A/N: Can't get over the fact that we're getting fucking Harmonie and not Mandragora... Also, Thanks to the wonderful progresses of technology, i was able to get some pictures of Sebastian in higher quality and more like how i imagined him.

?: Your majesty...

Siege: Hmmm...

?: Your majesty, the dawn is breaking...

Through the windows of an old factory, the sun's rays began to illuminate a young woman lying on her bed. The soft light brought warmth and enhanced the deep golden color of the aslan's hair as she still tried to sleep.

Siege: Five more minutes...

The young woman felt something climb onto her bed with a heavy weight, before she felt a huge raspy tongue on the back of her head in her hair. The young woman opened her eyes and let out a grunt before stretching.

Siege: Gawain...

She said slightly annoyed, slowly rising to her feet before giving a murderous look to the beast in her bed, hearing a laugh in a deep voice.

Gawain: Good morning your majesty.

Siege: Would five minutes have been too much to ask?

She asked, looking at the lion with glasses who was sitting in her bed.

Gawain: You are not a child anymore Verna. If you didn't want to be so tired, you shouldn't have partied with your friends until two in the morning. I wonder if you're really going away to fight these mobsters, or if it's to party all day and night...

Siege: We had a success to celebrate.

She said, looking at the evening dress on a hanger hanging on the wall... Remembering her evening, the most chaotic part, as well as the calmest...

She stood up, and walked to the bathroom, passing over the other two lions who were still sleeping.

The temporary shelter Sebastian had given Glasgow was without a doubt, much better than their old hideout. An old disused factory with enough rooms and dormitories to accommodate them all and more, as well as running water, electricity and quite a few luxuries considering it was a gang hideout.

The lioness came out of her bathroom after a good shower and a few moments, grabbing her leather jacket from the floor and putting it over her shoulders.

Gawain: Another day where we don't follow you?

Siege: Nothing against you and the others Gawain, but for the moment I can't afford to have three lions by my side all the time.

Gawain: We are your protectors. And the famous doctor has already seen us at your side.

Siege: Gawain. No is no.

Gawain: You came back wounded... Look at your neck.

She ran her hand over to feel the small mark the previous day's second skin had left on her.

Siege: You're exaggerating. The thing that did this to me saved my life.

Gawain: See ? you were in danger.

The lioness turned to the real lion. Looking at him tiredly.

Siege: Seriously, are you a puppy or a lion?

Gawain: I am your protector first.

Siege: The answer is still no. And then I have Indra to protect me.

Gawain: The facts remain the same. You smell of gunpowder, blood, and you reek of the scent of a Feranmut and a Feraeri.

She jumped and turned back to her lion.

Gawain: But you didn't know that, did you? Was it that penguin? The musician…

Siege: Emperor?

Gawain: Never mind... An old acquaintance, simple interests and goals...

Siege: And the Feranmut?

The animal seemed to sniff the air for a moment as if to remind himself.

Gawain: I'd say she smells of spices too...

Siege: Then I see who it is...

Gawain: This doctor attracts various and interesting allies... But it could only get you into more trouble...

Siege: It's not Gawain.

She left her room and went out in a corridor, after a little walk she arrived in another part of the factory which was used as a common room, there she could see some of the members of Glasgow, some finishing their night rounds to watch the building, others getting up to start their day.

She could also see Indra, Dagda and Morgan. The tigress was probably telling her colleagues about the previous day's events...

Since Siege had gone to bed without saying a word after returning...

Soon, the gang members saw their queen and many of them hesitated to get up out of respect, but knowing the aslan's temperament, they did not. The other three most important members greeted the leader.

Siege: Hi girls...

She said with her left hand before taking a cup of coffee that one of her allies had just poured for her. Warmly thanking the other member of Glasgow.

The three looked at the hand of the aslan. Indra began to smile quickly without saying anything.

Morgan: Did you get married last night?

The aslan frowned, and her face, which often held that cold expression, was more expressive than most of those present had ever seen it.

Siege: W-what? No, of course not.

Morgan: Then why do you have this ring on your finger...?

Siege: I-I can explain.

Dagda: I knew it... Verna got married behind our back...

Indra was doing her best to stop herself from laughing, Morgan seemed genuinely curious, and Dagda... seemed completely convinced that the queen's hand had been taken overnight without anyone knowing. She stared into space, holding her head with her hands, her face terrified.

Siege: But I didn't get married!

The aslan began to blush a little more.

Morgan: Then why does an Aslan, when they have nothing more sacred than the traditions of marriage, wear a ring?

Dagda stood up in a flash and grabbed the shoulders of the taller aslan.

Dagda: You went with Indra because she was your bridesmaid?! Who did you marry?!

Before the aslan could answer, the feline was struck by a realization.

Dagda: Is it that doctor...? Oh my god you got married to that doctor! That's why we were in Lungmen, you organized everything behind our backs to marry the doctor and you didn't tell us! I don't even remember his name and you married him and you will have children one day and and-!

The feline was screaming and panicking more than ever. Siege, on the other hand, was now pinker than anyone had ever seen her. Feeling that this had to stop, if it could not stop Indra's laughter. Siege grabbed Dagda and lifted her off the ground, shaking her.

Siege: I didn't get married!

She said before putting the young woman back down, who had stopped panicking.

She removed the ring on her finger with some difficulty.

Siege: If I had been allowed to speak, I could have explained that this ring was on my finger because I had to pretend to be someone's wife for a mission...

Dagda: A mission...?

She seemed to doubt.

Morgan: And you kept the ring on your finger because?

Siege: I...

She lowered her head.

Siege: I forgot to take it off...

Morgan: Disappointing.

Dagda: She's not married... Thank God...

Indra: For now.

All turned to the tigress who smiled mischievously.

Siege: Don't be ridiculous...

Gangster 1: Hey, she's not wrong, don't you think this doc would look good with her?

The member from Glasgow asked while talking to his comrade next to him.

Comrade who gave him a blow to the back of the head...

Gangster 2: Verna is still a queen, she can't marry a non-noble man...

The aslan, who had heard everything because she was not deaf, shook her head left and right.

Siege: He is right... I cannot afford to marry a man until I am back on the throne and not a noble one at that...

For a moment, the queen felt foolish for having forgotten that... Of course she couldn't marry Sebastian...

A strange feeling crossed her chest.

But she ignored it.

Siege: Are you done talking about this marriage stuff? Indra, it's time to go.

Indra: Oh come on Verna, the sun is barely up, we can stay with the others for a while. I'm sure the doctor won't need us for at least a little while...

Siege: Hm...

The aslan seemed unenthusiastic about the idea, as she took one of her bitter tasting lollipops.

Morgan: Is she looking forward to her husband?

She almost dropped her treat, blushing slightly.

Siege: Shut up...

*BOOM*

Sebastian: How the hell did these assholes get mortars!

Behind a mound of earth, Sebastian, or Yuri of Ursus as he was known at the time, took cover. Wiping off a trace of dirt that had been made by the explosion of one of the mortar shells, he wiped it off before putting on his horned helmet.

Around him the snowfall was slowly turning into a blizzard. The only thing that could really be seen was a small force of Ursus's army fighting a real mercenary army. In the middle of the park of a huge estate... This kind of noble and wealthy family delusion. Like this gigantic mansion that was in flames.

Yuri had received information about a plot concerning a noble family loyal to the emperor and to him. And supporting the infected... An ideological death sentence in ursus.

Sebastian: You old devil! Get their attention! I need to get to the mansion!

At another mound of earth a little further away, unhooking the ballistae bolt from his shield, Patriot nodded and signaled to his squad.

Sebastian: Snipers! The mortars are 300 meters to the right of the two largest trees! Fire in that direction!

The crossbowmen began firing in the direction of the mortars. Patriot and his shieldguards went on the attack and drew most of the fire. In a flash Sebastian threw the few snipers that weren't firing at the wendigo trying to hit him, but missing because of his extraordinary speed. The young man arrived at the doors of the mansion. He opened them with a good kick.

The giant's view landed on the burning interior and on a peculiar scene. He could see two dead bodies and a young girl still alive. What seemed to be the two parents, visible by the lupo features and the pink hair they shared with their daughter. Slumped on the ground surely dead because of the smoke.

The mission was a failure...

The warrior rushed to the girl who was crying.

When he put his hand on the shoulder of the lupo, she gasped and her eyes opened wide from the shock and looked at the giant.

This girl was about his age, probably a little older. The reality remained that he was eleven years old but already had the body of a man in his twenties.

Sebastian, thinking that he had no time, grabbed the girl and went out. The blizzard redoubled its intensity. Just like the chaos of the confrontation. The skirmish was becoming more and more like open warfare.

Patriot: We can't. Stay. No longer.

The Wendigo's voice echoed through Sebastian's earpiece.

Sebastian: I know!

The giant firmly grabbed the girl he had placed on his shoulder. He didn't care that she was struggling to escape the young man's clutches. Throwing himself under the fire of the enemy, parrying the dangers which approached him of a good blow of sword before joining the positions a little safer where the remainder of his men awaited him. Reaching cover where the Wendigo stood.

Patriot: We just lost four men.

When they came in with forty soldiers, the losses were much higher.

Sebastian: I'm going to do a Noble...

Patriot: Again?

He put the girl down and held her back from running away.

Girl: Let me go! Please let me go!

Sebastian: Listen to me!

Unable to calm her down, he took off his helmet and held her face with his hands.

Sebastian: What is your name?

Girl: Avdotya...

Sebastian: Listen Avdotya. This man is going to take you to safety, follow him and do everything he tells you. Do you understand?

The girl remained motionless, all the stress in her brain and the shock of the trauma etching every detail of the young man's face in the young lupo's brain.

Sebastian: Understand?!

Girl: Y-yes...

The knight took a deep breath and put on his helmet, before throwing himself at his opponents.

Fighting like a demon, with a mastery that could only inspire respect as well as fear. The red demon cut his enemies to pieces. Leaving his allies to retreat. One body after another fell, snow mixed with a shower of blood. The demon performed a dance in which every muscle movement ended with a soul leaving this earth. A dance whose macabre beauty was matched only by the amount of blood flowing on the ground. The blank canvas formed by the snow as a last bed for the bodies, gradually turning a deep crimson. The black steel of his armor concealed by a lacquer of vital essence, giving a reason why the red demon, was called so.

No one knew how long this massacre lasted. For the few survivors who ran away, it lasted forever.

Sebastian fell to his knees as soon as he had no more enemies to slaughter within sword range. His breathing was heavy and ragged, and as the blood, hatred and violence came out of his eyes he could see and feel all the wounds his body had suffered. Making his way through the few cracks in his armor. His hand slid to his visor, grabbing a crossbow bolt before pulling hard to remove the bolt from his skull and eye. The projectile had passed through the visor of his helmet.

He stood up, paying little attention to his slaughter, before running in the direction his men had retreated from. A few minutes and a good run was enough to join his troops, treating their wounds and taking a deep breath.

His eyes sought out the wendigo who was wiping his halberd. But when he didn't see the girl, Sebastian frowned.

Sebastian: Kas'tee. Where is the girl?

Patriot: She got away from me... Kicked me in the wrong place.

The demon gritted his teeth. Patriot was a wendigo, a living mountain of strength, and he let this child get away just for a kick in the nuts? Sebastian was angry, for him there was nothing more precious than the life of a child. And that child was the only thing that could say they hadn't failed the mission.

Sebastian: Can I ask why no one tried to catch him?

Leaky looks of injury followed from the soldiers. Sebastian was quickly feeling bad. He couldn't blame his soldiers who were exhausted and injured. As for the wendigo, his worsening oripathy made him slow to move. Since his legs were completely covered with black crystals.

Patriot: Yuri...

The giant took off his helmet, letting a few tears fall from his face. Thinking about the fact that his soldiers had sacrificed themselves for the mission and the life of a child who would surely die in the wild.

Patriot: It's just a twist of fate.

Sebastian: It's still a huge failure... A failure that Koschei will be sure to point out to me when I return to Chernobog.

The giant put down his helmet, before kneeling down. Putting his sword in front of him, he began to pray. For the souls of his men. And the safety of the girl...

The nineteen-year-old Sebastian woke up in Lungmen, his eyes opening wide as he heard his alarm clock go off. He got up in bed and rubbed his eyes. This was definitely not a dream. It was a memory. After all, he was starting to get familiar with this sensation of regained memory. He didn't really understand why this particular memory had come back to him. But all this was just a confirmation that he was indeed Yuri of Ursus before. Even though he didn't really know who this Koschei was. But the name made him feel the same instinctive disgust as Theresis'.

Probably another jerk.

Sebastian prepared himself for his day, doing his morning routine before sitting on his bed. His mind both empty and in turmoil.

The emerald-eyed giant finished putting on his shoes and grabbed his coat, getting ready for his morning. He sighed.

He still had something to deal with this morning.

The mess he had caused last night with the young woman in the room next to him.

He was already trying to think of words he could find. But he told himself that it was useless.

The giant stood up, taking his coat in his hand.

He opened the door to his hotel room, his mind still preoccupied. But he was brought back to reality when he heard the door to the adjacent room close.

Sebastian's eyes met Irina's and he was startled, the young woman quickly tried to avoid his gaze and pulled up her scarf as a nervous reflex.

Sebastian: Hey...

Irina: Hi...

The silence was awkward, for both of them, but even more so because neither knew what to say.

Irina/Sebastian: I'm sor- Wait, speak first. No wait I'll-

Both were surprised to start talking at the same time, and to stop at the same time.

Sebastian: I'm... Uh I'm really sorry about last night... I had one or two too many drinks and maybe I shouldn't have done that...

Irina: Yeah me too... And I'm the one who started it... So... It's ok...

She says. The slightest hint of sadness on her face when she hears the giant.

Sebastian: I'm not saying that against you, you're really nice Irina, I mean it's maybe early-

The doctor, realizing that trying to save his own skin was only sinking in, fell silent again, under the astonished look of the ursine. He took a deep breath.

Sebastian: All I want to say is... Maybe not so soon or not half drunk...

The girl smiled.

An honest smile, which she hadn't had for a very long time.

Irina: Yeah...

The giant put on his coat, the two-handed sword he had camouflaging itself underneath in a flash.

Irina: And I was going to go somewhere this morning to get something for Misha with Angie... Since it's her birthday in two weeks...

The giant nodded slightly. With his memory, the giant remembered when the young bear's birthday was.

Sebastian: I hope I have time to buy her a present. You need some money ?

Irina laughed, being amused by the fact that the doctor was indeed affectionate to the young bear.

Irina: No, I'm fine, thanks. But then I'll be late for the bar.

Sebastian: Hm... see you then...

The conversation was still strange and in embarrassment, the giant started to leave in the corridors of the hotel, preparing himself for another day of fighting against the triads.

Irina: Hey Seb!

The giant turned around a few meters away from the young woman.

Irina: N-nothing changes, right? Between us.

The giant began to smile, in a way he was reassured. That the beginning of the relationship he had with Irina was not destroyed by the recent events.

Sebastian: Of course.

He said with a smile before leaving for good this time but with a smile on his face.

The giant did not take long to go from the hotel to the bar, despite the beginning of traffic jams that began to form in the early morning.

He parked not far from the bar and got out of his car. Taking some documents out of his trunk before walking towards the bar. He quickly noticed that he didn't hear most of the heartbeats he was familiar with from his squad, except for Emperor who had probably come in at dawn. And two other heartbeats not belonging to his squad but just as familiar. The giant frowned, wondering what those two were doing here.

He walked through the door with a slight smile on his face.

Sebastian: Princess.

As soon as he entered the room, his gaze fell on Fumizuki who was sitting at one of the tables, seemingly reading something in a small notebook. The kirin looked up, pleasantly surprised.

Fumizuki: Ah doctor...

The princess had a big smile on her face when her eyes landed on the doctor. The giant's gaze turned to a dark corner of the room.

Sebastian: Hello Miss Shirayuki.

Slowly the kirin laughed, and a shape came out of the darkness revealing the anaty ninja who was obviously very embarrassed.

