Fandom The Gathering of Death Eater Children

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Dislike it? No, why? On the contrary, I like it...I am just too lazy sometimes that I have never thought of tying my hair so elegantly," Elias confessed with a laugh.

Lazy is one word I wouldn't dream of using to describe you...Now how to tell you that you mustn't forget how much I love this style? The look in Luna's eyes changed from indifferent to relieved to happy. "It seems as though my imagination has come to life before me." she said genuinely. "From my point of view, this style suits you so wonderfully, and, if possible, adds to your charm and elegance. I would be quite pleased if you chose to wear it this way again." I succeeded in wording that accurately. Please, do wear this with the other ensemble. Ah, it would be perfect to take a picture of him, just like that.

"What colors do you favor to wear? Besides green and black..." He asked and finished his tea. "Would you like another drink by the way?"

"Mmm..." Luna thought for a moment. "Yes, please," she took the final sip of her lemonade. "another would be lovely. As for the colours I prefer..." she thought for a moment, looking to the ceiling. I will decline white, pink, red, orange, yellow...Green is charming, if it is the right shade....Blue is lovely as well, and of course, the darker shades. More of a midnight blue...Brown has never been my favorite...Oh, purple and grey... "Besides green and black, the darker shades of purple and blue can be quite appealing." she said decidedly after a moment of contemplation. "Grey can be worn as well, but in moderation." she finished. "Don't dare think of lighter colours; white, orange, yellow and pink are my greatest enemies." she said in a dangerously serious tone, although her eyes told him that she was joking. "And you?" she smiled, returning his question.

She refrained from including red in the warning, as she didn't wish to make him feel guilty for the dress in France.

"Well...we will take a walk...in the town...window shopping and then walk down to the port and the beach and enjoy the view of the sea..." She read from the scroll.

Reign nodded, extending an open hand to take back the scroll. He rolled it up and replaced it inside a fold in his kimono. He offered her his arm so that they could walk together, and proceeded to lead them to the town. He remained quiet as she carried out the task known as 'window shopping'.

"Yes, yes...I've heard them say that before. It is a task carried out by both magical, and non-magical people. They simply stroll through the markets and peer at the items within the shops through the windows...Rather odd that they do not purchase anything." Nova shrugged. "But with ladies-" he advised "-they tend to change their minds and go from 'window shopping' to physical shopping, so be certain to bring galleons along as well as Muggle currency. There's another strange thing about humans; they use currency to 'pay' for items that they purchase in stores...I will never understand their eccentricities." he shook his head.

"Uhm...may I?" She gave him an odd look.

"Hmm?" he raised his eyebrows, a patient look in his eyes; he was expecting her to ask if she could have a normal bed rather than a Japanese style bed to rest for the night. He was prepared to wait for quite a while for her to decide how to phrase it.

"May we sit in front of the scenery and I rest my head on your lap? Eh..." She shrugged and blushed at the same time.

He smiled, laughing softly. "My lady, " he began honestly, rising from his seat and offering her a hand to help her up "that sounds so picturesque; it is as if you read my mind. I desired the very same thing, and yet I feared that, worded inaccurately, my desire would be rejected. Please do." he smiled again, an adoring look in his eyes.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Elias ordered another glass of lemonade to Luna and a glass of watermelon juice for himself.

"Usually black...I prefer to combine it with other colors such as white, dark red, green, blue and grey..." He replied. "Though if I would wear one color in one outfit, black will always be my choice…" He explained.

Melody walked down to the town, arm in arm with Reign. She was not interested in entering any of the shops today but viewing the peculiar muggle items in the window displays. In the corner of her eye she noticed that people was staring at them.

...What's the matter with these people? I look alike an ordinary girl. They cannot see that I am a witch because I am wearing muggle clothes... She thought confused and proceeded to walk with Reign.

Though she could not help but look at almost everyone who seemed to stare at them. When she met their eyes, she noticed the odd glances they were casting her way.

...I have been visiting this place and many other muggle places before, never in my life have I ever encountered people staring oddly at me...

"Mum, is that a girl?" An eight-year-old child with pigtails and a big doll in her arms, asked, nudging the hand of her mother and pointing at Reign. The child was walking with her mother, proceeding on the opposite direction that they crossed ways with both Reign and Melody who were walking down the road.

"Shush, it is rude to point at people," The mother corrected her child, but she could not help but glancing oddly at Reign as she walked past with her child. "That must be a very queer lady..." She muttered for herself and shook her head.

Melody was too surprised to witness all this that she become speechless and did not know what to say to Reign. She had understood that people were staring at him because of his different attire and appearance. She started to walk a little faster to get quickly away from all the muggles who were staring so oddly at them.

They soon reached the port and the beach, where a few muggles were present because of the cloudy sky. She took a deep breath and took in the scent of the sea.

"Ahh…" She breathed, enjoying both the fresh air and the view.

"Really?!" Aislinn was visibly surprised yet very happy. She could never imagine that she would get the same idea as Alastair, that they would desire the same thing. "Thank you..." She nearly stuttered and blushed even more. ...it means that we are just a perfect match...when desiring the same thing...ah... She thought and giggled.

She waited for him to sit down comfortably in front of the view of the garden and the moon, before she laid down and rested her head in his lap. She was supposed to relax, but she was feeling to excited about the idea that they both had desired the same thing that she could hardly relax. ...I hope he won't notice how excited and nervous I feel... She stifled a laugh. ...I wish I could stop the time right here and right now and enjoy this moment over and over again....something delicious to eat for dinner and then enjoying this view of the moon and charming garden together with someone you love...ah I feel so happy..

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Usually black...I prefer to combine it with other colors such as white, dark red, green, blue and grey..." He replied. "Though if I would wear one color in one outfit, black will always be my choice..." He explained.

Watermelon juice...not something I pictured him ordering... "And black is the best colour of all." Luna agreed with a nod. There had been something she wanted to ask him, but she had forgotten. She didn't say anything, quietly trying to remember, a distant look in her eyes and a bothersome feeling in her chest.

Reign ignored everyone's stares. When the girl with pigtails spoke, he sighed quietly.

"It makes absolutely no sense that they stop and stare, or speak loudly about someone who looks unique, like you and I. I think that it is ludicrous that they all look the same!" Nova had said in annoyance.

He was grateful when Melody finally decided to walk faster, and he chose to quicken his pace as well.

Reign took in a deep breath, his eyes relaxed; it was clear that he was enjoying the sea's view and scent as much as she was.

"Don't give her flowers." Diana warned. "I think that they take it as a sign of a more 'romantic' relationship. Right now, you need to be her 'friend' and then move to a more romantic phase later on. Try sweet things, if she likes those, and clothes. Thoughtful gifts come later, like her work space or home being tidied up so neatly as a surprise. Just no flowers." she warned him again, this time using her index finger to stress the importance of her words. "And give her a break! You just met her last night, and then you're going out with her today. Give her some time to actually miss you before you invite her out again. Maybe a week or so." she shrugged. "I'll keep you company until then." she promised with a friendly smile, embracing him.

When no one was looking, Reign held out his hand, as if he expected someone behind him to hand him something. And in his hand appeared a bouquet of strawberries cut to resemble flowers, on green sticks which resembled stems. They were arranged in a bouquet, kept together by white coloured paper shaped like a cone.

He offered it to her with a gentle smile. You cannot eat flowers, so these are not flowers.

"Really?!" Aislynn was visibly surprised yet very happy.

What a cute reaction.

"Thank you..." She nearly stuttered and blushed even more, giggling a moment later.

Alastair laughed softly, taking a seat in front of the view of the garden and the moon.

When she lay down, he thought This feels just as I hoped it would; and the scenery and weather make this absolutely perfect. She must be pleased; I am pleased as well. He looked down at her with a soft smile at his lips, and saw excitement in her eyes. "And if time could stop now..." he said softly, literally speaking his own thoughts, gently running his fingers through her hair. How fortunate I am that her desire coincided with mine...

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Is there something on your mind?" Elias asked and took a sip of his watermelon drink. "Or you are just feeling to excited about tomorrow?" He smiled.

…Perhaps if I tried to become best friends with him...she would at least treat me with respect... Alexis thought frustrated as he touched his check several times, caressing it over and over again, as if he still could feel Adela striking him right over his face. ...how weird.... trying to befriend a stranger who is not even a human in order to get closer to your own sister... He thought sarcastically. ...why does she hate me? I can sympathize with her that she hates August...but me? What the bloody hell have I done her to gain her hate?!.... tsk...is this normal among siblings? How does Flynn cope with his sister? He is younger than her...then we have one of the past students who is a younger sister of the headmaster...and she flounce around him as if he was a prince charming....I guess it is either my bad luck that I have a blind sister or I must have done something wrong in the past....sigh...if there was someone who I could ask for advice...

"Oh...thank you..." Melody took the bouquet with plain fresh strawberries on the sticks. She stared at the strawberries for a long minute, finding herself unable to eat one as if they were flowers and not berries. She had to force herself to eat one to be grateful towards Reign who was being so nice with her. She took a bite of one strawberry, chewing it slowly and enjoying its taste when it suddenly crossed her mind.

"Where did you get the strawberries from?" She asked curiously, looking confused at Reign with wide eyes. "According to the Gamp's law, food cannot be conjured from thin air." She ate a second strawberry, not being able to resist its delicate taste. ...I did not see him carry any bouquet of sort when we arrived at the village and took a stroll...perhaps he must have hidden it within his exotic robes... She thought and blushed.

Aislinn's heart raised several beats when she heard Alastair speaking her thoughts.

"And if time could stop now...."

...how sweet...we are thinking the same things... She took a deep breath of happiness and smiled as she gazed at the view of the moon.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Is there something on your mind?" Elias asked and took a sip of his watermelon drink. "Or you are just feeling too excited about tomorrow?" He smiled.

