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The crowd of guests heads for the restaurant directly after the wedding ceremony. Cheerful noises, chatter and exclamations resound from the agglomeration of people. As the restaurant is not far from the church, everyone decides to go on foot or on wheels - after all, two of the guests are in wheelchairs. Although the bride and groom could have traveled by car, they decided to chat with family and friends. They're not disturbing anyone, since they're on a path away from the road, even if Deshya notices one or two passers-by who don't bother them. If she's not mistaken, one of them even congratulated them. Unlike Tetazo, Lière is a much greener city, filled with countryside here and there — just like where they all are. Deshya knows exactly where they're heading: towards Lake Mille Feux. A name given to it thanks to a legend handed down from generation to generation, although Deshya doesn't know much about it... She could ask Shinpei about this legend, but she mainly wants to find out what it's all about and focus on the case in front of her: it's possible that 'XIII' will try to act when they go to the restaurant. This is not an impossibility. Besides, the police are currently busy checking that everyone is well and behaving. During the whole ceremony, nothing happened, so it's certain that the hour when 'XIII' will crack down is drawing ever nearer... Deshya is feeling anxious: will they succeed in preventing her from killing anyone? That would be ideal — although stopping him would be the best possible end to the day. However, Deshya doesn't quite believe it: there's a reason why he kills again and again in defiance of the police, yet never once ends up behind bars... A reason why it's impossible to track him down even by tracing his messages on the web. A good reason why he's considered a living legend, the 'Legendary Criminal'. The 'Zeus' or 'Lucifer' of this generation. He's no mere fraud playing the 'bad guy'. Everyone knows it. Anyone who underestimates him is a fool, naive and delusional behind his screen, thinking that life is simpler than you think. Even without liking the police, it's impossible to deny that they're doing everything in their power to stop him. The number of plans they've created, the different ways they've prevented him from escaping... XIII' is just really a superhuman — inhuman. However, Deshya herself is not entirely human; well, she isn't any more. Perhaps she's the only one who can stop him from continuing his crimes, in which case...? She quickly shakes her head: this is idiotic. She's here as a detective to try and save 'XIII''s targets before she succumbs to his blade or poison, not to stop him. She's just a 16-year-old who's a little faster than she should be, but her muscular strength isn't very... Well, let's just say that while she's far from weak, she's no match for 'XIII'. When he showed up — although even his 'real head' is really a disguise or cosmetic surgery — his body was far from muscle-free. What's more, he's necessarily an adult, given that he's been acting for over a decade: Deshya doesn't want to face a monster like him. If someone has to fight 'XIII', she'll leave it to the Lière police or her father…
It's now 5pm. Two women open the doors of the "AzureView" restaurant, located on the shores of Lake Mille Feux. Guests enter one after the other, some police officers remain outside, and although the atmosphere is always jovial…
The time for the first 'XIII' murder approaches.
CHAPTER 50
⎾Legendary Criminel VS Deshya: First Meeting ; Futile Search⏌
The restaurant has three floors: the first floor where the main, gigantic dining room is located, with the entrance doors to this floor being those used by guests. It is also on the first floor, you can go out into the garden, eat on the large terrace or even admire the magnificent ceiling decorated with numerous frescoes. Just above, another dining room with a large balcony — which can be reserved — and various wall decorations, mostly paintings or photographs of the lake. It's a little less impressive than the room below, but the view is much better from the large body of water. The second floor is quite different: it's actually the restaurant's roof. Accessible via a tiny hill beside it — which is more of a rise from the ground — or from the interior staircases, this is where the majority of guests head for, given that this same roof is where people can enjoy their appetizers. What's more, the scenery here is magnificent: an all encompassing view of the lake and, a little further on, the possibility of admiring part of the village beyond the water or on the other side, as well as looking out over the garden or terrace from a gentle angle. The garden isn't huge, given that the lake is actually right next to it, but it extends quite far, given that the AzureView property is wide enough. It's a reservation-only restaurant that commands a certain price, but that goes without saying, given the beauty of the place. The building itself is new, modern and fits in well with the theme of nature and the shimmering, pure-blue lake next door. On the roof of the restaurant, pre-prepared umbrellas with tables where appetizer dishes will appear appeal to the guests all chatting together. It's impossible for all the guests to get to the roof without the complexity of taking every single step without jostling the other, but fortunately it's possible to stay on the tiny hill next door and still be close to the festive atmosphere. Deshya and Gatito are on the roof, but Ei and other policemen remain on the hill. Deshya also notices that the bride and groom are there too, but she has no doubt that they'll be arriving for the aperitif. Since the food hasn't arrived yet, Deshya walks over to the edge of the roof and rests both arms on the rail, admiring the beautiful view before her. Even though she's originally from this country, certain landscapes continue to impress her... She can't even imagine the absolute beauty of the places they call 'wonders of the world'. Of course, she's seen photos and videos of such places on the Internet, but that's quite different from actually being there.
