Two individuals were quite a sight as they made their way down the still bustling streets of Vinvers.

One was the Shoggoth, Brixi. Her maid "uniform" hugged her body as she smoothly "floated" down the street with her head held high and expression a mask of calm satisfaction.

Selina, in contrast, walked with her head hung low, shoulders slumped, and teeth grinding away between her pursed lips. Her angry disposition could be seen with just a passing glance. Her emotional state caused many others to give them a wide berth. Some would walk over to the opposite side of the road to avoid them.

At any other time, Selina would be worried. She would be trying to keep her emotions in check while assuaging others of any irrational fears. But at that moment her mind wasn't concerned with such matters. Instead, her thoughts were currently racing as she tried to understand everything the "Shoggoth" had said to her when they first met. What were those titles supposed to mean? How much did this Mamono know? How did she know these things? If Luca was her Master then did that mean-

"You have questions," the Huntress' head turned to the Shoggoth at her left. The Mamono still spoke in the haunting, song-like tone, one voice sounding like a million at once, "If you wish for answers, merely ask them."

"And how do I know you won't lie to me?" the Huntress chastised herself for such a foolish response. She sounded like an inexperienced child purposely trying to be difficult. She didn't mean to act this way...but she couldn't help it. Something about the Mamono just kept her on edge. More so than any other monster she had encounter since she got to this world.

If the Shoggoth picked up on this, she didn't let it show. She merely kept the same calm smile on her face as she answered, "I have no reason to. What harm could there be in telling you the truth? You will discover the answers for yourself eventually, after all."

The Huntress felt her eye twitch, "I don't particularly enjoy it when people tell me I'm going to do something before I do it."

"I am merely stating a fact. After all, do you not constantly seek answers to questions that burn in your mind? The same as all living creatures?" Brixi ventured while the strange eyes on her hip focused their attention on the Huntress.

Selina stared the strange ocular objects down, memories of the Brain of Mensis resurfacing as she did. She clicked her tongue then gestured towards the yellow eyes, "Then, first question, can you see out of the multitude of eyes on your body? If so, is it troublesome to always observe everything around you at once?"

"Yes, and no. I can control what eyes I can see out of, which eliminates the issue posed by your second question," as if to demonstrate, Brixi turned around until her back was facing the path forward. Multiple yellow eyes appeared along her spinal column. Her pace remained steady and she avoided everyone who was walking down the street in front of them. She then turned back around and returned her eyes to their original position.

Selina nodded while filing the information away for other purposes, "Next question, why did you call me those things when you first saw me?"

"You speak of your Titles. Ones that you have born for a long time."

"I do not remember having Titles such as these. The only one I've ever had is 'The Good Hunter' or 'A Hunter'," she crossed her arms, "I understand how I earned those. But the ones you spoke to me are foreign and should not be attributed to me."

"Are you certain of that?" Brixi's smile never leaves her as she lifts a hand to her face. She begins counting off on her fingers, "You command the Dream that rests above this world's reality, all who dwell within that realm are beholden to you, and you have a Companion who is able to soothe your pain and sorrow with but a touch. I'd say you embody those Titles quite well."

Selina was silent for a minute. Her arms fell to her sides as she replied, "And how, pray tell, do you know of those things?"

"Because my kin and I were created by monsters similar to the Kin you once slew," The Shoggoth quickly held up a hand, "Peace, Fair Lady. Neither my creators nor I are, nor do we wish to be, your enemies."

Selina glared at the Shoggoth for a moment. One hand was inside her coat, gripping a hidden poison throwing knife. She kept it there for a moment. Then she grunted and let the blade go before waving for the Shoggoth to continue. Brixi let her hand fall before continuing, "As I was saying, the connection I once held with my creators allows my kin and I to perceive the true nature of beings such as you."

"You mean beings such as the Great Ones," Selina replied. It was not a question.

"That is what I said," Brixi continued unperturbed, "After all, you are-"

A Blade of Mercy was at the Mamono's throat before she could finish. The two of them paused in the middle of the street, the Mamono and humans around them parting at the sudden hostage situation.