"I am especially excited about tomorrow..." she considered lying for a moment 'It was nothing.' she imagined saying. "However, I do have a bothersome feeling that I've forgotten something. " She decided against it, finding no reason to lie to him. "There was something important I wanted to tell you, but...I will inform you when I have remembered." she promised.

"You know-" Rosaleya said to Alexis "-I'm not a very interesting person. I'll probably bore you to death; you should go dance with someone more interesting." she advised him. "Sorry." she sighed.

Rosaleya sighed, frustrated. She was sitting in her room, reflecting upon last night's events.

It's bothering me, now! I am boring! But how can I become more interesting? Am I doomed to be the easily-forgettable, boring side-character? I've studied so many things, both magical, and Muggle, and yet, for all of my knowledge, I'm still boring as fudge. Even if I met my 'prince' character, he would find me boring and pursue some other, more interesting character. Crystal is very interesting. She's told me a lot about Luna and Aislynn, and they seem interesting. Vincent and, according to Crystal's stories, Robert, are both Oujidere. She lay back, resting her head on her pillow, her arms crossed across her chest so that she was hugging herself.

"You know-" Rosaleya said to Alexis "-I'm not a very interesting person. I'll probably bore you to death; you should go dance with someone more interesting." she advised him. "Sorry." she sighed.

Alexis took hold of both of her hands, and looked at her with genuine, pleading eyes. "I don't think that a more interesting person could possibly exist!" he insisted charmingly. "Please, princess, allow me to teach you how to dance myself. Otherwise, some other, selfish prince might steal you away...I cannot bear the thought! Come to the gardens so that your dancing lesson can begin." and when she rose from her seat he rushed her away to the gardens, where he taught her how to dance. "Now that you've learned...would you do me the honor of dancing the night away with me, princess?" he bowed to her, his hand extended so that they could dance.

"That wouldn't happen!" Rosaleya said in frustration, shaking her head to banish those thoughts. "I'm not a hopeless romantic." she sighed quietly. "I know that it's not real...It just hurts when I think of how it isn't real! Why can magic carpets and wands exist, and dragons and trolls, but not an actual romance?!"

Outside of her room, Crystal heard her speaking to herself. She firmly held a hand to her mouth to stop herself from laughing, before walking away. It's wrong of me to laugh, I know...but the simple absurdity of her wish...the fact that it's never going to happen...makes me laugh.

"Where did you get the strawberries from?" She asked curiously, looking confused at Reign with wide eyes. "According to the Gamp's law, food cannot be conjured from thin air." She ate a second strawberry, not being able to resist its delicate taste.

"They were prepared beforehand, to be summoned later." he replied. He summoned a second bouquet in the same fashion as when he had summoned hers, as part of his explanation. Summoning is not conjuring.

"So he gave her both?!" Diana laughed. "That's too funny! I said 'no flowers' and he loves strawberries and flowers, so he gave her both. I didn't expect that." she ate four cookies without taking a break, and then drank half of her tea in one go.

"Don't laugh at him when he comes back." Asmodeus advised, sipping his tea elegantly.

"And don't forget you have to give him a bit of room to breathe and sleep." Damien added quietly.

"Indeed." Malice added, even quieter.

"What?" Diana asked.

"Nothing." both Malice and Damien replied, before sharing a sly smile.

Reign savored one of the plain strawberries from his bouquet. Two-thirds of his were plain, one third was filled with whipped cream. He looked off into the sky, and into the sea, deeply enjoying every moment of silence and beauty. "You do not speak too frequently, or too loudly." Reign said a moment later, his grateful eyes meeting hers. "I enjoy the combination of silence and beauty." he said, his eyes to the scenery again.

Malice, Asmodeus, and Damien burst out in laughter.

"What's so funny about silence and beauty?" Diana asked, feeling foolish for not understanding the reason behind their laughter.

They looked at her for a moment, then started laughing again.

I don't get it! Is he referencing some book or poem that I haven't read? Maybe a Muggle film or song? A famous painting? Diana wondered. It made sense that he was talking about the serenity in the scenery. Or was he describing Melody? Or both? The way he spoke those words, I couldn't tell which one he meant.

Alastair had prepared to remain seated until Aislynn wished to return home. In the event that she fell asleep, he would have Raven transform her current clothes into suitable sleeping clothes and prepare Western-style beds for them to sleep in. Hell's food...It neither fills you completely, nor leaves you starved. You won't feel hungry for the same amount of time as normal food, and sometimes just a bit longer. You won't be thinking about eating or drinking too much, so it is in fact a good option. The fact that I did not think of this before, and had to have Reign insist that I serve her this tonight...It is rather foolish. She did not have to wait this long to enjoy Hell's food. He chastised himself. But there is no going back. Perhaps, when she looks back, she will remember that all of the food I served her was the very best? Perhaps she will understand my reasons for doing this? No...I fear that she will be blinded by her heartbreak at the fact that my heart beats for only one lady, and that lady is not Ms. Monroe.

"Yes, I did enjoy myself." Envy replied with a smile. "I'm going to see him again soon." she pointed to the date on her calendar. She had drawn a tiny bouquet of flowers on that day's square.

"I hope that you have a pleasant time. And that this one comes close to what you want."

"Thank you. You know, some brothers are so selfish or judgmental, but you've always let me do what I wanted, supporting me all the while with that smile of yours. Well, I have to go; Asmodeus is expecting me. We're going to play hide and seek." she said, a mischievous look in her eyes. "Diana is terrible at it, so she always loses first. Nova exposes others by making them laugh, so he makes it hard to stay hidden. But I will get Asmodeus this time." she said, determined. "Or, at least, Malice. He's teaching her all of his tricks, but she isn't as skilled as him, yet. However, Reign is just impossible; with his power, no one ever finds him." The way she spoke so determinedly about it made it sound much less like a 'children's game' and far more serious.

"Why don't you ask Asmodeus to teach you?"

"Because I want to get the better of him on my own."

 

[Hikari Chan]

"You will remember…" Elias nodded assuring. "Do not worry about it..." He smiled and drank the rest of his watermelon juice. "...Perhaps you feel too excited about the trip tomorrow that you cannot remember it now."

"Adela is being so silly, locking herself inside her office and crying..." Faeryn sighed and took a sip of her butterbeer.

"What happened to her?" Endewyne asked with a low tone, as she glanced at the other guests at the Three Broomsticks.

"I don't know... it was clearly visible from her eyes that she had been crying and she was nearly running as she walked past me and vanished into her office. I knocked at her, but it was in vain. She was very happy yesterday, so what's the matter with her today...?"

"Merlin knows…perhaps August was at her again...why did you even tell him about the vampire from the start?"

"Because I care about her-"

"But come on, she seems to be fine-"

"Vampires are monsters-"

"Faeryn, please-"

"Besides it does not matter if I had told him or not, we are both aware that he is trying to get Adela interested in Mulciber..."

Endewyne remained silent and drank her butterbeer as she was thinking about the matter.

"And Monroe...related to monsters..." Faeryn changed the subject, not caring about keeping her voice low. "I wonder how long her relationship with the dark mistress' brother will last…considering her relatives and the way she is...I cannot believe that he chose her...of all the ladies out there...he chose her?"

"Are you interested in him?"

"Huh? No…eh...I don't know him at all...though I admit that he looks very handsome and charming..."

"Aha...I cannot disagree with you..." Endewyne smiled quietly.

"Oh…" Melody blushed when she realized that she had asked Reign a stupid question. … of course, food can be summoned...I should have thought before asking... She thought embarrassed. "Of course…" She chuckled nervously and ate another strawberry.

"You do not speak too frequently, or too loudly." Reign said a moment later, his grateful eyes meeting hers. "I enjoy the combination of silence and beauty." he said, his eyes to the scenery again.

"Eh..." She blushed again. This time, because she felt flattered by his praise. "I am an introvert person..." She revealed. ...I think and daydream more than I speak...I feel relieved that he enjoys silence like I do... She thought happily as she ate the rest of her strawberries and enjoyed the view of the sea.

Aislinn was staring at the moon with drowsy eyes and she did not know how or when she fell asleep. In one moment, she was with Alastair in the temple and in another moment, she was with him, still resting her head on his lap, however they were in a boat, the moon reflecting over glittering dark water that surrounded them. Cherry blossom trees seemed to grow from the water, their branches dangling over the water. A sweet and soft violin music could be heard. It was too beautiful and to serene that she could not speak a word, worried that she would disturb the beautiful and serene night.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"You will remember..." Elias nodded assuring. "Do not worry about it..." He smiled and drank the rest of his watermelon juice. Luna had already finished her lemonade.

"Thank you." Luna tried to make herself believe his words.

"...Perhaps you feel too excited about the trip tomorrow that you cannot remember it now."

She nodded. I don't think that's it...But whatever the reason is, it won't help me to realize it. I just need to remember...what it was that I wanted to say. "Do you think that..." she paused for a moment, debating whether she should continue or abandon her sentence. "...you could possibly wear that 'simple outfit', and tie your hair back sometime during the trip?" she asked, deciding to continue, picturing him as Edmond Dantes. She could not disguise the hopeful look in her eyes. That would be the best part of the trip.

"I am an introvert person..." She revealed.

"Introvert? Well, there are introverts, and extroverts." Nova began, continuing to explain them both. "So, basically, you and I." he finished.

"Introvert..." Reign said thoughtfully, speaking the new word. "...It sounds perfect. Diana is an extrovert." he decided.

"Hey! If introvert is considered perfect, what does that make me?" Diana demanded, entering the room. She had clearly been eavesdropping.