- It's a beautiful lake, isn't it?
Her father asks her. Deshya can only nod with a smile.
- It looks very pure," she remarks.
- It's a much-respected lake in Lière, and swimming is forbidden. Even if some people come and take a boat ride in it, you need a reservation and it's often regulated. What's more, fishing is completely forbidden. It is said that it was here that the current king proposed to the queen.
- Really?
Gatito shrugs.
- Go figure. Rumors or truth, I don't think we can really ask…
Deshya smiles as she thinks about it: she would be honored to have the opportunity to speak with the King, Queen or even Princess of Belium, but this is most likely impossible: even people like her father can't get close to them. Admittedly, Gatito is just a police inspector from one of the many towns in the great country of Belium, but that doesn't change the fact that if he can't, then she can't either. Despite her rise in popularity, becoming famous or an influencer won't change a thing: we're talking about the royalty of a country. Maybe 'Minos Kiyon' has already had a chance to talk to them, but she doubts it very much... That's how high up they are in society. Deshya sighs softly, smiling.
- Why am I even thinking about this?
An unanswerable question: this is how her brain works. She switches from one subject to another as soon as a link is formed, that's just the way it is. It's not really a problem, but sometimes it creates cacophony in her head. As far as she knows, Amora sometimes thinks this way, but in an even more... exaggerated way. This doesn't surprise Deshya at all. While she's thinking about it all, enjoying the scenery before her, the aperitifs arrive. She looks back, her 'snout' having just caught the whiff of sausage and cheese. Before going, Gatito touches her shoulder.
- Don't forget what we came here to do," he said simply.
Deshya nods.
- I'll be careful with my surroundings. I promise.
So Gatito lets go of her shoulder and watches her leave for the aperitifs, sighing.
- You say that, but all you could see in your eyes was food…
Nevertheless, he understands his daughter: not only She must be hungry, but on top of that, it's impossible to do anything at the moment. XIII' is the kind of person who only puts on a disguise when she has to, and plays her characters perfectly. What's more, there are so many guests on the roof and hillside next door, including some in the garden, that it would be impossible for him to discover her identity without making a big mistake. The police are already on the case in any case, and he's convinced that Deshya is on her guard, observing her surroundings while enjoying the moment. Gatito takes one last look at the lake behind him before joining his daughter for some aperitifs.
- When I think of disguises…
Gatito thought that his daughter would have great difficulty disguising herself as anyone else, given that her fox tail is gigantic: it's about 1m40 long! Even her fox ears, except when flattened, would be difficult to hide. It's just a random thought he has at the time, but it makes him realize just how much he's just... getting used to. When Deshya had been found, he had been reassured and moved. However, the days and weeks ahead were also about incomprehension: his daughter wasn't entirely human anymore, after all. He remembered seeing fictional characters with cat ears that were popular in certain communities, but Gatito never thought it would become a reality — especially not with his daughter. He hadn't been used to it, and even though he'd never been disgusted by his daughter, sometimes he found it hard to know how to react. Should he find this normal or forever abnormal, without judging his daughter? After all, she'd never asked for this... Admittedly, Deshya had confessed to him that she'd once dreamed of being an animal-girl, but since she knew nothing about the reality of her condition, it had distressed him more than anything else. It seemed as if Deshya's attributes would forever create a hollow in their family and in Deshya's heart.
But he was wrong.
