Fandom The Gathering of Death Eater Children

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Asmodeus smiled again, then turned toward Alastair. "Who won?" he asked, excitement in his eyes.

Alastair sighed. "Malice won. Reign came in second place. I am afraid I was a bit distracted today; too excited about my lady's introduction to this world to truly play the game. I'm afraid she thinks the others are much better than I." he said, half disappointed.

"No, we get that you were distracted." Diana said reasonably, although the fact that she laughed afterward didn't help.

"I thought we were going to play together?" Alastair asked Asmodeus, who was watching, amused, as Reign pulled Diana away into another dance, his intentions clear.

"I was a bit....I was occupied." he said quickly in excuse, his eyes moving quickly to Aislynn; he didn't want to divulge the information in Aislynn's presence.

Alastair bowed to him, and extended his hand, in much the same way as if he were asking Aislynn for a dance. Asmodeus laughed heartily, and then the two began a dance. Alastair played the dominant role out of the two, and both had smiles on their faces.

Malice took a seat on one of the steps, watching with a bored expression. Dancing is so boring...I want to play a game... Her eyes turned toward the 'kitchen' portrait longingly, and she was too distracted by her thoughts that she didn't notice the stranger approaching her.

"Excuse me? Who gave you permission to be bored?" he asked Malice, his tone harsh and his eyes narrowed jokingly. He had one hand on his hip, awaiting an answer expectantly.

"Damien!" Malice nearly exclaimed, turning her head happily in his direction. She got up and embraced him as if they hadn't spoken for years.

"Ah, Malice!" he returned her embrace, his voice warm. "Aren't you going to introduce me to our guest?" he asked after a moment.

Malice let go immediately, and spoke fondly to them both, "Miss Aislynn, this is Damien. Damien, this is Miss Aislynn. She's very kind, and she doesn't talk as much as Diana." she explained, relief showing in her voice.

"Such relief..." Damien sighed, his hand on his head dramatically, as if Diana had given him a headache on many occasions. "...someone who understands! Tell me, is she the adventurous type?"

"Maybe...I think so." Malice said thoughtfully.

"Then she's mine!" he proclaimed. "You wouldn't mind being whisked away to partake in a marvelous adventure against your will, would you?" he asked Aislynn, a daring expression on his face. Unlike with Asmodeus, Damien's way of joking was obvious, and humorous to the other person as well. "Ah....Alastair's already done that..." he sighed, in mock disappointment. After a brief smile, he bowed, a shallow, yet elegant bow, his eyes not leaving hers. "Pleasure to meet you, Miss."

Meanwhile, Alastair and Asmodeus were conversing as they danced.

"...that you didn't like my joke? You said she was incredibly brave, I thought she would be able to handle it!" Besides, I told you to warn her that I had a habit of taking jokes too far, didn't I?

"No...She's a truly brave lady, but not even grown men can face you when you're angry like that." Alastair said reasonably.

"Ah...Sorry." A short pause, and then Asmodeus suddenly asked, "You didn't choose your own costume, did you?"

"No-" Alastair admitted slowly "-my lady-"

"Your lady this and that!" Asmodeus said dismissively, his voice remaining low enough so that only Alastair could hear. "All that matters is you're not being honest; you hate the costume, I can tell!"

"I don't hate it..." Alastair began defensively, "...I simply...dislike it..." he admitted.

"Don't do that to yourself when there is no need for it. Tell me you won't lie to that girl again!" he sympathized for Aislynn. "Next time, if you really want her to choose, tell her to pick three, and that you will choose from them. The odds of her choosing three terrible outfits aren't very likely, correct? Even two." he reasoned.

Alastair nodded, agreeing.

"Now now...what else?"

"I...Well, there's something else..." Alastair began uncertainly.

"Talk Alastair; that's what I'm here for." Asmodeus assured him, as one song ended and another began, and henceforth, their second dance.

"I truly wish to know what you were doing instead of playing with me; I was looking forward to it. I cannot say that I was not thinking about that during the game..."

"Ah...Just another meal. You know how it is; a murder here, a murder there, nothing special, no one innocent." he said lightly.

"Oh." Alastair sighed nonchalantly, relief showing in his eyes. "I thought it was something serious."

 

[Hikari Chan]

...I still don't get what the game is about... Aislinn thought confused. ...I am more disappointed that Alastair invited me to play this weird game rather than the fact that he did not win...so what was the point with this game, trying to find the way through illusions to enter a ballroom?

She stood awkwardly still and quiet among everyone, not knowing how to join the conversation, especially when Alastair mentioned that he was afraid of her thinking the others to be better than him because he lost a game. She was soon left with Malice when Reign pulled Diana in another dance and Alastair asked his uncle to dance with him.

..At least I am left with Malice and not Eric.. Aislinn thought with relief. She was about to sit beside Malice on the steps when a stranger with white long hair and yellow eyes suddenly appeared. Aislinn remained standing, awkwardly still and quiet as Malice embraced the young man. ..So that is Damien, could it be the one Eric mentioned...?

"Ah, Malice!" Damien returned her embrace, his voice warm. "Aren't you going to introduce me to our guest?" he asked after a moment.

Malice let go immediately, and spoke fondly to them both, "Miss Aislynn, this is Damien. Damien, this is Miss Aislynn. She's very kind, and she doesn't talk as much as Diana." she explained, relief showing in her voice.

...true...I am definitely different from Diana...but what Malice does not know is that I can become totally speechless in awkward situations...

"Such relief..." Damien sighed, his hand on his head dramatically, as if Diana had given him a headache on many occasions. "...someone who understands! Tell me, is she the adventurous type?"

Merlin's beard...why is he asking Malice...

"Maybe...I think so." Malice said thoughtfully.

"Then she's mine!" he proclaimed.

That made Aislinn flinch and cringe at the same time. ..Merlin's hairy beard...is Damien being serious?..

"You wouldn't mind being whisked away to partake in a marvelous adventure against your will, would you?" he asked her, a daring expression on his face.

At this, Aislinn was feeling very awkward. Merlin's stinky socks...Against my own will? ...what am I supposed to reply? ...Yeah, let's compete on broomsticks at the Mount Fuji…I have actually friend-zoned you... She glanced at Alastair who was still dancing with his uncle. …why the bloody hell did he leave me to encounter such awkward situations alone...

"Ah....Alastair's already done that..." Damien sighed, in mock disappointment.

Aislinn flinched again. She had not been expecting to hear those words from Damien. ...I guess he knows that I am in a relationship with Alastair unless he followed my eyes...so what am I supposed to say in response...Alastair did absolutely not whisk me away on any adventure against my own will....

