TALES OF THE DEMON HERO

XVIII. ‘Accomplices’

Previously on ‘Tale of the Demon Hero’: The three ‘Blue Mafias’, Mr. Harry, Hayami and Kenji met the two ‘Red Assassins’, Ms. Carla and Kazuki and all went in the ‘Floating Black Market’. A shoot-out started in the ‘Market’ and the fight for these ‘Liquid Irons’ continued until Kazuki and Kenji back in their residence, revealing Mr. Ren and Ms. Georgia as the mysterious buyerss. Hiiro went back to the ‘Main Infirmary Room’ and started strangling Ms. Akari and Rai.

Along the Hallway

Outside the ‘Infirmary’ room…

Ms. Akito was angrily stomping along the Hallway, followed by Eito.

“Damn it! It’s already morning, where the hell is he?! I should’ve accompanied that i***t. Sir Eito?” Mr. Akito said he stopped and saw Eito beside him.

“Your highness! There you are!” Eito said as he saw Mr. Akito in the Hallway.

“What are you doing in here?” Mr. Akito said as he sighed and asked Eito.

“I came in here to tell you that Sir Hiiro is back and the ‘Imperial Soldiers’ guarding the Hallway saw him went inside the main infirmary room.” Eito said as he reported to Mr. Akito.

“Good! That i***t did come back and fulfilled his promise – Eh? He went straight to the main infirmary room?” Mr. Akito exclaimed as he ran away and left Eito.

“Your highness! Please wait. I-I’m coming with you. Man, he’s a fast runner.” Eito said as he sighed and ran away, chasing Mr. Akito.

Inside the

‘Main Infirmary Room’…

Eito and Mr. Akito arrived in the Infirmary room; Mr. Akito excitedly slammed open the door and saw the two physicians pulling Hiiro away from Ms. Akari and Rai.

“Your highness! What are you doing?!” Mr. Ciyan exclaimed as he asked Hiiro.

“Ms. Akari? Are you alright?” Mr. Sean said as he approached Ms. Akari.

Ms. Akari nodded and Mr. Sean helped her to get back on her bed.

“Rest well, your highness.” Mr. Ciyan said as he looked at Ms. Akari who slowly fell asleep.

“My apologies. My hands slipped.” Hiiro said as he pushed Mr. Ciyan away from him.

“A-Are you alright, Ms. Rai?” Mr. Sean said as he asked Rai.

“I-I’m alright. Thank you.” Rai said as she tries to catch her breath.

“What the hell happened in here?” Mr. Akito said as he asked Mr. Ciyan.

“Your highness!? Sir Eito? When did you arrived?” Mr. Ciyan exclaimed as he turned around and saw Mr. Akito and Eito.

“I was strangling her and Akari earlier before you arrive but these two stopped me.” Hiiro plainly said as he looked at Mr. Akito.

Mr. Akito sighed and clenched his left fist; He, then, ran towards Hiiro and grabbed his collared shirt.

“Huh?! Why the hell would you do that?” The enraged Mr. Akito said as he dragged Hiiro onto to the wall.

“Eh? Why are you so angry? She deserved it though.” Hiiro said as he forcefully pushed Mr. Akito away from him.

“You’re really mad. I, hereby, apprehending Sir Hiiro for allegedly starting a treason in this Kingdom. Come with me, damn traitor.” Mr. Akito said as he tells Hiiro.

“Please wait, Sir Akito.” Eito said as he approached Mr. Akito and Hiiro.

“Uh, Sir Eito? What are you doing – Eh?” Mr. Sean said as Eito suddenly drew out his Long Sword and aimed it at Hiiro’s upper, right neck.

“Be thankful that we have arrived late or else I’ll decapitate your head off.” Eito seriously said as he got angry to Hiiro.

“Eh? So, this is the woman you’re referring to me earlier? Interesting.” Mr. Akito said as he stares at Rai who’s blushing.

“Sir Eito, I don’t tolerate violence inside this room. Please put down your sword.” Mr. Ciyan said as he tells Eito.

“My apologies, Sir Ciyan and everyone. This would not happen again.” Eito said as he put his sword back on its scabbard and stepped back.

“My apologies as well. Now, back to the task at hand…where’s the antidote?” Mr. Akito said as he asked Hiiro.

“I already gave to Sir Ciyan.” Hiiro said as he sighed, looking at Mr. Ciyan.

“Ah, yes! Please take a look your highness. May I present the vial containing the antidote to cure Ms. Akari.” Mr. Ciyan said as he took out and presented the vial in front of everyone.

“Good! Please take of Akari. I’m going to take this i***t back to the court room.” Mr. Akito said as he suddenly grabbed Hiiro’s collared shirt.

“As you wish, your highness. Uh? Your highness?” Mr. Ciyan said as Mr. Akito dragged Hiiro out of the infirmary room.

“Are you alright, Milady?” Eito said as he kneeled down and asked Rai.

“Ah! I-I’m fine. Thank you.” Rai cheerfully said as Eito helped her to get up the floor.

“Your welcome. Here, please take my cape.” Eito said as she smiled and took off his white cape.

Then, Eito put it around Rai’s shoulders.

Behind them was Harue who slowly woke up because of the noise and witnessed what Eito just did.

“Uh? Eito? Where am I?” Harue said as she woke up, looking at Eito and the others.

“Your highness!” Everyone exclaimed as Mr. Ciyan, Mr. Sean, Rai and Eito approached Harue’s bed.

“Uh? Hello, everyone. Eh?! Eito? Rai!?” Harue exclaimed as she saw Eito and Rai.

“Your highness, I’m glad that you’re finally awake. What happened to you?” Mr. Sean said as he hugged Harue.

“To me? Eh? I was – I don’t remember. Where’s my satchel?” Harue said as she suddenly jumped off the bed.

“Your highness, you must go back and rest on your bed. Last night, your aerostat had an emergency landing in the ‘Central Airport’; Sir Hiiro and Emi immediately brought you back in here. When you arrived, you had a hypothermia so I asked my big brother to help me cure you.” Mr. Ciyan said as he assists Harue back onto her bed.

“Your face was so pale and your hands are as cold as ice. Where the heck had you been?” Mr. Sean said as he helped Mr. Ciyan to lie Harue back onto her bed.

“Uh? From what I remember, a skeleton guy suddenly dragged me inside the mysterious door and I magically teleported to the snowy mountain ranges up in the ‘Village’. I got trapped inside that forest for hours when I found a gate and tried to open it.” Harue said as she remembers what happened before.

“Huh?! A skeleton guy? Magical door? Gate? I really don’t get it, your highness.” Eito nervously said as he scratched his head.

“Skeleton guy? She must be referring to Mr. Terry. But that’s impossible. Mr. Terry and the ‘White Skeletons’ are living in the ‘Forgotten Graveyard’ under that old metal bridge, connecting our ‘Village’ to ‘Iytheria’ Ah! Me too. I don’t understand what you meant, your highness.” Rai said as she also wondered.

“You see, I found the ‘Rusty Gate’ the one that told in the ‘Collision Prophecy’ written in the ‘Book of Prophecies’ which I kept inside my satchel!” Harue said as she insisted and blushed in front of everyone.

“’Book of Prophecies’? Your highness, that book was already destroyed after the ‘Exiled Prince’ threw it back on the ‘River of Selenia’ six months ago.” Mr. Sean said as he tells Harue.

“No! Please listen to me, I have it and that ‘book’ is inside my satchel. My attendant probably has it. By the way, where is she?” Harue said as she looked around the infirmary and asked Eito.