He got used to it. Pera got used to it. Deshya herself is used to it and even happy about it. Sure, lots of problems arise with her attributes, but she likes to touch her own fox tail. She finds herself very cute when she looks in the mirror. She loves being able to run a little faster and even be more attentive in general thanks to her senses... Deshya would just love to admit it to more people, have Amora rub her face on it knowing the truth or be scratched between the two ears — admittedly, Gatito doesn't quite understand these desires, but he doesn't necessarily judge her: he's glad she doesn't hate herself. That she doesn't want to rip them off, or that she no longer cries knowing she's a girl with fox ears and a fox tail. In fact, she doesn't even want to go back: she's happy the way she is.
The only question now is whether she can tell her friends without putting them in danger.
That's the only problem at the moment. If she has confirmation that she can share her 'secret' without worry with the likes of Amora, Tessa or even Maruno, then Deshya will feel even better about herself. Gatito tries to make her understand that the doctor's death had really been a suicide, but he understands why she doubted: a coincidence far too 'coincidental'. What's more, some of the files were missing…
All about Deshya.
Gatito tries to reassure her that there's nothing to be afraid of, but he knows this is hypocritical on his part: because he himself is afraid for his daughter. Because they still don't know anything about who genetically modified her — or "the thing" behind it: her fox-like attributes. Because at any moment, anyone outside their family who learns the truth will be killed in turn.
Because they're in the unknown.
- I love cheese like this!
Gatito turns his gaze towards his daughter: she is simply devouring a piece of bread with cheese, a small sausage in her other hand. While they are surrounded by guests, none of them pay any attention to her fox tail, which can't help but wag from left to right, a sign of the happiness Deshya is currently feeling. While she could be constantly worrying about her surroundings, wondering if she's going to be abducted again some day, she goes on living with a smile on her face. Sure, she seems to have opened up a bit more since meeting Bibi and Korone, but even before that, she never let paranoia get the better of her. She continues to live with a smile on her face, and despite what's happened, she doesn't get hung up on the truth every day. Her daughter remains herself and lives as she sees fit.
And maybe that's why he decides not to overprotect her.
Sure, maybe he should pick her up every time she leaves school. Not let her stay out too late. Watch her when he can. Maybe even hire someone to look after her when he and his mother can't... but he refuses. He hesitated to do it after the case in which she was abducted, but it was far from being the same thing. Gatito installed a GPS in her phone after that incident — with his daughter's consent, of course — and doesn't necessarily intend to go any further... at least for now. He wants to let his daughter experience freedom and doesn't want to over-protect her, removing the wings from her back or preventing them from spreading. Some might say he's a bad father or doesn't care enough, but that's far from the case: when he comes home from work, he sometimes just hopes to find his daughter smiling, at the table or in her room. When he's at work, he wonders if she's all right. He could protect her even more, but Deshya is now a big girl who loves her freedom. He knows that people take him for a stern, strict, even cold man, but if they knew how he is with his daughter... maybe they'd change their minds.
- Y’u wan’ to eat?
His daughter hands him a piece of bread with blue cheese, the redhead's favorite. He smiles and nods as he grabs it, then puts it in his mouth and chews it with pleasure. He's sure he's doing the right thing: he did protect Deshya until she was 15, but she was never in danger until September. Nevertheless, this is due to his involvement in business, not to whoever is behind his fox attributes. Although he'll continue to be afraid for the rest of his life, this is normal: he's her father, so of course he'll worry about his beloved daughter.
- Isn't that our fox-eared detective?
As the two eat around guests, some move aside to let a man pass. Deshya and Gatito turn their faces to the right to observe him, and soon both recognize him - in fact, the girl had recognized the voice instantly. As the man approaches them, Deshya's heart begins to beat faster and with a swift swallow, she finishes what's in her mouth and turns her body towards him.
- S... Shinpei!!
‘Shinpei Kioru', the police detective from Lière, who is involved in most of the investigations opposite 'XIII'.