Fumizuki: Okay I understand better Shira...

Shirayuki: S-sorry madam, but you see... My ninja techniques are ineffective against him...

The giant laughed softly.

Sebastian: Why don't you start by hiding your heartbeat, I can hear it from outside.

His attention returned to the princess as he began to remove his coat and the weapon he carried, placing his documents on the bar near the blackboard.

Sebastian: If not, may I ask why you are here?

Fumizuki: I sincerely hope that you can believe that I'm coming as a courtesy doctor.

She said closing her little notebook, the tail in her back wagging slightly to the left and to the right.

Seeing her expression, the doctor didn't doubt it.

Fumizuki: Come and sit down.

Sebastian: I am honored by your presence princess...

The giant sat down in front of the kirin.

Fumizuki: Please stop... I already told you to call me by my first name.

Sebastian: Well, I got it... So, is this visit really just for fun, Fumizuki?

Fumizuki: That's right. And I felt I should thank you and congratulate you on your success in the golden purse.

Sebastian: My operation was successful in one way. But we didn't manage to take down the heads of the network.

Fumizuki: Too bad. But from what I've seen there isn't even a speck of dust left...

Sebastian: And I guess Ch'en doesn't see any possible culprit behind this.

Fumizuki: You'd be surprised...

She says with a light laugh.

Sebastian: Would you like some tea? I could make us some cups.

Fumizuki: Oh Shira, can you do it?

Sebastian: Are you sure? I don't mind doing it.

Shirayuki: I'll do it.

Sebastian's host instincts gave him some discomfort at this.

Sebastian: The maccha is on the shelf, right above the coffee beans.

Fumizuki: As I was saying, Ch'en is more perceptive than you expected... She's pulling her hairs out, because her main suspect would be you. According to all her leads. But she prefers to believe that you are bedridden with Higashian fever...

The giant lowered his eyes. A semblance of shame crossed his beautiful eyes. Immediately the kirin felt empathy towards the giant and an irrepressible need to chase this expression from his face.

Shirayuki put two cups of green tea in front of them.

Fumizuki: You really hate lying that much... I had doubts the first time we spoke. I thought you were either lying or too honest for your own good.

Sebastian: I do regret lying to Ch'en and Hoshiguma in a way. But I couldn't think of any other alternative... Wait, if that's what you thought, what do you think now?

Fumizuki: That you're far too honest. But that in this world it's a virtue.

She said with a smile. Reminding the giant of their first conversation. Soon the giant also started to smile softly and started to sip his tea. An appeasement crossing the kirin, her tail wagging a little more.

Sebastian: At least I have our blue lizard off my back for a while...

Fumizuki: How is your project going?

Sebastian: Moderately.

The giant stood up and reached for a file and pulled out a picture, showing it to the princess.

Sebastian: Do you know?

Fumizuki: Never seen it. Who's this?

Sebastian: The big head of the network. Phobos.

When she heard this name, he noticed that Fumizuki tensed all her muscles at once when she heard this name.

Sebastian: Seeing your reaction I don't need to say more.

Fumizuki: That's why you're still confident.

Sebastian: I have to be. If I could advise you it would be to stay as far away from me or my team as possible until this is settled. Even with the miss on your side to defend you, I would still advise you to stay as far away as you can.

Fumizuki: I understand.

It was the doctor's turn to feel the negative emotions of his interlocutor. He could feel a certain degree of sadness in her.

Sebastian: Anything wrong?

Fumizuki: Nothing really.

He frowned slightly.

Sebastian: Are you sure?

The kirin took a deep breath.

Fumizuki: I... In a way, this visit was good for pleasure. But also doctor, because I have a hard time staying in this tower lately...

The kirin seemed exasperated, and Shirayuki seemed surprised, because this was the first time she was confronted with the doctor's most mysterious ability so far. His ability to supernaturally inspire confidence in everyone around him. One of the reasons why so many people opened their hearts to the good doctor.

Fumizuki: This golden prison is starting to tire me out... I spend days and days in this damned tower. Having to hide when I decide to go out by myself because as a good wife I shouldn't show up without my husband... Having to have half a dozen guards to always ensure my «protection» and make sure I can't do anything that would harm my jailer's image...

The giant observed attentively each small detail of the kirin. From the way she gripped her cup tightly, or the smallest expressions that her face with skin oscillating between purple and pink made to express sadness. The giant felt empathy for the princess, and he didn't need to ask who this famous jailer was. Because he already knew the answer.

Fumizuki: With each passing year, I see more and more this city and this tower as a prison. If I was younger and braver, I would have probably run away... But with time this hope has melted like snow under the July sun... This kind of outing like today or the day before, it comforts me in a way. Because for a moment I have the impression that my escape is always possible...

The eyes of the kirin rose. And despite the smile on her lips, the giant could feel the pain on her heart.

Fumizuki: I don't know how you don't laugh at such ridiculousness doctor, but I thank you for not doing so.

His eyes were wet. The tears were still far away for those who didn't have a sight as developed as the doctor's.

Sebastian: It's far from being ridiculous Fumizuki.

He said, shaking his head left and right, certain of what he was saying.

Sebastian: Why should it be? You don't like your condition, and you want to escape from it so much that a simple exit is like a blessing for you. I don't think it's ridiculous at all.

The kirin looked down again.

Fumizuki: Sorry, I don't think you want to listen to an old woman rant about her remorse...

Her fist closed on the table. Drawing the giant's gaze to see that for once she wasn't wearing her gloves, and contrary to what the clothing seemed to suggest the princess did have five fingers on each hand. Which, except for her strangely pigmented skin, were perfectly human.

Sebastian: It's not the kind of thing you talk about to Ch'en, is it?

Fumizuki: She has her own problems... I have no reason to embarrass her with mine... Sorry I shouldn't have-

As she seemed to be in a hurry to leave due to a feeling of having said too much, the giant put his hand on the kirin's.

Sebastian: I can't pretend to say that I understand how you feel, and I won't lecture you on morality, but you can talk about how you feel. By wanting to store up too much pressure you will end up exploding. To know her a little, I am sure that Ch'en will like to listen to you, or at least you could use your bodyguard as a confidante...

He said while looking at the anaty who was watching the whole scene stunned.

Sebastian: You are a good person. And I don't want to see you go along this road. So if you want even I will listen to you. But please. The first step is to talk.

The kirin looked into the void. Thrown into her thoughts by the doctor's words.

She had never been in the habit of expressing herself. Instead, she was taking it in and storing it up. At the same time, to whom could she share her worries, her doubts, her sadness, her anger? The scum bag who was her husband? The parents who had sold her hand without paying attention? Her niece who was herself swimming in problems? Or her bodyguard who sometimes seemed to have no soul, so much her professionalism pushed her to have no emotions? The giant seemed ready to think that the last two would listen to him with great pleasure.

But that was how the kirin had always lived. And change was scary.

Fumizuki: I should have made this kind of decision a long time ago doctor... It's too late now...

Sebastian: Oh please stop. You may be over a hundred years old, but you know as well as I do that you still have centuries to go. You think you're old because you want to be. But if you really want to enjoy the rest of this long life, it's never too late to make a change in your life.

Centuries to go?

The thought terrified her at first. But then she thought about what the doctor was saying. Could she really turn all those years in purgatory into heaven? Or at least into something that would bring her some joy from time to time?

Maybe she could try after all?

What did she have to lose after all?

Her freedom? The gilded cage of the Wei Penthouse had already taken it from her.

Her honor? She had lost it the day she was married to such a miserable man.

Her joy? What joy?

Her life? A life that had no meaning or purpose other than to care for a Lung who had turned into a self-sufficient woman.

In a flash, the kirin realized that she had nothing that she really owned. Or at least that's what she told herself.

But then she had nothing to lose.

Maybe so, maybe this was an opportunity.

She sat back down and smiled.

Fumizuki: Maybe you're right doctor...

She hardly noticed that her cup of tea had become barely warm, between the time she had spent talking and thinking.

Fumizuki: I should try to open my heart once in a while...

She glanced at her bodyguard. The anaty looked at her mistress, with a look that meant everything. The young woman never asked questions, never insisted. But she was waiting for only one thing, the words of her mistress. This woman she admired and loved. Whatever happened, she could tell her everything.

Fumizuki started to smile. Because she could already find a person who would be willing to listen to her.

She looked briefly at the giant.

And probably a second person too.

Finally, finding people to confide in, maybe that was the true definition of finding true friends?

Sebastian: Glad to hear it.

The princess took a deep, quiet breath, a little joy filling her, as well as a soft warmth in her entire left side. With a simple glance, she quickly understood where this warmth was coming from, seeing that her fingers were intertwined with the doctor's.

The giant followed her gaze and blushed, cursing his bad habit of being so touchy-feely. Although he could have sworn he had just grabbed her hand and not let their fingers intertwine...

He quickly removed his hand to keep it close to him.

Sebastian: S-sorry.

Fumizuki: It's okay...

The kirin in spite of her embarrassment remained a little amused. Because she never imagined that the doctor could blush like that. In fact, it was in a way almost cute to see a man with such a patient look blushing like a young boy...

This little thing did not fail to make the kirin laugh slightly.

A short second of silence passed, Fumizuki feeling ready to move on.

Fumizuki: Do you have any other leads for the rest of your case?

Sebastian: Aye. I just have to get some informants, with the portraits of the six it should be easy to track them down if I have eyes all over town.

Fumizuki: The six?

The giant got up from his seat and went to get another sheet of paper which he gave to the kirin.

Fumizuki: Who is this one?

Sebastian: From what I understand the second in command of the armed arm of this group. But also a kind of bodyguard for the big shots. His arts are able to create almost indestructible barriers, and his reflexes were equal to mine.

Fumizuki: More and more danger...

Sebastian: And I recommend you to avoid them even more. I think I'd go after him first. Killing him makes it easier for me to kill the others.

Fumizuki: But for that you have to find them... And have eyes everywhere...

Sebastian: Hm hm.

He looked at the portraits on the corkboard. The kirin took a deep breath.

Fumizuki: What if I told you I had a way to help you?

The giant frowned and looked at the kirin. Curious to know more.

Fumizuki: The L.G.D. is testing a new technology from the imperial city. Some facial recognition algorithms with security cameras.

Sebastian: Not illegal. At least not yet. But largely unethical for the population according to the latest polls...

Fumizuki: You could access the L.G.D. systems and run facial recognition to find these people in the city...

Sebastian: Wow... Thanks for the info. But the L.G.D.'s camera system is not connected to the rest of the city's systems... To access it I would have to...

Fumizuki: To enter the camera system... In the L.G.D. tower... But that I can't help you with. Even I'm not allowed to go into the room where that is.

Sebastian: Don't worry, I'll find a way to get there... But thanks for the help.

He began to think of a plan. Infiltrate the L.G.D. tower knowing he had no business being there, and sneak into the most secure rooms. Surely possible with a few little tricks. The only thing left to do was to get a permanent access to the L.G.D. cameras servers. Once again, a little elbow grease and a gadget will be enough...

Fumizuki: Doctor?

Sebastian: Hm?

Fumizuki: Oh sorry, you seemed to be lost in thought.

Sebastian: It's nothing.

Fumizuki: I think I should go. As much as I'd like to, I don't think I can stay here long...

She looked up to look the giant in the eye, a smile on her lips.

Fumizuki: And thank you. Really.

That smile she had on her lips was quite different from the one she often had when she submitted herself to the gaze of others. And it was visible. That smile was honest.

Sebastian: It was my pleasure.

The kirin gestured to her bodyguard. The anaty immediately followed her. The two women left the bar. The step of one was infinitely lighter. Sebastian watched them leave with a smile. Fumizuki made a last gesture of the hand to say goodbye before leaving, gesture that the giant returned to him. Once she disappeared from his vision, he waved his hand.

A coded sign language he had learned from the spetsnaz. And if his information and memories he regained were accurate then...

?: Sir.

From the blind spot in his field of vision, a tall figure wearing a large hat and a cloak camouflaging every human detail appeared, seeming to bow to the giant. He had spotted this sort of nothingness in the soul a little further away, something that indicated to him the presence of those who had undergone the ritual of the emperor's blades.

One of Wei Yenwu's shadow guards. He had heard that many of them were former members of the emperor's blades. And if Sebastian was indeed Yuri of Ursus, the leader of the Emperor's Blades, as he remembered, then that meant he had just seen some of the best warriors in the world join his ranks.

Sebastian: Do you know who I am?

He asked almost impressed. After all, despite the more than satisfactory size he had at the time, he was a child in appearance at that time.

Shadow: Yes.

Sebastian: What were your orders?

Shadow: To follow Lady Fumizuki, watch her every move and report it to Wei Yenwu.

Sebastian: You won't tell her that she came here. Make up a story if you have to. And protect her from anything.

Shadow: Yes, sir.

Sebastian: Are there any other former emperor's blades at Wei's command?

Shadow: There are seven of us.

Sebastian: Are they reliable?

Shadow: Any one of us would die if it were your order.

Maybe he was a little strong with the brainwashing for loyalty with these guys...

Sebastian: Good. Inform the others of my identity. Continue to follow Wei's orders. But my orders take precedence over his. But don't do anything that would be against Fumizuki's interests, mine, or Rhodes Island's.

Shadow: Is that all?

Sebastian: For now.

Shadow: Sir?

Sebastian: Hm?

He asked, raising an eyebrow and looking at the person on his left.

Shadow: It's good to see you again.

As abruptly as it had appeared, the shadow disappeared without a trace.

Emperor: Were you talking to someone just now?

The giant was surprised to hear the penguin walk into the bar behind him and approach a cup in his... his... thing, flipper hand.. Idfk man.

Sebastian: Oh no, I was just talking to myself.

Emperor: Tell me doc I didn't know you were friends with the Higashian Princess.

Sebastian: Oh well, so far all we've ever done is have a few awkward conversations and drinks. Nothing fancy...

He walked into the bar completely to see what appeared to be a joking smile on the ferarus' mouth.

He raised an eyebrow.

Emperor: I didn't think you could get multiple targets like that...

The giant understood what the penguin was saying and frowned bitterly.

Even if he liked to consider himself open to several love conquests since he hadn't reached a certain point with any of the ones he had, the doctor still had his limits in his romantic research.

Sebastian: Emperor, she's a married woman.

Emperor: She's a sad woman in a failing marriage, with a husband who's known to have screwed half the whores in town. No one will blame you for making her happy...

He said as he sat down at his bar as if nothing had happened.

Emperor: But then you listen to me or not... You're a big man, do what you want. But she's a good woman, I've known her since she was a kid.

The giant approached his various things preparing for the day, until he remembered the age of the kirin.

Sebastian: But how old are you exactly?

Emperor: Heh, I'm old enough to have seen stars go out kid.

This was not a lie, Sebastian knew it deep down.

Sebastian: I... We'll just avoid talking about this or the princess.

*cling cling*

Siege entered the bar, accompanied by Indra and surprisingly Yushia who had arrived at the same time. As Sebastian checked on those who were arriving, the last stragglers entered the bar. Except Angelina and Irina. The good giant explaining the reason for their absence.

Exusiai: So leader, what's on the agenda today? Weren't we at a standstill after the casino?

Yushia: I have to admit that even though the action against the casino was a real coup, the tracks seemed to be fading...

Sebastian: Not so much, ladies. I have a new one that came to me this morning. You see this portrait of the head of the network?

He says pointing to the board.

Yushia: Phobos?

Sebastian: I'm going to be able to get access to the city camera and a facial recognition system.

Lappland: And then we can track these five through the city...

She says with a proud smile.

Sebastian: Exactly.

Sora: So what are we waiting for on the way?

Sebastian: Well, I think I'll take care of it myself...

Siege: Again?

Sebastian: I trust all of you, it's just that I think a lot of people infiltrating the heart of the L.G.D. tower might be more of a disadvantage than an advantage.

Emperor: Wait a minute doc, are you really planning to infiltrate the L.G.D. tower?

Hung: I worked there for a few months... The security is rock solid...

The giant takes a big sigh.