“Ahem, yes! Sir Yuki and your attendant are back in the court room for the trial.” Eito said as he tells Harue.

“Trial?! Why? Did my big brother Hiiro do something wrong?” Harue exclaimed and jumped off her bed.

“Um? I think it would be better if the Second ‘Imperial Council’ personally tells you what happened.” Rai said as she sighed and looked at Harue

“Your highness, please calm down. Hey – Where are you going?” Mr. Sean said as he chased Harue out of the infirmary room.

“Sir Eito, her highness just left the room – Sir Eito?” Mr. Ciyan said as he looked at Eito.

“’Gate’? N-No way. How did Harue knew about that? Where the heck did she found that ‘book’. No! I didn’t do it!” Eito said as he trembled in fear.

“Eito? Uh? Sir Eito! Are you alright?” Rai said as he pinched Eito’s right cheek and asked Eito.

“Huh?! Ms. Rai? I-I’m fine. Thank you.” Eito cheerfully said as he smiled back at Rai.

“Your welcome. Then, go. Her highness just ran out of the infirmary room.” Rai said as she giggles.

“Uh? About that, I am no longer her ‘Royal Guard’. Harue fired me few days ago.” Eito said as he tells to Rai and Mr. Ciyan.

“Eh? She did? I’m sorry to hear that.” Rai said as she apologized to Eito.

“No. Not at all. For the meantime, as Sir Yuki’s request, I’m assisting the Second ‘Imperial Council’ back in the court room.” Eito said as he sighed and scratched his head.

“Then, since my two Nurses are asleep, would you kindly assist me to inject this antidote to Ms. Akari?” Mr. Ciyan said as he took out the vial and asked Eito and Rai.

Eito saw Rai staring the vial in Mr. Ciyan’s right hand.

“Uh? Ms. Rai? Is there something wrong?” Eito said as he wondered and asked Rai.

“Um? I think we should not inject that liquid to Ms. Akari.” Rai said as she looked at Mr. Ciyan.

“Yeah. Me too. Good call, Ms. Rai.” Mr. Ciyan said as he hid the vial back inside his lower right, coat pocket.

“Eh? Why? I thought that’s the antidote that can cure Ms. Akari.” Eito exclaimed as he wondered.

“Although I’m a physician, I can easily recognize the difference between an antidote and the poison and I’m 100% sure this was the poison infused with that dagger, Ms. Rai.” Mr. Ciyan said as he looked at Rai.

Rai immediately grabbed her suitcase; She, then, took out a white, protective cloth and presented the arrow head, spear head and poisoned dagger to Mr. Ciyan and Eito.

“Is the dagger that you’re referring to, Sir Ciyan?” Rai said as she carefully lifted up the poisoned dagger.

“Yes. That’s it. Don’t worry, since we have the poison used I can give this to Ms. Julie and ask her to make the actual antidote instead.” Mr. Ciyan said as he tells Rai and Eito.

“Then, Sir Hiiro is actually trying to poison Ms. Akari after all.” Eito said as they all looked at Ms. Akari.

“Let me rephrase that, Sir Hiiro and your older sister, Lilia were trying to poison Ms. Akari.” Mr. Ciyan said as he sat down on his chair.

“My older sister? But that’s impossible!” Eito exclaimed as he looked at Mr. Ciyan.

“You have an older sister?” Rai said as she wondered after returning the protective cloth back inside her suitcase.

“I’ve rumors that Lilia’s back in the ‘Main Island’, just like what she swore six months ago.” Mr. Ciyan said as he sighed and grabbed his cup of black coffee.

“That’s impossible! I’m going to ask her myself. I’ll be back, Milady.” Eito said as he tousled Rai’s hair and went out of the infirmary room.

“Uh? Sir Eito? Ah, there he goes.” Mr. Ciyan said as he sighed.

“I didn’t know that Sir Eito has an older sister.” Rai said as he giggled.

“Ms. Rai, how about you go back to your apartment and take some rest? I’ll stay in here to watch over Ms. Akari.” Mr. Ciyan said as he asked Rai.

“Uh? Okay. Please take care of Ms. Akari.” Rai said as she went of the infirmary room and left.

Few minutes later…

Mr. Ciyan sighed and stretched out his arms.

‘The sleeping pills worked on my two attendants. Now, let’s get to business. Ms. Lilia actually forgot to put a label on this vial and Ms. Rai’s insists is very impressive.” Mr. Ciyan said as he whispered to himself.

Mr. Ciyan stood up and went to his drawer; He finally managed to find a special syringe and took the vial out of his coat pocket. He, then, injected the poison to Ms. Akari’s veins, grabbed his suitcase and left the infirmary room.

Meanwhile,

Outside the Main Court Room…

Mr. Akito was dragging Hiiro on his collared shirt along the Hallway.

“Uh? You can let me go. I already voluntarily came in here.” Hiiro said as he sighed, trying to push Mr. Akito away from him.

“No! I’ll not let you escape. I wonder what would Akari’s reaction after I told her that you had a one night stand with Lilia last night.” Mr. Akito said as he smirked, taunting Hiiro.

“Wait! Are you spying on me? I swear, Akito after I get out of these chained handcuffs, I’ll – Eh?” Hiiro said as he and Mr. Akito slammed opened the door and forcefully pushed Hiiro inside the court room.

Inside the ‘Court Room’…

Mr. Court Marshall approached Mr. Akito and Hiiro who fell on the floor; the other ‘Village Reps.’ were sitting on their respective table, discussing something.

“Announcing the arrival of Sir Akito & Sir Hiiro. Please follow me.” Mr. Court Marshall said as he made the announcement.

“Ah, yes! Finally, the damn traitor is back.” Mr. Sai said as he and the other ‘Village Reps’ looked at Mr. Akito and Hiiro.

“I’m back, your highnesses.” Hiiro said as he greeted the ‘Imperial Council’.

“Now, you’re back. Mr. Anderson came with us to testify your lies.” Mr. Jiro said as he stood up beside Mr. Anderson.

“Everyone, please calm down. Let’s do this in an organized way.” Ms. Iysa said as she tells Mr. Sai and Mr. Jiro.

“Then, let’s start the trial. Mr. Court Marshall…Uh? Ah! Mr. Nile, please take the minutes of this trial.” Mrs. Mai said as she instructed Mr. Nile AKA Mr. Court Marshall.

“As you wish, your highness. Let this morning trial begin!” Mr. Nile said as he grabbed and ran the hand bell.

“The accused has arrived. Hiiro Matsuoka, please step forward and explain yourself.” Mrs. Aya said as she asked Hiiro.

Hiiro stood up and walked in front of the ‘Imperial Council’

“I, the accused, admits that everything I’ve said six months ago is a lie. There’s no such island named ‘Earth’ beyond this Kingdom.” Hiiro said as he confessed in front of the ‘Imperial Council’.

“So, it was true then. You’re a liar! What exactly are your objectives?” Mr. Ryu said as he slammed the table and asked Hiiro.

“My objectives huh? I only have one objective; I want the ‘Collision Prophecy’ to come true.” Hiiro exclaimed as he smirked.

“You’re mad! Everyone knows that prophecy is just a hoax. There’s no such thing as the ‘Three Factors.” Ms. Annie said as she looked at Hiiro.

“No! The ‘book’ is real so thus the prophecy. That’s the reason why ‘Exiled Prince’ and I founded the ‘Alliance’. He believed that the ‘Key’s hidden somewhere in this Kingdom and guess what? I’ve found it. That’s our main objective am I right, Ms. Aya?” Hiiro said as he laughed out loud.