Private detectives are generally more popular than police detectives because they can accept a much wider range of requests, but some police detectives are very popular: Shinpei Kioru is just such a detective. 1m80 tall, the man's dark hair is medium-length and half-done correctly, but forms a recognizable cut, and his eyes are bright green. With a long beige suit over his body, similar to those worn by detectives in TV series or fiction, as well as a t-shirt and dark pants fastened by a belt, including shoes of a similar color, the man is impossible to miss, especially for Deshya. A police detective sometimes seen in interviews on television or on the Internet, the man sometimes nicknamed 'He Who Will Conquer Legend', Shinpei Kioru. Although she's not as big a fan of his as 'Minos Kiyon' or 'Kira Miname', he's still a detective she's always wanted to meet and listen to his many tales of 'XIII'. In one case, he even managed to handcuff 'XIII' just before he escaped, but it wasn't enough due to the clumsiness of one of the police men. As far as Deshya knows, this same man was dismissed the next day, but Shinpei confessed that he had blundered too, because in reality, 'XIII' would have managed to escape in time in any case. A humble, kind man with a beautiful smile and who's in his mid-thirties…
- S-Shinpei!
- That's me, ahah. Looks like you're excited to meet me?
His voice is calm and soft, his tone friendly and cheerful. Despite the situation they find themselves in, he keeps his usual expression, and seeing him in person is clearly different from seeing him on TV.
- Of course you are! You're a popular detective and I like you a lot! I've even read your book three times!
- Ah, 'Miracles Of The Thirteen Cases'? I'm proud of it, if I do say so myself.
He bows like a butler, holding the stockings of his long jacket, which amuses Deshya. Some of the guests around them watch them talk: Shinpei is someone famous, after all. Some still don't know about the arrival of 'XIII', but it looks like it won't be long before it's spread to everyone here... Gatito shakes his head.
- Why are all the detectives I meet so unserious...?" he wonders.
He's thinking mainly of Mariah. Obviously, this is some kind of joke Gatito is playing on himself, but on the other hand, he wonders if it isn't actually true... However, he would never dare criticize a detective like Shinpei: he knows his way around 'XIII' cases. If he dares to be relaxed, it's surely for a good reason. Whether it's because he knows he's not going to take direct action, or because he's actually keeping a close eye on his surroundings.
- I really liked it!
- I'm glad you did," he admits.
Gatito had forgotten that Shinpei always speaks rather slowly, even during interviews. Seeing him in person is rather strange: it's their first meeting too, just like Deshya.
- So you're the famous fox-eared detective? Pleased to meet you.
He takes her hand and drops a kiss. Then he rises to his feet, gently and elegantly shaking her hand in front of him.
- My name is 'Shinpei Kioru', a police detective from Liere. I hope we can prevent 'XIII' from killing anyone, so I'm counting on your help to stop him in time.
Even though he speaks softly, every word is articulated to perfection. His voice is pleasant to listen to, and Deshya's eyes light up with a new star with every passing second. That a renowned detective like him should speak to her in such a polite manner, addressing her in the form of "sir" and even elevating her to a higher level than his own, makes her want to leap into the air and express her joy. However, not only would she not dare act like that in front of, there's also a bunch of guests around them, including her father, and besides, this place is probably going to become a murder scene, so she can't afford it. She swallows back all her excitement and bows to him.
- I'm counting on you too!" she replies.
Her father had expected a more 'excited' reaction from his daughter, but he's happy to see that she's growing up little by little. If she was the same as she was during the Blusharks' explosive kitchen affair, he can't imagine her reaction here... While entering this new world, she's learning to be more mature.
Between the world of normality and the world of detectives.
Between the world of youth and adulthood.
Between the world of immaturity and maturity.
Two worlds, both on earth, yet as different as heaven and hell.
- In any case, young lady, we must be careful. ‘XIII' could already be here, and it's certain that he has a plan to eliminate his targets... Unfortunately, we don't know who that could be.
He whispers his phrases to Deshya before stepping aside with a smile.
- I'll leave you to keep an eye on this place with one of my colleagues. In the meantime, we'll check with Ei and Mohammed to make sure there's nothing set up around here," he says, waving his hand.
- I-I'll do my best!
Deshya shakes her head rapidly and holds back her hood, having almost made the world's worst mistake. Gatito asks her to calm down and she apologizes, but her heart can't slow down its beating: meeting Shinpei Kioru is like a dream... Admittedly, less 'incredible' than when she met Minos, but she now has the impression that she can make friends — or at least get to know — people she's been admiring for a few months, if not years! She's delighted to meet them, and hopes to be able to talk to them even more, but she wonders if she'll even get to meet 'Kira Miname', the greatest detective of this era — well, the one that still is alive. Nevertheless, she takes a deep breath and inhales while squinting her eyes.