"And I?" Nova asked, jokingly pretending to be offended. "I do not deserve to be in the same category as Diana, in any event."

"Hey!"

After they had admired the view for long enough, Reign offered his hand to Melody so that they could walk together and leave the town, and 'jump' back to Hogwarts. His intentions were clear with the way he offered her his hand, and the look in his eyes.

"Yes...He planned everything so that she could reveal her 'introvert' tendencies, and he could basically complain about me talking too much from all the way over there." Diana said boredly, an annoyed look in her eyes. "Can we stop talking about them now, please?"

"Good day, everyone." Envy said elegantly, greeting everyone at once.

"Oh, hi, Envy!" Diana said, cheering up at once. "You're late." she reminded her, offering her a hand to shake.

"You were early; that does not make me late." Envy stated kindly, shaking her hand.

"True." Asmodeus agreed with a smile, standing to welcome her with open arms. They embraced, sharing warm expressions, and as they did Damien and Malice stood as well.

"Shall we begin?" Asmodeus asked, taking a step back.

"Reign won't be playing with us today. He cancelled after last night's party in the Human Realm." Damien informed her.

"Which doesn't really make a difference; no one ever catches him anyway." Diana said logically.

Everyone gave her a look.

"Well...Asmodeus did find him that one time..." Diana said quickly. "And he did let me find him once..."

Alastair looked down at Aislynn, a gentle look in his eyes. He had noticed her fall asleep the moment it happened, and chose to remain sitting for an additional twenty minutes before calling quietly for Raven.

"Yes?" Raven asked.

"My lady has fallen asleep. I wish to sleep as well. Please use your magic to change her clothes as I prepare the beds."

"Of course." Raven nodded, gently levitating Aislynn so that Alastair could stand.

He thanked her, then walked past her to conjure the beds.

I can do it without seeing anything; I'm only transforming her clothes, so there's nothing wrong at all. I'll make sure to explain that to her when she wakes up so that she doesn't worry. Raven thought as she performed the spell. She gently placed her in her bed, which was closer to the window, and covered her with her blanket. The night would remain warm, so Alastair had chosen thin blankets appropriate for the weather. The bed was both firm and soft, and the pillow was perfect. "Goodnight, mistress." Raven said before approaching Alastair, who had changed behind a folding screen. "Is there anything else?" she asked.

"Besides the explanation that it was not I who performed the spell when she wakes, there is nothing else. Thank you." Alastair said appreciatively. "Good night."

When Aislynn wakes up, Alastair is still sleeping. He is wearing his sleeping kimono, and has moved a bit in his sleep so that the blankets no longer cover the upper half of his body. His kimono didn't reveal his chest this time, only his neck. He was sleeping on his back, his left hand at his side with the palm facing down, and the right hand next to his face with the palm facing upward.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Why..." Elias laughed. He was not questioning Luna or laughing at her suggestion, on the contrary he was rather laughing at the fact that she had literary revealed his surprise for her, for he had planned to surprise her with that certain look, which she had suggested, tomorrow. "I am amazed that we were thinking the same. A minute ago, I just thought about to surprise you with my simple outfit and hair tied tomorrow..." He smiled.

Melody took Reign's hand and returned to Hogwarts in the same manner as they had traveled to the village.

"...Ehm...Thank you for today..." She said gratefully. "I enjoyed the dinner and the visit to the village...I appreciate it..." She did not know what more to say and remained silent. She felt that she had said to many words at the same time and blushed because of her own effort in speaking.

When Aislinn woke up, she thought she was still dreaming when she discovered she was lying in a bed and dressed in silky pajamas. She closed her eyes and tried to wake up and get back to the state when she was resting her head on Alastair's lap, though she could impossibly wake herself up again since she already was awake and thus, she sat up in the bed, looking around. She recognized the place and understood that she was not dreaming anymore. She wondered how she had changed her own clothes and ended up sleeping in abed last night when she did not have any memory of it. She found Alastair sleeping on another bed besides her.

...Did he...? She did not finish her own thoughts and blushed deeply, her heart beating very fast. ...Just what exactly happened last night…? I don't even remember when I fell asleep... She thought as she left her bed and walked over to his. She looked down at him but did not have the heart to wake him up to ask him. She sighed deeply. He looked so charming, beautiful and elegant in his sleep. She bent down and kissed his forehead softly. She resisted her urge to lay down beside him and returned to her bed. She tried to get some more sleep but ended up changing position at least hundred times until she ended up with her head on the opposite side of the bed and her feet dangling down. She was waiting for him to wake up.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I am amazed that we were thinking the same. A minute ago, I just thought about to surprise you with my simple outfit and hair tied tomorrow..." He smiled.

Luna laughed softly, her surprise showing in her eyes. "I didn't expect that answer." she said honestly. A moment later, she asked "For tomorrow-" she tried to remember what time they had departed in the carriage to France, but failed "-will you be arriving at the manor, or will we meet at another place? And, when will we be departing?" I need to make sure that I have everything, and that I am still an hour early.

"...Ehm...Thank you for today..." She said gratefully. "I enjoyed the dinner and the visit to the village...I appreciate it..."

Reign listened with a gentle look in his eyes. "Thank you." he said. 'The honor was all mine' his eyes said. He handed her another bouquet of strawberries. This one was covered in clear plastic, and a note was attached:

Preservative Charm - These strawberries will remain fresh and cool until the charm wears off in precisely seventy-two hours, or when the plastic is torn. Please enjoy.

"Zaichyen." He bowed elegantly, rose, and then turned to walk a few steps before jumping. When he was high enough so that the clouds blocked everyone's view of him, he disappeared. He had spoken his goodbye in Chinese, something he liked to do when he grew tired of the usual parting phrases.

A half-hour after Aislynn had awoken, Alastair opened his eyes. He sat up and glanced over at Aislynn, smiling in an amused way.

"Good morning, my lady." Alastair said, abandoning his bed to stand by hers. Once they had exchanged greetings, he became very serious. "You fell asleep last night after dinner. Ravenna performed a spell to transform your previous attire into suitable clothes for rest as I prepared for sleep." his expression clearly told her that he hadn't seen anything, and neither had Raven; all was well. "I asked her to inform you when you woke, but it appears that Luna summoned her for something. I did not wish for you to sleep in uncomfortable attires the other times that you've fallen asleep in the past, but I feared that you would not believe me when I said that nothing had happened. However, you told me that you trusted me, and I know that I wouldn't dream of harming you." he gave her a pleasant smile before moving on. "The carriage is just outside-" Raven returned just now and was waiting at the open sliding doors, part of the carriage visible behind her. "-and we will fly to Rouen." Needless to say, we will bathe in the bathrooms of our respective bedrooms on the way there, and change into suitable attires. "You are going to meet Malice for tea in an hour, at Antique." he reminded her, kindly hinting that she should dress appropriately. "And, if you so desire, I could do something charming with your hair." he offered temptingly. "I will not be joining you, as I have a meeting scheduled with Reign and Nova. If you need anything at all, our meeting place is comfortable close to yours, so do not worry." he held up his pin, reminding her that they still had the pins that they used for missions to communicate. 'You should wear yours' his eyes suggested.

"How did everything go?" Diana asked with a calm smile. Her voice was unusually soft and kind.

Reign looked at her; he was surprised that those words had come from her mouth; she sounded like a different person. Her gentle countenance was surprising as well. She was sitting in the garden, admiring the view of the moon over the waters.

"Very well." he replied honestly.

"That's lovely. I just wanted to know if you needed anything."

He shook his head.

"Well-" she smiled, standing up. "-that's all I wanted. If you need anything, please let me know. I hope that you rest well." She walked past him, and left without another word.

Reign remained in the garden for a moment, still surprised. It was as if, for that brief moment, part of Alastair had taken Diana's form.

"Why do you look so worried?" Asmodeus asked. "I've already told you, there's nothing wrong with Diana."

Reign stared at him for a moment, a deeply serious look in his eyes.

He's not going to go away. Asmodeus thought tiredly. "Alright." he sighed after a minute. "She asked me to fix her, and I did. She expressed dissatisfaction with herself. She told me that she wanted to be perfect for you, and couldn't help but grow desperate as none of her attempts seemed to work. So she nearly begged...Well, she did beg quiet desperately...To give her the potion which releases the dormant qualities within one's self. She is still Diana, but now she is acting the way she wanted to. What the potion really does is banish the doubts and constraints which normal people have to keep them from truly being themselves. She always claimed that she didn't hold back, but she was lying. This calmer, more polite version of Diana is what she truly wanted to be, and what she believed everyone else would love more than her previous self."

"Asmodeus; I asked you not to tell anyone." Diana said, entering the room. "But I suppose that lies will only complicate things."

Reign turned to her, and opened his mouth to speak, but Diana held up her hand to stop him.

"Don't start by saying that this is your fault; I see that apologetic look in your eyes. I can see that I was a bothersome creature before, but allow me to make up for that now. I don't want to be remembered as 'that representative of gluttony who was so loud and selfish'. I want to be remembered, by you most of all, as someone calm and gentle, dependable and loyal. And if you really hate it that much, he can always change me back with the antidote potion." she said logically. It was a figure of speech. There is no antidote potion.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"I was about to inform you about the trip tomorrow..." Elias smiled. "Make sure you pack everything you need for ten days, because we will return the 13th July. The cruise will leave from Bristol at five o'clock in the afternoon. We will leave with carriage from your manor at one 'clock in the afternoon. So I will meet you at your place. It will be the most convenient..."

"Eh..." Melody was both surprised to receive another bouquet with strawberries and confused about the last thing Reign said when he bowed to her and left by jumping up in the air. ...Just what did he say…? She thought confused, looking at the empty spot where he had stood a moment ago. ...it must be an exotic language... She reasoned and walked back to the castle.