“What the heck is he talking about Ms. Aya?” Mr. Jiro said as he wondered and asked Ms. Aya.

“I don’t know, your highness. How about you ask Ms. Annie?” Ms. Aya said as she looked at Ms. Annie who flinched.

“Don’t look at me. You’re the one who asked me and Mr. Geno to join in that organization. Damn it.” Ms. Annie said as she suddenly shouted out inside the court room.”

“You’re truly mad! Prince Shouta is already exiled and if somehow that prophecy will be fulfilled, million will perish.” Ms. Iysa said as she stood up and slammed the table.

“This is interesting. Who are your other accomplices?” Mr. Ryu said as he wondered and asked Hiiro.

“Accomplices? Ah, yes! I have eight accomplices who also joined with me in this conquest. They are the ‘Princess’ and her ‘Royal Guard’, ‘Royal Sleuth’s little sister, the other three ‘Chosen Candidates’ and the Hamasaki Twins.” Hiiro said as he lied to the ‘Council’.

“‘Royal Sleuth’s little – You mean Emi?” Mr. Ryu said as he wondered.

“Princess? You mean Harue? But that’s impossible!” Yuki exclaimed as he suddenly approached Hiiro and grabbed his collared shirt.

“It is possible, my little brother.” Hiiro said as he smiled back at Yuki.

“I’ve had enough! I’ve finally made my decision.” Mr. Sai said as he stood up and slammed the table.

“Decision? Wait? What the heck is going on?” Mr. Iysa said as she asked Mr. Sai.

“After Ms. Akari’s confession, I’ve decided that we should immediately exile Hiiro and his accomplices.” Mr. Sai angrily said as he suggested to the other ‘Council’ members.

“What!? We still need to find the other alleged accomplices and do the cross-examination after this.” Ms. Aya said as she stood up and slammed the table.

“No need to. We’re already done asking question, right Mr. Akito?” Mr. Sai said as he smirked back at Ms. Aya.

“Anyone who agrees with Mr. Sai’s suggestion, please raise your right hand.” Mrs. Annie said as everyone except for the two ‘Aethyrian Reps’ raised their hands.

“I’m raising my other hand for Ms. Akari.” Mr. Akito said as he raised up both of his hands.

“Damn it. Majority of vote agrees with Mr. Sai’s suggestion, your highness.” Mr. Ryu said as he cursed out.

“I know. This is bad. What are we going to do?” Ms. Iysa said as she sat down back onto her chair.

“Then, the ‘Council’ has decided. Hiiro Matsuoka, you and your eight accomplices shall be immediately exiled and never to return back in the Kingdom again.” Mr. Nile said as he made the announcement in the room.

“Hahaha! I swear, you’re all going to regret this. Eh? Harue?” Hiiro said as Harue arrived and slammed open the door.

“There you are big brother! Huh!? What do you mean by ‘exiled?’” Harue said as she approached Hiiro and asked the ‘Council’.

“The ‘Princess’ is one of this traitor’s accomplice. Apprehend her!” Mrs. Mai said as she commanded the two ‘Imperial Soldiers’ guarding the court room.

The two ‘Imperial Soldiers’ seized Harue’s arms and pushed her down on the floor.

“Ow-Ouch! W-What’s happening? Big brother?” Harue exclaimed as she wondered and asked Yuki.

“I’m really sorry, Harue.” Yuki sadly said as he stepped back away from her.

“What? Somebody please tell me what happened.” Harue said as she cried.

“I cannot stand this anymore.” Emi#2 said as she stomped away and hugged Harue.

“Thank you for keeping my satchel, Emi.” Harue said as Emi#2 smiled back at her.

Emi#2 took off the satchel and put it around Harue’s right shoulder.

“Harue, please listen to me they don’t believe that what we’re doing is right so they’re exiling out of the Kingdom.” Hiiro said as he turned around and lied to Harue.

“What? My big brother and I were only doing the last possible thing to save the Kingdom. Why is everyone against that?” Harue said as she shouted out to the ‘Council’.

“Your highness? Listen to me, that traitor is lying to you. Millions will perish if that prophecy comes true.” Mr. Sai said as he approached Harue on the floor.

“No! You and the ‘Council’ does not understand. If doing what you believed is wrong, then I don’t mind being exiled as well.” Harue seriously said as Emi helped her to stand up.

“Then, Mr. Nile give us the same coordinates where the ‘Four Village Chiefs’ sent the ‘First Seven Exiled’, six months ago.” Mr. Akito said as he asked Mr. Nile.

“As you wish, your highness.” Mr. Nile said as he grabbed his quill, a parchment paper and wrote something on the paper.

Few minutes later, Mr. Nile stood up and gave the parchment paper to Mr. Akito.

“Let me remind you that you need to convince at least three ‘Council’ members to help you open that magical portal.” Hiiro said as he sighed.

“No. I don’t need to that. Sir Jiro and Sir Sai already decided to join with me.” Mr. Akito said as he smirked.

Sir Jiro and Sir Sai went out of their desk and stood up behind him.

“What?! Stop! We’re not informed about this.” Mr. Ryu said as he shouted in the court room.

“My bad but we intentionally did not tell you this, Mr. Ryu. We know that Ms. Iysa, the acting ‘Chief-On-Duty’ will do anything stop us from exiling her traitorous secretary and his little sister.” Mr. Jiro said as he looked at Ms. Iysa.

“Huh?! Why would you think of that? Wait! Do you still think that we’re also Hiiro’s accomplices?” Ms. Iysa angrily said as she asked Mr. Jiro.

“Yes. So, I suggest that we should conduct a cross-examination to both you as well.” Mr. Sai said as he suggested.

“Enough with these false accusations. You don’t have an idea who are you dealing with.” Mr. Ryu angrily said as he looked at Mr. Sai.

“Then, if you wish to continue this madness I, the ‘Aethyria’s Village Chief’; First, hereby immediately closing our borders to the ‘Main Island’ and the other three neighboring ‘Villages’. Second, ceasing the exportation of goods and monetary coins in the entire Kingdom and lastly, Closing the two ‘Alternate Rail Routes’ going back and forth from our ‘Villages’. Do as you as please.” Ms. Iysa said as she made the announcement and went out of the court room.

“What!? Y-You can’t do that! That’s the only accessible ‘Alternate rail route’ from our ‘Village’. Your highnesses, please listen to me.” Ms. Annie exclaimed as she approached the ‘Aethyrian Reps.’

“I shall do the same! I, the ‘Wathyria’s Village Chief’; First, herby asking all of my fellow ‘Wathyrians’ to go back home and never to return to the ‘Main Island.’ Second, closing our borders to the ‘Main Island’ and the other three neighboring ‘Villages’. Third, the only ‘Alternate Rail Route’ going back and forth from ‘Fireiya’ to our ‘Village’ shall be remained open and the lastly, ceasing the exportation of goods, seafood & fishing equipment in the entire Kingdom.” Mr. Jiro said as he made the announcement and looked at Mr. Nile.

“A-As you wish, your highness.” Mr. Nile said as he panicked while writing Mr. Jiro’s announcement.

“Then, let’s get this party started.” Mr. Ryu said after he got finish reading the note and tore it off.

Mr. Sai, Mr. Jiro and Mr. Akito approached Hiiro and Harue.

“We, the ‘Imperial Council’, hereby opening this magical gate…” Mr. Ryu said as he and the others enchant their spell. 