- On a more serious note, 'XIII' will be making his move in the next few minutes, if not hours. It's unthinkable to think that he's not already disguised as someone…
Even if it's easy to escape along the path they've taken and hide in the forest, there's a large plain in between. Otherwise, on the other side, there's the lake. If he's planning a boat or something, Shinpei and his team are bound to find it before 'XIII' can use it. He works mostly on his own — indeed, always on his own, really — so Deshya doesn't see a helicopter coming to pick him up from the skies... He doesn't have many options for escaping from here, so the reverse is also true: arriving from nowhere is unlikely. True, there are still a few guests due to arrive in the next few minutes, but they'll probably be checked by the Lière police. This hadn't been possible with everyone during the ceremony, although from what Ei had quickly said when it was over, they'd been able to make sure that some people weren't 'XIII'; just not all. However, they hadn't come across 'XIII's' disguise... Either that meant he'd been lucky, or he hadn't intended to disguise himself before coming here. This means one of two things: either 'XIII' is disguised as a member of the restaurant staff, or he's been waiting here and intends to disguise himself as a specific guest, perhaps by knocking him out and hiding him somewhere. It's also possible that he's pretending to be a guest who was already here, given the number of people at the restaurant: it's impossible for them to remember them all, so if an imposter appears out of nowhere, Deshya is convinced there's little chance of them noticing him. Maybe the bride and groom will understand, figuring that they didn't invite him, but the chances of them noticing this random person in a line of guests are pretty slim... From her knowledge of 'XIII', she'd go out on a limb and bet that he's already disguised as someone. It's also possible that he's swapped places with someone he fell asleep with at the church, just after the ceremony. Given that it's not really possible to check on everyone in advance, he could have indulged in this. Nevertheless, there a r e far too many people here: she can't discover 'XIII's' identity just like that. He could be disguised as a woman or a man. What's certain is that he never disguises himself as a detective, so he can't be 'Shinpei'. He could even disguise himself as 'Ei' or his father, 'Gatito', but Deshya is certain that's not the case.
- But I can't rule out the possibility... My father can't be 'XIII' unless he's replaced him first thing in the morning, as soon as he gets out of bed, but given our conversations so far, I don't think 'XIII' could imitate him to that extent. Ei could be 'XIII' too, but... well, it's rare for him to dress up as a policeman, so he must be either a guest, a waiter or a cook.
He can also be disguised as one of the bride and groom. What also needs to be taken into account is the choice about who he decided to target today? Given the letter he sent her and the one she read, which was received by the Lière police, he intends to kill more than just one person... but how many? Two? Three? Or even four? It's very rare for there to be more than four, but she remembers the case where he killed an entire group of 16 people. Admittedly, that had been a different story, but it's not impossible... Here, it's unlikely he'd resort to such a technique: he wouldn't harm an innocent person, unless it was to put them to sleep quietly or with a Taser. Admittedly, this could be considered violence towards others, but most of the time, it's with a sedative. In short, Deshya has to be on her guard at all times, no matter what, and wary of anyone in this place. Whether it's someone chatting with her, greeting her, avoiding her or even not in her field of vision. Deshya is facing 'XIII', the most gifted criminal in probably the whole of history, so even if she has to think of an impossible plan, she has to believe it's possible. It amuses her to think of this, since it's something Mariah told her.
- ‘It's by thinking the impossible is impossible that we drown in an impossible situation'...
From what she remembers, it wasn't actually Mariah who invented this quote, but someone close to her — male or female. In the situation Deshya finds herself in, she has to keep this police detective's words in her head: it's entirely possible that 'XIII' has thought of a plan so complex that it would be impossible to come up with without thinking of the most crazy one possible. What's more, 'XIII' rarely leaves any evidence behind, the only evidence being the removal of his mask — something he does himself when he realizes he can no longer defend himself. If caught, even with his extraordinary abilities, it would be impossible for him to escape, after all…
The party goes on. A few minutes after the discussion between Shinpei and Deshya, waiters and waitresses arrive on the roof with new appetizers. Everyone is dressed warmly, but not too warmly: the air is chilly, especially on the roof. Deshya has no doubt that the interior of the restaurant will be the perfect temperature. Ei, Shinpei and other policemen continue to search for any mechanism or anything around the hotel, although some have remained on the restaurant roof in case 'XIII' shows up or commits his first crime. Deshya is currently chatting quietly with her father, both of them on guard, when—
- A-Ah!