"Be silent," Selina said while letting her baleful eyes loom over the people around them. It had become late afternoon since they began their trek, and many of the people originally in the street had begun to go home. Still there were enough people out that a crowd had gathered around them. Many simply stared while some seemed on the edge of screaming or calling for the guards. The only reason they hadn't was because of Selina's withering glare. When someone looked like they would run, Selina focused her gaze on them. They stopped in their tracks, shaking in their boots. The beak on her mask only enhanced the effect. No doubt many around them saw her as a vile creature from the depths of the abyss.

Any other time? She'd be upset at that.

But right now, she was making an exception.

Brixi was silent for a minute. Then nodded, careful to avoid the sword point on her neck, "As you wish."

The Blade disappeared as quick as it came down the Huntress' sleeve. The two calmly made their way down the street. The crowd parted around them, the people and Mamono completely stunned at what just happened. The two women paid them no mind as they made their way down the street and under a stone archway.

Selina took note of the change in the environment as they passed under the archway. The regular citizens were replaced by people in the uniform of the Vinver's City Guard. Various armored men and women would pass them while saying hello to Brixi. She could hear the sound of steel hitting wood and metal coming from a large tower in the distance. The tower itself was set into a stone wall that went around this entire section of the city. Looking back she could spot the wall that separated the city from the forest beyond fading into the distance.

"Sir Luca lives around here?" she ventured.

"Yes. He considers himself "A Father To His Men" as they say, and wishes to be close to them," Brixi's voice was still as calm and melodious as before. As if the Huntress hadn't had a blade to her throat a few minutes ago.

"Has that improved skills and abilities of the Guards he presides over?"

"While I can't say anything for those who work for my Master, I can say that he is always in high spirits whenever his men come by to talk to him about their personal issues."

Selina nodded.

Their walk turned silent.

"Continue what you were saying before," the Huntress said.

"As you say. The 'Great Ones' that you know of are not the same as those that created my kin and I. Where they live among the stars and mortal dreams, my creators live deep within the ocean among mortals and their own creations. While yours are keen on openly interacting with the realms of mortals, my creators are content to simply live with their husbands."

"Husbands?" the Huntress questioned, "So, they have been Monsterized?"

"Yes. They are Monsters after all."

"Then...they assist the Demon Lord?" if that was the case then Selina knew she had to-

Brixi shook her head, surprising the Huntress, "Not at all. The Demon Lord does not command my creators. Much like the Dragons and Vampires, they have been around for a long, long time. Though they may feel the temptations and lust as other monsters, they are not consumed by them. Which is why they have been fine with simply gathering husbands and enjoying each other's company beneath the waves. Both wrapped in complete and utter bliss."

The Huntress swore she saw the Mamono's body...wiggle for lack of a better word, when she said that. It was a moment that passed as quickly as it came. The Mamono continued, "Thus there is no need to worry. Unless you deliberately seek them out, you will likely never encounter my creators."

"...Alright," Selina was skeptical, but would take the Mamono at her words. For now. As she thought on what the Shoggoth had said, one thing in particular caught her interest, "Wait, Dragons? Those mythical beast reside in this world?"

"Indeed. They are some of the few who have still retained much of their original selves. To the point where they can even regain their original form in combat, should the need arise."

If the Huntress didn't have her mask on, the Shoggoth would no doubt have seen her jaw drop. Dragons? Here? She knew of the creatures. Every child, even ones that didn't grow up with a family, did in her world. Giant, monstrous lizard creatures that could set entire countrysides ablaze. Wings big enough to knock down trees with a single flap. Teeth sharp enough to rend the sturdiest armor in the kingdom. Scales that can turn away even the staunchest lash of mortal blades.

Yes, she knew of the creatures.

And monsters such as that live here.

Selina was silent for at least three minutes as she contemplated the implications. Then she shook her head. She couldn't afford to worry about such things right now. There was an important task ahead of her. She turned back to Brixi and continued, "That still doesn't explain how you know about the Dream or who resides in it."

"You misunderstand. I am aware of your connection to the Dream, as I know you usurped the original creator of it. Your Great Ones are similar enough to my own creators that I am able to tell that much. However, while I am aware that you share the Dream with a certain person, I am not aware of everything that has happened within it."