Sebastian: I'll be fine. I've been working there for the rest of the month and I still have a few cards up my sleeve.

Texas: So why are we here?

Hearing the voice of the lupo, Sebastian gritted his teeth. He was still a little bitter after what had happened last night. And what she was saying now wasn't helping.

Texas: That's right, if you're all going to settle up by yourself, why are we here in the first place?

Everyone turned to her because of her cruel lack of politeness. Even Lappland...

Sebastian: Well, I did leave you some homework. Just because you can't hit hard doesn't mean you shouldn't hit.

The giant pointed to the card on the bar.

Sebastian: I've marked the locations of several warehouses, sales points and manufacturing facilities. Small stuff, but it's always better to hit the enemy instead of letting them grow.

Texas kept quiet. Not having anything to complain about without saying something simply stupid. Showing his fangs in anger.

Sebastian: Any questions?

Waai Fu: Huh... Do we have to go? I have some pretty important classes this morning...

Sebastian: Classes?

The giant looked at the feline. After all it was rather difficult to see the age of an antro for him, so he had no idea that the tigress was so young.

Waai Fu: I'm in law school...

Sebastian: I don't give orders to anyone here... If you have something more important to do for yourself, then do it...

The tigress nodded satisfied with these answers.

Sebastian: Well, then it's settled.

As the action groups began to form Sebastian began to rummage through the crates of equipment, tinkering with something for his operation. Until he heard Exusiai's footsteps approaching at his back.

Exusiai: Hey leader...

Sebastian: No Seb this time?

He asked the sanktah with a smile, referring to the fact that she only called him Sebastian when they were alone, or that she wanted to be more personal. The young woman blushed slightly before asking her question.

Exusiai: Do you have any news about the reunion in town?

Immediately the giant's smile faded and he sighed.

Sebastian: Nah. I was left out of the investigation from the beginning. And I got nothing from my informants.

After all, that was the only reason he was still in Lungmen... Because it was part of his contract. If the reunion had caused more damage than Rhodes Island had anticipated, then Rhodes Island would have to stay and Sebastian would have to help the L.G.D. until all traces of reunion in the city were eliminated.

Exusiai suspected that the giant would probably rather go home to Rhodes Island than stay in the city.

It was a harsh reminder that time was against the giant. After all, he had to go to Kazimierz soon for the major...

Sebastian: But hey. We'll see what fate has in store for me...

He said while getting up and assembling parts of an electronic device in a few seconds.

Sebastian: Did you have something else to ask me?

Exusiai: N-no I just wanted to chat a little...

The giant started to smile. Indeed, with all that was on their plates, it was rare that they talked or spent time together as they did on Rhodes Island.

Sebastian: No rest for the heroes, eh?

Exusiai: You could say that... It's not very relaxing, gang warfare... And it's not often that it offers good opportunities to just talk.

Sebastian: You want to have another night of watching your crap when we get back to Rhodes Island?

Exusiai: Hey it's not crap!

Sebastian: Excuse me, but at some point I wonder if the Higashians are capable of making stories other than a guy who gets transported to another world because of a truck...

Exusiai: But it's not just that, it's a lot of different genres and-

The giant laughed slightly at the reaction of his guardian angel, seeing her defend with so much conviction these works that she appreciated so much.

Sebastian: Listen, you'll show me instead of explaining them to me, right?

Exusiai: Yeah. I just can't wait for this whole thing to be over...

Sebastian: But really? You just wanted to talk?

There...

Now we're getting somewhere.

The giant had sensed something deep inside him about the sankta's intentions. That's why he wanted to ask the question.

Exusiai: It's about Texas... I don't know why she is so upset with you right now...

Actually she did, she knew exactly why. But she didn't really want to tell the giant that since he was here, he had messed up the local romances and that jealousy was pushing the lupo hate.

Exusiai: That's not like her, so I just wanted to apologize for her.

Sebastian: You don't have to.

He says slightly annoyed.

Sebastian: If she has to apologize, she'll do it to my face. You don't have anything to apologize for.

The sanktah was surprised that the giant was so bitter. He who always did his best to be at least sympathetic with his colleagues.

Sebastian: But if you take the trouble, I want to believe you...

He said, returning to his usual self. Seeming even a little sorry for having been so dry towards the sanktah.

Exusiai: Don't you want me to go with you?

Sebastian: Sorry, but I think it will be better if I go through all the security points, the cameras and the guards alone... If it's not to be noticed

He says a little embarrassed.

Exusiai: Yeah, I think I understand... I'm not really cut out for discretion...

Sebastian: Hey, we'll have other times to beat bad guys without being stealthy.

He grabbed his coat and got ready to leave.

Sebastian: And be careful, eh?

Exusiai: That's for me to say, idiot...

She said and gave a light punch on the giant's arm to play.

Sebastian: I know my precious guardian angel...

He gave a last smile before leaving, the young woman starting to blush as red as her hair.

Lost in her trance the sanktah was surprised to feel the presence of the aslan at her back, startled she turned around.

Exusiai: S-siege! Can I help you?

Siege: You look like you're close to the doctor...

Hearing this the sanktah started to blush even more. Although she was trying to hide her special attraction to the giant, she just couldn't do it and became a blushing ball of embarrassment whenever she was asked about it.

Exusiai: Can I know what you want to get involved in?

Siege: But nothing... It's just that I'm curious about the doc... I mean you seem to be the one who knows him best. And you said it yourself last night.

Exusiai: And yet I'm not the one who accompanied him to the casino...

Grumbled the sanktah, looking away. Jealous as a louse.

Exusiai: There's not much to say really... I've known the doc since late December. I joined Rhodes Island under contract at that time... I think we get along well because I was the first one to really become one of his subordinates.

Siege: So the doc joined Rhodes in December? that's what, a little less than three-

Exusiai: Months yeah... It's crazy when you put it that way, because I feel like I've known him my whole life sometimes. Like many others. Oh, and no, he didn't really go to Rhode Island three months ago, he just came back...

Siege: How did he come back?

Exusiai: Sit down, it will take a while.

Said the sanktah, only half joking. The aslan sits down on one of the bar stools and the good doctor's guardian angel quickly does the same.

Exusiai: From what I understand, three four years ago, Rhodes Island had a lot of problems. I think it was the assassination of Queen Theresa.

Siege: Wait, what does this have to do with Rhodes?

Exusiai: Apparently Rhodes had another name before, Babel.

The aslan gasped and others turned around at the revelation.

Siege: The loyalists...?

Exusiai: Well, you know more about them than I do before I found out.

Waai Fu: Wait a minute, the doctor, is that THE doctor?

Yushia: Theresa's red right hand himself.

Nian: Interesting...

Mostima looked at the scene, biting her tongue.

Exusiai: Information about this period is scarce... except for the fact that the doctor was seen as a monster...

Siege: Is he really the warlord of Kazdel?

she asked incredulously. Theresa's demon stories were the ones that were told to children at night in Kazdel to scare them. So a man like that, whose infamy was famous, be the good doctor. The good and friendly doctor Sebastian, for the aslan it was impossible.

Exusiai: I didn't believe it either when I heard about it. But it couldn't have been anyone else.

Mostima: He wasn't always like that... He only got that reputation shortly before Theresa's death and after... I know, I was there.

The aslan frowned, and everyone began to look at the fallen one, the bar having been in silence for a while to listen to the story carefully.

Mostima: I met the doc for the first time then, he had saved my life when I was at my lowest point. He was really a good person.

Sora: Wait, you never told us that...

Mostima: When he was gone, I thought it was best to leave that part of my life behind.

Sora: And you met her? Queen Theresa?

Mostima: Yeah...

Sora: Was she really like she was described?

Mostima: A description wouldn't be enough to really get an idea of Queen Theresa...

Siege: And so he came back to Rhodes Island?

Exusiai: The rabbit- uh, their CEO told me that one morning after Theresa died, the doctor just disappeared, leaving a note saying not to look for him. They managed to find him four years later. In Chernobog. I wasn't at the scene. But Texas and Lappland were.

Texas: I don't want to talk about it.

Lappland: One of the best battles of my life.

Siege: He was at the Chernobog attack?

Exusiai: Locked up in a hibernation chamber by all accounts. For nearly four years. They went looking for the doctor while the Chernobog takeover was just a riot. It was after that that things got out of hand and they had to fight their way out of the city... Which resulted in Rhodes' meeting with the reunion, thus Rhodes' visit to Lungmen, and thus our situation here...

Siege: And nobody knows anything about him before he arrives in Kazdel?

Exusiai: Nobody, not even him. Except that he came to Lungmen in the past and met Hoshiguma there.

Siege: Not even him?

The sanktah raised an eyebrow.

Exusiai: He has amnesia. He doesn't remember anything before he came out of the chamber...

This surprised the few in the room who didn't know. One of them was the aslan.

Siege: Nothing?

Exusiai: Nothing... So all we can say about her past is what the people who knew her can say. I mean, we've all opened a few bets. We all think he's from Ursus, and we're pretty sure he was in the military.

Siege: Why ? The accent?

She said, referring to the slight Ursian accent the doctor had.

Exusiai: Yes and no... It's not just that, and his accent he does on purpose... So that people will find him more sympathetic... But it's more for the fact that he has an eagle tattoo on his back, and the fact that he screams in Ursian when he's angry.

Siege: it makes sense...

Once the usual bar talk resumed, Siege took the ring out of his pocket before looking at it. The more answers she got, the more mysteries the giant offered... And these mysteries she had a great desire to solve...

At the L.G.D. tower one could see an inspector coming out of the offices to smoke a cigarette on a terrace a few floors above the ground. A quite common sight in this environment. Sebastian, who was there in advance, pretended to throw away a cigarette butt and with all the confidence in the world greeted the inspector as if they were colleagues, even though they had never met before.

Ironically, Sebastian was quite familiar with this kind of procedure. The L.G.D. is a large place, and not everyone knew each other. Then Sebastian walked towards the door, which was equipped with a badge reader. And there stood his whole strategy.

No one should see him enter or leave the building, so he chose this place as his entry point. Since there were no cameras. The badge reader being considered enough security on the eighth floor. Since each badge was unique and all data was recorded.

Sebastian pretended to look in his coat, making enough noise.

Sebastian: Damn it... Excuse me man.

He said turning to the inspector who was about to light his cigarette.

Sebastian: I forgot my badge on my desk, can you open the door for me?

The inspector raised an eyebrow and took a deep breath as if to say to himself, but what a jerk that one is... The man who was smoking came close to him to open the door and Sebastian entered. Then came the second part of his plan. The giant, with all his discretion, rushed into an almost empty corridor. Then he arrived in a particular room. A dressing room. Normally foreseen for the members of the L.G.D. so that they can equip themselves when leaving for an operation.

The giant approached one of the lockers. It had a label marked "John Doe."

Sebastian chuckled, wondering how this ruse had worked. He opened the locker, knowing the code for the lock he had put on himself, laying his hand on a regular L.G.D. agent's uniform.

He had already planned this kind of action when he arrived at the L.G.D. Just in case, and now his foresight was paying off.

He locked the door, undressed and took a deep breath. Then his whole body began to change.

The bone structure, the color and length of his hair, the color of his eyes, the shape of his face, his height, the natural pheromones he gave off, the smell of his body, the shape of his heart, and the size of his body so that he would not make the same noise.

In a few moments under the clouds of ashes and golden dust due to the destruction of his cells, another man had appeared. Unrecognizable from Sebastian, it was the doctor's soul that inhabited this 1m90 body.

He put on the police uniform, which fit him perfectly, and put on his cap.

He left the locker room and started to walk through the corridors of the L.G.D. building. He saw many familiar faces, he could see Nao in good health, with Mike and his other usual colleagues. As well as Ch'en and Swire who were arguing offering a show to the other agents. Nao, the doctor's partner taking the opportunity to ogle Swire's backside.

That's it, nothing unusual for him... Or for his time at the L.G.D.

He was reassured to see that his colleagues were doing well.

As he walked through the corridors one by one, hiding in plain sight, no one noticed him. He walked to an elevator and took it, heading to the basement.

Once there, a slight smile came to the doctor's lips as he felt his goal was almost accomplished. He turned into one of the corridors leading to the computer systems. From one of the interrogation rooms came a face familiar to the doctor.

Hoshiguma stepped out, bending over to walk through a doorway. She wiped the blood from her gloves and glanced at Sebastian.

The giant lowered his cap, avoiding the oni's gaze. The green-haired woman walked in the opposite direction of the doctor. After a few meters behind the doctor, the oni turned around.

Hoshiguma: Hey.

Sebastian turned around.

Sebastian: Madam?

The oni moved closer, looking into the man's blue eyes.

Hoshiguma: Name and id number.

Sebastian: John Doe, serial number 247-811 ma'am.

He said, standing at attention.

The giant kept his composure, being careful not to let any breach in his facade. Despite the fact that his back was literally against the wall, and that he had the scariest woman in town in front of him.

Then suddenly Hoshiguma began to smile, that carnivorous smile that the inspector's enemies could see on the battlefield, or that smile that could be seen by young women who were too insistent on getting Sebastian's affection.

She put her leg between Sebastian's two legs, and put her hand on the wall, next to the doctor's head, pinning him to the wall.

There the doctor felt in danger and began to sweat slightly.

Hoshiguma: Did you really think you could fool me?

She said, bringing her face dangerously close to the doctor's, like two people about to kiss.

Sebastian: I don't know what you mean ma'am-

Hoshiguma: Sebastian, stop it. You know very well that I hate being lied to.

The giant immediately stopped panicking, his whole body falling into a state of calm.

Sebastian: You amaze me.

Hoshiguma: I know. Do you want to know how?

Sebastian: Sure.

Hoshiguma: It's not the first time you've done this trick. And nothing and nobody in this world could hide you from me.

Sebastian: Romantic... Or creepy…

Hoshiguma: I know.

The two looked into each other's eyes.

Hoshiguma: And now you're about to ask me if I'm going to kiss you or back off.

Sebastian: You know me too well.

Hoshiguma: I know.

The oni stepped back to look at the giant.

Hoshiguma: Everyone thinks you're sick.

Sebastian: And you don't?

Hoshiguma: Nothing would kill you. A flu wouldn't hurt you at all. I know that. But I also know that if you lied to Ch'en it's because you have a very good reason to do so. So, can you give me a briefing?

Sebastian: I'm working against a triad. I have my team. But the triad is still dangerous. With the impending arrival of the L.G.D. and the chances of corruption, I thought it best to do without you.

Hoshiguma: Hm I see. And you're here because?

Sebastian: I need access to the computer systems. And the cameras. To search for my prime suspects.

Hoshiguma: Is that all?

Sebastian: I'll plant a bug and go.

Hoshiguma: Come on...

The oni let go of the giant and started to walk towards the room at the end of the corridor, the giant followed him.

Sebastian: Are you alright with Ch'en?

Hoshiguma: You already know that.

Sebastian: I do.

Hoshiguma: I still have traces of her perfume?

Sebastian: And sweat...

Hoshiguma: So it's going pretty well...

Sebastian: What's the excuse ? For her season?

Hoshiguma: That's the idea.

She opened the door to the server room with her badge.

Hoshiguma: She takes her treatment every day you know.

Sebastian: Good...

He looked a little depressed.

Hoshiguma: Jealous?

The giant frowned.

Sebastian: Ridiculous.

The giant had a lot of talent. But often his emotions were quite equivocal.

He was indeed.

Hoshiguma: You know my bed is big...

Sebastian: Don't expect me to have a threesome with the lizard so soon.

Hoshiguma: I wasn't talking about that. But I'm surprised that's what your mind is telling you.

The giant flinched and looked away before reaching into his pockets to get his mind off of things, grabbing a strange device.

He opened the door of one of the server lockers and took out a small bundle of wire, hooking his device behind it and pressing a button before putting everything back the way it was before. Making his device undetectable.

Sebastian: This should do the trick.

He stood up, getting ready to leave.

Sebastian: Thanks for the help Hoshi.

Hoshiguma: As always Seb...