A glowing, magical portal underneath Hiiro and Harue; Flowering vines with thorns were slowly dragging Hiiro and Harue, sinking them on the floor.

“Get away from me!” Harue said as she panicked and suddenly pushed Emi#2 away from her.

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of Akari for you.” Mr. Akito said as he smirked at Hiiro.

“Hahaha! Remember this! The ‘Collision’ prophecy shall come true and I will become the next ‘Imperial Ruler’ of the ‘New World’. You will pay for this someday.” Hiiro said as he laughs manically.

 “Exiling these two traitors to the unknown world and never to return again. Be gone!” Mr. Ryu said as he and the others continue enchanting their spell. 

With one swift move, the mysterious vines successfully dragged the Matsuoka siblings away and the portal disappeared without a trace.

“I-I did it! Finally, After Maki now Hiiro…Hiiro’s gone!” Mr. Akito said as he laughs manically.

“His obsession to Ms. Akari made him mad.” Ms. Aya said as she looked at Mr. Akito and sighed.

“Now, what should we do? The traitorous ‘Princess’ and ‘Advisor’ got exiled and the ‘Candidates’ Deliberation’ is still suspended.” Mrs. Mai said as she wondered.

“Without an ‘Imperial Ruler’, this Kingdom can go astray and worst our fellow ‘Alementalians’ will wonder what happen.” Ms. Aya said as she looked at Ms. Iysa.

“Then, here’s we’re going to do. First, I hereby summoning the ‘Five Chosen Candidates’, Emi Fujimoto and Kenji Hamasaki in the Head Quarters for cross-examinations. Second, Mr. Akito, Mr. Sai and Mr. Jiro, I hereby firing all of you from being members of the ‘Imperial Council’.” Ms. Iysa said as she instructed Mr. Nile.

“Oh? Now, you’re acting like the big boss who can fire anyone he dislikes. Fine! I’m taking a vacation and go back to ‘Fireiya’.” Mr. Sai said as he stomped away and went out of the court room.

“Eh? D-Darling, we are you going?” Mrs. Mai said as she ran away, chasing her husband.

“So, we’re fired. That’s just fine. I can now focus on taking care my Akari – Eh?” Mr. Akito said as he got interrupted.

The two panicking Nurses slammed open the door and ran inside the court room.

“Your highnesses! We need your help! Ms. AKari’s - …” Mr. Nurse #2 said as he shouted in the room.

“Hey! Calm down. W-What happened?” Mr. Sean said as he approached the two nurses and asked Mr. Nurse #2.

“Sir Ciyan is missing. We need your help Mr. Sean. Eh? Your highnesses! Please wait for us!” Ms. Nurse #1 said as they saw Mr. Akito and the ‘Fireiyan Reps.’ immediately ran out of the court room.

In the ‘Central Train Station’

Platform #2…

Miko, Atsuki and Mayumi were chitchatting and waiting for their train to arrive in Platform #2. Mayumi is sitting in the bench in between with her two other siblings.

“Yes! Finally, we’re going home.” Mayumi excitedly said as she playfully pinched Atsuki’s cheeks who’s sitting beside her.

“Yes, big sister. I wonder what Father’s doing right now.” Atsuki said as he giggled.

“Hey! Why would you not pinch my cheeks instead?” Miko said as he pouted and asked Mayumi.

“No! Why would I do that?” Mayumi said as she blushed and stepped on Miko’s left foot.

“Ow! Come on! These are my new pair of boots.” Miko said as he playfully pinched Mayumi’s cheeks.

“Big brother please stop pinching my cheeks.” Mayumi shyly said as blushed and tried to push Miko away.

“I’m just happy that you’re finally going back home.” Miko said as he smiled and stopped pinching Mayumi’s cheeks.

“Me too! It’s been awhile since I visited Mother’s tomb. I wonder what kind of flowers should I bring to her.” Mayumi excitedly said as she wondered.

“Uh? I saw Father once bringing her white roses since that her favorite flowers.” Miko said as he stretched out his arms.

“White roses? Noted! What about you Atsuki?” Mayumi said as she asked Atsuki.

“Uh? I think we can bring some fruit tarts for Mother.” Atsuki cheerfully said as he raised his arms.

“Atsuki, you’re just hungry.” Miko said as he looked at Atsuki.

“N-No! I’m not. From what remembered, that those were Mother’s favorite pastries.” Atsuki said as he denied and blushed.

“Atsuki’s so adorable when blushing.” Mayumi said as she tousled Atsuki’s hair.

“No! I-I’m not cute. Big sister, stop it!” Atsuki said as he shoved Mayumi’s left hand away.

“I’m sorry. From now on, the three of us will be together again. Big sister will never leave your side.” Mayumi said as he hugged Atsuki and Miko.

“Huh? Then, what about the throne? The ‘Candidates Deliberation’?” Miko exclaimed as he aske Mayumi.

“I don’t care about that throne. I made a promise to myself that I shall become the daughter Mother would have wanted me to. And speaking of daughter, eldest daughters should take care of their younger siblings.” Mayumi cheerfully said as she hugged Atsuki.

“Oh, is that so? That’s bad. Father would be upset.” Miko seriously said as he looked up in the ceiling.

“Uh? Are you saying something, big brother?” Mayumi said as she wondered and asked Miko.

“N-No! Nothing. Is that our train?” Miko said as he stood up and grabbed his suitcase.

“Oh! The train’s here! I’ll go and see it!” Atsuki said as they heard the train’s siren and ran away.

“Atsuki, wait! Don’t run inside the platform.” Mayumi said as she managed to push Miko away and ran towards Atsuki.

“Hey – Wait for me. I cannot carry these four suitcase alone.” Miko said as he picked up his two and Atsuki’s suitcases.

Miko just looked at Mayumi’s case and intentionally left in beside the bench.

The train stopped in Platform #2; Passengers were entering and leaving the train wagon.

“Here’s the train. Let’s go!” Atsuki said as Mayumi grabbed his right hand.

“Atsuki! Playing inside the train station is prohibited. Now, let’s wait for big brother Miko to arrive.” Mayumi said as Atsuki pouted.

“I’m sorry. Ah! Big brother is here.” Atsuki said as Miko approached them.

“I’m sorry, Mayumi but I forgot your suitcase back there. Can you please get it?” Miko said as he asked and lied to Mayumi.

“Uh? I see. Okay. Atsuki, stay in here. Big sister will be back – Eh?” Mayumi said as she tells Atsuki.

Atsuki forcefully push Mayumi away from him; Mayumi suddenly fell on the floor, wondering what happened.

“Let’s go, Atsuki. Father’s waiting for us inside the train.” Miko said as he went inside the four train wagon, followed by Atsuki.

“Is that Father? Father, Big brother, Atsuki please wait! Please don’t leave me!” Mayumi said as she stood up and cried.

Mayumi tried to chase her other siblings but the train’s door suddenly closed and started to move forward.

The train left the Platform #2 and now bound to ‘Iytheria’.

“They abandoned me. Why? Why would they abandon me? Did I do something wrong? Wait! I only did what Father desired the most and still that’s not enough? Did they sell me out to Ms. Lilia? Or worst to the ‘Imperial Council’? Please, come back.” Mayumi said as she cried inside the Platform #2.

The other waiting passengers saw Mayumi crying and approached her.

“Uh? I think this suitcase belongs to you.” Ms. Passenger #1 said as she grabbed Mayumi’s suitcase and gave it to her.