"...I see," Selina nodded in understanding. In truth, she was simply glad the Mamono could only perceive the Dream. Her being able to interact with it would be a disastrous situation. She looks up, "So, does your Master know any of this?"

"No, I have told him nothing. For I know he is happier not knowing," Brixi admits, the first thing other than a smile coming over her face; a frown. But, much like with her body's previous reaction, it disappeared as soon as it came. Just when the Huntress was about to ask another question, the Shoggoth stopped moving and looked up at a building, "We have arrived."

The Huntress stopped in her tracks and turned her gaze to the building itself.

And, she had to admit, it was impressive.

A large manor built on a rectangular tract of land. The grass was an immaculate light green when compared to the dark green of the lawns she had seen. There were three buildings that all connected to the main one by long roofed hallways that could be seen from the entrance. The entrance's wooden gate was wide open, leading up a cobblestone path to a square arena set up right in front of the main building.

Selina allowed Brixi to lead her through the archway that marked the entrance. When the two were through she heard the wooden gate slowly shut tight. She briefly looked back to see two mounds of slime slide away from the gate and into two nearby barrels. They were the same color as Brixi.

Her eyes narrowed behind her mask. She turned back to see that the two of them had made it half way to the main manor. As she got closer, she noticed that the arena wasn't vacant. There were two other individuals occupying the area.

One was clearly a Mamono. She flew above the arena, scaled wings flapping rhythmically to keep her airborne. Briefly the Huntress thought that she was a Dragon, until she saw the differences. Dragon's wings were supposed to be attached to their backs and their horns were meant to be curved. This one's arms were her wings and her horns were completely straight. Her golden scales glittered in the waning sunlight, while her cropped silver hair shook with ever flap of her wings. Her scaled legs were held close to her chest while she gazed down at the cobblestone path. When she spotted the two of them, she growled and dived for the ground in front of the arena.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

Selina and Brixi arrived right when the Mamono hit the ground. She looked up at Brixi with barred teeth, "You took too long! Made Master upset!"

Brixi kept her smile while addressing the winged Mamono, "Hello to you as well, Ket. As you can see, I have brought Huntress Cynthia Albion as Master Luca requested."

Ket focused her eyes on the Huntress. The snake like slits widened and Selina was immediately on guard. The Mamono's growl turned into a low roar as she started stalking towards the Huntress. She walked on the ends of her wings, her legs and tail used to balance her. She spoke in a rough, animalistic tone, "You! You made Master sad! Apologize! Apologize and make him happy again!"

Selina made no sudden movements, but her hands were already gripping the Blade of Mercy and her Hunter's Pistol hidden beneath her clothes. She didn't wish to fight here. But she would defend herself if necessary.

"That's enough, Ket. Good job, Bri."

Both Mamono froze at the sound of the familiar voice. The Huntress turned her attention to the arena's second occupant, Luca Dejure. Gone was his shirt and trousers. In their place was armor as gold as the lizard Mamono's scales. It had pointed pauldrons and greaves, fully protecting his body from any normal attack. It wasn't heavy like the Plate of the Order Knights. It seemed to be made to be protective, while remaining as light as possible. No doubt he wore a mail shirt underneath it.

However, there was a single flaw in his attire.

The fact that he didn't wear a helmet.

But perhaps that was so Selina could clearly see the irate expression on his face.

His short spear had been replaced with a long, ornate war axe with a red cloth fluttering right below the double sided head. He carried it in one hand as he marched to stand between the two Mamono. He placed his free hand on Ket's head, the lizard woman's anger melting away under his ministrations. The frown on her face stayed but the Huntress could clearly see her pushing her head into his hand for more. She briefly turned her gaze to the Shoggoth who was watching the exchange with...was that longing?

It didn't last long as Luca removed his hand from Ket (much to the lizard woman's chagrin) and put it on Brixi's shoulder. The two shared a nod before he stepped forward until he was ten steps away from the Huntress.

"Cynthia," he said, black hair flowing in the afternoon wind.

"Guard Captain Luca," Selina replied.

Silence reigned for five minutes. A bird flew from its nest somewhere nearby.

"I heard about what happened at the Order's Headquarters. Normally, I would be happy that the bunch of zealous morons were taken down a peg. But, I also heard something rather troubling about the events that took place there."