After a brief smile, Damien bowed, a shallow, yet elegant bow, his eyes not leaving hers. "Pleasure to meet you, Miss.

"heh...nice to meet you as well, such an honor, the pleasure is mine..." Aislinn nearly stuttered on her words. She tried to smile but ended with a half grin and half grimace.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"And you're half bored." Damien observed, sighing as he turned in Alastair's direction. With a sideways glance to Aislynn, he said "Please, excuse me.", and then left to approach Alastair.

"I believe you've neglected her." Damien said reasonably, tapping Alastair on the shoulder.

At once, they stopped their dance.

Alastair thanked Damien, then immediately made his way to Aislynn. "Forgive me, my lady. " he said apologetically, bowing to Aislynn. "I've childishly neglected you." he continued, rising once more. "You have no obligation to remain here, and things did not go as I had expected, leading to some rather odd first impressions...Would you prefer to return to the Human World or visit another place here?" he asked, remorse showing in his eyes. Tch... Alastair thought remorsefully. I should have stayed next to her the whole time and introduced her to everyone, then went to dance with Asmodeus. His joke didn't help at all...Alas there is no excuse; I have behaved like a child. She didn't enjoy herself, and now she has a rather odd impression of this place...When I met her family, everything went rather well....Perhaps I should have assembled everyone and we should have re-created the meeting between her family with mine...I shouldn't have brought her here without informing everyone first; I broke the rule I had insisted upon so harshly with her...I'm such a fool!

Malice watched, unamused. And I'm still here...Reign is distracting too-happy Diana, Asmodeus and Damien are talking, and she has no idea of how wonderful they are, and now Miss Aislynn and Alastair are having a small war with each other...And I want to play... she looked longingly toward the 'kitchen' portrait. I would go and play by myself like I usually do, but I don't want to leave Miss Aislynn. I want to stay around her for a bit longer; I think she is very interesting. If I'm being honest with myself, I just want to ascertain what Alastair finds so alluring about her...

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn remained quiet. She had no idea what to say in response to Damien. ...Me? half bored…? She thought with a frown. ...I am just feeling awkward at the moment..

She watched him making his way towards Alastair and stopped the dance.

...was it necessary? They can dance all they want... She thought with a sigh.

"Forgive me, my lady. " Alastair said apologetically, bowing to Aislinn. "I've childishly neglected you." he continued, rising once more. "You have no obligation to remain here, and things did not go as I had expected, leading to some rather odd first impressions...Would you prefer to return to the Human World or visit another place here?" he asked, remorse showing in his eyes.

Aislinn laughed nervously and shook her head.

"Why are you apologizing to me..." She said with a smile. "I am doing quite well..." ...Besides from being thrown in awkward situations.... "...Well honestly I don't know...I feel it is rude to leave when I have just met your uncle and being his guest for only a couple of minutes..." She smiled nervously. "...By the way, who is Damien? ...I mean the one who is now talking with your uncle…"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Aislinn laughed nervously and shook her head. To this, Alastair raised his eyebrows.

"Why are you apologizing to me..." She said with a smile. "I am doing quite well...."

Ah...Merely another exaggeration on my part... he thought, relieved.

"Well honestly I don't know...I feel it is rude to leave when I have just met your uncle and being his guest for only a couple of minutes..." She smiled nervously.

I figured he would understand that things hadn't gone the way I planned and we would try a calmer, more...normal...meeting on another day...He always understands.

"..By the way, who is Damien?...I mean the one who is now talking with your uncle..."

"Ah." Alastair paused, foolishly realizing that the two hadn't been properly introduced. "Damien is a close friend of Reign's, and my uncle's. Asmodeus doesn't have many close friends; nearly all of them are here tonight, or shall I say, today, and he prefers smaller parties like this...Rather than overlarge ones that can quickly become...rather annoying." he selected the last two words to accurately describe it.

"-wondering if she is going to remain there throughout the entirety of the night, that's all. I feel odd about approaching her now...she looked at me like a fool. She grimaced!"

"That's alright; I grimace at people all the time!" Asmodeus assured Damien. "Besides; she hardly knows you. Don't throw a fit now; she'll think you're a child."

Damien sighed. "You know I'm not. However, Malice introduced her fondly, so that means she must be something important, mustn't she? The fact that Alastair is the one who brought her here is-"

"Cease your babbling." Asmodeus insisted with the casual wave of his hand. "You aren't acting like yourself at all; you usually don't care what others think, unless it's Malice or Reign. How long has it been since you've eaten?"

"Six hours...I was occupied-" he began defensively.

"-would you like me to get you a bit of food? I don't have anything in the manor to eat at the moment, with the exception of...well, never mind. If you wish I can send Eric out to-"

"-no, that won't be necessary. Reign invited me over after this. He always has the best food I've tasted." he said fondly.

"Ah...So that's where you go for your meals..." Asmodeus thought aloud.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Ahh..." ...this feels more than a small social gathering for me rather than a real party...if I am at a party, I expect there to be more people than a just a few....and are we just supposed to stand here and talk? Aislinn thought oddly when something else crossed her mind at the same time.

"Oh, by the way..." She said. "The exotic chocolate drink I had to enter this realm, how long can it last and how will you return me to the human realm?"

"It is not like that I am in hurry to leave..." She explained. "I am just a bit curious..." She smiled.

…If that exotic drink Alastair gave me lasts for eternity then I can be with him forever in this realm...and we would get married here...live in his castle.... She blushed deeply at her own thoughts and was relieved that no one could read her mind.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"It is not like that I am in hurry to leave..." She explained. "I am just a bit curious..." She smiled.

"Of course." he smiled in return, before beginning his explanation. "It will last different amounts of time depending on the way it is made, ranging from one hour to an entire year in this world. The one you consumed will last six hours. When the time is up, you will feel tired, just as before, and we shall return the way we came." he explained. "I assumed that anything less than six hours would be unsatisfactory." he clarified his reason for six hours and no less. "However, you can always drink more when you are here if you aren't quite ready to leave." he finished charmingly. "And of course, should you choose to live here permanently-" he, of course, meant the afterlife "-then it will be arranged."

To this, Malice's eyes showed surprise. Should she choose? Ah...he avoided saying if, but he still decided against using when...How interesting...he always chooses his words carefully...

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Ahh..." ...How many hours have I been here…? Aislinn wondered. ...but it does not matter, does it...? while I am here, the time is still in the human realm. I guess not a minute has passed in the human realm since I have entered the demon realm...

"Of course it would be unsatisfactory, if I only got less than six hours to spent..." She sighed and looked softly yet lovingly at Alastair before she continued: "You already know my choice by the way...I can never imagine an afterlife without you..."