The giant walked out the door and so did the oni.

Hoshiguma: Stay safe... Or as safe as you can.

Sebastian: You too, these guys are not kidding. So I beg you, don't get involved Hoshi. I don't want anything to happen to you.

Hoshiguma: Don't worry about me.

Sebastian: I always worry about you.

Hoshiguma: That's for me to say... Do you know the way out?

Sebastian: I think I can handle it. See you Hoshi.

As he walked away a few meters Hoshiguma called out to him.

Hoshiguma: Hey Sunday night is the spring festival, will you come? It's one of the few times of the year that Ch'en and I get a day off.

Sebastian: It's the most important day in Lungmen, so if you ask me, of course I will come.

Hoshiguma: Bye.

The giant nodded. Then he left, his face becoming again that of a famous stranger.

It took him only a few minutes to leave the L.G.D. headquarters, and go out as he had come in. And in the end, almost nobody had noticed him. His plan had almost totally worked.

Yes, almost, because this affair with Hoshiguma had totally ruined the perfection of his plan...

As the giant drove to the world's end he wondered how the oni would have been able to sense his presence. Unless she could feel her own soul's trace... Which would simply be impossible or completely illogical.

It was not long before he arrived at the world's end. He entered the bar, surprised to see everyone already looking at him.

Sebastian: Um... Am I late?

Emperor: We made a few runs. It didn't take very long...

Sebastian: Oh I see...

The good giant was really embarrassed to have taken so long for his quest.

Exusiai: Did you succeed?

Sebastian: Yep. Mission accomplished.

The good doctor took his computer from the bar and walked over to a table. Where he could sit down and start doing his research.

...

Irina hadn't cleaned up the browsing history... And now he thought it was a good idea to give her the password for her device...

Sebastian started to type on the keyboard and after a few moments his voice rose.

Sebastian: Here we go. I have access to the database. Now we just have to wait for-

Lappland: *cough*

The giant looked up and looked at the lupo who was coughing violently. But something about the noises her body was making caught his attention. He was a doctor after all.

Sebastian: Are you okay, Lapp?

Lappland: Yeah... Yeah I'm fine...

The giant pointed to his computer screen so that the others could see the machine at work.

Sebastian: This could take a while. The artificial intelligence is searching for the last known locations of the Big Five through all the cameras in the city. It could take a while.

Aak: A while?

Sebastian: Minutes. Hours at most.

The giant didn't take his eyes off Lappland. Her condition worried him.

Lappland: *cough* *cough*

Texas looked at the doctor, thinking of something to say.

Emperor: So we still have nothing to do.

Sebastian: Nah we still have our attacks to do in the meantime. It's still better than nothing.

Lappland: Doc...

Lappland's coughing fit became worse. And her skin, which had been pale, was getting paler by the second. Her hand rested on her chest. Everyone's attention returned to Lappland, who suddenly collapsed to the ground.

The giant stood up before her body even reached the ground.

Sebastian came over and while Texas screamed in terror, the giant took care of the new patient.

Emperor: Oh shit!

Everyone moved away.

Sora: Doctor, what's wrong with her?

Sebastian: Acute oripathy attack.

The expression on the doctor's face changed immediately. From a cheerful man he had changed to a worried man. And from a worried man to a façade of professionalism.

It took only a few moments for the doctor to analyze Lappland, then he took the young woman in his arms.

Sebastian: Clear one of the tables!

Mostima and Exusiai removed everything from one of the tables, worried about their colleague.

Siege: Acute oripathy attack?

Exusiai: The same thing that happened to Misha when we ran into her...

Sebastian: Misha's oripathy was much less settled than Lappland's.

The giant reached out to the table and the air almost changed color right above the table. Like a tablecloth of another gas. The doctor generated a blanket of intense, fleeting radiation with his magnetism over the table to disinfect.

Texas: Lappland, Lappland please answer me!

Sebastian: Her brain is running out of oxygen. She can't hear you.

He laid the lupo on the table. The black crystals on her skin were growing.

The giant's eyes changed color several times rapidly, each time he saw something different in the lupo's body. Generating X-rays and ultrasound to see her body as if she had just passed a battery of different scanners.

Sebastian: Exia! My kit!

The sanktah took a large medical kit that was lying in a corner and brought it to the doctor who started to take out scalpel syringes and disinfectants before putting on surgical gloves.

Texas: Hey, what are you going to do?

Sebastian: I have to open her.

Hearing this the eyes of the ice queen of the lupos widened. She pushed the doctor violently.

Texas: Don't you dare touch her!

Sebastian: She's dying!

Everyone in the bar fell silent. Nian frowned as she sadly watched the plague she was immune to take effect.

Sebastian: I'm a doctor so let me do my job!

The air in the bar became hot and unbreathable, a sign of Sebastian's irritation.

Texas: You?! A doctor?! She needs a real doctor! We need to get her to the nearest hospital!

Sebastian: Rhode Island is thirty minutes away and it's already too far! And there are no other specialized places for oripathy! So leave me alone, and let me do my job! Unless you want her to die!

It was the giant who pushed her this time before turning to his patient.

Lappland: D-doc... C-cel...

The young woman's face was twisted with pain and so pale that you could see the veins through it and she was sweating profusely.

Sebastian: Lappland I'll have to put you to sleep...

Lappland: No...

Sebastian: Texas, reassure her. It's better before she falls asleep...

He took the content of a bottle with a syringe. And Texas although reluctant came to the side of Lappland taking the hand of her lover. The infected one could hardly see the other lupo because of the tears that blurred her vision.

Texas: Lapp...

Lappland: Cel... You remember... The apple tree in the garden... From old Alfonzo... We promised each other that when we grew up... We would come and take baskets... And baskets of apples... As many as we wanted... You remember that, don't you?

A drop of sweat ran down the back of the doctor's neck as he heard Lappland's way of speaking.

Sebastian: Everybody out.

The rest of the team rushed out of the bar, but Sebastian paid them no attention.

He pulled off Lappland's jacket with surprising dexterity and stuck the syringe in her arm.

Texas: H-hey Lapp stop, you sound like someone who is about to die...

Lappland: I feel...

Sebastian: Lappland. I'm going to have to put you to sleep to operate you. I'll see you in a few hours.

He began to inject the liquid before putting on a mask.

The lupo looked at her lover.

Lappland: Sei bellisima, mio amore...

Texas caressed Lappland's face as tears escaped from the usually cold lupo. The giant put an oxygen mask on Lappland's face connected to a strange device. Then Lappland fell asleep.

Sebastian: I'll open her. Trust me. You'd better get out.

The Siracusan walked over to the doctor and grabbed him by the collar to pull him forward.

Texas: If she dies...

In the lupos' eyes he could see sadness, rage, and fear.

Sebastian: She won't die.

He said, throwing back just as much aggression if not more and pushing her back.

Texas: I'm staying.

Sebastian: No. You'll break my concentration.

Texas: It wasn't a request.

Says she as she moves closer again.

Sebastian: I know.

In a flash Texas fell to the ground, feeling her body heavy. Noticing too late that the giant had just injected her with the remaining anesthetic. The giant grabbed the lupo by her jacket, dragging her outside as she fell asleep.

Sebastian: This is also for your own good...

He opened the door of the bar and dropped the lupo on the stairs, all his attention and concentration on his patient.

Sebastian walked to the lupo and took a deep breath.

Using all his perceptive abilities the giant made a complete assessment of the lupo's health, his brain calculating the next actions he should take to save her life.

The originium was suddenly becoming highly aggressive and consuming the lupo's flesh. The heart was covered in crystals and was beginning to lose its ability to beat as it solidified. Pumping originium throughout the body. Normally, the infection in Lappland's bloodstream was the reason for her prodigious strength. But in a few minutes, if he didn't find a solution. The body would continue to crystallize, all the cells would die, and the infectious dust would spread. It was a miracle in itself that the brain stem condition was calmed by the rest of the treatment.

Lappland needed a heart, healthy, pumping healthy blood.

Impossible unless he cured it completely.

Or unless he could find another solution. Sebastian began to think.

A fresh start. A new heart.

Impossible in every way.

But no task was impossible for the doctor. Especially if it was to save someone.

He grabbed a pair of scissors and cut off Lappland's top so he could open her. After all, he needed it to open her up. He looked at her body with the eyes of a doctor. Seeing her breathing difficult despite the assistance of the machine. The giant took out another device from his bag, a device of his own design, and then he took out his scalpel and some blood bags.

He couldn't afford to use his blood on Lappland, as his regenerative abilities could make the operation more complicated than anything else. He connected the blood bags to the machine, and began to gently incise along the chest.

He sliced through the bones of the rib cage and gained access to the heart, separating veins and arteries one by one to connect them to the machine. Then after about ten minutes he was able to completely detach the heart from the lupo that was still alive and maintained by the machines.

He looked at the heart that he had in his hand, the latter almost completely crystallized. Then he threw it on the ground.

The worst had been avoided. But now she had to live as well as survive.

The doctor thought about the next step in his plan. He needed a new heart, but he also had to make sure that the same mistakes would not be repeated and that the new heart would not become the focus of the infection again.

The rest of his idea appeared in his skull.

The giant went looking through the mechanical and electronic parts he had before assembling them together to create a brand new device. A device to be attached directly to a healthy heart. A direct cardiac injector of medical solution, also acting as a pacemaker and heart monitor.

Now all that was left to do was to get his hands on a brand new heart that was compatible with the lupo.

Sebastian began to memorize Lappland's entire genetic code through her blood. He reached out with his right hand and removed his surgical glove. And took control of his cells and his genetic code. It may have been a crazy plan.

But madness was one of the doctor's main characteristics.

His hand fell. Clearly separated from the rest of his body.

No blood was shed. His hand had simply fallen off. A hand that suddenly began to change into a very peculiar shape. A heart. Similar to Lappland's, but without the black crystals covering it.

The doctor used all the power his mind had over his body to transform his cells into those of the lupo.

A brand new, healthy heart. In the blink of an eye.

The giant took the new organ and hurriedly connected the homemade device to the organ. Then he began with his remaining hand to sew the arteries and veins back to the new heart.

At this point, Sebastian strangely began to laugh.

He felt like a cross between MacGyver and Dr. Frankenstein.

The giant didn't take into account the time, but he finished sewing all the veins and arteries back together. Now he started to glue the nerves to the heart muscle. He disconnected the machine that was made to circulate the blood in his body. And almost as soon, the heart began to beat. For the first time, but weakly. The giant took a solution of oripathy medication in a syringe and injected it into Lappland's heart. Through the injection port of the electronic device she had.

He resewed the bones, drilling a hole, and did the same with the skin. The stitches being the only sign of the complex surgery on the body of the lupo. That and the kind of connector on her chest. A bit like a jack port, but much smaller. Used for direct injection of drugs.

The Rhodes Island doctor took a deep breath. Like a goldsmith satisfied with his work. He removed his mask and glove. Before walking over to his sword and taking it in his hand. He sat down on one of the benches next to the table where the sleeping body of the lupo lay, put his hand on his sword, closed his eyes and began to pray using his arts.

The threads of his stitches were made of organic material, so Sebastian could use his arts. The light rushed into the wounds, quickly healing the arteries completely, the bones healed completely and all that was left when the doctor was finished was a thin scar on her chest.

Sebastian collapsed in exhaustion against the couch and took a moment to breathe and wipe off his sweat, exhausted from the intensive use of his arts.

After a moment he got up with difficulty, picked up the heart from the floor, put a survival blanket on the lupo to cover her and left the bar.

When the door opened, all the members of the team were waiting outside, and their eyes fell on the doctor, including Texas who had woken up. And who had presumably been held in place by the others.

Exusiai: Doctor...

Sebastian: Lappland is fine, she is out of danger.

Texas seemed reassured, seeing how she exhaled all the air in her lungs. With a sudden gesture the giant threw the old heart of the lupo in a trash can.

Mostima: Doctor this thing...

Sebastian: It was Lapp's heart.

Immediately Texas raised her head and drew his weapon, seeing this and reacting quickly, Yushia put the feet of the lupo in glass to prevent her from stabbing the doctor.

Sebastian: Easy! I had to give her a heart transplant! She's got a new heart, beating in her chest, and she'll be fine with the right treatment...

Texas calmed down, although her aggression was still there.

Her body was a mess, of emotions, neurotransmitters and hormones. Between almost losing the woman she loved and the roller coaster of emotions the doctor was offering.

Yushia: We've been out for two hours...

Sebastian: Really? Sorry, I didn't keep track of the time...

Aak: You did a heart transplant from an infected heart in two hours...?

Sebastian: I know... I'm losing my touch... Literally...

He says laughing and showing his stump.

Siege: Good lord !

Exusiai: Doc are you ok?!

Sebastian: Yeah yeah, I had to get rid of my hand and modify my cells to make her a new heart. Hopefully it worked...

Siege: You sacrificed your hand?

Sebastian: It's ok, it grows back...

Aak: No.

Hung: Even with medical arts it won't grow back.

Sebastian: For me it does... I'm made differently.

Texas: Can I see it?

Sebastian: Of course. But she needs to rest. Really.

He shifted off the stairs and the lupo was free of the glass, hurrying back into the bar to see her lover. Then he sat down on the steps.

Emperor: Thank you doctor. You just saved one of my employees but also a friend.

He said, taking off his cap and in a solemn tone.

Sebastian: No need to thank me Emperor. It's just part of my job...

He perceived the looks of everyone on him. Admiring glances, the kind reserved for heroes and legends. Sebastian was none of those things and he didn't want to be.

Yushia: And now what do we do? Angelina and Irina aren't here, Texas and Lappland will probably stay here...

Sebastian: And me too. I spent too much energy. I can barely move, so I need to rest. Not to mention the fact that I have to keep an eye on Lappland.

Yushia: Without the five of you, that's a pretty big loss of manpower.

Sebastian: I know... And the algorithm is still running.

He says, taking his cell phone which was connected to his computer which was left in the bar.

Yushia: So what do we do?

Sebastian: Hm. There are still sales points and warehouses, other minor attacks to be done. Or, after what happened, you can take the afternoon off.

Emperor: And my bar...?

Sebastian: I'm sorry I turned it into a makeshift hospital, but I couldn't afford to carry her... and I'm not going to risk it until she wakes up.

Sora: Doc?

The giant looked at the idol. Who was in the middle of the rest of Penguin Logistics.

Sora: Lappland? She'll be okay, right?

Sebastian: I'll have to adjust my treatment... But yeah. She'll be fine. I would even dare to say that after a while she will feel even better than before.

He said with as reassuring a smile as he could muster.

It took a few moments. Some came to discuss with the giant. About the health of the lupo. Others discussed among themselves whether they were going to go home or to fight this afternoon. After a good hour everyone was gone. The giant got up, and walked back into the bar. His eyes rested on the two lupos. Texas sitting next to her companion holding her hand firmly. Her face wearing an expression of pain.

The giant moved to the bar, making two coffees.

Texas: Will she keep the scar?

Sebastian: Unfortunately yes. I'm sorry but my arts were not strong enough to finish the job.

The giant prepared the two coffees and with his remaining hand brought one of them to Texas who took the cup before drinking it and looking back at her lover.

Sebastian: I would almost expect a thank you...

He said with a sigh before approaching his computer to do the work he had left.

Texas: Thanks for the coffee.

The giant looked at her before shrugging his eyes and continuing his work.

Struggling to make the search algorithm work faster. Then he worked on the lessons for his class of ursus students. Quickly looked at the medical records of some operators to advise Gavial and Warfarin. He looked at a few outstanding operator files. The various security management options on Rhodes Island he had to deal with. As well as arranging contracts for the next destination, Kazimierz.

After a while Texas had fallen asleep. She hated the doctor, and he knew it. But the calming aura he exerted was enough to make the lupo fall into the arms of the sandman. The emotions had drained all her energy.

The giant continued to work, his hand slowly growing back as the hours passed. And as he gathered information from his contacts across Terra he heard a singular growl.

He turned his gaze to see that Lappland was indeed waking up.