"I see," was the Huntress' only reply. She knew where this was going. But she knew he wanted to bring it up. And who was she to deny him that?

He began tapping the head of the war axe against the ground, "See, there was this woman. A wonderful, bright, happy woman. Everywhere she went she would lift people's spirits. A smile here, a kind word there, an open mind there. It didn't matter who it was, where they came from, or anything like that. She gave everyone the same amount of kindness."

He began to pace around the Huntress. He kept his front facing her along with the head of the war axe, "Then, one day, she found out she had a special gift that no one else did. It made her really happy...but it came with a price. She had to hide the face that everyone loved from the world. To keep herself safe, you see."

"Now, this girl, she had a brother. And their familial bond was strong. Real strong. He was the only one she would let see her without her protection on. When they were alone, they would talk about their days and how they made people's lives better. What problems they helped solve, what donations they made, you know the normal stuff. They grew up, of course, but they never lost touch. They always made time to see each other at least three times a year. Neither of them ever missed the day they were meant to meet."

"And, today, I happen to hear about how Fransica Dejure was found dead in one of the Order's secret tunnels. As a Guard Captain, it made sense for me to start investigating the situation immediately. As I did, I was quickly given a suspect to look into. Someone who I happened to have a meeting with today. Someone who just entered Vinvers not three days ago."

He stops pacing in front of Selina. His eyes met hers as he looked up, "So, tell me, Cynthia Albion. Did you kill my sister?"

The combination of his icy gaze and chilling words would give anyone else pause. Make them seriously consider their next words. Think about what could happen if they tried to lie to the Dragoon Guard Captain Of Vinvers, Luca Dejure.

For Selina, she had an answer long before the man even began talking.

"Yes. I did."

It was so silent you could hear a pin drop to the floor.

All in attendance remained frozen to their spots.

Then, Luca lifted his head and war axe, "I see. Alright then. Second question-"

With a flourish Luca pointed the head of his axe directly at Selina. His cold eyes were filled with a need for vengeance. And that need was focused solely on the woman in front of him, "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't strike you down where you stand."

Selina stood up straight while placing both hands behind her back, "To hear your sister's last words and learn some of the circumstances behind her death."

Luca scoffed, "Alright. I'll take the last words, but I don't-"

"How much do you know about what happened before your sister died?" Selina ventured, eyes shifting between Luca and the two Mamono behind him. She didn't want this to come to blows and would do what she could to prevent it from happening. But it never hurt to be careful if diplomacy were to fail.

"I know enough," Luca said while taking a step towards the Huntress, "I know that Fransica went to deal with something at the Order today, she ended up dead, and you've admitted to killing her. What else do I need to-"

"She was helping me."

Luca froze. He remained silent for a minute, before he spoke through gritted teeth, "Explain."

Selina took in a deep breath. She grabbed her hat and mask then pulled them off. Her sharp black eyes remained focused on Luca as she began to explain what had happened at the Order's Headquarters. What they tried to make her do, how she saved Felix and Tina, their escape from the Order's agents, how Fransica helped them, and her confrontation with Velina.

"If it wasn't for your sister, I doubt we would've gotten away from the Order unscathed," Selina says as her explanation winds down, "I owe her a debt that I won't be able to repay. Because I killed her. And I am so sorry for that."

"Sorry? Ha. You kill my only little sister and you're sorry?"

"It was not something I wished to do, but circumstances forced my hand."

Luca's axe was back by his side, but he didn't look any less on edge. He frowned at the Huntress while asking, "And those circumstances were?"

Selina bit her bottom lip but didn't turn away from Luca's gaze, "I...I can't say."

"Why not?"

"Because...because I cannot."

Luca started to chuckle while shaking his head, "That's not exactly helping you. I mean, you were already fighting a losing battle here, but that didn't really help your case."

"That is not my objective here. My objective is to simply tell you the truth of what happened, in the hope that gives you some kind of peace. And, should it not, at least ensure you know what really happened."

"But you choose to not tell me the whole truth?"

"...Because some parts of it are better left unknown," the Huntress' eyes flicked to Brixi for a moment. The Shoggoth merely remained impassive with a grin on her face.