A woman screams in surprise and falls forward, jostling a man and then Deshya. Fortunately for them, what she's carrying is only pieces of bread and not drinks, which would have stained the clothes of several guests. Attention turns to the woman who has just fallen, holding her head. Gatito walks over to her and helps her up along with his daughter, asking if she's okay. She nods.
- I... I think I've been tripped..." she confesses.
Deshya frowns and scans the surroundings in front of her, but there are far too many guests everywhere. If what she says is true, then…
- Did 'XIII' trip her up? Why did...?
However, the other theory is that this woman herself is 'XIII'... but seeing as she takes back her dish apologetically, quickly leaving in shame, Deshya wouldn't understand why she'd be 'XIII' in disguise. Deshya takes a quick look at her clothes, but nothing seems to be attached.
- Is everything all right?
Deshya turns her face towards another woman who has just approached her: it's the bride, Rosaline. Her long white clothes are magnificent and her face is soft, her hair silky. She's a sublime woman, yet she's the same height as Deshya, perhaps a little shorter. The girl with the fox-like attributes wonders more and more whether she's the one who's or simply all the women in Belium who are small... well, most of them.
- I'm fine," admits Deshya.
- Mina should have been more careful…
- Mina?
Rosaline nods and leaves the two waiters who have approached to pick up the few pieces of bread that have been left on the floor. Unfortunately, they'll have no other purpose than to be devoured by ducks or pigeons…
- Yes, she's 'Mina Matze'. She's been working here for a while and it's thanks to her that we were able to reserve the restaurant for ourselves. At least, she's the one who suggested it," explains Rosaline with a smile. She's a distracted and embarrassed woman, but she's nice… She'll probably apologize again and again, so try to reassure her, ahah.
- It's okay, my clothes aren't stained or damaged," Deshya told her.
Gatito remains silent, letting his daughter talk with the bride, analyzing her surroundings. Perhaps this is just a chance event that needs no concern on his part, but if she really has been pushed or tripped over someone's foot, it's not impossible to think that this is the work of 'XIII' himself. However, if that's the case, then he must know 'why' he did such a thing... If it had been aimed for Mina to run into Deshya, then he would have preferred to choose a waiter with drinks, rather than one with bread. Gatito quickly turns his gaze to his daughter, who is still chatting with the bride, and sighs inwardly.
- It's not my place to act like a detective, anyway.
He has no doubt that everything he's thinking now has already been thought through by Deshya at the very moment it all happened. If 'XIII' is the one who bumped into the waitress or is disguised as her, then he's making far too much of himself for someone who still hasn't committed a crime, all for, it would seem, no reason at all... So he prefers not to think about it any further, finding it simply an unnecessary waste of time.
A good thirty minutes later, the guests were gradually entering the restaurant: the appetizers had been devoured by the guests. Some of them have decided to save room for the appetizer, main course and dessert that's about to arrive, especially as no one knows about the meals in advance — except the bride and groom and the cooks, of course. When Deshya arrives in the main hall on the first floor, she takes another look around. It's huge, with large tables everywhere, some round, others rectangular. Guests have already started to sit where they like, usually alongside family or friends. Only one table has been reserved in advance, where Deshya can see several people she recognizes: Shinpei Kioru, Ei Anisato, even the bride and groom, Rosaline Monneige and Sam Strife. During the conversation she had with Rosaline, it seems that they're going to keep their own surnames, but that's no sign of a rift between the two of them: Rosaline is just holding on to her family name since the death of her mother. Deshya wonders whether, when she marries, she'll take the other's name or not... If she can date Tessa and live by her side for life, she still thinks she'll keep her surname... After all, for years it hasn't been necessary to take the man's surname and they can choose, even in a gay marriage. With these thoughts, Deshya approaches the table reserved with her father, since they can both go there too. Before taking her seat, Deshya thinks of an amusing question and hesitates to ask it, but when Shinpei notices her staring at him, he asks what it is. Deshya scratches her cheek, blushing.