Sebastian's eyes widened in surprise. The anesthetic should still be working, not to mention the fact that the fatigue from the operation should leave her asleep for hours.

For sure, the lupo was resistant.

He got up with a bang and went straight to his patient while Texas was still sleeping heavily.

He removed Lappland's oxygen mask as she began to open her eyes and move weakly.

Sebastian: Easy... easy...

The lupo seemed to come to her senses. Her eyes darted between Texas and Sebastian. The giant welcomed him back to this world with a smile.

Lappland: Cel...

Sebastian: You have to get your strength back.

The giant got up to prepare another concoction of medicine.

Lappland: What happened? My chest hurt so much, then it was pitch black...

Sebastian: You had a severe oripathy attack. You almost died. I had to remove your heart and replace it. You are now out of immediate danger.

With a superhuman effort, Lappland sat up. Before removing the survival blanket, she noticed the thin scar between her breasts and the injection port just above her heart.

Lappland: Dying...?

Sebastian: Indeed. From your oripathy.

Lappland: And this?

Sebastian: I installed a life support device on the new heart. And this is an injection connector. It will inject your new treatment directly and make sure that the treatment is used one hundred percent.

The lupo smiled slightly as she touched the piece of metal that seemed to fuse with her skin.

Lappland: So I became a cyborg?

Sebastian: You could say that. Are you feeling good?

Lappland: Exhausted...

Sebastian: That's normal, I didn't expect you to wake up so early. Oh, and I thought of something, the good thing about this thing is that you can make all your injections go through here.

Lappland: So no more shots...

Sebastian: Huh huh.

Lappland: At least one cool thing.

The giant approached the lupo and handed her a glass of a strange liquid.

Lappland: What is it?

Sebastian: That should fix you up.

He said as he sat down after the lupo took the drink from him.

She took a sip and started to cough violently.

Lappland: Holy shit!

Sebastian: What ? You expected pumpkin juice maybe ?

The lupo under the wise advice of the doctor drank the whole content of the glass, before her eyes fell on Texas. Who was still sleeping.

Lappland: She is a heavy sleeper...

Sebastian: And what happened to you seems to have affected her as much as you.

Lappland: That's normal.

The white lupo tucked a lock of hair behind her lover's ear. With all the softness and love she could show.

Lappland: We never thought of getting married...

This confession, and this personal conversation starter, surprised the doctor.

Lappland: It's silly, but until now we always thought we were immortal in some way. We put it off until tomorrow... and told ourselves we had time.

Sebastian: Let me guess. What just happened just reminded you that you're not immortal?

Lappland: In a way.

Sebastian: Reassure me, you're not telling me this because you want me to be the witness?

He says in a humorous tone. Lappland bursts out laughing.

Lappland: No... It's just that this kind of event puts things in perspective.

Sebastian: I guess so.

Lappland: Doc. How long do I have to live?

The giant took a deep breath and looked down. He seemed to be thinking.

Sebastian: Five years. At worst.

Lappland: At worst?

Sebastian: I'm an optimist, I don't say maximum because if it turns out in six months we can extend your life expectancy by another ten years, and in five years we can make it possible for you to be permanently cured.

Lappland: I see.

She looked the giant in the eye. Those great gray orbs looking straight into the giant's emeralds. Those eyes reminiscent of the purest of ashes, from which all trace of madness was absent unlike the first time they met.

Lappland: Thank you. Thank you, Sebastian.

Sebastian: You're welcome.

A most sincere thank you, which the giant dismissed as if it were nothing.

Lappland: No, it's not nothing. I tried to kill you, to kill someone you cared about. The woman I love most in the world proudly showed you her hatred, you got me out of my madness, and the disease and all that and you still saved me... So no it's not nothing. And thank you. If you ever think of a way I can pay you back.

Sebastian: If you could avoid saying that last sentence half-naked it could save a lot of confusion.

He said with a half laugh. The lupo lowered her gaze, only taking into account her nudity, she also started to laugh slightly before noticing the other spare top that was next to Texas. She put the top on immediately with a smile as the doctor got up to put away the rest of his medical equipment.

Lappland: I don't think I'd be your kind anyway.

Sebastian: That's not the point.

He points to Texas.

Sebastian: She already doesn't like me. I don't want to make it worse. Besides, loyalty is important to me...

Lappland: Tex and I have always agreed to give each other a little space in our bubble... Well, especially her, until recently I was completely obsessed with her alone. She wouldn't have minded getting into it with Sora and Exusiai.

Sebastian: So she is jealous...

Lappland: You've packed our two sanktahs and two women she loved. I'm not surprised she's jealous.

The giant looked Lappland in the eye. The emotions of his heart perfectly transmitted through his gaze to the lupo in front of him. Their discussion could seem mysterious to some. But they both knew what was going on.

Lappland seemed to show some interest in the doctor. Thinking that her heart had room for more than one woman. She wanted to see the beginning of an adventure today, which she thought was well-founded.

The doctor him far from denying all the charm that the lupo evoked to him, could not resolve to begin anything. Considering this potential love as a fortress that had already been taken, and that did not belong to him.

Sebastian: If you really want to repay me for all this, then I'll make you a proposition.

He held out his hand with a smile.

Sebastian: Let's both make a fresh start. We met by almost fighting to the death, so this time instead of starting as enemies. Let's start as friends?

The lupo looked at him with surprise. She seemed to think for a moment, before taking the doctor's hand with pride.

Lappland: I think I'd like that.

Sebastian: Sebastian Petrenko, doctor from Rhodes Island.

Lappland: Lappland Saluzzo. Mercenary, deliverer, and that kind of thing...

The lupo took her leather jacket that the giant had just handed her and stood up, putting on his clothes. Feeling strangely well. The drink of the doctor having made effect. She hadn't felt this good in months and months, if not years.

Lappland: No reactions? On the Saluzzo.

Sebastian: I wish there was. Maybe it's paranoia, but I'm always sort of poking around in the past of people I work with. That's how I know that I've been working for a while with the heiress of the Saluzzo family by my side. As well as the famous Celinia Texas.

Says he looking at the other lupo still asleep.

Lappland: Well my dramatic effect is ruined.

She says while laughing, her glance settling on her lover.

Sebastian: She is really a heavy sleeper...

Lappland: You can't imagine what I have to do to wake her up every morning.

The doctor walked to the bar and started to prepare tea. But Lappland's curiosity finally made her raise his voice.

Lappland: Doctor, whose heart is in my chest?

Sebastian: That depends on how you look at it. Your heart...

He stretched out his right hand, showing his fingers that were still only half way up, surprising the lupo.

Sebastian: I created it, separating and manipulating the cells in my hand to perfectly mimic your genetic code and recreate your heart. So what's beating in your chest, we can either assume it's my hand, or it's your heart.

Lappland: Wow... But you really are a doctor...

Sebastian: Why does everyone keep telling me the same thing?

Lappland: Because I think we have the same number of murders under our belt.

There followed for a long time, discussions between the two. Who were getting to know each other, not as mortal enemies, but as sane people who wanted to be friends.

After a while, seeing that Texas was still asleep, Lappland got up from the bar and asked the giant to wait a moment.

Lappland: I just need to wake her up. Watch if you want.

Sebastian: Why shouldn't I look?

He got the answer to his question when Lappland jumped on top of Texas who was lying down and started to French kiss her.

The giant almost dropped his cup, and remained staring at the spectacle, so shocked was he by such a lack of modesty...

Too much love and not enough fight today he said to himself.

Fortunately for him, Sebastian's computer made a noise announcing that the search was over. The work occupying the doctor's mind to prevent him from turning and looking at...

Yuri...

...

God just how long was she going to kiss her?

The giant wondered as the minutes ticked by.

Someone finally arrived in the bar. The first to enter was Emperor followed quickly by Sora, Exusiai and Mostima. Lappland saw the rest of her colleagues arriving and got up, leaving an awake but embarrassed Texas still in the bar seat.

Emperor: Lapp. It's good to see you up.

Exusiai: You gave us quite a scare...

Sora: You don't have to tell me, I've been worried sick.

Mostima: I thought that Texas was going to cut our doctor several times.

The giant laughed slightly.

Sebastian: Lappland is doing even better than I expected. That said, I think you should get some more rest. Let your body get used to it. No exertion, and definitely no using your arts for at least 48 hours.

Lappland: That means...

Sebastian: No fighting. Doctor's orders. I'm serious, using the arts this early may have made this whole operation useless.

Lappland: If you say so doc...

Mostima: Did you give her common sense in addition to the new heart, doctor?

Lappland: He must be right, that's all.

The members of Penguin Logistics joined in a group hug. But the doctor was focused on the rest of the arrivals at the bar. Siege, Indra, and Waai Fu.

And that was it.

No one else.

Seeing the look on his face, Siege called out to him.

Siege: The others went straight home.

Then the giant looked at Waai Fu.

Waai Fu: I was away for the rest of the day because of my classes so I thought it might be better if I came tonight...

Sebastian: Don't blame yourself... You're young, your classes are over a gang war.

The team after worrying about Lappland quickly placed themselves around the giant who was preparing for his debriefing.

Sebastian: Okay. The algorithm has finished running, and now that it's broken in, we'll be able to track the movements of the big guys as they pass in front of one of the city's many cameras. I've already started to sort out some coordinates and I've been able to get something out of it. That and a tip I got earlier in the day.

He took a portrait of a man who was connected to the big shots.

Sebastian: This is Ulric Mercer, Wang Huning's right-hand man. Ex-mercenary for the Columbia Secret Service. He follows Wang around like a shadow, and has some absolutely monstrous protective arts. He uses it to protect Huning. In other words. If you want to get to the top floor, you have to blow up the floor below.

Lappland: So going after Mercer.

Sebastian: It's going to be even more damaging because these two are lovers. I already have a plan to go after Huning next.

Emperor: How do you know that, Doc?

Sebastian: I had a little time to look at the data I got. What I saw was pretty equivocal.

Indra: So we need to go after this Mercer guy first?

Sebastian: Right. Huning is a big art enthusiast, with a little bit of collecting thrown in. And that's where my tip comes in. Mercer is running an illegal art sale for Mr. Huning tonight. And I have the address.

Sora: So we have to capture him?

Emperor: That's too easy.

Lappland: It's probably a trap. Your tip mysteriously falls from the sky for such an opportunity?

Sebastian: Not only surely. I know it is. Phobos thinks he's clever. But I know how to be clever too.

Texas: So all we have is a trap to walk into.

Sebastian: In a way, yes. A building that can't be reached by any shot below four kilometers, and security that seems almost non-existent at first glance. But there are underground tunnels right underneath. With enough space to hide an army.

Exusiai: So?

Sebastian: Then I just have to make a shot beyond four kilometers.

Sora: Impossible...

Mostima: Aahahahhahah doctor you are not serious ?

The giant doesn't react.

Exusiai: He is serious.

Some people looked at him as if what he wanted to do was just crazy.

Siege: Even with a Laterano weapon doctor...

Sebastian: I could change a person's heart in two hours. Trust me on a sniper shot. All I have to do is stand in the right place with a nice view on where the sale will be held...

He raised his finger to make like a gun and pointed it at Texas.

Sebastian: And pew. End of story.

Siege: It's never that simple.

Sebastian: I know. That's why I could use a little help. While I'm stationed at the sniper, I'd like you to stand in the corner ready to intervene, halfway between the building where the sale is going to take place, and the one where I'm stationed.

Siege: What if it goes sour?

The aslan asked uncertainly, drawing the attention of the others. After all, their team's power was quite small.

Sebastian: Simple. Everyone retreats and I stay behind and do my best.

Some of them let their fear and surprise show. But it was the aslan who was the most equivocal with.

Siege: We abandon the ship, while the captain sinks with...

Sebastian: Exactly.

Siege: But we can't do that!

The young queen exclaimed, as she departed from her usually calm and discreet personality.

Sebastian: Hey, take it easy.

He pointed to his hand, which while no one was looking, had finished regenerating. Surprising everyone with the established fact.

The hand he had cut off had regenerated exactly as before.

Sebastian: This is something I can afford to do. I'm hard enough to kill for it, even though my remission would take days. But it's still the lesser risk.

Siege: I see...

she said, sitting back down. Indra looked at her with both compassion and a hint of malice. As the giant continued to talk about his plan and answer questions from his team members.

Indra: Hey... Are you worried about the doctor?

Siege: It's hard not to worry about someone so suicidal.

Indra: But we don't have to worry about that, right? I know it sounds cruel when you say it like that, but Glasgow wouldn't have a problem if the doctor disappeared...

Siege: Maybe, but would you want to have a debt on your back that you can't pay?

Indra: I guess not... But are you sure that's the only reason you care about Sebastian?

She asked, her question driven by her malice, but also the desire to know everything about her friend. The aslan gasped and blushed heavily.

Siege: May I know what you mean? I remind you that I am an aslan, for God's sake, and I can't marry a non-noble...

Indra: I wasn't implying anything... But I think it's funny that this is the first thing you think of. After all, you are indeed an aslan, so if you thought he was the wrong man, you would be more disgusted than embarrassed.

The exiled queen blushed even more before she stomped on her friend's heel.

Siege: Oh shut up!

Sebastian: So everyone understood?

The validation came from all the team members and the giant nodded before he started to prepare. Fetching his sniper rifle from a corner of the bar, he began to disassemble it to make sure everything was in place.

Stopping in the middle of his task he looked at his own right hand, tightening it several times to make sure everything was in place after his regeneration.

In fact he too had his doubts. Of course he was confident in his original plan. But as a strategist, he had to keep in mind the possibility of the worst happening. And if that were to happen, Sebastian doubted that he would be able to carry out his objectives. From his regeneration, the techniques he had used for the operation, the metamorphosis this morning... His energy was terribly low.

When you put it that way, the giant looked like a battery-powered machine. But the truth was not so far off. The good doctor wasn't regaining his energy fast enough. So if a particularly difficult enemy came along. He could find himself totally helpless...

In short, in that brief moment, the doctor was afraid of failing. Not for what could happen to him, but for what could happen to the others he cared about. Especially without Irina, Lappland or Yushia, their best element being Siege, no one could be there to take over.

He squeezed his hand tightly. Until Exusiai arrived next to him. A smile on his lips.

Exusiai: How are you leader?

A simple glance and a smile was all he gave his friend. The sanktah had a real gift for guessing when he wasn't feeling well, just like the rest of his emotions...

Sebastian: Yeah... Yeah it's fine...

Exusiai: You always lie every other time when you are asked this question...

The giant was startled, his eyes fixed on the sanktah who started to smile bitterly.

Exusiai: And yes, don't worry, the others don't see anything but the light.

Sebastian: I'm just afraid I'm not up to it...

He said, so weakly that his words seemed to be a whisper. The sanktah gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

Exusiai: You are Sebastian of Rhodes Island... You're always up to everything...

The giant was about to answer before realizing that it was probably exactly the kind of thing he would say, or that he might have already said.

Sebastian: I hope so.

In record time he pulled up his sniper rifle and took it in his hand. In a way this weapon replaced his handgun. For this one too was a gift from Dobermann. He had to prepare himself for a shot that was still a challenge even for him without a more advanced weapon.

No time to feel sorry for himself.

He put on a bulletproof vest, to save more and more energy instead of taking wounds, and some other equipment, just in case.

And as he put on his earpiece, his gaze fell on Lappland, who took her swords in hand.

The lupo met the giant's eyes. Then her gaze went back to his swords.

Lappland: Oh yes, that's right...

She put down her weapons.

Sebastian: Rest, I said.

He put purgatory on his belt and grabbed his sniper with his hand, heading for the exit. Then to his car. Putting his sniper in the trunk and his sword next to his seat. As he started the car, the passenger door opened for Exusiai to get into the giant's vehicle. The giant started off with a bad feeling in his gut. But he ignored it.

Hoshiguma sat at her desk in the L.G.D. tower, after a long and exhausting day. She was almost done, and could go home... Or to Ch'en.

*knock* *knock*

Speaking of the wolf...