When she entered, no one looked her way, but Faeryn who had returned from Hogsmeade just before Melody had arrived back from her trip with Reign.

"Where did you get that from?" Faeryn asked curiously as soon as she noticed the strawberry bouquet.

"It's a gift…" Melody forced herself to reply and hurried to get to her office.

"From? Who gifted you a bouquet with strawberries?" Faeryn followed her all the way in the east corridor on the first floor.

"Merlin's beard..." Endewyne sighed. "Leave her alone..."

"I also want to have a bouquet with strawberries!"

"Perhaps it is a gift from her date today…" Mary Jane revealed without thinking. She had just walked out from her office when she heard voices outside.

"Oh…will you share with us?" Faeryn asked.

"Merlin's beard, miss Travers, would you share your gifts from your date?" Mary Jane was not asking.

Endewyne was just standing and watching, wondering if Faeryn had too much butterbeer today.

"It is fine..." Melody spoke, surprising the girls. ...It is fine, I had a bouquet of strawberries for myself so I can share this one... She thought. "I will share...with you all…"

"Good morning..." Aislinn replied dreamily, looking up at Alastair with a romantic smile. Her facial expression faltered as soon as he suddenly became very serious.

"Ehh..." She half listened to him when he explained about the last night.

"...I will not be joining you, as I have a meeting scheduled with Reign and Nova. If you need anything at all, our meeting place is comfortable close to yours, so do not worry." he held up his pin, reminding her that they still had the pins that they used for missions to communicate. 'You should wear yours' his eyes suggested.

"...I know..." She sighed. "I am always wearing it..." She reminded him in return and smiled.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I was about to inform you about the trip tomorrow..." Elias smiled.

How comical.

"Make sure you pack everything you need for ten days, because we will return the 13th July. The cruise will leave from Bristol at five o'clock in the afternoon. We will leave with carriage from your manor at one 'clock in the afternoon. So I will meet you at your place. It will be the most convenient..."

Pack enough for twelve days, just in case something happens to one or two of the days' worth of items. Be ready at my manor at twelve pm tomorrow. Understood. "I understand." Luna nodded with an excited yet determined look in her eyes that said she wouldn't forget the details. "I enjoyed today's outing. For now, I am eager to start packing." she smiled as she rose from her seat. "Thank you for the drinks, and have a pleasant day." I'm so excited to start packing; I want to go over it once when I'm done, then re-check. That way, I can sleep peacefully and wake up without worrying about packing in the morning. Perhaps I will use Alastair's novel to pass the time in the morning.

"...I know..." She sighed. "I am always wearing it..." She reminded him in return and smiled.

Always? That is a good thing to know; I never noticed. I assumed she only wore it during the missions.

Once inside the carriage, Alastair bowed to Aislynn before excusing himself, closing the door to his room behind him.

After he had showered quickly and dressed in a black Victorian suit with a top hat, he knocked gently on Aislynn's door. "You did not reply to my offer to do your hair, my lady." Alastair said politely through the door, just loud enough for her to hear him. "My offer still stands." he smiled.

"Yes; I thought that it would be the perfect meeting place." Nova smiled as he walked with Reign to the exit of the plaza; they had just gone shopping for new clothes. Nova was dressed in a white dress shirt with peasant's sleeves, and a black vest with a red rose protruding from the breast pocket. He wore black pants and slightly heeled dress shoes. His hair was styled in its usual way, and the first two buttons of his dress shirt weren't buttoned, giving him both an elegant, and simple look.

"You're dressed very well today, as always." Diana said honestly, having been on her way into the plaza. "It is lovely to see you dressed to charmingly as well, Reign." she smiled, addressing Reign now. He was dressed in a dark blue kimono today, which was made of a lighter material, and his hair was tied up in its usual style. As always, he carried his sword with him.

"Why thank you, Diana." Nova said politely.

"What's wrong with Diana?!" Nova asked quietly the moment she had passed them and there was six feet of space between them.

Reign sighed.

"Disguise Mirror." Luna read off her list.

"Check." Nagini replied.

Luna checked 'Disguise Mirror' off of her list before moving on to the next item. "Spy Mirror."

"Check."

"All done." Luna said, placing the list with her things. "If I keep the list, then I can check them off again after the trip is over so that I can confirm that I still have everything." she said to herself. She did this with every trip. Unless she was travelling with Alastair, who always seemed to bring her back before she needed anything she hadn't already brought with her.

"Go to sleep." Nagini advised. "You don't need to check that list a fifth time." she said reasonably.

"You're right. I'm off to bed." she nodded, heading toward the bathroom with her toothbrush in mind.

In the morning, she awoke with excitement in her eyes, and immediately headed toward the bathroom. Not long afterward she was seated in the labyrinth's center, reading Alastair's novel and eating a green apple. She planned to read until Elias arrived. She wore a long black dress with a very modest sweetheart neckline and no sleeves. It was made out of cotton so that she wasn't too hot; she imagined that the temperature on the boat would be higher than the current temperature. The straps were ornamented with tiny dark purple roses and thin vines with small leaves were embroidered with dark green string. It gives the effect that the roses are growing from the straps. I like the detail that I added. Around the waist, a ribbon of dark purple chiffon was tied, making a cute bow in the back. Her hair was done in an elegant braided style, and tied with a bow that matched the one at her back.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"I will see you tomorrow then," Elias smiled. "I wish you a pleasant day as well, I hope you enjoy packing..."

"Thank you," Faeryn smiled, taking one stick with a strawberry when Melody held out the bouquet.

Endewyne followed her example, because she did not wish to create an awkward feeling by watching others enjoying strawberries.

When Mary Jane had taken one stick with a strawberry as well, Melody took one for herself and placed the rest in a vase which she placed in the middle of the round cafe table in her office.

She remained quiet as they all positioned themselves around the table. It was an awkward moment since the girls never used to hang together before. It used to be Melody with Mary Jane, while Faeryn and Endewyne used to be with Adela.

Melody wondered where the third one was, finding it strange that she was not with her two friends as usual. ...could it be because of…? She thought for herself, remembering the last meetings to practice music with some of the professors, sympathizing with both Faeryn and Endewyne as she remembered the situations between them and Adela at the last meetings. ...miss Dolohov must be crazy, choosing to hang with a vampire rather than her two friends... Melody thought, twirling the stick with its strawberry between her right thumb and forefinger.

Faeryn and Endewyne exchanged looks with each other and then glanced at Mary Jane who was studying them with the look that gave them the feeling that they were uninvited. Faeryn smiled nervously and took a bite of her strawberry, finding it very delicious.

"Would you like some green tea?" Melody asked kindly, breaking the awkward silence.

"Thank you, but we don't want to bother you-" Endewyne began, trying to find a way to leave with Faeryn.

"You are not bothering at all," Melody smiled and waved with her wand towards the small kitchen corner in her office.

After the tea had brewed and been prepared, four teacups and a teapot with hot steaming green tea flew over to the table and landed softly and steadily. Melody waved her wand at the teapot to pour tea in the four cups.

"Please take some more..." She offered as she gestured towards the strawberries.

Faeryn was the only who reached out her hand towards the delicate strawberries. Endewyne did not dare to take a second one, since Mary Jane's looks made her to feel awkward. The latter thought that the bouquet was for Melody and that she should not take more. She did not know that her friend already had one bouquet for herself earlier during the evening.

Aislinn, dressed in the same elegant and formal attire which she had been wearing when she had visited the magical theater in Rouen with Alastair, opened the door when he knocked.

"You did not reply to my offer to do your hair, my lady." Alastair said politely through the door, just loud enough for her to hear him. "My offer still stands." he smiled.

She had combed her hair down, however she did not mind his offer.

"You may do whatever you like with my hair, as long as it looks decent..." She laughed and caressed his cheek.

"Lily, may I ask you for a favor?" Elias asked Lily as they enjoyed a late breakfast together in the garden. Everything was ready, the carriage and his trunk. Their house-elf had packed everything he needed, and he was dressed in his simple outfit. However, his hair was down as he had been struggling with tying an elegant bow when he tried to tie it behind his neck.

"Of course..." She replied and taking a sip of her orange juice.

"To comb my hair and tie it with a ribbon?"

She nearly choked on the chocolate spread sandwich she was eating.

"To what?" She had hardly believed her ears when he had told her what he requested as favor.

Elias sighed and repeated his words slowly.

Lily chewed on her sandwich and did not speak a word until she had finished it.

"Alright, are you going somewhere?"

"Yes, I am going on a trip with Luna."

"Oh...I also like to come...please...I also want to-"

"I am sorry, but you cannot join us-"

"Then I won't do your hair!"

Elias sighed and put down his fork and leaned across the table, taking Lily's hands in his both.

"Please," He smiled. "I will bring you a nice gift..." He promised and her eyes shone of excitement when she heard the word 'gift'. He released her hands and leaned back in his chair. "Besides, it is our date...I mean..." He paused for a moment, pondering how he should phrase it for his sister in order to make her to understand that she could not join. "Imagine you would go on a trip with your date, you would not ask me or father to join you, would you?"

She frowned and gave him an odd look.

"I don't think so..." She finally replied and laughed.

"Good afternoon, my lady," Elias bowed for Luna when he appeared in the center of the labyrinth ten minutes before the appointed time. He was wearing his simple outfit, his hair elegantly tied back with a black silky ribbon.

"What a charming dress," He smiled, meaning that she looked as beautiful and charming as always.
"Do you have everything ready?"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"You may do whatever you like with my hair, as long as it looks decent..." She laughed and caressed his cheek.

"My lady, dressing as elegantly as always." He smiled warmly and then walked forward one step, kissing her gently on her right cheek. At the same time, his hand was caressing her left cheek.