Luca stayed quiet for a time. Then he asked, "And my sister's last words?"

Selina took in another breath. She closed her eyes before repeating the words Fransica said as she died in her arms, "She said, 'I'm sorry, Luca. I'm going before you.'"

At first, Luca didn't reply. Then, he started to laugh. It was light at first. Then it turned into a chuckle. It continued even as he started to speak, "Of course, heh. Of course. She would say that, haha. She always would put everyone else's feelings before her own. She would have her last words be an apology to me."

A hand went to his eyes as his laugh grew in volume and length. The grip on his axe began to shake until it eventually fell out of his hand. He fell to his knees as his laughter turned into sobbing.

"Damn it, sis. Damn it! Why? Why you and not me? Why wasn't I there to save you?" he managed to gasp out through sobs. The two Mamono rushed to his side, Brixi placing two hands on his left arm while Ket did the same to his right.

"Luca! You!" Ket's eyes burned with fury as she focused on the Huntress. Selina put her mask and hat back on, readying herself for battle. The lizard woman growled, "You did this! You will pay!"

She took one step towards the Huntress, her scaled leg cracking the cobblestones below her clawed foot. However, one of Brixi's slimy tendrils shot out and grabbed her shoulder. The Shoggoth shook her head at Ket, "Don't."

"Let go!" Ket tried to shake off the Shoggoth's grip. But despite only being a single tendril, it easily held the lizard in place. Ket shouted again, "Let go! Stranger hurt Master! I hurt Stranger!"

"No you won't. She's too strong for you."

"How do you-"

Ket lost her balance as the tendril pulled her towards the kneeling Shoggoth and human. It wrapped around the lizard woman's shoulders and covered her mouth before she could even move. She struggled in the Shoggoth's grip, but that only made the tendrils squeeze tighter.

Once she was certain Ket wasn't going anywhere, Brixi turned her eyes onto Selina. For the first time since they met, the Shoggoth regarded the Huntress with an emotion other than calm happiness; quiet fury.

"I would appreciate it if you took this opportunity to leave, Good Hunter," Ket's struggles increased as she heard the Shoggoth's words. But the tendrils held fast.

Selina didn't let her guard down, but observed the current situation with surprise. She spoke to the Shoggoth, "I did not expect this. Are you certain it is ok to let the person who killed your Master's sister go free?"

Brixi is silent for a moment. She looks down at Luca, the man openly weeping at the thought of his now dead sister. Another new emotion takes over her features; a painful sadness. She speaks without taking her eyes off Luca, "My purpose in life is to ensure my Master is happy until his dying days. To ensure that no matter what hardship maybe fall him, I am there to help him through them. My greatest hope is for the two of us to be together for the rest of time."

She turns back to the Huntress, the frown returning, "If that means stopping him from fighting a battle I know he will lose, then so be it. Now, please leave and never return."

The Huntress heard the gate behind her open. She stared at the human and his Mamono for a few more seconds. Ket had calmed down at Brixi's words and was now just rubbing her head under Luca's chin in an attempt to get him to stop crying. Brixi had produced a handkerchief from somewhere and had given it to Luca. Selina thought she saw the Shoggoth's body wiggle again as Luca used it to dry his eyes.

Selina turned on her heels and marched her way out the gate.

She had said her piece.

Any sorrow she felt at the sight now behind her would need to wait.

Right now, she had to get back to a husband and wife. So she could get them out of this city.

Hmm. Saving a husband and wife, at the cost of a man's sister.

Selina sighed.

This...was not a happy outcome.

----------------------------------------

"So, where will you two go now?"

Felix looked up from his seat in the back of the wagon. He had to move a bit to keep his wife from falling out of his lap, and keep his back against the edge. He turned to regard the Huntress as she steered the horses down the dirt path, "Um, I'm sorry. What was that, Lady Cynthia?"

"I asked where you will go now," the Huntress said as she held the reigns to the steeds in her hands. The large, black horses snorted while slowly plodding down the dirt path. The sun had set and the three of them were traveling by moonlight. Selina had to rush the two humans out of the inn, pay for their short stay, then rush them towards the stables near the exit before the gate's closed for the night. They had only just managed to reach their destination as it was closing up, catching the owner before he turned in for the night.