...We will live happily together in the human world until death approaches us, then we would continue our afterlife together in eternity in this realm... She thought with a smile.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"You already know my choice by the way...I can never imagine an afterlife without you..."

Alastair sighed inwardly....And I wish I could return such lovely words truthfully... Alastair said nothing, but smiled lovingly as if he couldn't imagine a more wonderful existence in the afterlife than with her. And it was more convincing than if he had agreed with her verbally.

Asmodeus came to stand next to Alastair. "Excuse me," he began kindly, dressing them both, "We wanted to know if you would like to play another game with us? A simpler one than..." he waved his hand as if to reference the previous game. "It only requires the use of words, so it won't be difficult." he assured her.

"Oh? Do you mean that game-" Alastair began, trying to recall the name.

"-Yes, that one." Asmodeus nodded.

So Alastair explained to Aislynn. "We take turns describing a scenario, and then everyone explains what their reaction to it would be."

"An interesting party game." Asmodeus agreed.

"I'll be playing as well." Damien said, coming to sit next to Malice.

"And I'm here for my favorite game." Diana said, approaching the group and conjuring a chair to sit on.

Reign conjured a large cushion, but instead of setting it on the floor, he set it down in mid-air. When he sat on it with his legs crossed, it looked as if he were sitting on a normal chair.

"Would you like a chair?" Alastair kindly asked Aislynn.

Alastair conjured two comfortable chairs for both of them, and arranged them so that they would sit across from each other. Aislynn would be closer to Malice and Damien, and Alastair would be closer to Diana and Reign. Asmodeus chose to remain standing.

"Alright, who will go first?" Asmodeus asked. "Hands?"

Diana raised her hand eagerly, and so did Damien.

"Vote." Asmodeus said seriously. "Those in favor of Damien."

Everyone's hand shot in the air, with the exception of Reign's.

"Oh come on!" Diana said, jokingly pretending that she felt saddened.

Damien laughed. "You find a genie in a lamp and you are granted the usual three wishes with the usual rules."

"No wishing for someone to fall in love with someone else..." Diana began boredly. "No bringing people back from the dead, and no wishing for more wishes."

"A moment of silence, then whomever decides first can go." Asmodeus said, then he began pondering his answer with the countenance of someone intricately planning their next move in chess.

"May I go first?" Malice asked. She had spoken so soon that it seemed she had already asked herself this question...many times, until she had perfected the answer.

Asmodeus granted her permission with a simple gesture.

"My first wish is to acquire a diary with an infinite amount of pages. Whatever I write in it comes true in the real world, and no one else can write in it or steal it from me. It is also protected against being destroyed by anyone other than myself."

Alastair and Asmodeus were both pleased and intrigued by her first 'wish'. Diana was visibly busy trying to find loopholes in Malice's first wish, and failing. Damien listened carefully, as if he wanted to make all of Malice's wishes come true.

"My second wish is for everyone here to find some sort of inner satisfaction within their lifetimes. A life would end so terribly if it ended in dissatisfaction, or a void in our hearts where there could have been..." she sighed, then continued. "My third wish is for the genie to be forbidden to ever grant wishes for anyone who would wish for immoral things."

"Excellent choices, Malice." Asmodeus said, surprised. "You thought of everyone here and yourself, and the next person as well. Wonderful." he beamed proudly.

"Thank you."

"Who's next?" he asked, looking around.

Damien went next. "I would like to enter into any book or other written piece that I wish, and play the part of any character I wish, for the duration I wish, with no side-effects afterward. People can come with me, but only if I want them to, and this power does not disappear when I die."

"That would be wonderful!" Diana exclaimed. "I didn't think of that! You would never get bored or lonely!" then, quietly, she added "You could do romantic novels over and over again..."

"And my second wish is to be able to grant wishes to people without dealing with the limits of a genie. My wishes would have no limits or rules, only that the person I granted them for would have to do a favor for me for each wish they made."

And to this second 'wish', everyone laughed.

"Considering that one of the rules means no wishing for more wishes, I will assume that you cannot make wishes for yourself with your second wish?" Asmodeus inquired.

"Precisely." Damien answered. "Now, my third wish is to be as accomplished at finance as Asmodeus. He truly is the best!" he said, as if it were a fact. "Could you give me your power?" he pleaded jokingly. "I'll give you mine! You can keep it!"

Asmodeus laughed. "My skill isn't a power; I acquired it over long years of studies that were by no means magical. Such mundane, boring work it was. That's over now!" he sighed dramatically, putting the back of his hand on his forehead as if he couldn't bear the thought of that kind of studying ever again.

"I refuse to believe that the hours you spend in your office every day aren't as drab." Diana said.

"No, they aren't. Most of it isn't drab at all, actually. You see, the best way to avoid-" he began, before Alastair interrupted pointedly. "-I will be going next." Alastair wished for Luna to find happiness inside a person that made her feel loved and understood, then he wished to go back in time and fix a something he didn't bother mentioning, although it was obvious to Aislynn what he was referencing."...And my third wish is for my lady-" he looked lovingly to Aislynn "-to end up with someone whom she loves and who loves her in return."

 

[Hikari Chan]

...another game…? Aislinn thought oddly whilst Alastair explained the suggested game for her. Merlin's beard, what if I fail at this one as well...I hope it was not obvious that I did not understand the previous game, hopefully this one will be easier...I bet all the games here are Diana's favorites..

"Would you like a chair?" Alastair kindly.

"Yes, please..." Aislinn nodded with a smile. …does he even need to ask...perhaps he only asks because he wish to be kind and polite with me...

She sat down. She was seated in front of Alastair and closer to Malice and Damien, who she literary half ignored because she found him to be an odd character.

When they voted for whoever would start the game, Aislinn was unsure about who to vote for. She did not care if Diana or Damien started. She found former one a little bit annoying while the latter one was an odd character in her opinion. Unintentionally, Aislinn raised her hand, voting for Damien, following the majority of votes, while she actually did not care.

First, when Damien started the game, Aislinn was feeling confused about it, but then when it was Alastair's turn to make three wishes she finally understood how to play it. She smiled towards him, waiting for him to finish his wishes so that she could go next after him. But his third wish took her by surprise and almost made her forget that they were playing a game.

...his wish for me is to end up with someone who I love and who loves me in return? ...what does he mean? She thought confused, looking at him suspiciously, her mouth shaped in a thin line. …this is actually a game... she reminded herself. ...but are we supposed to be serious or only play around with wishes? ...I don't understand...