Then, the distance between them seemed to grow in an instant, and he was standing behind the chair in front of her dresser, gesturing to it so that she could take her seat.

"Is everything to your satisfaction, my lady?" Alastair asked when he was finished, taking a step back.

"Marvelous." he smiled.

Then, as if on queue, they started their descent.

The bakery was just as enchanting as it had been the previous time.

"Good morning." Malice greeted them with an elegant curtsy when they arrived at her table. "It's a pleasure to see you." she said, standing and offering her hand to Alastair, then Aislynn to shake.

"I do hope that you have a lovely time." Alastair smiled, bidding them both farewell before leaving the cafe.

"The desserts here are the absolute best." Malice said, looking to the place where they would order. "Because a demon owns this place. You wouldn't guess by looking at him, but Damien works here in his free time. He's making desserts and breads in the kitchens as we speak."

All of these places owned by demons. She never thought twice about it, and I suppose she is really surprised now to find out just how many places in the Human Realm Hell's inhabitants own, work in, or reside.

"Good afternoon, my lady," Elias bowed for Luna when he appeared in the center of the labyrinth ten minutes before the appointed time. He was wearing his simple outfit, his hair elegantly tied back with a black silky ribbon.

Such an elegant bow. He looks like a dream. Even more so than before. And the bow is a lovely touch. "I have no words to describe my delight." Luna smiled after she had returned his greeting. She clearly meant his appearance.

"What a charming dress," He smiled, meaning that she looked as beautiful and charming as always.

"Thank you."

"Do you have everything ready?"

"Yes. I am certain that I have everything necessary." she said, completely certain of herself. "Raven is going to watch Nagini so that nothing happens to her." she said, more to herself than anyone else.

Meanwhile, Raven was kindly loading Luna's single suitcase into Elias's carriage. Why settle for a long carriage ride when you could have me fly you there so quickly? She wondered, slightly annoyed at Luna's choice.

Why... Luna thought as she walked toward the carriage with Elias. Why do I have the sudden urge for him to kiss me right now? Is it because...he's dressed up in that way? I expected to feel this way once we were at the Theatre, or perhaps even during the cruise...He doesn't have to know. She concentrated on keeping her desire hidden. But this isn't a normal desire that I have. I don't usually think this way...

 

[Hikari Chan]

It was as if the moment froze when he kissed her cheek. Aislinn smiled dreamily and took her seat in front of her dresser so that Alastair could make her hair.

"Is everything to your satisfaction, my lady?" He asked when he was finished, taking a step back.

"It is lovely, thank you," She replied with a smile after she had examined her hairstyle in the mirror.

"Marvelous." he smiled.

The landed in front of the cafe where they met Malice inside.

"Good morning." Malice greeted them with an elegant curtsy when they arrived at her table. "It's a pleasure to see you." she said, standing and offering her hand to Alastair, then Aislinn to shake.

"Good morning, Malice, it is a pleasure to see you too," Aislinn replied kindly and shook hand with her.

"I do hope that you have a lovely time." Alastair smiled, bidding them both farewell before leaving the cafe.

"The desserts here are the absolute best." Malice said, looking to the place where they would order. "Because a demon owns this place. You wouldn't guess by looking at him, but Damien works here in his free time. He's making desserts and breads in the kitchens as we speak."

"Oh..." Aislinn was visibly surprised. She had not been expecting this place to be owned by demons but by wizards. It was also very surprising that of all the demons, Damien was the one working at this cafe. She could not help but wonder what demons found so interesting about spending time

She ordered one large cinnamon bun, one large chocolate muffin and one chocolate filled croissant by first choosing from the display and then looking down at the tiles that displayed pictures of the desserts she had chosen and then speaking out aloud "Please" so that her choices plated by themselves and flew over to Malice's table. Aislinn also ordered a glass with cold chocolate milk drink. ...I hope it is not mandatory to drink tea today…? She thought and then changed her mind and ordered a cup of tea as well, hoping it won't look odd that she had two drinks at the same time.

The ride with the carriage took only one hour, during which Elias was enjoying the view from one of the windows. He was feeling to excited about the trip to sit down. They landed softly in a wizarding area, a large square and marketplace, which was shielded from the views of the muggles by high brick and stone walls. It was moderately crowded during the afternoon. Wizarding families were out, shopping and enjoying a late lunch or just ice cream. Children were running and playing around at the open space, however they kept close to their parents at the same time.

"This way, my lady," Elias smiled, leading the way towards one of the highest building with tall front doors and windows and grey-white exterior. He held up the door open for Luna to enter first before he entered. They entered a light and round hallway, with white-grey marbled floor and a high ceiling and chandelier with enchanted candles that seemed to burn in eternity. It was less crowded than it had been outside. Wizards and witches, mostly couples were queuing to the right corner and to the left corner of the hallway. They were buying their tickets for the cruise in the right corner and making their way towards the cruise by simply walking through the open arched doorway in the left corner.

"You may sit meanwhile I buy our tickets if you don't feel to stand in this queue," Elias gestured towards the white elegant Victorian benches that was placed under each window. "I won't take long," He smiled.

It only took him three minutes to purchase the tickets and payed with his payment quill as usual It did not take long to stand in line because everything went so smoothly. When Elias was done, he offered his arm to Luna and led the way towards the left corner of the hallway. When they had walked through the open arched doorway, they entered a marbled corridor with enchanted candle sticks on the wall and a high ceiling. The corridor led the way towards another arched open doorway at the end of it and as soon as they passed through it, they entered a caved dock where the grand ship was awaiting them and everyone who had planned to board it today. Magical torched lights attached to the stoned walls lit up the cave. It was neither cold or too hot, but a gentle atmosphere with the scent of fresh air and the hint of the scent of the sea. The glittering dark underground water could be glimpsed in the interstice between the ship and the edge of the cave floor, as they walked up for the iron stairs to enter the ship.

Elias showed their tickets to a sailor who was checking of everyone's tickets before allowing anyone to walk up through the stairs and enter the ship.

The interior of the ship was of rosewood with carpeted corridors and stairs and enchanted chandeliers and candlesticks.

"It will take about five minutes before we reach the open sea," Elias explained for Luna as soon as they had entered the ship. "However, this ship won't board until a couple of hours later I got us a first-class suit with two separated bedrooms, bathrooms and one sitting room. This cruise will take about two full days to reach Venice. What do you desire to do now? Would you like to see our suit first and relax, or would you like to explore the ship, eat something light or drink something refreshing?” He smiled.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Malice ordered a raspberry tart, and a lemon meringue tart, being in the mood for fruit rather than chocolate flavors. She had plain milk and lavender tea to drink.

"Lavender tea." Damien smiled, approaching their table after they had taken their seats again. "Two tears ordered, one being lavender tea, was the signal for your arrival." he thanked Malice with a kind look he gave her.

He offered his hand to Aislynn to shake, a pleasant smile on his face. "It is so nice to see you again. While you were here, I merely wanted to exchange greetings."

He's genuinely happy to see her. Malice thought. I wonder what she thinks of the way he looks today compared to how she first saw him.

He was wearing glasses in this world, and had made no effort to hide his yellow eyes. He wore a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to just above his elbows, black dress pants, and a plain black apron. His wild hair had been brushed and tied back in a high ponytail.

"Have a pleasant day." he smiled, returning to the kitchens. He hadn't stayed long enough to do much more than exchange greetings and shake hands. Some peoples' stares followed him, but most of the visitors there had better taste than to keep on staring.

"Ms. Monroe." Malice said a moment later. She hadn't touched her desserts, yet, and it seemed that she wasn't looking forward to something. "I owe you an apology." she spoke bravely, her tone very serious. "When you visited Hell, you played a game with Alastair and the others; the one with the illusions?" she paused, to make sure that she recalled it. "It is never that confusing; I am the one that ruined the game that time. You see; I usually win points on creativity by confusing the others. I created the false hallways and the other things, but Reign saw through them. Everyone else had a difficult time like they usually do, so I won the game. However, if I had known that you were visiting on that day, I wouldn't have ruined the game for you as well." she apologized sincerely. "Please accept my apology. I intend to apologize to Alastair as well; my illusions that time were more powerful than usual, confusing even him, so he ended up looking useless during your first time." First impressions are the most important. It is I who ruined her perception of one of Alastair's favorite games, and thus she may never wish to play it with him again. I am apologizing for him, so that they can perhaps play it again together the proper way. Asmodeus was right; what I did was wrong.

Once they had all exchanged greetings, they took their seats.

"Such lovely weather today; I thought that our meeting place should be outside." Nova said.

The restaurant had many outdoor tables, with large umbrellas to shield the customers from the sunlight. The landscaping was like a lovely park; lots of trees, flowers and grass, and a small lake that only added to the charm. They sat on wicker chairs with cushions, and the tables were made out of the same material. Every fifteen feet there was a three-tier stone fountain filtering silver-blue water.

"Yes, Envy picked a lovely place." Alastair agreed.

"Good day, everyone." a voice said politely.

"Good day, Dante." Alastair said, surprised. He had been surprised at first to see Envy there, and was now surprised to see that her brother was joining them as well.

Everyone else proceeded to greet him.

He wore black dress pants and black Victorian boots that stopped just under his knees, having a very slight heel to them. The bow around his neck was a solid dark purple, and he wore a white dress shirt and a dark purple vest/tailcoat.

"I did not expect to see you here as well; it's a pleasant surprise." Alastair said as Dante took his seat.

"It is a pleasure to see you." Dante agreed.

"So, shall we order?" Nova asked.