The lung superintendent of the L.G.D. walked into the office of her colleague/lover.

Ch'en: Hey Hoshi, I'm done, we finally got Von Karma. Do you want me to wait for you outside?

If someone were to observe their conversation, they would be surprised, not by the closeness the two seemed to have, but by the fact that Ch'en's face and tone of voice had changed. The young woman seemed infinitely less serious and cold. In fact she seemed like a completely normal young woman. And not the famous dragoness at the head of the L.G.D.

Hoshiguma: No, I still have one more file to finish. I'll be out in another thirty minutes. Why don't you go home and take a shower.

She said smiling in a carnivorous way. Because they both knew perfectly well where the Lung wanted to go.

Ch'en: Ok... see you later.

The Lung left. As quickly as she had arrived.

The oni looked at her desk and the file that was on it.

An arrest request, for a former member of the man-eaters gang.

The gang she had been a part of, the gang she had founded. A long time ago at Sebastian's side.

Memories flooded into her head. From the beginning of her story.

The memories of the time when she was just a little girl in Higashi were blurred, so far away. Running around the village under the grumpy eyes of old people, playing with her friends, imagining herself as a princess for a moment. To devour the dishes that her two fathers prepared for her with love, to listen attentively to her mother's stories before sleeping.

Until Yen's army arrived.

In the story books, where for the rest of the world, this story was a simple territorial skirmish because of a crooked lord.

As some would say, it was just bad luck.

But for her it was what changed her life. Her mother as a proud Oni warrior stayed on the front line. All the villagers, everyone she knew, were slaughtered. The only reason she was spared was because she left in the middle of the night to go for a walk.

She was a scared and lonely girl who ran away from this village.

She ran and ran until she got into a cargo ship. Which eventually brought her to Lungmen by the greatest of luck.

Life on the streets was hell... The number of times she could have ended up raped, beaten or murdered was incalculable. Then one day, while she was taking shelter from the rain in an alley, she was close to freezing to death. A gigantic figure stood before her. When she looked up, she could see a hand stretched out towards her, a face that was both wise and youthful, and at the time she almost thought it was in a large suit of armor.

At that moment. Without a word being exchanged, she accepted the hand that had been extended to her. The first in ten years.

The boy who stood before her that day was none other than Sebastian.

She woke up after a few hours, in an apartment in the slums, lying on an old mattress, in front of a heating lamp. Close to this boy who then told her about a crazy project. To rally all the lost children of the slums like them, and form a team, a family that would support each other through absolutely everything.

A crazy project but one that Oni could only agree to, first out of politeness and then, as the discussion progressed, out of conviction. The faith that the young man had in his project was enough to inspire confidence.

At that moment, the giant asked the oni her greatest wish. Which he intended to realize if she agreed to join him.

In his head it was easy. To recover the clan's shield, the one her mother used to stand as a bulwark against her enemies.

In her office Hoshiguma looked away to the wall to his right, where the gigantic triangular shield was placed.

Two weeks after she made her wish. The oni had found her artifact.

It was at that moment that she swore to herself to become a bulwark for all those who stood behind her. Whether it was Sebastian, or the other members of the gang. Who went from two lonely children to several dozen in what seemed like an instant.

She would have liked this period to last for years... Her golden age in a way.

Then one fine day. Sebastian was gone. The morning after a monumental party. Leaving only a letter behind.

Hoshiguma had read this letter so many times and cried over it so much that the paper seemed to have been soaked several times, and she knew every detail of it, being able to recite its contents without a shadow of hesitation.

But the message remained the same.

Sebastian had run away like a thief, begging not to be found. A long descent into hell followed...

The gang of man-eaters deprived of the wisdom of their founder, and Hoshiguma destroyed, began to deal, kill, steal. Until one day five years ago, when the L.G.D. raided the place. A quarter of the members were killed, half escaped, and the rest, including the oni, were captured.

She remembered that at the time Nine thought of killing her on the spot to cut off the snake's head once and for all. But it was Nine's second in command who stepped in. A young lung, with iron eyes and convictions of steel.

Ch'en then asked that the oni and the most skilled members of her gang be integrated into the L.G.D. as a special combat unit.

They accepted, they thrived. And here they are today. Hoshiguma was considered by many to be the second in command, even though she wasn't really. She became an inspector as well as an outstanding fighter. Beloved by the people of the neighborhoods she had made herself a protector of, her former gang members becoming either the best informants the L.G.D. had, or the best members of the intervention squad.

She closed the arrest request file, and took a stamp that she hit on the file, marking refused.

After all, this man was still her best informant.

The oni stood up, cracking her back, and walked over to Hannyah, whom she picked up before leaving, locking her office door. She walked to the elevator, saying goodbye to her colleagues.

In the elevator she cracked her neck waiting for the inhumanly slow elevator to take her down to the garage. She was surprised when the elevator stopped at a floor, not by the thing itself, but by who entered the elevator.

Princess Fumizuki, and the way she was dressed.

Her hair was tied in a bun with a wand that one could detect as a hidden dagger, in a most exquisite quality. She also wore a long dress in the style of Yan, a black silk fabric, with fine gilding and exquisite patterns, but showing her legs and a good part of her thighs on the sides.

Some might say it was indecent for a married woman, a princess at that. But the truth was there, Fumizuki was breathtaking tonight.

Hoshiguma: M-ma'am...

Ooh... How Hoshiguma wished she was as feminine as Fumizuki was at that moment. She felt slightly jealous of the kirin's immense beauty. And even though she was her lover's aunt/adoptive mother, since Hoshiguma also had a certain taste for women, she could admit that Fumizuki showed an even greater sex appeal.

Fumizuki: Oh Hoshi. Good evening.

The kirin entered the elevator, greeting the oni with a smile, before pressing one of the buttons bringing her to the first floor.

Fumizuki: End of the day eh? strange that Ch'en is not with you...

Hoshiguma: She went out early. I still had something to finish...

The oni remained silent, her eyes glancing at the kirin from time to time, admiring her a little more.

Fumizuki: You have a question, so ask it before you end up drilling a hole through my skull with your eyes.

Hoshiguma: Sorry ma'am, it's just that it's unusual to see you dressed like that.

The kirin laughed softly at the oni's words.

Fumizuki: Probably, but someone reminded me that I'm not an old lady yet... So I might as well dress up to show off my beauty... And then I have something to do tonight.

Hoshiguma: And since you have a dagger hidden on you, as well as a vial of chlorophyte that you probably just took from the infirmary, in your purse, I suppose you're also going out without Shirayuki.

Once again the kirin started to smile.

Fumizuki: You still have a fine instinct inspector.

Hoshiguma: That's my job.

Fumizuki: Shira is taking care of an important action on the other side of the city for me. So I need something to defend myself...

Hoshiguma: And where are you going? If it's not too intrusive?

Fumizuki: Oh, it's not much, just a purchase from a collector for the city museum. But these days I'd rather be careful.

Hoshiguma: You should be.

The elevator eventually arrived at the floor desired by the Higashian princess. The woman left the oni, the sound of her heels echoing in the corridors as she waved to the inspector.

Hoshiguma: What's wrong with her?

The oni finally reached the parking lot, hurriedly mounted her motorcycle and rode off into the night.

Exusiai: I am cold...

The wind was blowing hard on the roof of the building on which Exusiai was lying, next to Sebastian. The sanktah was looking through a pair of binoculars, the giant through the scope of his rifle. And just as soon as the sanktah had finished her sentence, the doctor took his coat and put it on his friend.

Wrapped up in a sudden warmth and the smell of the giant, Exusiai began to blush.

Exusiai: T-thank you...

Sebastian: Everyone, two minutes to target arrival.

He said through his radio. Not taking his eyes off his gun.

Exusiai: Are you sure this is where the sale will take place?

Sebastian: I'm sure. On the thirteenth floor precisely. In this room.

There was a kind of silence.

Exusiai: It reminds me of my military service...

Sebastian: I often forget that you were a soldier.

Exusiai: I understand why, honestly...

Sebastian: What specialty?

The way he said that surprised the sanktah. She felt like she was talking to another sanktah veteran.

Exusiai: Long distance shooting. I wanted to do like my sister...

She said with a hint of sadness.

Exusiai: I was terrible... So I always ended up as a spotter, like here... So I quickly joined the front lines, as an infantryman specialized in close combat.

Sebastian: That's more like you...

There was silence for a few seconds.

Exusiai: You can ask me...

Sebastian: Don't you want to know what happened to your sister?

He said honestly. The sanktah sighed, feeling her heart ache.

Exusiai: I've recently learned a lot about what happened.

She looked at the giant. She felt anger and sadness, for right next to her stood the man responsible for her death. But at the same time she hated the idea of blaming an amnesiac man, who had done his duty. The idea of blaming the man she loved was vile in her eyes.

Sebastian: I-I see...

The giant frowned.

Sebastian: Okay everyone we've got movement, the target will be here any moment. I'll stay with the open coms.

Exusiai: Doc I think that's the customer's car out front.

Sebastian: Hm. He's probably already inside the building.

The giant's gaze fell on the room where all the action should take place. In its center two armchairs and a coffee table. Surely this was where the discussions would take place. Through the scope of his rifle, he could see the elevator reaching the target floor.

Sebastian put his finger on the trigger.

And his finger was almost paralyzed as he saw the doors open.

Exusiai: Doc do you see?

Sebastian: Fumizuki...

Emperor: Doc the princess is here?!

The communications jingled through the radios. Sebastian was paralyzed with surprise for a second, as the kirin was escorted by four big guys from the triad near the chairs.

In a second his decision was made.

Sebastian: Okay everyone, let's stay put, let's go as planned. Everything is going to be fine. Once the target is shot, I'll go to the scene and get Fumizuki out of this mess.

Mostima: Okay, boss.

He took out a detonator and pressed it.

Sebastian: Phone communications jammed, we have one hour.

Exusiai: Doc.

A door in the room opened, and out of it came a person with a familiar face. Ulric Mercer, quickly he joined Fumizuki, the two shook hands and sat down in the chairs.

At that moment Sebastian took a deep breath. His eyes filled with blood to work at their maximum.

So did all his other senses.

He began to take into account the distance to the nearest tenth of a millimeter, the altitude, the wind at the point of fire as well as on the side of the building, the thickness of the glass, the temperature. The giant's brain began to calculate. Crushing the best computers this world had to offer.

The giant fired, four times, firing in succession despite his bolt-action weapon.

The first shot exploded Mercer's skull, sending blood and bits of brain everywhere. The eyes of everyone in the room widened, and just as they had time to move a few inches, the second shot hit, killing one of the gorillas guarding the room.

Emboldened by her exceptional physical condition and fighting skills, Fumizuki threw herself behind the chair.

The third shot exploded the skull of a second gorilla who had fallen backwards just before because of the blood on his face.

The last two gorillas drew their weapons, and one of them approached Fumizuki while the other tried to spot the sniper.

The fourth shot killed the last two gorillas at the same time, their heads lining up for a short time.

The princess breathed heavily, noticing the respite but also the fact that her head was sticking out slightly and she could have been shot.

Sebastian exhaled, then stood up. Exusiai next to him was shaking. Sebastian had just broken the record for the longest distance shot, four times in what seemed like a feat only possible for propaganda purposes.

Emperor: Doc?

Sebastian: Targets eliminated, I should be able to reach the building in time-

Phobos: Oh dear...

The giant was startled to hear the voice of the enemy leader on his communications.

Phobos: Doctor, if you designed this lousy encryption, I'm disappointed in you... I think we'll miss Mercer. But I had a feeling that either he or the princess would be enough to lure you here...

Sebastian: Clear the area, everyone!

Sora: Doc, who is it?

Sebastian: Run away! It's a trap-

Panicking he looked around, and began to hear a strangely familiar sound in the distance. A noise that reminded him of his past and his first life.

With an overwhelming sense of déjà vu, Sebastian's gaze fell on an air-to-ground missile heading straight for him.

His brain had no time to think. He ran to Exusiai, grabbed the young woman in his arms as she was just getting up, and jumped off the roof.

The explosion resounded in his back, making a real chaos of the doctor's trajectory in the air. But what made him think faster and faster was the panicked screams of Exusiai in his arms as debris and flames fell around him.

The giant managed to stabilize himself in the air, eventually landing feet first on a car, his knees and legs taking the brunt of the impact to make it less violent for the sanktah.

Sebastian clenched his jaw so hard that his teeth bled from the pain of those breaking bones.

But the adrenaline still coursed through him, and he looked up, seeing the debris of the building they had both been on moments before fall.

His hand went to his sword, and he drew it, adrenaline, panic, and the unwavering will to protect the sanktah running through him, causing red lightning to flash along his body that enhanced his abilities in this situation.

The debris was broken and cut up again and again by the giant to make sure none of it hit the sanktah. After a few seconds, all the dust settled and the debris had stopped raining down. Breathing heavily he began to search for contact on the radio.

Sebastian: Is everyone okay?

Emperor: Damn it doc, was that a missile?

Sebastian: I think so. Is anyone hurt?

Waai Fu: Mostima has a few scratches, but everyone is fine...

Sebastian: Exia?

He said, looking at the young woman who was on his lap on what used to be a car.

Exusiai: I'm fine... I'm fine... I swallowed enough dust to be able to spit cement but I'm fine-

Sebastian watched as the rest of tonight's crew came running from an alleyway. But the sound of screeching tires pulled his attention back.

All along the wide avenue that separated the building where Mercer had walked and the one that had been blown up, cars from the triad began to pour in.

Texas: Holy shit...

Emperor: Doc we have to run!

Sebastian: Get the hell out of here! I'm going to hold them off and get the princess out of this mess!

As the lupo of the group started to leave, she was caught by Sora, Emperor starting to show his displeasure.

Emperor: You really think we're going to leave you here?!

The first crossbow shots began to fly, Sebastian parrying them with his sword to protect his team.

Sora: This is suicidal! We have to stay with you!

Sebastian: It's suicidal too if you stay with me!

He gave his sniper rifle to Exusiai who began to shoot the triad soldiers, with Sebastian parrying the bullets.

Mostima: Doc... We're a team, we fight together... win or lose. You taught me that a long time ago.

He closed his eyes for a second. He drew strength from his allies and his willingness to protect them. But the doctor knew he couldn't risk his allies staying by his side right now, not against so many enemies, not so much in the open, and not without him because he would have to help the Fumizuki.

This world was always asking him for more efforts...

And even if he couldn't keep up, he had to do more and more... Always pushing his limits further... Always doing what seemed impossible...

Sebastian's body began to manufacture energy in abundance to bring him strength and speed.

His special cells, already exhausted, could not produce enough glucose to fuel the other cells in his body.

There was only one way left to get the energy he needed. His cells went into combustion.

Wisps of smoke floated from the doctor's body, until flames appeared in some places on his skin.

Sebastian: You get out as soon as the street is empty...

To the members of Penguin Logistics, this seemed like an order close to: Fight to the death.

Sebastian parried a final crossbow bolt, and flexed his legs, readying his sword in one hand.

Then he disappeared, in a monumental shock wave. When Exusiai could open her eyes again, closed by dust and wind, she could see a crimson flash of lightning cross the avenue, as fast as a rifle bullet leaving a red trail behind it.

That and other trails.

Cars, mobsters, lampposts and anything else that stood in the avenue were cut up, sliced off in several places. Soon, the pieces of bodies and debris became a single bloody and inhuman fresco, intimidating anyone who could see this macabre work. A real massacre on almost four kilometers.

Emperor: Come on everyone... We're retreating...

Exusiai, seeing the giant leave, using the same technique as during his fight against Skullshatterer, began to pray. Her god, and any other who could well take care on Sebastian. She prayed that the man she loved would come back to her safely.

Fumizuki: Holy shit!

Said the princess, looking at the slaughter around her. Five dead bodies, spread all around her. All she knew was that she was buying a few paintings and a sculpture from a rich man, until everything turned into a shitshow. She peeked out from behind the chair to find the potential location of the sniper, and she had confirmation that it was definitely not after her life. After all, given the sniper's deadly accuracy, she could have already died, or even died first.

