granddaughter as well as that IF girl would be next."

His voice was as stern as I had ever heard it be, he wasn't fucking around. (Do it. A king must make sacrifices for the good of all!) I ignored Rex's words for now, there had to be another way! "isn't there any other way for this to go? Surely there must be an alternative!?" Ban quickly unsheathed his blade, slashing downwards, and unleashing a blackish-purple wave of energy.

*FWIP*

*THUD*

It was only by rolling indignantly, that I was able to avoid the wave. "NO, do you honestly think that if I had a choice, that I would choose you!? You're undisciplined, a mere boy! If I could choose who to fall to, it would certainly not be you!" he shouted, before placing his blade in front of himself, the razor-sharp edge and tip pointing towards me. "NOW DO IT ALREADY!" with a shout he lunged towards me-

But something was wrong. Instead of the blinding speeds I witnessed earlier, he was moving comparatively slow. Instead of reaching me in an instant, he took far longer. Thus, I was able to quickly counter.

*CLANG*

With a swing of my sword, I disarmed Ban. His blade clattering to the side. Looking at his face, he appeared calm, as if he were expecting it. "Well, my body...had to fail me... at some...point." he spoke, collapsing onto one knee quickly after. "Do it...finish me...off." his words were heavy, reverberating through my mind, over and over again. (D-dammit!) I knew what I had to do, there was truly no other path.

I had to kill him.

Laying his body flat against the ground, I stood at his side, blade point downwards towards his chest. My hands were trembling, my heart was beating so hard, I thought it would tear itself through me. "What are...you doing? Kill me... Just as I did...my own father!" his voice was laboured and pained.

(I...i can't do it!)

(you must!)

"DO IT!"

*SHLLIICK*

Pressured by their voices and shocked by Ban's shout, I instinctively thrust my sword downwards. My blade pierced straight through Ban's chest, making a wet squelching sound. There was no resistance. My hands still shook, my heart still beat wildly.

But my blood went cold

(nonononononono, this can't be!) despite knowing deep down full well what I had done, my mind refused to believe what had happened.

"The future...i leave...in your hands."

His body went limp, golden particles floating off his body and into mine. Within a moment, he was gone. The only remaining thing left of him being his now-sheathed blade,

And the blood on my hands.

(What have I done...)

I walked over to his sword, mind completely blank, and picked it up, gripping both the sheath and the handle. "Nnnnnggggrah!" it refused to move.

(are you kidding me!?)

(are you fucking joking!?) the power Ban died for, the power I killed for, the legacy he passed on to me, refused me. What kind of sick joke was this!? I dropped the sheathed blade in anger. "What! Was! The! Fucking! Point!" with every word spoken, I beat my fists into the ground. Even when they bled, I kept on going. (You did what you had to.) what the fuck did he know? (you weren't the one to do it!) he shut up after that.

It was dark by the time I was finished. Golden-orange flames coated my injured hands, quickly healing them of their injures. (You should head back. The others are sure to be worried by now.) I wordlessly did as he said, picking up Ban's old weapon as I went. My mental strength completely gone, my will shattered. By the time I arrived back at the inn, I had luckily gained enough strength to fake my appearance, putting on an illusory smile. "Welcome back Zeddy!" (No, no, anyone but her!) Compa greeted me with a smile.

"Nep-Nep and Iffy are sleeping right now, but I decided to stay up until you got back!" she spoke, cheery smile plastered on her face. (Please, stop it.) "How did it go?"I almost faltered there and then, but for her own sake, I pushed on. "It went...fine. We talked about a few things, then he gave me his sword." I brought the sheathed blade in front of her. (She can never know.) "Oh! I have an idea! maybe I can visit him tomorrow!" she said cheerfully, causing me to feel the returning pangs of guilt I felt earlier. (Keep it...together.)

"My apologies, but he actually told me to tell you that he's too busy to have more visitors." (please, please don't question it!) "Oh...okay." her face fell into one of disappointment, something I hated, but much preferred over her discovering the truth. "By the way, I took Suzu to the vets, but they said he was fine. He's currently sleeping in our room. Poor birdie hasn't left since he got there." (Did...did he know somehow?) it that was the case, his earlier behaviour would have made sense. Perhaps he was trying to warn me?

(a lot of good that did.) I thought bitterly. "Well, I'm quite exhausted. I think I will go to bed now, goodnight Compa." I spoke, quickly heading up stairs. I didn't want to be rude, but I just could not handle speaking to her right now. Opening the room door, I made a B-line straight for my bed, ignoring Neptune, IF, and Suzaku, who were sleeping, and laid at the foot of my bed, respectively.

The second my head met my pillow, I passed out immediately.

And the nightmares began.

CHAPTER END

May fortune favor you, for nothing else will.

An: a little shorter than I'd like, but that's just the way it is. Funnily enough I made this chapter in 2 days from start to finish, something I'm quite proud of. The next chapter will take a while unfortunately, as its where the plot thickens. Let's just say I put those arc preview quotes from chapter 8 to good use.

Question for the audience: are you enjoying the story so far? If not, what would you do differently?

Important note: due to being buggy, as well said bugs not being dealt with despite it being weeks, this story will be cross posted on AO3. That is, as soon as my invite gets accepted. I will still update here however and will continue to do so unless the bugs get even worse.