Three minutes later, their table was covered in delectable foods: Caprese sandwiches, pasta salad, potato salad, cucumber yogurt and mint salad, Caesar salad, and fresh summer fruits. The dressings remained on the side for everyone to put as they pleased. Envy indulged in black mead, Nova had mango juice, Alastair and Reign had iced water, and Dante had a Bloody Mary. Reign ate everything with chopsticks, having chosen Caprese horderves rather than a sandwich. As usual, his eyes remained at the scenery.

"The purpose of this meeting-" Alastair began after a few minutes "-was to explain the proper actions to take once Ms. Monroe's affinity for me has vanished."

"The rules are that, unless she specifically visits a place that she knows to be owned by a demon...Or if she sees one of us in passing and initiates a conversation herself, we are not to interact with her. The exceptions are: if she is in danger and absolutely cannot defend herself, or if another demon breaks the rules and tries to do something foolish and harmful to her, you are to stop them at all costs."

"So, if she visits Antique or Sakura Temple one day, Damien and Reign are allowed to greet her?" Nova asked.

"Yes, because she knows that the bakery and temple are owned by demons. I expect that after her encounters with me, she wouldn't wish to speak with anyone of our kind for a very long while, if ever at all."

Everyone showed some visual sign that they understood.

"Should we give you some space as well?" Nova asked. He wasn't joking.

"No, that won't be necessary." Alastair replied. "I've already prepared myself, and I find that when I'm expecting something terrible to happen, my reaction isn't as bad as if it was a surprise to me. I chose these rules because, during that time, I expect that I myself will pity her and attempt to reach out to comfort her. However, this is something that none of us should do." he said, his eyes momentarily filled with sadness. But it was only for a moment, and then he had returned to his usual jovial self.

"Originally, Reign and I were going to spread the word amongst everyone else, but since you two make such lovely company..." Nova said to Envy and Dante.

"Very well, then. Shall we continue on with our lunch?" Alastair suggested.

"Speaking of lovely, who finds it amusing that the feared Damien is working at a bakery?" Nova asked, smiling in an amused way.

"I never expected that." Envy admitted. "And the fact that he took designing the place and working in it so seriously, and that he still does...When did you find out that he worked there?" she asked Alastair.

"When we met; he told me that he had always seen me there but didn't know how to explain why he worked there." Alastair replied.

"It was easy to understand why Asmodeus bought the Theatre of Game; it suits his personality." Dante remarked. "Or why Reign purchased Sakura Temple."

During the carriage ride, Luna read Alastair's book. While they were making their way to the place where they would purchase their tickets, she remained silent, taking in everything that she was seeing.

"This way, my lady," Elias smiled, leading the way towards one of the highest building with tall front doors and windows and grey-white exterior.

She thanked him when he held open the door for her. She was curious as to how they would get to the boat itself. She chose to stand with him in the queue when he offered her a seat. She felt that she had remained seated during the entirety of the morning, and the carriage ride, so she truly wished to stand or walk.

Contrary to her expectations, it only took three minutes to purchase the tickets. She looked away when he wrote down the amount with his payment quill. I'll try not to look when he pays...I already feel guilty that he is paying for all of this...And I am worried to see what the rooms look like. Five star accommodations always have five star prices.

"How interesting..." she said, surprised at how they had reached the boat. The interior wasn't insufferably bright, or too floral, as she had imagined.

"It will take about five minutes before we reach the open sea," Elias explained for Luna as soon as they had entered the ship. "However, this ship won't board until a couple of hours later I got us a first-class suit with two separated bedrooms, bathrooms and one sitting room. This cruise will take about two full days to reach Venice. What do you desire to do now? Would you like to see our suit first and relax, or would you like to explore the ship, eat something light or drink something refreshing?” He smiled.

First class is the most expen- No, don't think about that. Relax...What do I want to do? I don't quite feel like relaxing just yet, so I think that a bit of walking would be nice. "I would like to explore the ship and end our exploration in the suite, where I intend to prepare myself for dinner. At the moment, I am not hungry, although, if you are, I wouldn't mind keeping you company as you ate. You are a strong man, so you require more sustenance than I." she said realistically, warning him not to skip lunch for her sake. And after our tour of the ship, I intend to dress for dinner elegantly, and enjoy a lovely meal. I wonder if you can eat outside and see the waves at night like the time that Alastair took me for a cruise. That was a lovely time. He said that he knew the captain, so he gave us first-class suites at the price of the regular rooms. Alastair is so wonderful in that way; he seems to know everyone important, doing them little favors that they don't forget. It makes for a very nice trip when you're paying regular prices for the most lavish things...How am I so lucky to have such a wonderful brother...

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Hello Damien," Aislinn replied politely, shaking hands with Damien and then turned her attention to her croissant because she was hungry and had not eaten any breakfast before she arrived to the cafe.

She did not reply him when he wished her and Malice a pleasant day. Since Aislinn had found him as an odd character the first time they had met, she did not care about him. It was enough to be polite and she would not try the slightest to be more friendly. She took a large bite of her croissant and wondered why Malice did not touch her desserts. ...What is she waiting for…? Aislinn thought oddly.

"Ms. Monroe." Malice said a moment later. She hadn't touched her desserts, yet, and it seemed that she wasn't looking forward to something.

"Yes?" Aislinn nodded with a smile.

"I owe you an apology." Malice spoke bravely, her tone very serious. "When you visited Hell, you played a game with Alastair and the others; the one with the illusions? It is never that confusing; I am the one that ruined the game that time. You see; I usually win points on creativity by confusing the others. I created the false hallways and the other things, but Reign saw through them. Everyone else had a difficult time like they usually do, so I won the game. However, if I had known that you were visiting on that day, I wouldn't have ruined the game for you as well." she apologized sincerely. "Please accept my apology. I intend to apologize to Alastair as well; my illusions that time were more powerful than usual, confusing even him, so he ended up looking useless during your first time."

Aislinn tried to comprehend what Malice just had told her. She remembered the game and how boring it had been. However, she did not understood why Malice was apologizing. Aislinn remained silent for a couple of minutes, munching on her croissant as she pondered on how to respond Malice.

"Alastair actually warned me that there could be illusions when he explained how the game worked before, we started to play," Aislinn pointed out to Malice, after a couple of minutes. "So, it is not your fault actually. You don't owe me or Alastair an apology," Aislinn assured her and added: "It is Alastair's fault for inviting me for a game I did not find enjoying and did not understand." She smiled. "I never understood the main point with the game, drawing objects in the air with a marker to get through different passages where illusions could be…because he never told me about you or that Reign or Diana would join the game. Eric appeared long before we joined the game and told Alastair that he was invited for a game at his uncle's place. I thought we were going to meet his uncle first and then start a game. And when Alastair told me about his uncle and the games they played, I perceived it as different kind of games and that he only played with his uncle. I did not expect that more would join the game. However, I was surprised when I and Alastair arrived at his uncle's place, because the game had started, and Reign turned up to play with us. Then Diana turned up in one of the hallways and I thought she was an illusion because Alastair had warned me that there could be illusions in the game. So, if you had been there creating illusions or not, it would not have made any difference to me. Alastair did not tell me everything before we arrived at his uncle's place. So it was never your fault, Malice."

Aislinn took a sip of her chocolate milk drink, hoping that she had not confused Malice and wondered if she had explained good enough. ..It is Alastair's fault for not telling me everything...his fault that Malice is blaming herself for an odd game...Merlin's beard...

"Alright," Elias smiled. "I'll take you on a tour and show you around." He offered Luna his arm and lead the way through the corridor and up for the stairs. The corridor had two stairways at its both ends and did not matter if they had taken the stairways on the west side or the east side, because they would end up at the first floor of the cruise. The first floor was vast, with rosewood walls and carpeted floor. The doors to the suits and rooms were on the left side of the first floor while there were round shaped windows on the right side. Since they were still in the cave, nothing could be seen through the windows but the dark stoned walls of the cave. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Some wizards and witches had already arrived and where moving across the floor, to find the rooms hey had booked.

"The regular rooms that are second class are located here," Elias explained as he led the way to the end of the floor where two spiral stairs were positioned in the corners with an elevator with double doors in the middle. It was the same at the opposite end of the floor. All the stairs led to the second floor; however, Elias chose to take the elevator instead for the stairs.

The elevator's interior was also rosewood and had carpeted floor and mirrors on the walls. The elevator could take them to any floor. Elias pressed the button for the second floor.

The second floor was much bigger than the first floor, since it hosted various of shops, second class restaurants and cafes. It was more crowded on the second floor, where the passengers were enjoying shopping and eating lunch. There were bigger and more rectangular shaped windows on the right side of the floor.

"Would you like to explore the shops before we proceed to the third floor?" Elias asked Luna.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

How dare she blame Alastair? Malice thought, deeply annoyed, although she maintained her polite expression. Perhaps it was her fault for misunderstanding what I have just said; the game would have turned out completely different had I not meddled. If she is being this disrespectful toward him in his absence, how is she treating him when they're together?! "I understand." Malice said calmly. "I'm sorry to hear that he gave you a difficult time." she said genuinely. Contrary to my countenance, I'm not sorry. How dare you be so ungrateful?

"Mmm." she hummed, her eyes lighting up after tasting her desserts. It was an adorable reaction.

"What is your favorite word?" Malice asked curiously after a minute of silence. "Asmodeus's is subjective, because it means that everyone can like what they want and no one's opinion is wrong."

"Oh." Malice said. "My favorite word is darkness because whenever I think about that word, there is a beautifully dark scene which appears in my mind's eye."

"Would you like to explore the shops before we proceed to the third floor?" Elias asked Luna.

She had enjoyed the tour, but had no interest in shopping. "No, thank you. I have everything I need." Luna politely declined, hinting that she was grateful to him for already having purchased everything she needed for her. "May I ask what time it is? I neglected to wear my watch today."