"..well I am going next..." Aislinn spoke, not really hearing herself speaking. "I wish I could meet my parents ...that's my first wish..." She literary ignored the rules. …If I reverse it...it is fine...besides...I don't really know what exactly happened with them...are they dead...are they alive... She thought reasonably. ...Alastair did the same didn't he? He wished for me to fall in love with someone...though he formulated his words differently.... Then she wished that her cousin could treat her as his sister and finally she wished that she could speak Japanese fluently.

...I only have selfish wishes... She thought with a smirk. ...oh well...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

For her cousin to treat her...as his sister? Does he have some other interest in her? And she wishes to speak Japanese fluently, why? The latter, I could possibly grant... Alastair thought.

No one found what Aislynn said odd; they all assumed that she had her own quarrels in the Human Realm and that they weren't in the position to inquire about them.

Diana went next, wishing for the power to enter books like Damien had wished for, wishing that she could read Reign's mind to find out what he was really thinking all the time, and finally, to learn to paint, as she put it "As well as Reign."

Asmodeus wished that Eric could learn to be his own person instead of trying to be Alastair, which prompted a laugh from Diana and a sigh from Alastair. Secondly, he wished that Malice would grow up to be a talented, accomplished young lady, "More than she already is." he specified lovingly, to which she smiled modestly. Thirdly, he wished that Alastair and Aislynn would both find contentment and love in each other. He said it in a fatherly way, and Alastair reacted with an appreciative smile and a relaxed sigh.

He's saying that he approves...It's rather comical that I express myself through theatre and Asmodeus expresses himself through games...

"Reign? You haven't gone, yet." Diana said, turning to Reign, who had been staring at the awe-inspiring ceiling with a serious look in his eyes; he had been deep in thought.

He looked at her politely, speaking calmly. "No thank you."

"Oh, come on! Why are you even sitting here if you don't want to play?" she asked. It was clear she really wanted to know what his wishes would be, and was prepared to plead for him to play.

"Would you like me to leave?" he asked genuinely, his tone serious yet not condescending in the slightest.

"No no...I get it, " she said quickly "...you don't want to play..." she sighed in disappointment.

"Who would like to ask the next question?" Asmodeus asked.

Damien raised his hand again, but this time Malice raised her hand as well, causing Damien to lower his almost immediately. Diana was visibly distracted by her disappointment, and Alastair couldn't think of any questions.

"If you could have one magical power of your choosing, what would it be?" Malice asked, a serious look in her eyes.

"I want to read minds..." Diana said with a sigh, looking at Reign.

"Same." Asmodeus agreed. "Although I wish to be able to read everyone's minds except for my closest friends, which now includes Miss Aislynn, because that would be rude." he said fairly.

"In addition to what we already have, or instead of?" Damien inquired.

"In addition." Malice specified.

"Then I would like Eric's speed; he can do anything so fast...No wonder why Asmodeus uses him to run errands all the time. Think of all the things I could do in the time it would take to utter a single sentence."

"I would like the power to control what I dream about." Alastair said seriously after a minute of contemplation.

Everyone looked to Reign, who had gone back to staring at the ceiling.

"Reign, are you sitting this round out as well?" Diana asked, momentarily putting her disappointed tone aside for a polite one.

He nodded.

She sighed.

"Malice, what would yours be?" Alastair asked.

She looked at him for a moment, her gaze intense, before saying "I would like Damien's power."

Alastair assumed Aislynn was wondering what Damien's power was, so he explained for her.

"Damien has the power demons know as inflicting. He can manipulate a person's senses to make them feel anything from hunger to happiness. He can cause them to smell chocolate in a garden of flowers or see fire in the middle of an ocean. However, they are only illusions and nothing more, but the psychological effect is rather impressive."

"Thank you." Damien said, taking it as a compliment. "You make it sound so poetic."

"So basically, don't make him angry." Diana concluded. "For someone who acts so happy all the time, you would never be able to guess his power, right?" she said to Aislynn, stating rather than asking. "But don't even bother worrying, because you'd have lower yourself to the level of the people Alastair kills before he even thought about-"

"Why would you want Damien's power, Malice?" Asmodeus asked.

After a moment of silence, Malice smiled a demonic smile. "It would be so much fun." she answered wickedly.

"Ah, that's my Malice." Asmodeus laughed. "Always. So, shall we end the game here, or complete a third round?" He was asking Aislynn.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn blushed slightly at Asmodeus' third wish but Alastair's third wish was still disturbing her.
...oh well, I guess men can be complicated to understand... She thought, brushing it off as it was nothing and tried to focus on the game. She was yet she was not surprised that Reign refused to partake in the game. She had been half-expecting him to speak. ...Perhaps he does not like to share his wishes, not even with friends, perhaps he is not comfortable in my presence yet...I am actually curious about what he would wish for...

The game continued, and Malice was the next one who asked a question.

"If you could have one magical power of your choosing, what would it be?" Malice asked, a serious look in her eyes.

"I want to read minds..." Diana said with a sigh, looking at Reign. '

...That is so obvious...Diana wants to read Reign's mind... Aislinn thought, rolling her eyes.

"Same." Asmodeus agreed. "Although I wish to be able to read everyone's minds except for my closest friends, which now includes Miss Aislynn, because that would be rude." he said fairly.

Aislinn blushed smilingly. ..He does not even know me well, yet he seems to adore me like his own daughter....I wonder how Alastair's parents would have reacted if they had been alive and Alastair had introduced me to them...

"I would like the power to control what I dream about." Alastair said seriously after a minute of contemplation.

...to avoid your nightmares... Aislinn thought, pondering what kind of power she would like to have. ...in addition to my own power...I am a witch...is there a power that I am missing...that I wish I had…?

"I would like the power of using magic non-verbally and without the need of my wand..." She finally said after a minute. She did not expect Reign to join this round. …what is he thinking about?...Staring at the ceiling like that…Does he never get bored?...

"Malice, what would yours be?" Alastair asked.

She looked at him for a moment, her gaze intense, before saying "I would like Damien's power."

Aislinn looked questioning at Malice, wondering what kind of power Damien had. She was grateful that Alastair immediately explained for, as if he had read her mind.

"Damien has the power demons know as inflicting. He can manipulate a person's senses to make them feel anything from hunger to happiness. He can cause them to smell chocolate in a garden of flowers or see fire in the middle of an ocean. However, they are only illusions and nothing more, but the psychological effect is rather impressive."

"…Oh..."

"Thank you." Damien said, taking it as a compliment. "You make it sound so poetic."

"So basically, don't make him angry." Diana concluded. "For someone who acts so happy all the time, you would never be able to guess his power, right?" she said to Aislinn who shook her head in response even if Diana was not asking but rather stating. "But don't even bother worrying, because you'd have lower yourself to the level of the people Alastair kills before he even thought about-"

"Why would you want Damien's power, Malice?" Asmodeus asked.