While it cost her all one hundred gold she had been given by Mars, she had managed to procure a simple wagon with two strong steeds. After dealing with some guards that were a bit too nosy (by Selina name dropping Nikon), the three were on their way out of the city.

Felix shifted some more in his seat. It had taken him a bit to get into a "comfortable" position on the poor wooden wagon, but he had managed. He turned back to the Huntress, "Um, well, where are you going, Lady Cynthia?"

"I am directing us towards Pran. I have a...a home there. And there are...people...waiting for me," Selina felt something warm in her chest as she said that. She was glad she had the mask to hide the smile on her face.

"I...I see," Felix pursed his lips before answering, "I'm unsure. Tina is still sleeping and we can't exactly return to Vinvers. We'll have to stay outta of Order territory, too. What's happened there will spread to the other Order owned cities. Our names will be spread all over the place, and we can't just hope that everyone we meet is someone who agrees with Galoran."

"Could you not simply return to another neutral city or village?"

"We could. And probably will, but...I don't want to go anywhere until Tina's awake," Felix hugged his wife closer to him. The unconscious woman's lips curled into a smile as she laid her head against his chest. He brushed some of her hair out of her face before continuing, "It'll be hard to travel while she's asleep, and...and I need to tell her everything that's happened."

Selina nodded while gently guiding the horses onto the right track. She replied, "Well, if you wish, you may come to Pran with me. My home should have enough rooms to hold you and your wife until you're ready to leave."

"Oh no, I couldn't possibly!" Felix shook his head, "You've already done so much for us! It wouldn't be right to impose on you more."

"I truly do not mind, Felix," Selina said with a shrug, "As I said, I wish to see the two of you happy. If that means allowing you to stay with me, then so be it. And you don't have to accept if you don't wish to."

Felix was silent for a minute. Then he replied, "I'll...I'll think about it. Thank you, Lady Cynthia."

Selina nodded then turned back towards the road. Silence pervaded the air around them for a moment. Then Selina asked the man, "So, how did you and Tina meet?"

"Wha-what?" Felix shook his head in surprise.

Selina shrugged, "Well, it's just...we're going to be on this road for sometime yet. Likely through the night. I just thought we could spend the time getting to know each other. Is that alright?"

Selina hoped she didn't sound as nervous as she felt. Asking someone to tell her personal details about their life was...not her forte. She was afraid she had crossed a line or asked something uncomfortable. It wouldn't exactly be a good thing to do at this point in their journey together.

Felix was silent for a time. A long time. Long enough that Selina started to worry she had, indeed, crossed a line with what she asked.

Then Felix started, "Well, um, I don't think I can say that until Tina wakes up. It wouldn't feel right."

"Oh. I understand," Selina silently chastised herself. What did she think was going to happen? She can't talk to other people like this. It's not-

"But, um, if you want I can tell you a bit about how I joined the Order. You know before all of this," he waved his hand at the empty air to indicate their current situation.

Selina looked up at the man. With a smile hidden by her mask, she nodded, "That would be nice. Thank you."

"Ok. Well, I was born an only child in Order owned territory, and my family was filled with Order Fanatics. You can imagine what that meant for me. By the time I turned ten they sent me off to one of the Order churches to study and learn the faith. I spent most of my time reading books and making up arithmetic problems for myself. It's likely why they made me a Scribe by my fifteenth birthday. After that..."

The Huntress nodded along with the man's story. Inwardly, she couldn't help but feel proud of herself. She had managed to not only get a husband and wife out of a situation where they would have surely perished, but now one of them was telling her his life story. She had managed to improve herself!

She couldn't wait to tell Eve this! But, before that, she other responsibilities. Namely, she had to finally spend time taking care of Gloria and Horace.

Briefly, she wondered if everyone was doing ok back at Pran? Were the children getting along with everyone? Did Jet and his comrades have any trouble taking care of them? Was Maggie back on her feet?

She soon dismissed her worry. She was sure they were fine. They were probably waiting for her to get back, with smiles on their faces.

----------------------------------------

"Get moving, bastard."

As the Viper pushed him forward, Nick severely wished he didn't have a bag on his head. He wanted to remember the fucker's face for later.