Mayumi wiped off her tears, took her suitcase and went out of Platform #2.

One Hours Later

Boys’ ‘Imperial Dormitories’

Inside Hikaru’s Apartment…

Hikaru, who forgot to wash the dishes, was sleeping in the living area.

“Master Hikaru, I’m back. Uh? Not again.” Ms. Georgina said as she arrived back inside the apartment and saw Hikaru snoring on the sofa.

Ms. Georgina sighed and dropped the bouquet of red roses onto Hikaru’s face.

“Rai, please stop – that tickles Eh!?” Hikaru exclaimed as he suddenly woke up.

“Good afternoon, Master Hikaru. I brought that bouquet just like what you’ve asked.” Ms. Georgina said as she walked away from Hikaru.

“A-Ahem! Welcome back, Ms. Georgina. Thank you for buying this.” Hikaru said as he got up and gently put the bouquet on the center table.

“Master Hikaru, are you doing washing the dishes?” Ms. Georgina said as she stares at Hikaru who flinched.

“Uh? N-No. I got tired of cleaning the living area and took a nap.” Hikaru nervously said as he explained to Ms. Georgina.

“Really? This is what you call cleaning? Your weird magazines and crumbled papers are scattered around in the living area. I bet you’re not even finish your apology letter to Ms. Rai.” Ms. Georgina said as she picked up one magazine and examined it.

“Please don’t touch that. You got me! I don’t know how to write an apology letter. I was waiting for you to come and help me write one.” Hikaru exclaimed as he scratched his head.

“Ms. Rai is still not talking to you. I wonder why. Uh? Someone’s at the door.” Ms. Georgina said as they heard someone knocking on the front doors.

“That’s probably Rai. Hurry! Clean these up while I ran to the door and welcome her.” Hikaru excitedly said as he ran out of the living area.

“As you wish, Master Hikaru.” Ms. Georgina said as she started cleaning the living area.

On the front doors…

“Welcome back, Rai! Eh? Ms. Mayumi!?” Hikaru exclaimed as he opened the door and saw Mayumi waiting outside his apartment.

“Uh? The door’s magically opened. How did that happen?” The drunk Mayumi sadly said as she asked Hikaru.

“W-What happened to you? Look at your disheveled hair, dirty casual clothes and are you also drunk?” Hikaru said as Mayumi went inside his apartment.

“Um? Mr. Hikaru? What are you doing in my apartment?” Mayumi said as she asked Hikaru.

“No! This is my apartment. What are you doing in here?” Hikaru said as he asked Mayumi.

“Oh, is that so? I’m back in my room.” Mayumi said as she walked away and went inside the living area.

Back in the living area…

“Uh? Master Hikaru, your back. I’m not finish cleaning the living area - Eh? Ms. Mayumi?!” Ms. Georgina exclaimed as Mayumi went inside the living area.

Mayumi dropped the bottle of wine on the floor and crawled onto the center sofa.

“Hey! What are you doing? That’s my sofa.” Hikaru said as gently push Mayumi out of the sofa.

“They abandoned me.” The drunk Mayumi said as she starts to cry.

“Abandon? Who? Can you please tell me what happened?” Hikaru said as he asked Mayumi.

“My family abandoned me. Uh? Well, after what I’ve done, anyone will disown me.” Mayumi said as she sobbed, looking at the red roses on the center table.

“Your family? Why would they do that? Hey! Ms. Mayumi, are you listening to me?” Hikaru said as he got impatient and grabbed Mayumi’s shoulders.

Hikaru started shaking Mayumi’s shoulders.

“No! I’m not Mayumi. I’m ‘No.13.’ Nice to meet you.” Mayumi said as she sobbed onto Hikaru’s chest.

“’No.13? Wait – What?! You’re also one of us – I mean one of those mercenaries back then. Huh? I guess this is a coincidence, right? Hey! Stop drooling on my favorite shirt.” Hikaru said as he gently pushes Mayumi away from him.

“I don’t know what happened but I’ll go back to the kitchen to get her some water.” Ms. Georgina said as she walked away and went into the kitchen.

“Uh? Yes. Please do. Thank you, Ms. Georgina.” Hikaru said as he sighed and looked at Mayumi.

 “Thank you for letting me in, Hikaru. I’m at loss. I really don’t know where to go.” Mayumi said as she still sobbing on the other end of the sofa.

“Your welcome. I’m happy to help and I’m not Hikaru. I’m ‘No.12’. It is nice to meet you – Ah! She fell asleep.” Hikaru said as he saw Mayumi sleeping on the other end of the sofa.

“I’m back, Master Hikaru. Uh? Ms. Mayumi fell asleep.” Ms. Georgina said as she went back inside the living area.

“Hikaru! I’m back. I told you to always close the door – Uh!?” Rai said as she arrived inside Hikaru’s living area.

“Rai!? Welcome back! You’re late. I was wondering what happened.” Hikaru exclaimed as he ran towards Rai and hugged her.

“Uh? I-I’m back. Look at this living area. You should have cleaned first before letting your guest in.” Rai said as she looked at the messy living area.

“Ms. Georgina and I were cleaning the living area when Ms. ‘No.13’ –  I mean Ms. Mayumi came in. Something happened and I think she cannot cope with it so let her in.” Hikaru said as he playfully pinched Rai’s cheeks.

“Oh, okay. I understand. I only came in here to tell you that they had found the antidote to cure Ms. Akari.” Rai cheerfully said as she tells Hikaru.

“Really? That’s amazing! Big sister will be healed in no time and we can all go back to ‘Fireiya’.” Hikaru excitedly said as he kissed Rai onto her forehead.

“But they still need to examine it those – Are those red roses?” Rai said as she noticed the bouquet and asked Hikaru.

“Ah, yes! Master Hikaru asked me to buy these for Ms. Mayumi.” Ms. Georgina said as she lied to Rai.

Ms. Georgina gently picked up the bouquet and presented to Rai.

“Aw! That’s so sweet. You even brought her flower to cheer her up. You’re really a good friend, Hikaru.” Rai sarcastically said as she looked at the bouquet.

“Ah, yes! I asked Ms. Georgina to buy that for her – I mean for you. These flowers are for you. Only for you!” Hikaru said as he seized the bouquet away from Ms. Georgina’s hands and gave it to Rai.

“Uh? Thank you, Hikaru. But I’m exhausted so I’m going back to my dorm. See you later.” Rai cheerfully said as she gently pushed the bouquet away from her.

“Oh? O-Okay! I-I understand. I’ll visit you later this afternoon so rest well.” Hikaru said as he tousled Rai’s hair.

Rai nodded; Few minutes later, she ran out of Hikaru’s apartment and left.

“Is everything alright, Master Hikaru?” Ms. Georgina said as she asked Hikaru.

Hikaru got pissed off and shoved the bouquet onto Ms. Georgina’s chest.

“Why would the f*****g hell you have to say that? Rai got clearly upset.” Hikaru angrily said as he asked Ms. Georgina.

“Oh, that? Well, I’m only doing my best to follow Madam’s instructions.” Ms. Georgina said as she picked the bouquet up the floor.

“I knew it! Anyway, it’s my fault; I should’ve asked you to buy the white ones instead. Now, I have to write two apology letters for her. Please take care of Ms. Mayumi while I’m writing back in my room.” Hikaru said as he stomped away.

Hikaru went inside his room and slammed shut the door.

Along the streets of

the ‘Central District’…

‘Ryo’ was carrying his groceries while wandering in the ‘Central District’ when he saw Rai ran pass beside him.