Suddenly the kirin could see an explosion on top of a building in the distance. She opened her eyes wide.

Fumizuki: I hope he was there...

she said, referring to the possible location of the sniper.

But she didn't have the right to any respite, one of the doors leading to the room where she was opened. The kirin took the dagger from her bun and prepared to fight.

Mafioso: She's here!

Three mobsters entered the room equipped with swords and crossbows.

Fumizuki who was crouching down, threw herself forward with a roll taking advantage of all her agility, arriving right in front of one of the mobsters, still stooped, she stuck her dagger in the back of the soldier's knee.

Keeping her dagger in her right hand, she rose to her feet, spinning around and planting her dagger in the mobster's neck, using the barely alive body as a human shield as he was shot by the other two men's crossbows.

With a simple palm strike and a movement of her back, she pushed the corpse toward one of the mobsters.

Rid of her shield, Fumizuki faced her opponents, running towards the one on the left, the one on the right too busy with the corpse thrown at him.

The man tried to shoot the kirin at point blank range, but with speed and fluidity, the kirin lifted the end of the crossbow, the projectile being fired into the ceiling, she got closer and closer before the mobster even had time to raise his fist, she planted her dagger in the man's heart.

She took care of the third one who was finally rid of the corpse of his colleague by giving a kick in his throat. The stiletto was enough to hurt him and prevent him from breathing, incapacitating him. She finished her work by planting her dagger in the man's temple.

She withdrew her weapon, the man quickly collapsed to the ground, dead.

Fumizuki breathed heavily, and took the time to look at her dagger and her bloody hand.

It had been a long time since she had killed someone.

Her lack of attention paid off. About twenty men came into the room, pointing their weapons at the kirin.

She grabbed her weapon and bared her teeth, thinking of a way out.

Then suddenly a bolt of lightning flashed through the glass, a bolt that was accompanied by the sound of thunder. The sharp eyes of the kirin, managed to follow the movements of the monster that had risen in front of her, making her back. Almost as quickly, the twenty or so mobsters were all sliced in half.

In a tornado of blood, the crimson lightning sliced through her enemies like air. The flames that rose from the giant's body fueled the infernal inferno that was his body. For a moment the kirin's eyes froze, as did the scene in front of her.

The other day when the same thing had happened to her, she could see Sebastian at his most beautiful. But here, burning, fighting, bloody and grimacing with pain, she could see Sebastian at his most hideous.

Hideous? Even if it was supposed to be his lowest, Fumizuki still saw the same beauty in front of her.

When she thought about it she wasn't even surprised to see the giant come out of nowhere. She almost felt that it was normal for him to show up like a superhero...

The corpses collapsed, as did the wall of the room that had been destroyed by the sword strike.

And behind the wall were other mobsters who hurried to pick up their weapons.

Sebastian lowered his sword, while the mobsters began to tremble at the sight of him. The demon was becoming more and more known among the mafia forces, as was his strength, which inspired nothing but fear and dread in the enemies.

The giant raised his hand, and with a sinister crack, the sound of lightning resounded, striking the remaining enemies in front of him, killing them instantly. The smell of roasted flesh and ozone filled the room.

The flames running up and down the giant's body were extinguished. Ashes and golden dust rose from the burned areas.

The giant fell to the ground on one knee, breathing heavily and exhausted. Seeing his precarious condition, Fumizuki ran to the giant.

Fumizuki: Doctor!

She also knelt down next to the man putting a hand on his back, and trying to see his face. The giant started to look at her and despite the fatigue and the pain easily readable on the top of his face, he was smiling.

Sebastian: That dress looks great on you...

He laughed a little and then started coughing golden dust that seemed to disappear completely in the air.

The kirin started to smile slightly, still worried about the doctor but at the same time amused.

Fumizuki: But what are you doing here doctor?

Sebastian: I should tell you the same thing... I thought I asked you to stay away from the triad...

The kirin frowned as she looked the giant in the eye.

Fumizuki: So how was I supposed to know I was going to talk to the triad?

The giant looked at her the way he looked at Elysium when he asked him if the forte produced milk.

Sebastian: That guy is the second in command of one of the big shots... I showed you his picture this morning...

Fumizuki: Really...?

The kirin seemed to think for a moment.

Fumizuki: I... I have a very bad memory for faces, Sebastian...

The giant raised an eyebrow.

Sebastian: that bad?

he asked incredulously as the kirin nodded.

Sebastian: Anyway... I came to assassinate that guy but it was a trap... A missile and quite a few guys fell on me... Phobos must have been up to no good to get you there... To make me make a mistake.

Fumizuki: Why would my presence push you to make a mistake?

Sebastian: Because he must have found out somehow that I won't let anything happen to you.

Hearing this the kirin started to blush slightly.

The giant got up with difficulty. Holding his right side which seemed surprisingly empty.

Sebastian: Anyway. I have to get you out of here... And I have to get out of here... Before the L.G.D. or more mobsters arrive.

He put one of his hands on his radio, while the other made strange signs hidden from the kirin's eyes. Instructing the shadow guard to intervene only as a last resort.

Sebastian: Emperor tell me you're out of here...

Emperor: We're going back to the world's end doc... And you?

Sebastian: The princess is safe, for now. Let's get out of here.

The giant turned to the kirin to see her taking her dagger in her hand.

Fumizuki: I think you are able to notice that I am a fighter...

Sebastian: Yes... But I was expecting to be left on the front line...

Fumizuki: I'm not going to let you do all the work by yourself...

She said with a smile as she started to take a vial of chlorophyte from the small rich handbag she had taken especially for this purpose, and handed it to the giant.

Fumizuki: Here... You probably need it more than I do.

Sebastian: I can handle more than you. So keep it for now.

The giant started to walk towards the elevator in the room.

Sebastian: They must be entering the building as we speak... So we might as well go through the roof.

Fumizuki: And how will we escape if we're on the roof?

Sebastian: I'll jump.

Fumizuki: O-okay...

As the giant was about to call the elevator, it started to make noise. Signaling that it was running. The lights above the door indicated that it was getting closer to their floor. The giant and the kirin looked into each other's eyes, then stepped back. Sebastian drew his sword and stood in front of the doors to attract attention, while the kirin stood along the wall. To remain discreet and take the enemies by surprise.

The giant prepared himself, as the elevator got closer, the grip on the handle of his sword tightening.

The elevator doors opened and the giant was shocked. For a gigantic form began to emerge, larger than him. Then a skeletal skull came out, like a deer. Sebastian was terrified at the time and the dagger he had hidden at his ankle burned him, reacting to the evil presence.

A wendigo.

Certainly not a 100% pure blood, but surely around 75%.

The giant threw himself forward with the idea of eliminating the colossal wendigo that stood in front of him. He had to get rid of it as soon as possible. The sarkaz raised his arm in a whisper, and in the palm of his hand a ball of blue fire formed. A tiny amount of immense heat.

Sebastian threw himself to the side, dodging the powerful jet of flame that charred everything in its path.

A wendigo who used offensive arts...

Fucking awesome.

Fumizuki was much more hesitant to attack this enemy suddenly. But figuring she had a way to catch him by surprise, her dagger moved with all the fluidity of a stream of water to try to reach the neck of the wendigo.

The dagger went off to be planted neatly in the jugular of the colossal sarkaz. But the weapon ricocheted as if on metal, the enemy's skin far too tough to be damaged by the kirin.

The red light orbs that served as the wendigo's eyes went towards Fumizuki.

Sebastian understood that he had to get the enemy's attention, so he threw his sword like a spear, straight at the enemy's skeletal skull. The wendigo threw another jet of blue flames while whispering in an attempt to melt the giant's sword in flight. The black iridium caught all the heat from the attack and continued on its way, now glowing orange.

Panicked, the wendigo lowered his head, the sword passing overhead through the concrete and steel walls of the building because of the immense heat it contained.

Sebastian arrived just after the wendigo dodged, clenching his right fist and giving the wendigo a thunderous uppercut. Using every muscle in his body, every bit of energy he could use through the technique he used it. With only one idea, to finish it as fast as possible.

The shockwave of the punch fractured the concrete ceiling.

But the wendigo did not flinch. He had just taken the blow like a simple punch in a bar fight. The two red orbs were now looking at Sebastian.

Wendigo: Faggot.

The giant felt insulted.

He crossed his forearms in an X shape, already preparing himself for the next blow he would have to take. The wendigo turned away from the kirin, who was just a mosquito to him, and turned to the giant. Preparing to strike with all his might, when the sarkaz's fist made contact with the giant's bones they shattered into a thousand pieces. Sebastian was in so much pain that he clenched his teeth so hard that they almost shattered.

Sebastian almost collapsed from the pain and fatigue and the princess noticed it. Her brain spun and adrenaline coursed through her body as did the rage of battle.

She threw down her dagger and her muscles filled with strength, her face gradually becoming bestial, erasing the softness on the princess' features. She kicked, right into the side of the wendigo's knee.

The sound of the fracture echoed through the air as the wendigo cried out in pain and fell to the ground on one knee.

Sebastian after his second of pain came back into the race with his willpower overcoming any problems he had. Getting up and taking advantage of this second where his opponent was immobile, he raised his leg, and gave a kick under the ribs on the left side of the wendigo.

Then the kirin and the giant prepared their fist, and struck at the same time on both sides of the skull. The deer skull fractured, some pieces falling off revealing the slightly softer part underneath.

Angered, the wendigo grabbed the kirin with one of his arms and threw her at Sebastian. The two remaining light but strong ones were carried further into the room.

Sebastian hit one of the windows with his back, shattering the glass. He caught himself on the edge in extremis with his other hand holding Fumizuki.

Sebastian: Nothing broken?

Fumizuki: Nothing important...

The giant threw the kirin which came back to the room where the fight was taking place and then the giant came back up too. The two fighters raised their fists to prepare to join the melee.

Sebastian: You punch good...

He said noticing that now the punch that the kirin had given was of the same power as his.

Fumizuki: Thank you.

Sebastian: I have a plan. Aim for his throat.

The wendigo raised both hands and started to incant a new jet of flames.

Ready for the attack, Sebastian began to summon his power as well, crimson flames began to erupt from his body as did lightning. The kirin noticed with amusement that she did not even feel the lightning that touched her.

The giant began to control magnetism and gravity in a small area. The wendigo finished his incantation and fired. But the flame dissipated immediately. Oxygen deprived.

Sebastian: Now!

The giant threw himself forward as did the kirin. The woman was faster and punched the wendigo in the throat. The colossal sarkaz tried to punch the kirin back, but Sebastian arrived at that moment. He kicked the wendigo's arm, deflecting the attack and sparing the kirin. Sebastian then prepared his fist and struck the wendigo's throat.

And as soon as he lowered his fist, Fumizuki kicked the wendigo in the throat.

Both of them stepped back. The wendigo tried to invoke his arts and slaughter his enemies. But with his throat crushed he could not perform his incantations.

Both fighters found the same carnivorous smile on their faces.

Enraged the sarkaz got up and charged straight at Sebastian, catching him in a tackle, and lifting his nearly two hundred kilos as if nothing had happened before stopping the race on a sort of marble display, where the wendigo smashed Sebastian against the rock.

The power of this attack was such that the floor of this entire level broke, making the giant wendigo and Fumizuki fall to the floor below.

Skilled on her legs Fumizuki made a perfect landing on the ground. But the two colossi didn't have this chance, falling down heavily. But the colossus sarkaz didn't stop his assault and started to hit the giant again and again in the face. Sebastian tried to protect himself as best he could. But his bones and flesh were beginning to bend under the wendigo's blows. The kirin ran through the debris to the two titans, and landed a monumental kick, right in the family jewels of the wendigo.

Sebastian: 'At last it's happening to the others.'

The wendigo left the giant to scream in pain, paralyzed by the blow of the kirin.

Sebastian took advantage of this moment to unhook a grenade from his holster, which he pulled the pin in an instant to place it in the mouth of the wendigo. By the time the sarkaz realized what was happening it was too late. Sebastian gave another uppercut to the enemy colossus, making him close his mouth.

The grenade exploded causing a deafening noise and blinding smoke, but when the calm returned after the split second storm. The wendigo was staggering and blood was dripping from his skull.

Sebastian had a second's respite to really get up.

He drew his handgun, the revolver using shotgun shells.

The nearly unconscious wendigo raised his hand to Sebastian as if to catch him and made the mistake of opening his mouth.

Sebastian fired six bullets, emptying the cylinder of his gun and pulverizing almost everything inside the skeletal skull. The wendigo fell to his knees. Fumizuki had the luxury of kicking the skull of the colossus again with such force that it sent him to the ground a few meters away from the two.

The wendigo did not move. This marked the end of the confrontation.

Both fighters took a deep breath of relief. Then Fumizuki laughed, the giant following his example.

Fumizuki: I had only fought like this once... You really attract problems as a friend...

Sebastian: I know, I'm often told that I'm a magnet for trouble... That's why this kind of fighting is my daily life...

The two looked at each other, smiling, amused, relieved and exhausted. Fumizuki almost couldn't believe it.

Who would have thought that she had a better time here fighting for her life than most of the time when she was at home.

Fumizuki: I don't know if tonight you got me into trouble or if you got me out of it... But I'm still glad you're here.

Sebastian: Thanks... But let's get out of here while we still can. The L.G.D. should be here any minute...

As the giant began to walk towards the elevator. The corner of his eye noticed a movement.

The wendigo was about to swallow a pill. Time froze for the giant who sensed the danger. He took one of his throwing knives and threw it at the sarkaz's hand to remove the medicine. But even though he hit his target, the pill still fell into the sarkaz's mouth.

He turned to Fumizuki with a panicked face.

Sebastian: Run away!

Just as he finished saying that, the wendigo appeared in front of him, the drug having healed him and boosted his strength.

The wendigo threw a punch so fast that Sebastian couldn't even see it.

The punch hit the doctor and he was thrown against one of the walls.

The wall did not break. But because it was the giant's body that took the brunt of the blow, a huge hole was formed in the giant's torso.

He slowly collapsed against the wall. His heart and lungs reduced to liquid, deprived of all his strength, the giant could do nothing. The wendigo approached and kicked the giant in the pelvis, causing his body to bend into the angle between the wall and the ground breaking his spine, and bending Sebastian's body into an unnatural angle.

Pain was no longer enough to describe what the giant was feeling at that very moment. He wanted to strike, but had no strength left to do so. The blood didn't reach his muscles, his bones didn't move by magnetism because he had no energy left. And because of the pain his will was so broken that he could not act despite the wounds.

The wendigo stooped down, grabbing the doctor by the skull under Fumizuki's terrified eyes, then he slammed the giant's skull against the elevator doors repeatedly. Until the steel of the doors broke. The sarkaz threw the immobilized body of the giant into the elevator shaft.

The giant's body hit the floor, shattering everything that wasn't, even his strength.

Because of all the structural instabilities, the elevator cable broke and fell down the shaft and crushed Sebastian, crushing everything that was not yet crushed. Even his will.

Fumizuki further up the building tried to struggle as best she could against the wendigo but none of her blows did anything to him. The sarkaz grabbed the kirin by the throat, and from his skull came a long, disturbing tongue that he scraped along the kirin's cheek.

Wendigo: I will enjoy devouring you.

The kirin was frightened, knowing the wendigos' sinister reputation for devouring their opponents in battle.

The sarkaz threw her to the ground, leaving the kirin to try to run away or fight back. For the sarkaz had the idea of playing with his food a little before enjoying it.

Under the elevator, there was only a puddle of organs left. His undestroyed brain Sebastian was still conscious even if he could not really think anymore because his brain remained a wafer crushed under a ton of steel.

Once again he cursed his fate.

Unable to act, because of his weakness.

He could not regenerate even if he was out of sight because he did not have the energy.

He could not use the combustion of his cells because his nervous system was completely shattered.

Sebastian had his back to the wall. Or in this case his back to the ground.

Incapable, helpless and immobile.

If his eyes were still there, he would start crying.