 

[Hikari Chan]

"He did not give me a difficult time at all," Aislinn explained patiently. "He just did not tell me everything I should have known before the game."

...I am having a feeling that they are taking games to serious... She thought.

"What is your favorite word?" Malice asked curiously after a minute of silence. "Asmodeus's is subjective, because it means that everyone can like what they want and no one's opinion is wrong."

"…Well my favorite word is..." Aislinn pondered for a minute before answering, deciding to humor Malice because she found her sudden question odd and besides, she had never thought about having a favorite word, but a favorite spell, favorite potion and so on. "...instinct, because I always trust my instincts in any situation, I am facing...”

"Oh." Malice said. "My favorite word is darkness because whenever I think about that word, there is a beautifully dark scene which appears in my mind's eye."

"Ah…" Aislinn smiled, drinking up her chocolate milk. "Would you like to describe it in words please," She asked kindly. "I mean, what is a beautiful dark scene for you? For me, it is when I use a curse, hex or jinx on my enemies, leaving them in a bloody mess for instance," Here she was hinting on Sectumsempra. "...or watching them suffer in agony..." She was now hinting on the cruciatus curse.

"The time is only three o'clock," Elias replied, after he had checked his pocket watch. "Let's then proceed to the remaining floors...the tour is not over yet," He smiled. ...The tour will end when we reach our booked suit...

They took the elevator again, this time to the third floor which had entertainments such as a casino, a concert room, a ball room and a public swimming pool room. There was also one grand five-star restaurant and cafe. While the shops and restaurants were already opened in the second floor, the third floor was not opened for the passengers yet. They could only pass through or eating lunch at the cafe. Both the second and third floor had carpeted floors and chandeliers that hung from the ceilings. The fourth floor on the other hand was divided in half. The northern half was an open space without a ceiling. On the left side of it, tables and chairs were placed alongside the glass fences, so that the passengers could enjoy the view of the sea while dining. The food obviously came from the five-star restaurant and cafe from the fourth floor. At the north end of the floor, an orchestra was placed. The rest of the floor seemed to be empty, which was part of the dance floor. The floor was of marble and enchanted candles hovered high above in the air. The other part of the floor had three double doors. Elias and Luna had entered through the first double doors to the right. The double doors in the middle led to a grand hall while the double doors to the left, which only could be accessed by the personnel led to the five-star restaurant and cafe on the fourth floor.

Elias led the way through the double doors in the middle. The hall room had a marbled floor and was grand with a high ceiling from where a chandelier hung. There was a sparkling fountain in the middle of the hall room. Spiral stairs, one on the left corner and another one on the right corner led up to a second floor of the hall. There were a couple of doors on both the first and the second floor.

"Our suit is somewhere here....it is room number two..." Elias told Luna. "There is another swimming pool at the rooftop of this area..."

Their suit was close. It was the next door to the left. The suit had a grand sitting room with grand windows that would give the best view of the sea. It was furnished with Victorian furniture in the colors of rosewood and black. A cafe table with two chairs and a sofa and across the room was a round dining table with two chairs. The bedrooms were to the right and left and they had their own bathrooms. Both the sitting room and the bedrooms had carpeted floors and chandeliers that hung from the ceilings. The both bedrooms had double beds and large windows to give a lovely view of the sea. The bathrooms were very lavish, they had both tiled floors and walls in light rose color that sifted to white and grey and had both bath-tubes and showers and chandeliers that hung from the ceilings.

He picked out his wand to shrink all the current furniture to make place for enlarging the carriage large enough to take out her suitcase and his trunk. When he was done, he shrank the carriage and returned the furniture to their original sizes. He levitated her suitcase to the bedroom of her choice. The both bedrooms were similar, though he let her choose if she wanted the one to the west or to the east.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Would you like to describe it in words please," She asked kindly. "I mean, what is a beautiful dark scene for you? For me, it is when I use a curse, hex or jinx on my enemies, leaving them in a bloody mess for instance," Here she was hinting on Sectumsempra. "...or watching them suffer in agony..." She was now hinting on the Cruciatus curse.

That isn't bad...Perhaps she isn't completely annoying. Perhaps I judged her too quickly? Was I overreacting? After all, there is no proof that she is treating him terribly...That one trip to the demon realm must have been the exception to the rule...I shouldn't judge her so harshly, yet. "...I wouldn't want to spoil your appetite." Malice said courteously. My picture seems to be several shades darker than simply blood and agony.

"Very well." Malice said. Don't blame me if your appetite disappears. "On a cold night, the moonlight illuminates the ancient ruins of a castle." she began. "A corpse has been beheaded with a dull blade, the head lying only inches away from the body. A closer look reveals that the eyes and tongue are missing. The corpse's chest was cut open as well, all of the internal organs are strewn about the area surrounding it. The fingers and toes have been removed, as well as the arms and legs, and thrown in a messy pile nearby. The beautiful part? It was someone retched and callous, immoral and hedonistic. The loveliest part of all? He was fully conscious during most of the torture." There was a smile on her lips as if she herself had carried out this hellish punishment. Her eyes were distant, as if she had been reminiscing.

"The time is only three o'clock," Elias replied, after he had checked his pocket watch. "Let's then proceed to the remaining floors...the tour is not over yet," He smiled.

Ah...More floors. Luna thought. I cannot remember how many floors this ship had...Did he tell me? She wondered. She had no interest in the pool or casino; she shared Alastair's disgust for gamblers. The ball room did interest her; she imagined them dancing together in formal attire. I will remember that as an activity for during the cruise. She thought. When they reached the fourth floor, she smiled. So we can eat while watching the view of the sea. I hoped that there was an area without a ceiling. And with wonderful music as well. She looked at the are for the orchestra. And we could dance here as well. She glanced at the dance floor. The hall room had a marbled floor and was grand with a high ceiling from where a chandelier hung. There was a sparkling fountain in the middle of the hall room. Spiral stairs, one on the left corner and another one on the right corner led up to a second floor of the hall. There were a couple of doors on both the first and the second floor. This has to be the most beautiful hall room I have seen in quite some time...The marble and the chandelier look marvelous with the high ceiling.

"Our suit is somewhere here....it is room number two..." Elias told Luna. "There is another swimming pool at the rooftop of this area..."

Another one?

When they reached their suite, she asked "May I have a moment too look around?" When she received her reply, she went into each and every room, silent and emotionless. She took a close look at every little thing, and then returned to stand before Elias precisely three minutes later. "The rooms look lovely." she smiled. "And the tour was quite professional. You knew your way throughout the ship, hence I enjoyed the tour. I am overjoyed to see such lovely, large windows; I cannot wait to see the view of the sea from them." she paused for a moment, hesitating on saying the one thought that had circled throughout her mind the entire time "In addition, having Edmond Dantes give me a tour of the ship felt rather dreamlike, and pleasant. I was thinking that the entire time." she admitted, her eyes showing that his costume was still her favorite part of their trip.

"My sister is going to be in Venice in two days. She told me last night." Alastair said.

"Venice..." Nova said thoughtfully.

"Venice, what a lovely place." Dante said with a sarcastic expression.

"Does she know that Asmodeus...?" Nova inquired.

"No." Alastair replied. "The only things I have told her about Asmodeus are that he possessed otherworldly wisdom and charm."

Everyone laughed, except for Alastair and Reign.

"And I've shared many of his best lines with her."

"Why can't you simply bring her to our world?" Nova suggested. "There is no doubt that she would enjoy it. I am certain that she will understand about your demonic lineage."

"Yes, she would understand." Alastair agreed.

"Then why not? You know that no one would try anything." Nova said.

"I've always worried that if I took her there, then she would find out about what happened between..." he shuddered.

"No one would tell her; you can even pass a law that says we aren't allowed to. Then there would be nothing to fear, yes?"

"Could I also pass a law that says no one is allowed to tell her that I am the sovereign?"

"Why not?"

"And what about the castle?"

"Oh....That may be the largest problem." Nova thought for a moment. "Why not borrow one of our homes while she is there? She would never know that it really wasn't yours-"

"I won't lie to her." Alastair said, a very strict look in his eyes.

"What about telling her that there is something in that castle that you don't want her to see? She would underst-"

"The problem is, it would worry her that she would think about it too much. If I am not the sovereign, then why do I live in a castle? If I have something too dangerous that I want hidden...I cannot take her there." Alastair said defensively, a dangerous look in his eyes.

"I wasn't arguing; " Nova said calmly "these were only questions that I was curious about. You have your reasons, and you are entitled to them. I've just always wanted to meet your sister, and that is all."

"Forgive me; I know that you wouldn't be rude." Alastair sighed, calming down. "You're too kind-hearted to be disrespectful."

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Aha!" Aislinn got even more curious. "Then it must be very interesting to know," She insisted, looking at Malice with pleading eyes.

"Very well." Malice said.

Aislinn listened with great interest to Malice's description of a beautiful dark scene as she finished eating her desserts. She had not touched her tea yet. She could not help but laugh out aloud when Malice finished her story.

"Marvelous!" Aislinn praised her. "I just remembered to tell you that I enjoy to sla-" She began, but then bit her tongue. She glanced around in the cafe before lowering her voice to a whisper and said:

"...to slash my enemies alive by biting them when I am transformed into my animagi form...hehehe..."

She reached out for the teacup and grimaced when she took a sip. "My tea has run cold..."

She pointed her wand at her teacup to heat her tea. She did not try to chill it down to turn it into iced tea since she did not know how it would taste if she did that with Earl Grey. She usually preferred iced tea with the taste of mint and lemon.

"Thank you..." Elias smiled, feeling amused about Luna's praise when she compared him with a fictional character. ...I am going to keep this attire and look for her until she asks me to change to something different... He thought for himself.