After a moment of silence, Malice smiled a demonic smile. "It would be so much fun." she answered wickedly. Aislinn could not help but grin. ...This would had been fun to use on Sherwood...

"Ah, that's my Malice." Asmodeus laughed. "Always. So, shall we end the game here, or complete a third round?"

"Let's complete with a third round," Aislinn replied, feeling more comfortable both with his presence and the idea of playing a game. "Mention three things you would take with you to a deserted island?" She asked.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Ah...Another good question!" Asmodeus remarked, then went quiet in contemplation.

She's feeling more comfortable now...I'm so relieved to see her having a nice time here. Alastair thought happily, glancing at Aislynn. Now...three things...Does that include people? But people aren't things, and she said three things...Well, assuming that it was a remote deserted island, I wouldn't know which way to jump or swim, and if I didn't know my own location then apparition would be impossible...Ah!

"An unlimited supply of drinking water...A magical tent with lavish accommodations, a full bathroom, not to mention a cooling system and weather-protection....And I have this pair of journals...If you write in one, the words appear in the other as well, and you can communicate with someone. In this case, I would keep one, and hope that I could write to Reign with the other one...It would keep me occupied and prevent me from feeling lonely." Diana explained simply.

"Does it have to be a lavish tent?" Damien had nearly demanded his answer.

"I want to be comfortable." she said defensively. "Why not? Would you rather live in a cave, or a normal, boring tent?" she asked reasonably.

"Yes yes..." he brushed off her answer, ignoring it "...I want a large supply of books...good ones." he specified "A large supply of money...And a lighthouse. " he paused a moment to enjoy the puzzled looks he received. "By nightfall, ships will be coming to me to take me wherever I please, with the money as...motivation." he explained slyly.

"Creative." Asmodeus remarked. "I would like a large yacht so that I could come and go from the island as I pleased. It would become larger or smaller like Alastair's car; a moving house on the water. I would also like a water-filtering system so that I could filter the ocean's water and be able to drink it. Finally, I would want fireworks. They are so beautiful at night; and imagine their reflection in the surrounding waters." he sighed, picturing it.

"Nice." Diana commented, surprised by his choice. "I didn't think of that boat idea...no one said you had to stay on the deserted island....But you left out food!"

"Tch...I would simply acquire food when I docked the yacht somewhere other than the island."

"I would like an enchanted piano that always played whatever music I wanted so that I could always feel calmed or intrigued by its melodies." Malice began, a mischievous look in her eyes. "When I played a certain song on that piano, its sound could be heard by weak-minded people no matter the distance. They would be drawn to it, entranced. I would then use my second item; a magically-scented candle, to play with their minds until they were driven by madness to drown themselves in the surrounding waters." she described in a darkly grave tone that strangers would fear. "Finally," she said, returning to her general cheerful tone " I would want one of the journals Diana described, so that I could tell Asmodeus all about it." she smiled.

"You think of nothing but death and torture, child!" Asmodeus boomed with an accusatory finger, although his face betrayed him in the form of a prideful smile only seconds later.

"What else is there?" she complained jokingly.

Asmodeus laughed, soon joined by Alastair and Damien.

Diana looked at Reign, then away again, visibly deciding against asking him to partake in this round.

"I would like a magical map to tell me where I was." Alastair said, finally deciding upon his answer. "An enchanted violin that could reach my lady's ears so that she might join me-" he said charmingly to her "-and a collection of candles so that I could dine with her until I grew tired of the island and wished to return home."

Aislynn went next.

"Now now, we've all had such good answers." Asmodeus clapped thrice, expressing his pleasure in the game they had shared. "And that concludes our game?" he asked with a questioning glance at Aislynn for confirmation.

"Very well, then. Who would like to hear a story?" he asked smilingly.

Everyone's hand shot into the air, including's Reign's, although he still faced the ceiling.

"Once upon a time..." he began, in an enchanting voice that made the listeners wish to hear more.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn listened amusingly to everyone's answer, wondering curiously for a second if Diana was having some interest in Reign. ...she is being a little bit annoying... Aislinn thought, suppressing her laugh. ...for only being demons and not wizards or witches, they are being very creative with their choices...I wonder what three things a muggle would have chosen...obviously muggle survival items…

"I would just take my wand, food supply and my pendant with me," Aislinn said when it was her turn. ...Merlin's beard, my choices are so simple...oh well...it is because I am a witch and can conjure almost everything, I need with my wand... She thought with a smile.

"Now, now, we've all had such good answers." Asmodeus clapped thrice, expressing his pleasure in the game they had shared. "And that concludes our game?" he asked with a questioning glance at Aislinn for confirmation.

She nodded smilingly, wondering what they would do next to amuse themselves during this party.

"Very well, then. Who would like to hear a story?" he asked smilingly.

Aislinn raised her hand and was surprised to see that Reign raised his as well.

"Once upon a time..." Asmodeus began, in an enchanting voice that Aislinn forgot about everything else and only had her ears for his voice.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"And that concludes our story." Asmodeus smiled.

"That was a marvelous story." Alastair said. "Did you write this one yourself as well?"

"Yes." Asmodeus answered modestly.

"I enjoyed it." Diana laughed. "Especially the ending."

"You always have an unexpected ending. My favorite aspect of your stories is that neither the villain nor the hero are as obvious as most stories; the hero may commit crimes and the villain may show mercy and respect to allies." Malice said adoringly. "But their intent describes to us which of the two they truly are. You are so creative in your writing."

"Thank you, Malice." he replied lovingly.

"Your story was both unique and captivating. " Damien said, thanking him. "Although Malice's way with words is incompatibly superior to mine." He sent a smile in her direction, thanking her for describing it so perfectly.

Reign stood, and approached Asmodeus. He bowed to him; such an elegant bow of loyalty and grace.

"As always, your stories are magnificent. Such unique characters and original plots combined together to create a divine masterpiece which is portrayed in mere minutes; my gratitude is immeasurable. I thank you for having me here." he spoke sincerely. He stood up straight, then finished elegantly "It has come time for my departure. I bid you the most pleasant day of all, and the most peaceful night's rest. Farewell."

"You're so serious all the time..." Asmodeus commented. "Farewell, Reign."

Reign then bowed to Alastair, "Farewell, Lord DiVilliers."

"Farewell, Reign." Alastair said as Reign turned to Aislynn.

"A pleasure to meet the reputable Miss Aislynn." he said genuinely "Farewell."

He bid the others farewell all at once, then proceeded to the exit.