His inexorable flight forward to try to scrape together some power had failed miserably. He did not have the power to carry his ideals.

The people of this world were too overwhelming for the giant to succeed.

He was an outsider, an inhabitant of the earth, perhaps the strongest, but still light years away from what Terra demanded.

He wanted to be the sword of Rhodes Island, and yet here he was unarmed.

He wanted to be the shield of the infected, and yet here he was, unable to stop a mosquito from biting him.

He wanted to be the savior of the people of Terra, and yet here he was unable to save a single person.

Sebastian felt like a liar, an outsider, a usurper. So many people were following him... and he had nothing compared to them.

His blood spilled on the ground, forming a slick.

Sebastian knew he didn't belong in this world.

Amiya, Nearl, Siege, Kal'tsit, Ch'en, Hoshiguma, Talulah, Patriot...

They were inhabitants of this world, they had the power to fight, to change the future.

They had strength, experience and were used to this forgotten land of the gods that was terra.

The doctor was none of the above.

The doctor shouldn't even be here. Someone else should be in his place, someone more competent.

And yet...

His fist clenched.

Only God knew how much he wanted to be. How much he wanted to be the embodiment of the strength of ideals and the wisdom of reality. He wanted to be able to carry this world heavy on his frail shoulders.

Sebastian's spilling blood touched his Kazimierz dagger.

More than anything else at that moment, Sebastian wanted his place as an inhabitant of Terra.

The elevator shaft of the building had become a true storm of red lightning, generated by all the anger, sadness and resentment of the giant. But in the midst of all this lightning, a spark appeared.

A spark that distinguished itself from its fellows by the golden color of which it shone.

This spark was like the most fabulous rose among the brambles. A ray of sunshine through the tornado, hope and greatness, through misfortune and hate.

When this spark went through the giant, he found a second breath. His body was filled with more energy than he had ever had before in this world.

His body gathered twice as much energy as it had just after his cryogenic awakening.

The regeneration took only a fraction of a second, with the giant's body immediately regenerating itself, to the point where every drop of blood returned to the giant's body.

Feeling the confidence flow through him again, Sebastian directed the palm of his hand towards the elevator and used a fraction of the energy he had regained.

The elevator was thrown down the shaft, clearing Sebastian's body as he rose to his feet.

Back on the floor, as the wendigo was about to rip the young woman's face off with his teeth, the thunderous noise caught the eyes of both.

The elevator went up the shaft, defying the laws of gravity, and the giant returned to the floor. His clothes were tattered, but he seemed to be in even better health than before.

The wendigo sensed the danger and let go of the kirin, heading for the giant.

Sebastian prepared to fight. Driven by the will to win and defeat the evil that stood in front of him, he felt something resonate in his being.

In his hand, grains of golden light began to appear, forming a dagger. His kazimierzan dagger that had just disappeared from his ankle.

The wendigo's instincts reacted to the weapon and he began to roar, the little reason that remained slowly leaving the colossus' body.

The wendigo charged forward, with only one thing on his mind, to eliminate the giant.

A simple punch. That the giant stopped with his left hand without any difficulty.

It's amazing how easy everything seemed without the fatigue and injuries...

The giant took his dagger in hand and made a cut on the wendigo's arm.

A deafening cry resounded from the wendigo who felt an incomparable pain invade his being. By reflex he tore off his arm, which quickly turned to ash. Sebastian stepped forward and thrust his dagger into the wendigo's chest again, and the wendigo screamed again before turning to ash.

The doctor looked at his weapon. He already knew it was a magnificent weapon in many ways. But now he was sure it was magical... And deadly to sarkazes to boot. He concentrated on the feeling that had come over him and his dagger disappeared into his hand. Before reappearing in the other.

Surely useful for later...

His gaze fell on Fumizuki. She had a few scratches on her face, but nothing too serious.

Fumizuki: Well done...

She said before fainting.

The giant ran to her and took her in his arms.

Then he started to laugh.

Even if she had the soul and the body of a warrior. She was not used to being a warrior anymore... And she had collapsed from exhaustion.

The giant hugged her warmly and moved to the window as the L.G.D. cars arrived. Then Sebastian bent his legs and leapt across the sky to his car a few blocks away.

The giant arrived at the world's end with the Kirin still asleep in the passenger seat. He picked her up again so he could carry her. His eyes fell on her face, and he began to smile.

She looked so peaceful.

Normally he would be exhausted. But here he still had a phenomenal amount of energy. So he felt satisfied. Tonight he would surely strike again while the iron was still hot.

Sebastian opened the door to the bar and saw Emperor on a stool with a glass of whiskey.

The penguin turned to the giant who was wearing half-torn clothes and who had in his arms an unconscious Fumizuki wearing a most revealing dress.

The two looked into each other's eyes for a few seconds and then the penguin sighed.

Emperor: You could have at least taken a hotel room doc...

The ferarus got off the stool with his glass and started walking towards the stools.

Sebastian: It's not what you think, damn it...

Emperor: I'm just saying that because I don't want to clean up after doc. But what happens in your underwear is your and the princess' business.

Sebastian: *sigh* You're getting on my nerves.

He laid the kirin down on one of the benches as he began to gather various concoctions to heal the young woman's scratches.

Sebastian: I told you this morning. She's a married woman for God's sake. I still have some honor as a man...

Emperor: And I also told you this morning. She's a single woman in an unhappy marriage. She deserves better.

He went upstairs on his wise words.

Then came back down in a huff.

Emperor: And I don't want to find anything with blue light !

He said before leaving for good. The giant looked at his phone, seeing the different messages that had been sent to him to say that people were going home from the world's end. And with astonishment he could also see that Exusiai had created a chat group for their team...

He could strengthen the encryption and security in the night to make sure that Phobos would not spy on them. And this time throw in some real effort. Not like what he did with the radio system…

Well for this world, it was still rock solid encryption. But not the best Sebastian could muster.

The growl from the princess regained Sebastian's attention. Fumizuki slowly stood up, scanning his surroundings and recognizing the bar before looking at Sebastian.

Fumizuki: I feel like I got drunk but without the pleasant memories of the day before...

Sebastian: Just a head trauma...

He says before approaching with the medical equipment. The kirin started to panic visibly.

Fumizuki: Wait, I won't need stitches, will I?

Sebastian: No... Are you afraid of getting stitches?

Fumizuki: I'm not a fan of that, sorry.

The giant came and sat down in front of her, before taking the cotton and soaking it with disinfectant.

Then he began to rub the scratches on her face.

By reflex, the kirin moved slightly, then the giant put his other hand on the left cheek of the kirin to prevent her from moving too much.

The contact reassured her and immobilized her immediately.

The kirin didn't dare to look Sebastian in the eyes because of the proximity and looked away.

Fumizuki: Quite an evening...

Sebastian: You don't say... I guess it was a surprise for both of us...

Fumizuki: And I was hoping to have some new rare pieces to add to our museum's collection...

Sebastian: If you want, I'll find a way for those to get in your collection. Also, I heard that the old museum in Lungmen is one of the most beautiful in the world...

Fumizuki: I know, that's why I asked for it to be free... And Yenwu wanted it to be paid a fortune for access.

Sebastian: Maybe I should go one of these days then.

Fumizuki: I'll gladly take you there. Just send me a message when you want to go...

She says with a smile, still not daring to look at the giant though.

Sebastian: I also know this little not-so-famous restaurant right next door, but really good. I'll take you there to thank you, it's the least I can do.

Fumizuki: I was told that you have good taste, so I trust you doctor.

Sebastian: Then it's settled…

Then Sebastian after a few moments burst out laughing.

Fumizuki: What's wrong?

Sebastian: Nothing... It's just that when saying it like that, it really sounds like a date...

He said, just amused by the situation. The kirin realizing all this startled slightly and looked away again. Her skin with such a particular color reddened a little more.

Suddenly Fumizuki was much more aware of herself finding that her dress was suddenly not covering her enough.

She had been raised to be a model wife... faithful to her husband...

But when she was with Sebastian the princess' heart filled with shame and pain. For she knew perfectly well what feelings she was beginning to have for him. The kind of feelings that she had almost forgotten so far away from her and obscure, these feelings giving her butterflies in the lower stomach.

But she couldn't. And she knew it. They couldn't. He was an important man, leader of an army of idealists who would only stop when the world was on fire. Or when they brought a better future for terra, a man of the little people, out of nowhere. And she was the princess of Higashi, a trophy for the political scene of Yen and its surroundings, nothing more than a political tool, but one of the most important ones, as well as a married woman, to the brother of one of the greatest rulers of the planet.

Even if she wanted to... It couldn't work...

They were opposites, everything separated them, all the conventions, the norms, the relationships they had with others.

Fumizuki would never allow herself to feel that way about a man her adopted daughter loved.

So she pushed her feelings away. Building a wall of shame to block them out.

She tried to change her mind. And the first word that came to her mind was...

Fumizuki: Does this dress fit me so well?

Sebastian threw away the piece of cotton as he finished with his treatment, and stepped back slightly. Looking at the princess as if he was the most serious man.

Sebastian: Fumizuki, I have learned to speak all the languages of terra, and yet out of all the words I know I could never put enough together to express how breathtaking you are.

The tone of his voice, his face...

It wasn't just a compliment to charm. The giant had just said what he thought as honestly as possible.

The kirin's face turned crimson as the giant got up to fetch two glasses and the bottle of cognac.

She looked down.

The giant's last words were like a battering ram on her wall of shame. Everything collapsed.

It was at that moment, when she was toasting with the doctor, that she realized that this was not the real life she was living with Yenwu. This was life. Fighting, laughing, having fun, risking your life, crying, loving. She realized that one could be kind to her, that one could surely love her for real.

She would live for centuries to come...

And the only time this idea didn't terrify her was when she was with Sebastian.

This kind of life, of which she had seen a fragment that night with Sebastian, she accepted wholeheartedly. And so much for everything else. All she wanted was to be able to love and really be loved.

The smile on her face as she looked at the doctor changed.

Fumizuki thought that maybe she was selfish to want this.

But she thought that she had the right to happiness.

So she allowed herself to be selfish, just a little bit, to take her chance of happiness.

A few drinks passed, and a few amused words.

Fumizuki: I imagined that you allies would be here by now...

Sebastian: It's getting late, they all went home.

Fumizuki: And you? The remaining date of your evening is with your bed?

She asked, looking the giant straight in the eyes.

Sebastian: I... I guess I still have work to do...

Fumizuki: Doctor... I was thinking about our discussion this morning... If I wanted to run away from this life and my golden cage, from my responsibilities... Would you help me?

The kirin didn't really know if it was the fatigue, the little alcohol or the avalanche of feelings that made her ask this question... So... peculiar...

Sebastian: Sure. Just give me a call and we'll work it out.

He answered immediately with a smile.

He wasn't kidding...

Fumizuki: R-really...?

Sebastian: Of course. Fumizuki, we risked our lives side by side. That's enough for me to consider you as a little more than an acquaintance or a friend. So if you ever need help with anything, call me. And I'll come running.

For a moment she was shocked... Then she almost burst into tears, her heart felt like it was bleeding. But her smile was so dazzling that it could have shaded the stars. The fingers of his hand that were already close to Sebastian's began to gently caress hers.

Fumizuki: You are a wonderful man.

Sebastian: Stop telling me that, I'll start to believe it.

The kirin laughed slightly.

Fumizuki: No really.

Sebastian: I know… See, I told you so!

The giant was strolling through one of the night districts of Lungmen with the idea of taking some time to enjoy himself. The next step in his plan was just before dawn. He had separated from Fumizuki, the kirin having gone home with the most beautiful of smiles on her lips.

He had changed his clothes, putting on a simple sweatshirt and sturdy jeans, allowing him to blend in with the many passers-by in the neighborhood who were going in and out of bars, nightclubs, restaurants and the like.

The lung season was still not over and he had even been approached by some young women... And some young men. But he didn't want to spend his evening like that. Sebastian took a detour into an alley and the soft sound of jazz finally reached his ears. So he rushed into this club with the idea of spending a few hours there to relax.

He liked the atmosphere immediately. Same for the music. The place was more relaxing than most bars. He ordered a drink and sat down, looking at the stage and seeing a young woman coming to sing, among the other musicians. Dressed like everyone else and hiding her face with the hood of her hoodie.

But as always, there was no hiding from the doctor's eyes. He could see Sora on the stage, the sanktah looking almost nervous.

Soon the musicians began to play and Sora began to sing. The giant was surprised to see her out of her comfort zone. Rather than pop...

And what surprised him even more was the fact that her song was beautiful. She already had a more than admirable talent, but this was breathtaking. Everyone listening in the club was mesmerized by her voice.

At one point during her song Sora's gaze crossed the crowd and met the eyes of the doctor, who raised his glass. She almost stopped but the song reached its crescendo.

The song ended after what seemed like an almost too short moment despite being the length of a classic song.

The crowd erupted in applause, including Sebastian. But he didn't join the rest to ask for one more.

That the young woman denies with a smile before coming down from the stage.

Quickly the music resumed, the young woman losing the attention of the crowd. She took a drink from the bar and joined the doctor, sitting silently next to him as they looked out onto the stage.

Sebastian: That was beautiful.

Sora: Thank you...

She seemed embarrassed and looked away.

Sora: How did you recognize me?

Sebastian: Did you forget? I don't see illusions.

Sora: Oh that's right... Well for your information, the rest of the crowd sees me as a feline with long black hair.

Sebastian: Why are you hiding?

The giant asked the problematic question.

Sora: It's for my image as an idol... Some people already have their careers destroyed when they find out they have a boyfriend, so imagine if they find out that I sing blues in the bars at night.

Sebastian: I understand better.

He says as he sips from his glass.

Sebastian: But it's a shame. You're really talented...

He looked into her eyes.

Sebastian: And you put your heart into it. You can hear it.

Sora: It's been a while... I want to change my style.

The giant was not so surprised by this revelation. Compared to what he had just seen. Sora had the aura of a Diva rather than a Pop Idol.

Sora: This is the kind of music I grew up with, Doc. In the middle of Siracusa, not what I do now. I just wanted to sing, so I took the first thing that worked but... These days I don't think it fits me anymore...

The giant looked at her, listening.

Sora: With everything that's happening to us, I realize that I'm not really that girl who wants to make everyone see rainbows anymore. It's not my world anymore...

Sebastian: Does what we've been doing lately affect you that much?

He asked with a little fear.

Sora: A little. But it's more of a reality check... I've been thinking about it for a while, but the urge has really come to me in the last few days. I haven't talked to Emperor about it yet. I know I'm his second source of income now, so I'd feel like I was betraying him a little bit.

Sebastian: The penguin is a pretty mature and understanding bird, I think you could talk to him without too much trouble.

Sora: And then what will my fans think...?

The young woman was full of hesitation. And Sebastian was eager to help her through the haze of doubt.

Sebastian: Are you an artist Sora?

Sora: I guess so...

Sebastian: So you do what you do for the pleasure of creating and transmitting. It doesn't matter if your fans don't like the turnaround. A true artist will always have someone to go after their work.

Sora: I guess so.

Sebastian: Let's see for sure.

He finishes his drink in one gulp and puts it on the table before picking up the young woman to drag her to the stage.

Sebastian: I want that encore.

At first she was surprised and almost frightened.

But as soon as the doctor sat down at the piano to play. She couldn't help but sing along. The two worked together to put on a wonderful show for those present. The doctor was a skilled musician, and was able to follow Sora's improvisation on the stage perfectly.

The sanktah's wings and halo shone brightly that night.

But only one person could see it.

The emerald-eyed giant looked at his oripathy monitor to see the time.

Between 3 and 4 in the morning.

Perfect for the next step in his plan.

It had been a while since he had separated from the young singer. But the doctor continued to work even alone.

So he left a club and headed for his next target, which was in this neighborhood.

But as he rushed through the deserted alleys to escape any possible surveillance, the doctor felt a familiar presence at his back.

A divine and frightening presence, with a slight smell of sea water.

?: We finally meet again... Humble doctor...

To be continued