"You may take as much time as you need to prepare yourself. We won't dine until around seven o'clock, so you have about three hours to get ready. I just need to extract your suitcase and my trunk…"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Marvelous!" Aislynn praised her.

Happiness and surprise shown in Malice's eyes. Oh! How wonderful! Just like you said, Alastair; she isn't the type with a weak stomach and an aversion to gore. Now my desire to play with her has become even stronger; I wonder what her favorite technique is!

"I just remembered to tell you that I enjoy to sla-" She began, but then bit her tongue. She glanced around in the cafe before lowering her voice to a whisper and said: "...to slash my enemies alive by biting them when I am transformed into my animagi form...hehehe..."

"That sounds so lovely." Malice smiled genuinely. She had already finished her tea, but not all of her desserts.

Aislynn reached out for her teacup and grimaced when she took a sip. "My tea has run cold..." She pointed her wand at her teacup to heat her tea.

Open to things that people normally scorn me for...I love Asmodeus and Damien and Alastair because they don't...I don't know how she got to be this way, but I love that she finds beauty in the same things that I do...Asmodeus called it 'art' on one occasion. Damien does it so coldly that it is beautiful; I hate people who hesitate. And the way that Alastair looks when he- "May I inquire what your Animagi is?" Malice inquired, her eyes full of curiosity. She was keeping her voice down to a perfectly audible volume that was still 'quiet'. "Is it a wolf?" she guessed, imagining a lovely scene.

"A dragon sounds so powerful and unique; it must be so much fun." Malice smiled, imagining another lovely scene. "Asmodeus says that, as long as the person deserves it, anything that we do is perfectly just; I love the way he thinks. Oh, have you ever seen Alastair when he tortures someone?" she asked, a fond look in her eyes. "It is beautiful."

"You may take as much time as you need to prepare yourself. We won't dine until around seven o'clock, so you have about three hours to get ready. I just need to extract your suitcase and my trunk..."

Not that I need three hours to get ready...That would be ridiculous! If thirty minutes has passed and I'm not ready, then there is a problem. "Very well." Luna nodded. She moved to stand near one of the walls, out of his way. She watched him complete the process, choosing the west bedroom when he asked. "It has been a while since I was on a cruise...quite a while." Luna began. "I'm not certain what sort of attire I should wear for dinner." She awaited her reply with a subtle look of nervousness in her eyes. Alastair told me what to wear last time when I wasn't certain...I know the proper venue for evening gowns and ball gowns, for casual dresses and the like...But not for a cruise...Is this something that ladies are supposed to know, or are they taught what to wear when the situation arises?

 

[Hikari Chan]

"...No, it is not a wolf," Aislinn giggled. "...It is a dragon," She added in a whisper.

"A dragon sounds so powerful and unique; it must be so much fun." Malice smiled, imagining another lovely scene. "Asmodeus says that, as long as the person deserves it, anything that we do is perfectly just; I love the way he thinks. Oh, have you ever seen Alastair when he tortures someone?" she asked, a fond look in her eyes. "It is beautiful."

"I eh…" Aislinn tried to remember if she had ever seen Alastair doing lovely dark things whenever he faced his enemies, during their missions, but she could not remember or recall any, because they always ended up separately taking down their enemies whenever they went on missions. "…No, I have not, I would love to see him perform...By the way, have you been in his castle? How is it like?" She could not hold herself any longer. Since the day she had returned from her visit to the demon realm, Alastair's castle had never left her mind.

"Well..." Elias smiled. "You are going to join me for fine dining, where the food will come from a five-star restaurant. They will obviously play classical music for passengers to waltz. There are no muggles aboard, it is a cruise for wizards and witches to enjoy. An elegant long evening gown of your favorite color will be perfect. Nothing to fancy or something that looks like a cake with rich skirts."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"...No I have not, I would love to see him perform..."

"You should ask him; you wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to see his artwork." she smiled with a kind 'don't let yourself forget' look.

"...By the way, have you been in his castle? How is it like?"

"Oh..." Malice went quiet for a moment, then took a deep breath. "He passed a law that states; no demons are allowed to tell anyone born on Earth what lies within his castle. I am not allowed to tell you...Demonic laws passed by the sovereign are much like your Wizarding 'Unbreakable Vows'. If we break the rules, we die. That is why we need a fair ruler." she smiled. "Alastair is wonderful at enforcing rules that aren't too strict." she said gratefully.

"...Nothing too fancy or something that looks like a cake with rich skirts."

Luna laughed; she had taken his last words as a joke. "Thank you." she walked to her room "I'll be in here for the next hour." she said, closing the door. Two seconds later, she opened it again and clarified "I will be taking a bath", then closed it again. And then came the sound of the lock turning. I don't want him to think that I take an hour to ready myself! I plan to relax for a half-hour in the bath before starting to get ready.

Forty-five minutes later, she was in the sitting room on one of the chairs, reading Alastair's book. She wore a floor-length black evening gown with a very modest v-neck cut and sheer bishop sleeves. She also wore a plain black choker. Her hair was down, styled with soft waves.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Oh, I understand…" Aislinn nodded seriously. ...Hopefully Alastair will take me to his castle whenever we visit his realm again... She thought for herself.

She had finished her cup of tea and ordered a second glass of refreshing cold chocolate milk, which she could not seem to get enough of, especially during hot summer days.

"I'll be in here for the next hour." Luna said, closing the door.

"Take your time," Elias replied, not minding her taking even more than one hour, understanding that a lady needed her time to get ready for a dinner or when going somewhere else.

He was surprised when she opened the door two seconds later and clarified "I will be taking a bath", then closed it again. And then came the sound of the lock turning.

…Honestly, she does not need to tell me exactly what she will do during an hour to get ready... He thought with a smile. ...Well...meanwhile I shall take a rest...

One hour later, Elias walked out to the sitting room, to find Luna ready and reading.

"What a lovely choice..." He smiled, liking the choice of her dress. He sat down on one of the chairs so that he was facing the windows. "We are about to see the sea soon..."

And soon the ship was cruising against the soft and small waves. The water was glittering like thousands of crystals in the late afternoon sun.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Oh, I understand..." Aislynn nodded seriously.

Malice sighed, relieved. She had clearly thought that Aislynn was going to get angry. "Thank you." she said, meaning she was grateful that Aislynn had understood.

Aislynn had finished her cup of tea and ordered a second glass of refreshing cold chocolate milk.

"Hell's food is the absolute best." Malice smiled, speaking quietly so as to be discreet. She had finished her desserts and ordered a chocolate milk. She found it interesting that Aislynn had ordered two. "Damien uses ingredients from Hell, so of course, Antique has never been short of customers." Mmm....I can see why she ordered two... she thought as she paused to sip her chocolate milk. I forgot how wonderful it tastes. "Since I couldn't tell you the secret behind Alastair's castle, I can offer you another secret, if you wish. Only if you promise not to tell anyone that you heard it from me?" she asked.

"Very well. I suppose Alastair's secrets are his to keep. I'm not one to snitch, I only thought that you would like to know."

"What a lovely choice..." He smiled, liking the choice of her dress.

"Thank you."

"We are about to see the sea soon..."

It sounds lovely...I wonder if it will look as lovely as I imagine.

And soon the ship was cruising against the soft and small waves. The water was glittering like thousands crystals in the late afternoon sun.

"It looks splendid." Luna said, closing her book. She seemed to hesitate on something for a minute. "May I sit next to you?" Luna asked, gesturing to the sofa.

Luna got up from her chair and sat on the right side of the sofa. When he took his seat, she continued to admire the view. Then again, she seemed to be hesitating about something before speaking. "Elias?" Luna asked. "Would it be possible to share a kiss?" Immediately after she asked, her eyes dropped to the floor, her breathing uneven and her hands holding one another so firmly that her knuckles were turning white. I'm so nervous...What if he is not in the mood for a kiss? What if he thinks that I'm not Luna, but someone else, because I've never asked him for a kiss before? Miss Blanc begged him for a kiss when she was disguised as me; does this remind him of that? I've been acting odd this whole time; so unlike myself. What if he draws his wand and starts an interrogation? Why am I losing my grip on my calm, rational self? It's like my mind is clouded and I can't think clearly. It sounds so cliche, but right now, my heart is beating too quickly; I can hear it pounding in my ears. Breathing isn't coming easily and I feel a bit too hot. Please, Elias, don't laugh.

"...That reminds me of how Alastair treats his sister. The perfect gentleman." Nova praised. "I wish I had a brother like you."

"It's better to be an only child than have any of my other siblings." Alastair pointed out.

"Speaking of siblings, why do you treat Ms. Monroe and Ms. Lestrange the same way?" Dante inquired.

"I've been wanting to ask as well, how do you truly feel about Ms. Monroe? She seems like a kind heart who wouldn't mind a good joke." Nova said.

"I view Ms. Monroe as a cute lady. I don't have romantic feelings for her at all, but I do enjoy spending time with her. Close friends is my preferred term." Alastair replied. "It is my desire that we could stay that way; I really don't take pleasure in sharing a kiss with her." he said honestly. "But it was her wish. I feel as though, if I hadn't granted that one wish of hers, we could remain together, as friends."

"I saw you speaking to Vincent that day." Reign said.

Everyone gave him their full attention; since he didn't usually talk much, everyone cared for what he had to say when he did speak.

"Yes; your advice worked perfectly." Alastair said gratefully. "The 'Kindest Warrior' technique."

"Match your enemy's disrespect with an equal amount of kindness?" Envy inquired. "That really worked?"

"Yes," Alastair explained happily; he was in a better mood now "by the end of the party, he felt so inferior. It was the most amusing part of the night."

Reign looked away again, visibly satisfied.

His intention was to change the conversation to make Alastair feel better. How creative. Dante observed.