Damien stood a moment later, explaining that Reign had invited him over for lunch and that was the reason for their departure. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Aislynn. Goodbye." he said smilingly, before turning to Malice.

"Don't say goodbye; say that you'll be back tonight so that we can play together." she said with a smile.

"I will. " he promised "But would that be enough to make up for my absence?" he asked dramatically.

"Yes." she laughed, embracing him before he left as well, walking quickly to catch up to Reign.

"Now, then." Asmodeus said to Aislynn. "We've played games and a story has been told...We have heard music and you have dined on this world's delectable food. You have visited new places and met new demons. All such wonderful things. And yet..." he sighed sadly. "...I have run out of things for us to do on such a miraculous day. I have failed."

"Father, you couldn't fail at anything; the thought is laughable." Malice said seriously.

"I joke, my dearest." he smiled.

"I know; but the thought is no less impossible."

Asmodeus beamed again at his daughter, before turning back to Aislynn "You have no idea how difficult it is to plan a party and keep the guests entertained; that's the reason parties don't last forever. I fear the idea of you growing bored. Tell me; have you an idea of what we shall do next?"

 

[Hikari Chan]

"It was such a great story," Aislinn praised Asmodeus after she bid both Reign and Damien farewell. She suddenly yawned, feeling sleepy.

"Now, then." Asmodeus said to Aislinn who was trying to not look so sleepy. "We've played games and a story has been told...We have heard music and you have dined on this world's delectable food. You have visited new places and met new demons. All such wonderful things. And yet..." he sighed sadly. "...I have run out of things for us to do on such a miraculous day. I have failed."

"Father, you couldn't fail at anything; the thought is laughable." Malice said seriously.

"I joke, my dearest." he smiled.

"I know; but the thought is no less impossible."

Asmodeus beamed again at his daughter, before turning back to Aislinn "You have no idea how difficult it is to plan a party and keep the guests entertained; that's the reason parties don't last forever. I fear the idea of you growing bored. Tell me; have you an idea of what we shall do next?"

"Oh no not at all, I am not bored..." Aislinn yawned for the tenth time. "I have enjoyed this realm and party to the fullest, yet I wish not to leave..." Another yawn. "The food strange yet delicious, the games were fun and the story was amazing...I do not have any idea at the moment...though I wish I could remain forever in this realm, but I must not forget that I am a human and a witch, I have my duties in the human realm.."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Increased yawns...The potion cannot be wearing off yet; she must have at least another hour. Perhaps she simply needs to rest?

"If you have grown tired, perhaps you would like to rest a bit?" Asmodeus offered. "There is a spare bedroom next to Malice's, and one that is isolated from the rest; which would you prefer?" he asked kindly.

"Do you think that the reason she grows weary is that her mind is still adjusting to this realm?" Alastair asked.

"Quite possibly; or the potion is wearing off and you neglected to keep precise track of time." he teased.

Alastair checked his pocket watch.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Did six hours pass so quickly…?" Aislinn asked between her yawns when Alastair checked his pocket watch. "Or did I just become sleepy because of another reason?"

..I wonder if demons ever get sleepy in this realm, how many hours do they sleep if they ever need to sleep or rest...would it be rude to ask? Perhaps it is better to ask Alastair when we return to the human realm...I know that...he won't mind all my questions hehe...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Indeed my lady; it did come to pass." Alastair announced.

"Miss Aislynn; it has been a pleasure. I hope to see you soon, and wish you a pleasant time until then." Asmodeus said genuinely. "Until next time, Alastair."

Malice curtsied. "Goodbye." she spoke.

Alastair stood, and was met with a warm embrace from Malice. "Goodbye, Alastair. I hope we can play together, soon."

"And so we shall, soon enough." Alastair smiled.

Diana bowed deeply to Alastair. "Goodbye, Lord DiVilliers." Then, a simple 'Goodbye' to Aislynn.

"Shall we?" Alastair turned to her, offering her his arm.

Once they were in the garden, Alastair spread his arms wide. "I shall carry you back to the boat, and we shall return the way we came. " he explained. "You may fall asleep on the way there; but trust that I shall return you safely to your realm."

He jumped, and they landed outside the gate. He placed her gently inside the boat, before gently entering himself, rowing swiftly yet smoothly. He carried her through the desolate hallway while emitting a radiant feeling of warmth and comfort.

"We call it the hallway of despair; I chose the name..." Malice had smiled. "It feels awful, doesn't it? There's a way to take all of the despair onto yourself, so that the other person feels nothing....Of course, it would have to be a very special person to have these feelings multiplied by that degree...Let me show you how to do it...Asmodeus is the one who first taught me."

Aislynn awoke in Alastair's arms. They were on a rooftop, and Raven was there as well, waiting patiently before the carriage. She held the door open for them without saying a word, Alastair choosing to carry Aislynn inside before placing her in a sitting position on the couch.

"Is there anything you need?" she asked helpfully.

"No, thank you." Alastair replied.

"To London, then." she said on her way out. Their ascent began a moment later.

"Questions?" Alastair asked, sitting beside her. He had an air of patience about him, as if he was prepared to answer as many as she needed to ask.

"Intriguing? I found her charming, with an enchanting look of innocence; she won't betray him for the world." Asmodeus said. "However..."

"...and she just hasn't gotten to know me yet. She'll come to like all of us soon, won't she?" Damien asked.

Reign nodded.

"Ah...that meal..." Damien sighed appreciatively for the fifth time. "...and this moon..." he looked out the window "...You make me feel like a king, the way you treat me; I feel as if I cannot believe you have no ulterior motive for being so nice all the time."

"Leave me alone; you talk too much." Diana said irritably.

"I talk too much?" Eric said, offended, storming off saying something about a pot and a kettle under his breath.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn smiled and tried to avoid yawning while she took farewell of both Asmodeus, Malice and Diana.

...I feel like I am going to miss them all... She thought as she took Alastair's arm.

Once they were in the garden, Alastair spread his arms wide.

"I shall carry you back to the boat, and we shall return the way we came. " he explained. "You may fall asleep on the way there; but trust that I shall return you safely to your realm."

Aislinn nodded, feeling very sleepy. As soon she embraced him, she dozed.

A couple of minutes later, Aislinn woke up, feeling wide awake and alert, in Alastair's arms. First, she was feeling confused, wondering where she was as she blinked at the nearly dark sky. It was about to be dawn soon. …Am I back in London? She thought confused as Alastair carried her inside the carriage and placed her on the couch. She blinked surprisingly when she saw her. It was not that Aislinn had forgotten Raven, Aislinn had just forget about the time and place when she had left the human realm.