“Hey, you two. Um? ‘Ki’ and ‘Mi’, please get back inside this large, brown paper bag. ‘Alementalians’ might see you. Was that ‘Rai’? Rai!” ‘Ryo’ said as turned around and saw Rai.

“Oh? So, that woman is the infamous ‘Fireiyan Witch’?” The tiny Lady Bug said as it was resting on ‘Ryo’ head.

“My apologies. Mr. Charles is so tiny that I didn’t even notice that you arrived.” ‘Ryo’ said as the Lady Bug flew onto his right shoulder.

“She’s getting away. Let’s follow her.” The little Chameleon said as it was resting, blending on the back of ‘Ryo’s brown colored coat.

“My apologies. Ms. Charlotte, I almost forgot that you hiding back there.” ‘Ryo’ said as the Chameleon turned invisible and crawled onto ‘Ryo’s left shoulder.

“She went that way! Let’s hurry.” The tiny Lady Bug said as it was resting on ‘Ryo’ head.

“Alright! Alright! We’re leaving.” ‘Ryo’ said as he sighed and jumped in the air.

Few minutes later…

Rai stopped running and hid behind a tree, inside the forest, surrounding the ‘Lake of Va-al’.

“I told Hikaru that I’m going back to my apartment but I got confused and ran away. Now, I’m lost. I know that they are engaged but I saw Mayumi sleeping inside Hikaru’s apartment. I’m not envious. I’m not - Uh! Rai, please calm down. ­They’re just friends. Just friends.” Rai said as she sat down on the ground.

“Oh! There she is.” ‘Ryo’ said as he arrived and flying above the tree.

“I know that voice – ‘Ryo’!? Where the heck had you been?” Rai exclaimed as she stood up and shouted to ‘Ryo’.

“We’re wandering in the ‘Central District’ when we saw you ran pass us.” ‘Ryo’ said as he gently landed on the ground, beside Rai.

“Wait! Are those your wings?” Rai excitedly said as she saw ‘Ryo’s four ‘Dragon wings’.

“Ah, yes! These are my ‘Dragon Wings’. We flew up in the air to find you.” ‘Ryo’ said as he presented his wings.

“Amazing! Can I touch it?” Rai said as she examined ‘Ryo’s wings.

“Uh? I guess so. Fun fact: these impenetrable ‘Dragon wings’ are made of silver steal and can evade g*n bullets and pointed weapons.” ‘Ryo’ proudly said as he raised up his wings.

“Amazing! I’ve always wanted to have a pet dragon but your wings are similar to a full-grown butterfly.” Rai said as she tells ‘Ryo’ her observations.

“I’m not a pet nor a butterfly, I’m a six-month old ‘Cog Dragon’! Remember that.” ‘Ryo’ said as he shouted at Rai.

“I know. You said we flew up in the air to find me, who are you referring to?” Rai said as she wondered and asked ‘Ryo’.

“Ah, yes! ‘Ki’, ‘Mi’, Mr. Charles and Ms. Charlotte asked me to find you.” ‘Ryo’ said as he and Rai looked up inside the paper bag.

“Oh? They are ‘Gold Eaters’. How adorable! Hello!” Rai excitedly said as she greeted ‘Ki’ & ‘Mi’.

‘Ki’ & ‘Mi’ carefully climbed up the paper bag and curiously stared at Rai.

“You’re a weird woman. Normal ‘Alementalians’ usually ran and hide in fear after seeing an ‘Earth Golem.” The tiny Lady Bug said as it was resting on ‘Ryo’ head.

“Who said that? Wait! Is this colorful, Lady Bug talking to me?” Rai exclaimed as she looked at the Lady Bug on ‘Ryo’s forehead.

“Wait! This is amazing. She can hear our voices.” The little Chameleon said as it was resting, blending on ‘Ryo’s left shoulder.

“Wait! Who said that? Don’t worry, I’m not going to hurt you.” Rai said as she asked the mysterious voice.

“Rai, please raise your right arm.” ‘Ryo’ said as he asked Rai.

Rai did what ‘Ryo’ asked her; She raised her right arm and the invisible Chameleon slowly crawled down onto her arm.

“W-What was that? I felt I someone crawled onto my right arm and went up on my head.” Rai said as she wondered and tousled her hair.

This invisible chameleon suddenly jumped off Rai’s head and magically morphed into an 18-year- old woman.

“Hello, everyone! I’m Princess Charlotte, the 5th ‘Living Fiend’ also known as the ‘Dancing Chameleon’.” The little Chameleon AKA Princess Charlotte said as she introduced herself.

“Wow! This is the first time I’ve seen a chameleon. Hi, I’m Rai. Nice to meet you, Princess Charlotte.” Rai said as she also introduced herself.

“You’re really weird. You’re excited to meet dreadful ‘Living Fiends’ like us.” Princess Charlotte said as she wondered and crossed her arms.

“Uh? I’ve already met the other four ‘Living Fiends’ and I think you’re camouflaging skill is an amazing quirk.” Rai cheerfully said as she smiled at Princess Charlotte.

“Uh!? T-Thank you very much. Hey! It’s fair that I’m the only one who transformed. Show us your true self, Charles.” Princess Charlotte said as she got flustered and shouted at the Lady bug.

“Okay! Fine. I’ll transform too.” The tiny Lady Bug said as it flapped out its wings and flew up in the sky.

This Lady Bug flew away and magically morphed into an 18-year-old man, wearing a seven-dotted, cloth cape.

“Hello, everyone! I’m Prince Charles, the 6th ‘Living Fiend’ also known as the ‘’Rainbow Lady Bug’. Nice to meet you.” The tiny Lady Bug AKA Prince Charles said as he swishes his cape and introduced himself.

“Hello, I’m Rai. Uh? So, you’re not ‘Man Bug’?” Rai said as she wondered and crossed her arms.

“What?! Listen to me, there’s no such thing as ‘Man Bug.’ Interesting fact: Female lady bugs are quite larger in size than male lady bugs. The seven colored dots on my cloth cape represents the seven rays of the blessed rainbow itself.” Prince Charles said as he swishes his cape to the left.

“Stop swishing your damn cape and tell her why are you here.” ‘Ryo’ said as he got pissed off and shouted at Prince Charles.

“Okay! Fine. We’re here to personally meet you, Ms. Rai.” Prince Charles said as he swishes his cape to the right.

“And to tell you that, we’re also one of your accomplices in this rebellion so let’s do our best to overthrow the Kingdom. I’m also sorry that Uncle Larry wasn’t able to come with us today.” Princess Charlotte said as she playfully pushed Prince Charles and apologized to Rai.

“Oh? That old vulture? I wonder where the heck is gambling right now.” ‘Ryo’ said as he wondered.

“Uh? Okay. Let’s do our best. Although, I’m not exactly sure how will I help all of you.” Rai said as she wondered.

“Then, I’ll give you a hint. The appearance of ‘Cursed Marks’ is a sign that we must not ignore. Prince Charles said as he swishes his cape back to the left.

“Please stop swishing your damn cape! You’ll make the readers confused.” Princess Charlotte said as she got pissed off and shouted at Prince Charles.

“Someone’s coming. Better hide before they see both of you.” ‘Ryo’ said as he sensed and gently pushed Rai behind him.

Princess Charlotte twirled around to morph back; Prince Charles swished his cape to revert back to his tiny form.

The chameleon and Lady bug ran away and hid up in the tree behind Rai and the others while ‘Ki’ and ‘Mi’ slid back inside the paper bag to hide.