"Is there anything you need?" Raven asked helpfully.

"No, thank you." Alastair replied.

"To London, then." she said on her way out.

...oh...we are still in Japan... Aislinn thought, remembering the earlier incidents.

"Questions?" Alastair asked, sitting beside her.

"I... uh..." She felt that she needed to process everything that she had been experiencing in the demon realm. "…So my body was here the entire time...while my soul was in the demon realm…?" She asked oddly. She was more talking to herself rather to Alastair, since she was staring oddly in front of her. After a couple of minutes, she shook her head in confusion before turning her attention to Alastair.

"Is it in their nature to joke? I mean the demons..." She asked curiously.

(What happens with the clothes they buy in the demon realm? Is Aislinn still dressed in that outfit she bought at the Plaza?)

"I can actually I can handle this alone," Pegah giggled. She was standing, together with her friends, outside Professor Quinn's office. "And I think that's the best, since it only concerns me. Quinn won't be so happy to have us all storming in her office..."

Elias was half laying and half sitting in his bed, turning a page in Count of Monte Cristo. He was so engulfed and feeling intrigued by the story that he nearly had forget about time and place.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"..So my body was here the entire time...while my soul was in the demon realm?..." She asked oddly.

"Yes. Next time you go, you will be wearing the costume from the plaza, until you change it. The sovereign always has the power to move living people between Realms. However, transporting objects from that realm is a power that I do not possess; Reign and Eric do. "

"Is it in their nature to joke? I mean the demons..." She asked curiously.

"No." Alastair shook his head. "Reign is very serious; with his countenance, one may guess that he foresaw the world's end only moments from now...He never changes. Damien, however, was acting so unlike himself tonight; he never jokes." he shook his head, puzzled He rarely jokes...and his smiles are rare as well....I wonder if anyone did something to him...Perhaps Eric...Ah...I'll inquire further later... "My uncle, however, would be their polar opposite. He believes that without humor the world would be a dreadfully bland place. That, and that he doesn't bother censoring himself; he does what he feels and says what he thinks. So if he praises you, he means it... Diana shares this belief, although she often can come off as insensitive at times. Malice can seem like she is joking at times, but everything she says should be taken seriously, despite her jovial tone. "For instance, when she said that she wouldn't bite Aislynn... "Hmm..." he said suddenly, remembering. "'There is one demon who you have yet to meet; named Nova. Next time, I will introduce you. Now, however, I must retire for the night." he stood, and bowed to her "I had such a pleasant time with you tonight. You truly are a dying breed; honorable ladies." Honorable, strong...not weak and selfish like most of this generation's ladies; I wouldn't even call them that... "Goodnight, my lady." he rose, and soon the door of his bedroom was closed. Ah...Damien acting so odd and Nova being absent...I simply must assuage my curiosity... he thought as he lay in his bed after a bath and a change of clothes.

He returned to the Demon Realm, while back in the Human Realm he physically appeared to be asleep. He had just left the Hallway of Despair, only to find Reign waiting for him with a boat, prepared to ferry him wherever he wished to go. "Thank you, Reign." Alastair said, surprised.

Reign rowed until they reached the closest town, and docked the boat there.

"He's up there?" Alastair asked, looking up to see a large airship in the Steampunk style flying above them.

Reign nodded.

Alastair jumped, and landed on the deck.

Somehow, Reign was already there, knocking on the front door.

Inside, sounds of a man's screams could be heard; agonized, pained screams.

Reign patiently waited for there to be a break in the screaming, and then knocked again.

"One moment, please." Malice called. Then, in a quieter voice, she said "I'll get it." Footsteps sounded, and then she opened the door.

"Good afternoon." she greeted, politely stepping back to admit them.

Two smells intermingled; the first was the most amazing creamed potato soup. The second...

Damien sat on a chair with his legs crossed, his eyes fixed on the table, and a sly smirk at his lips. A man's arms and legs were bound to a chair. He breathed heavily, and at first sight it was certain that his screams had filled the room before, and that his blood's scent permeated it now. His shirt was torn, and blood ran from his empty eye sockets. On a table close by, an assortment of tools lay.

"What have you two been doing?" Alastair asked mildly, as if they were a pair of naughty children caught stealing cakes before dinner.

"Damien promised that he would play with me." Malice explained, with a jovial gesture of her hand to the horrific sight. Her hands were stained crimson."I took out both of his eyes without harming his brain, so this round isn't over yet. It's Damien's turn now. Would you like a seat?"

Alastair nodded, taking an empty seat.

Reign sat further away from them, closer to the large window, through which his gaze wandered.

"Potato soup?" Malice offered him a steaming bowl of delicious looking potato soup to Alastair. She held it in her hands; which she had washed prior to serving the food.

"No, thank you." Alastair answered, watching with interest as Damien looked at the man, pondering his next move.

"Reign, would you like some?" she asked, walking over to him.

He nodded, and Malice set the bowl down on a nearby table for him.

"What did he do?" Alastair asked.

"He did to others what we're doing to him; he played with them until they died." Damien answered, picking up a pair of pliers.

"He wouldn't stop begging for his life, so Damien went first and cut out his tongue." Malice explained, then, in a whisper, added "He still doesn't realize he's dead."

"Ah...I thought I heard your voice! Welcome back, Alastair." Asmodeus said, coming down a large flight of steps wearing the same costume as before.

"I was looking for you." Alastair said, approaching Asmodeus. "I wished to inquire about Damien's odd behavior yesterday at the party."

"Oh, that." Asmodeus said, as the man emitted more pained screams. Sickening cracks could be heard as Damien broke each one of his digits. "I've been trying to find out about that."

"Ah..." Alastair decided to ask Eric next.

"Have you tasted Malice's cooking lately?" Asmodeus said, suddenly taking notice of Reign, who was enjoying the soup."She has acquired even more skill, despite rejecting everyone's offer to teach her things...I must admit that even I didn't believe that she would get this far..."

There was a break in the screams, and Damien took a seat. "We revived him nineteen times." he sighed. "What an afternoon."

"My turn." Malice said, removing his shirt. "Round nineteen is complete with the removal of your eyes and tongue. Your fingers and toes are broken, and now your chest is..." she paused, choosing a surgeon's knife. She cut precisely, then pulled the skin back to reveal all of his organs. She had lost the desire to speak as she gazed in amazement at the sight.

Reign walked past Alastair and Asmodeus to the kitchen, placing his empty bowl in the sink. He returned to Alastair's side just as he finished his conversation with Asmodeus.

"I told you that anatomy isn't boring." Damien said to Malice, who was still staring, her eyes wide.

"Dearest, are you feeling sick?" Asmodeus asked kindly, putting an arm on her shoulder.

"No...I simply cannot express the way I feel at this moment...To read something in books and to see it firsthand...I didn't know that it actually looked like this...I'm fascinated..."

"Well, at least this filth was useful for something..." Damien said.

"Father, do you think that Miss Aislynn would want to play with me?" she asked hopefully.

"No...I don't quite think that she...How shall I say..."

"She wouldn't enjoy it the way you do." Damien said certainly. "For now, let us have lunch; it smells wonderful."

"I...Yes, I know who did it." Eric confessed.

"Tell me."

"I did...I just thought that he may make a better impression on your Lady Aislynn if he was a bit happier, so I added some Holiday Cheer potion into his-"

"Eric-" Alastair interrupted seriously "-that was not your decision to make. Understand that first impressions are the most important, and you may have completely ruined-"

"-I know that, but I know that he's angry with the way things turned out, so I can't tell him that I-"

"You can't? You will; I insist upon it. And I shall return now, and soon my lady will be informed of the incident. Farewell, Eric."

 

[Hikari Chan]

"…Goo-goo-goodnight…" Aislinn stammered, her face turning red like tomato. ...why is he praising me... She thought shyly. She remained sitting in the main room for a couple of hours until she felt the weariness taking over her. She had nearly forgotten that she had completed a mission with Alastair before she visited the demon realm. She made herself comfortable on the sofa and slumbered into a dreamless sleep.

"How did it go?" Lily looked at Pegah with big curious eyes.

"Quite well...but Quinn cannot take any decisions regarding staff recruiting. She needs to forward it to the headmaster.

"Oh...but don't worry, my brother is kind-hearted, I am sure he will employ you, I can bribe him-"

Pegah stared eye-wided at Lily who burst out in laughter. The other girls looked unsure if they should laugh or not. They could not tell if Lily was being serious or not.

"...ehm...now I was actually thinking about to apply as a teaching assistant...." Clarissa suddenly spoke. "Lily, would you-" She started but was cut off by Pegah's outburst: "What?! No, I will have a meeting with the headmaster as soon as Quinn have spoken with him about the matter and I advise you to do the same, Clarissa." Pegah gave both Lily and Clarissa a very serious look before she turned away and walked towards the dorms. "I am off to bed because it is very late, and I need my beauty sleep. Good night!"

She did not slam the door but closed it firmly and severely behind her.

"Woahh...I have no doubts that my brother will accept her application. She got the guts!"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Ah...Her back will ache." Alastair said quietly to himself when he saw Aislynn sleeping on the couch.

They were back in London, and Alastair had washed and dressed before Aislynn had risen.

He walked outside, and called for Raven.

"What may I assist you with?" she asked, landing gently behind him; she had been flying around, wasting time until she was needed.

"Firstly, please inform my lady that I can be found in the labyrinth if she desires my company. Secondly-" he sighed disapprovingly "-my lady has made the poor choice to rest on the couch." he gestured to the carriage. "If you would be so kind as to save her the pain in her back when she rises, I would be-"

"-I understand." Raven nodded, walking toward the carriage.

"Good afternoon to you as well, Alastair." Luna smiled. She had been eating a green apple for a late breakfast. Wuthering Heights sat open on the table before her.

"You've read a considerable amount of that book in such a short while; nearly half." Alastair remarked, "You must be enjoying it tremendously."

"Yes; I reluctantly put it down to sleep, promising myself that I could continue reading in the morning..." she gestured to the book. 'And here I am now' her expression said.

And that quickly turned to the afternoon. Luna thought happily, turning a page in the book.

"Do enjoy." he smiled, walking out.

He walked straight to the labyrinth, where he played a jovial tune on a violin. Playing my feelings; she accepted my identity so easily...The fact that I was a demon...That I was the sovereign of Hell...That Hell's reputation and the reality were two different things...That I have friends there who aren't as odd as they seem at first...That there is an agency that exists for the sole purpose of ridding evil from this world...That I enjoy dressing oddly like my uncle does and playing at the Theatre of Game...That the condition with my eyes isn't something to be feared if it is satisfied regularly...I cannot believe...that she accepts all of this, and so much more...Finally, someone whom I have been able to tell all of these things to that lived in this world...

 

[Hikari Chan]

Elias was half laying in his bed, reading Count of Monte Cristo. He had got up early in the morning, at seven, to continue reading the book after he had fallen asleep around midnight.

The story was so intriguing that he hardly could put away the book. He had nearly forgotten about the time. Suddenly the sound of an owl poking at his window, made him leave his bed and the book.

It was a letter from Quinn.

Elias scratched his head, wondering which time during the day he should book a meeting with Miss Ferydoni. He checked his pocket watch and noticed to his dismay that the time was already half past twelve. Merlin's beard! I promised to see Luna for lunch today at one o'clock! I have only thirty minutes... He did not finish his thought and hurried to the bathroom to get himself ready.

Aislinn was laying in the sofa, half dozing and half dreaming. She opened her eyes, looking around with tired eyes. Alastair has turned around my sleeping hours...but in exchange to that I got to spend more time with him, and it is worth it hehe... She thought and smiled like a fool. She sat up but felt that she had no energy to leave the sofa. She yawned and dozed into a half slumber.

She noticed that Raven was close. She could see her, but she could not really focus.

"Good morning," Aislinn yawned.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I feel as if I have forgotten something..." Luna said, irritated.

"You haven't." Nagini replied certainly. "You already went over your list thrice. Creme brule, check. Chicken soup, check. Attire and hair changed, check. Go over it twice more, check." she finished jokingly.

"Yes...I always have this feeling when something is happening. Easter with Elias's family was the worst; the feeling then was the most overwhelming I have ever..." she put her book away and stood from the table, walking into the dining room.

The table was set with chicken soup, just as Elias had requested, with spells to keep it warm. Freshly baked bread and ice-cold water were there as well. The creme brule remained cooled in the kitchen.

And I shall offer him a bit of wine when he sits down here...And after checking this table for the sixth time now, I can go back to reading until he arrives....Which should be any moment now...Back to reading; that will stop me from checking everything again...

She wore her hair down; it looked lovely when it was washed and left to dry naturally. She used her Disguise Mirror to put on a lovely dress...

Then, she added a ring.

"Good morning." Raven replied with a smile. I won't tell her just yet. I hate having information piled on top of me the moment I wake from my sleep. When she is fully awake, then... She took a seat on a nearby sofa, and looked around at the paintings on the walls. Perhaps I should consider painting again...Perhaps a painting that I create could be gifted to Luna...She would like that...I could ask her what sort of paintings she liked most.