“There you are, Ms. Rai.” Eito said as he arrived inside the forest and saw Rai.

“Eito? What are you doing in here?” Rai said as she approached Eito.

“I found my big sister visiting her favorite store in the ‘Central District’ when I saw you running passed by that boutique earlier so I went out to find you. Hello.” Eito said as he greeted ‘Ryo’.

“Ah! About that – I mean Sir Eito this is ‘Ryo’ he is one of our relatives. ‘Ryo’, this is Sir Eito Yoshiyuki, one of the ‘Upper Knights’. Rai said as she introduced Eito to ‘Ryo’.

“Well, that was awkward. Ow-Ouch!” ‘Ryo’ said as Rai blushed and nudged his right shoulder.

“Thank you very much for taking good care of my Milady.” Eito said as he thanked ‘Ryo’.

“Ah! Now, I remember you. You’re that guy who sent that love letter to Rai. Trust me, she’s going to reject you. Ow-Ouch!” ‘Ryo’ said as Rai silently stepped on his right foot.

“I’m really sorry about that, Eito. Thank you for finding me anyway.” Rai cheerfully said, making Eito flustered.

“Y-Your welcome, M-milady.” Eito said as he smiled back at Rai.

“You’re stammering and blushing. I wonder why – Ow-Ouch! That’s enough Rai. I’m out of here.” ‘Ryo’ said as he got pissed off and walked away.

“Let’s go, Milady.” Eito said as Rai nodded and walked away.

Back in the ‘Central District’…

Eito was walking beside Rai while ‘Ryo’ was in front of them, stomping away; ‘Ki’ & ‘Mi’ got curious to their new guest and climbed up on the paper bag.

“Uh? Ms. Rai, may I ask you a question?” Eito shyly said as he asked Rai.

“Yes. What is it?” Rai said as she wondered.

“Do you happen to know what are those things peeking out of Mr. ‘Ryo’s paper bag?” Eito said as he wondered and asked Rai.

Rai, ‘Ryo’, ‘Ki’ & ‘Mi’ panicked; the two Gold Eaters slid down and hid inside the paper bag.

“Uh? W-What are you talking about? ‘Ryo’s just carrying a normal paper bag filled with our groceries.” Rai said as she grabbed Eito’s right arm and explained.

“Oh really? I’m curious to see what’s inside that bag.” Eito said as he smirked and approached ‘Ryo’.

“Oh? Okay. Here.” ‘Ryo’ said as he gave the paper bag to Eito.

Eito grabbed the paper bag and examined it.

“Rai, come in here.” ‘Ryo’ said as he called out Rai.

Rai immediately approached him, wondering what happened; ‘Ryo’ casually picked up two small rocks beside him.

“What happened?” Rai softly said as she asked ‘Ryo’.

“Here, please take these two small rocks away from here.” ‘Ryo’ softly said as he gave two small rocks to Rai.

“What? Wait! Are these rocks – I understand.” Rai softly said as she grabbed the rocks and hid them inside her hands.

“Eh? That’s strange. I am pretty sure that I saw two pairs of red eyes peeking out of this bag. I apologize for the delay, Mr. ‘Ryo’.” Eito said as he apologized and gave the paper bag back to ‘Ryo’.

“No. Not at all. Look at your Lady. She ran over there and does not even know how to cross the streets.” ‘Ryo’ said as he and Eito looked at Rai.

“Milady!? Please wait for me and look at surroundings before you cross the streets. Milady, that’s the wrong way.” Eito said as he panicked and ran away, chasing Rai.

“Finally, he’s gone. Are you two alright?” ‘Ryo’ said as he took another two small rocks out of his right coat pocket.

These two small rocks silently morphed back into a mud bobble dolls, known as ‘Ki’ & ‘Mi’ who nodded back at ‘Ryo’.

“Let’s go. I’m taking both you back to the ‘Underground Prison’.” ‘Ryo’ said as he put ‘Ki’ & ‘Mi’ back inside the paper bag and walked away.

Back in ‘Wathyria’

Inside their Town Hall…

The Hamasaki Twins were locked up in a cell room, under the town hall and guarded by two ‘Wathyrians’.

“Uh? Where am I? Kenji?” Kazuki said as he slowly woke up on the right side of the cell room.

“Good afternoon, stupid big brother.” Kenji said as he greeted Kazuki and was resting on the left side of the cell room.

“Afternoon!? It’s already afternoon? Damn it! I overslept. Ow-Ouch.” Kazuki said as he stood up, trying to endure the pain from his injuries.

“Yes. It is already afternoon and for the record, we’re detained in here until the ‘Wathyrian Reps.’ comes back from their trip.” Kenji said as he lied his back onto the wall.

“Detained? Oh, now I remember. We had a fight last night and our accomplices sold us out.” Kazuki said as he sat down on the floor and crossed his legs.

“I know. The guards thought that we’re accomplices so they locked up us in the same cell room. Anyway, our parents and a physician came in here this morning to tend our wounds. Mother’s really upset.” Kenji said as he tells Kazuki.

“Mother’s upset huh? Of course! She’s upset because we’re bad children.” Kazuki said as he laughs manically.

“Shut up! Let me rest. I wasn’t able to sleep properly because of your loud snoring.” Kenji said as he tossed over on the other side.

“Not after you answer my questions. Kenji! Stop that fake snoozing!” Kazuki said as he got pissed off and shouted at Kenji.

“I’m exhausted! What the hell do you want from me?” Kenji said as he shouted back at Kazuki.

“Okay! You’re awake. For my first question: Since when did you and Mayumi started dating?” Kazuki seriously said as he asked Kenji.

“So, you’re starting that conversation huh? Alright. To answer your question, we started dating three years ago.” Kenji said as he gets up and sat across Kazuki.

“Three years ago? Right after we go enrolled in the ‘Academy’? Seriously!?” Kazuki exclaimed he stood up and threw his right, leather boot to Kenji.

“Damn you! That’s dirty. Now it’s my turn. Answer my question: Since when you’re a member of the ‘Red Assassins?” Kenji said as he asked Kazuki.

“I’ve joined the ‘Red Assassins’ three years ago after that woman’s mother – I mean Master vouched for me and after both of you started dating.” Kazuki shyly said as he tells Kenji.

“What? Also three years ago? Wait! So, you knew that we’re actually dating. Why did you not tell me?” Kenji exclaimed as he stood up and threw his black coat to Kazuki.

“Hey! You’re the one who kept it as a secret from me. If you just told me about that earlier, I-I probably let her go and be happy for you.” Kazuki said as threw his left, leather boot to Kenji.

“Could you stop throwing your dirty boots? Your damn liar, big brother! We’re twins and I know you better than anyone. I’ve always knew that you adore her so much and you’ll never give up on her.” Kenji angrily said as he carefully took off his right, leather shoes.

Kenji got pissed off and successfully threw his right shoe onto Kazuki’s face.

“Ow-Ouch! Damn you Kenji! Indeed, we’re twins. I’m the eldest and you’re my other, younger half – Kenji? Are you alright?” Kazuki said as he threw Kenji’s shoe away from him and ran towards him.

Kenji’s shoe accidentally hit Mrs. Sally’s dress who’s waiting outside the open cell gate.

“Get away from me! I’m fine.” Kenji said as he shoved Kazuki’s right hand away from him.

“’Ruins’? Those probably appeared after you used for ‘Water-Alementalian’ magic. Here, I’ll lie you down on the floor and heal your left arm – Eh?” Kazuki said as Kenji pushed him away.

“I said get away from me! Look at you, you have that weird Water-Alementalian’ magic but you cannot even heal your own wounds.” Kenji said as he shouted at Kazuki.

“If I see another flying shoe out there, I swear, without hesitation, I’ll drop Mr. Pillowy and Mr. Blanky on the floor.” Mrs. Sally said as she crossed her arms and taunted her children.

“M-Mother!? When did you arrived?” Kazuki said as he stood up and asked his mother.

“Father and Ms. Georgia are here too.” Kenji said as he saw his Father carrying his pillow.

“We’ve arrived, young masters Kazuki & Kenji.” Ms. Georgina said as she was carrying Kazuki’s blanket.

“Please open this gate.” Mrs. Sally said as she politely requested to the guards.

“No! According to Mr. Jiro’s decree, anyone who’s member of the ‘Blue Mafias’ and ‘Red Assassins’ shall be called fugitives and shall be immediately apprehended. I’ll only open this gate when our ‘Wathyrian Reps’ comes back and – Hey! What are you doing?” Mr. ‘Wathyrian’ #1 said as he tried to stop Mrs. Sally.

Mrs. Sally grabbed the cell gate and using her brute force, she successfully opened it by herself.

“There! I don’t need your keys. My children, mother’s here.” Mrs. Sally said as she ran towards Kazuki & Kenji and hugged them.

“M-Mother? Welcome back.” Kazuki shyly said as he hugged his mother.

“Mother, get off me. You’re embarrassing us.” Kenji shyly said as he tried to push his mother away from him.

“Don’t worry. Mother’s here. Everything will be fine. Kenji? Kenji!?” Mrs. Sally said as she saw Kenji lost his consciousness and fell asleep onto her left shoulder.

“Mother, please stand back. ‘Within the abilities given to me, I command thee, thy heal his ‘Ruins’.” Kazuki said as he took off his right glove and used his ‘Water-Alementalian’ magic.

Kazuki used his ‘Water-Alementalian’ magic and successfully healed Kenji’s ‘Ruins’.

“Milady, don’t worry. Young Master Kenji’s now safe.” Ms. Georgia said as she and Mr. Ren approached Mrs. Sally and her children.

Mr. Ren carefully lied down Kenji onto his Mr. Pillowy; Kazuki grabbed his Mr. Blanky and used it to cover Kenji.

“Thank you for saving your little brother, Kazuki.” Mr. Ren said as he pat Kazuki’s right shoulder.

“Um? Your welcome, Father. I’ll just take a break and sleep in here.” Kazuki said as he slowly fell asleep beside Kenji on the floor.

“Why is this happening? After we saw our children dying back on our frozen backyard instead of bringing them to the hospital, they apprehended them and brought in here.” Mrs. Sally said as she cried beside Mr. Ren.

“Damn it! Those ‘Red Assassins’ & ‘Blue Mafias’ are really getting in my nerves. They even involved my children in their on-going war.” Mr. Ren said as he cursed out.

“Sir, I think you should take Milady back at the mansion to take some rest.” Ms. Georgia said as she took off his coat and put it around Mrs. Sally’s shoulder.

“Ah, yes. You’re right. Darling, you must be tired. Let me take you home.” Mr. Ren said as he helped his wife to get up the floor and went out of the cell room.

“For the meantime, I’ll stay in here to monitor Master Kenji’s condition. Have a safe trip.” Ms. Georgia said as she guided the Hamasaki Couple out of the town hall.

The Hamasaki Couple left the town hall and went back to their mansion.

Few minutes later…

Ms. Georgia went back to the twin’s cell room and saw two ‘Blue Mafias’ and two ‘Red Assassins’ waiting for her along the Hallway.

“Your way to early. Their carriage hasn’t left the ‘Trading District’ yet.” Ms. Georgia said as she tells Mr. Charlie.

“No! That’s just fine. By the way, these guards are just asleep not dead so don’t worry.” Mr. Charlie said as he looked at the guards lying down on the floor.

“Eh? I thought Mr. Harry already poisoned them.” Ms. Carla said as she was inside the cell room, poking Kazuki’s face.

“Amazing! They’re really identical twins.” Ms. June said as she’s also inside the cell room, poking Kenji’s face.

“Hey! Stop that or else you’ll wake up the twins. Anyway, what the heck are you doing in here?” Mr. Harry said as he got finished tying up the sleeping guards and asked Ms. Carla.

“I’m here to see my cute assistant for the last time before you transport them back to the ‘Main Island.’” Ms. Carla said as she stood up and stretched out her arms.

“Eh?! Wait! How did you know?” Mr. Charlie said as he asked Ms. Carla.

“Ms. Georgia informed us.” Ms. Carla said as she smirked back at Mr. Charlie.

“Damn you, Ms. Georgia. You’re also one of their accomplices.” Mr. Charlie said as he cursed out to Ms. Georgia.

“Indeed. I’m one of the ‘Red Assassins’ and how about you ask Mr. Harry as well. I bet he’s something to tell you.” Ms. Georgia said as she taunted Mr. Harry.

“Huh? Were you saying something, damn butler?” Mr. Harry said as he got pissed off to Ms. Georgia.

“Hey, both of you please calm down. How about you start helping us move these two before Mr. Jiro got angry and send us another letter.” Mr. Carla said as she instructed Mr. Harry and Ms. Georgia.

Meanwhile

In the ‘Unearthed Caves’…

Ms. Perisia, Sammy and her fellow ‘Green Ogres’ were grieving for the loss of their other 24 friends: there are 23 wooden stretchers laid outside her cave.

“Ms. Perisia, this is 24th dead body that we found near the ‘River of Selenia’.” Mr. ‘Green Ogre’ #1 said as he and his buddy carefully put down the last stretcher covered with a green cloth.

“Nericia went missing three days ago. I hope that’s not her.” Sammy said as he hugged his mother.

“Apparently, this is her. I’m sorry, Sammy.” Mr. ‘Green Ogre’ #1 sadly said as he and his buddy carefully put down the last stretcher covered with a green cloth.

Sammy snapped out and started crying beside the 24th stretcher.

“Sammy, let’s get back inside the cave – Uh? You’re Uncle Larry has arrived.” Ms. Perisia said as they all looked up in the sky and saw a vulture flying above their ‘Caves’.

This vulture slowly descended to the ground and morphed into a 45-year-old bald man.

“Hello, everyone! I’m Mr. Larry, the 7th ‘Living Fiend’ also known as the ‘Gambling Vulture’. Oh my! What do we have in here?” Mr. Larry said as he looked at Sammy and his friends.

“Uncle Larry! Neri is dead. Why?” Sammy said as he ran towards Mr. Larry and wailed onto his vest.

“Oh my, is that what happened? Don’t worry. Uncle Philip and I will do everything to hunt those ‘Blue Mafias’ who killed your little sister.” Mr. Larry said as he gently pats Sammy’s back.

“I thought you’re with Princess Charlotte and Prince Charles visiting Ms. Rai at this moment. What happened?” Ms. Perisia said as she asked Mr. Larry.

“Uh? Well, I opted not to join with them. I’m pretty sure that I’ll meet her very, very soon. Look! Uncle Philip has arrived as well.” Mr. Larry said as they all looked up in the sky and saw a black hawk flying above their ‘Caves’.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Thank you for waiting. Here’s Chapter XVIII and Enjoy reading. Part One’s almost over and will update next week. Thank you. – CheChe-chan.