- A-Ah, even though it's a bit of a joke, I was wondering....
She speaks softly enough that not everyone can hear her. Next to Shinpei is a darker-skinned man whom she doesn't know, but she really likes his black dreadlocked hair. The woman on the detective's right is, of course, Ei Anisato, Lière's police inspector.
- To join the police force, is one of the requirements to be handsome or sexy?" asks Deshya, embarrassed by such a question.
Gatito has heard her and can't help but quickly chuckle at such a question, but Shinpei laughs without hesitation at the two amused policemen next to him. The two newlyweds and guests at the table turn to them, wondering what happened. Shinpei winks at Deshya.
- If that's the case, then you'll be accepted straight away," he replies simply.
Deshya blushed even more, going to sit down with a happy smile. Gatito would like to tell her not to ask such questions, but he prefers to keep quiet and remains amused, surprised by what she has dared to say. When he thinks about it himself, the majority of policemen in Belium are really handsome and sexy. Of course, that's not to say that this isn't the case in other countries. Some have a more 'imposing' side, like the chief of the Lière station. However, that's just a detail produced by chance, nothing more... Besides, beauty is subjective.
- I haven't introduced you, but this girl is 'Deshya Oveja'!" speaks Rosaline.
The wife pats the shoulder of the woman to her left, her husband just to her left.
- Deshya, this is 'Kiara Gommon', my best friend for just under a year! Well, she's not my only best friend, but I adore her!
Deshya observes the woman with the short brown hair before greeting her with a smile. Kiara does the same, gently waving her hand in front of her.
- Right next to him is 'Kelly Berbece', my husband’s best friend!
- I saw the NEWS live. Super Rock 'N Roll, but super dangerous, what you did," smiles Kelly.” But I like it. I love it.
- T-Thank you…
Deshya is embarrassed, but her answering that way was mainly because she hadn't tried to be "Rock 'N Roll" or stylish: it had been the only means of survival for the three of them... Even if she didn't admit it to the others, she had been on the verge of bursting into tears inside the hotel when she'd ridden away on the motorcycle, given that if luck hadn't been on their side, the building would have collapsed all too soon, taking the lives of three girls that day. She cried tears of joy when they reached the fountain, safe and sound, but who could judge her for that?
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
- Where is Rampo?" asks Rosaline, noticing that he's not at the table.
- He said he'd come and eat after the entree," explains Kiara.
- Rampo?" asks Gatito.
The bride turns to Deshya's father.
- He's a friend of Kiara's. He's very teasing and sometimes a bit cold, but he has a good side," admits Rosaline.
Kiara wants to laugh when she hears this, because she knows the truth: Rampo is a real scumbag. If anyone is going to be the target of 'XIII' today, it's going to be him. Well, Kiara can't deny that she herself isn't perfect, but what she does is only for the money and the opportunity to have a little fun with Sam's beautiful body, nothing else: she doesn't think she's 'society's trash'.
- Oh, I see.
Rosaline is not necessarily saddened by this, and enjoys the music echoing through the room, gently moving her body from side to side. In the kitchen, meanwhile, the cooks are hard at work with the waiters ready to zigzag between all the tables, as usual. This time it's for a special event and the atmosphere is different, as it's a wedding.
The appetizer is delicious. Deshya devours it without hesitation, her belly dancing with joy inside her body, her taste buds happy and her nose embracing the good smell. Even if her reason for being here is to prevent 'XIII' from committing any crime, she's actually happy to be able to eat something so good... It was so delicious. If she ever comes to Lière again, she hopes to return to this restaurant! She's sure her mother or Korone would love the view, the atmosphere and the food. She can't wait to find out what dish and then what dessert will be served! However, like Shinpei, she remains on her guard in case anyone is killed... 'XIII' is bound to be around. Unless he's decided not to come today — which is a possibility already removed from his mind — he'll soon be cracking down, that's for sure... Time goes by more and more and yet, no sign of this criminal... Deshya can only find this strange. Is he waiting for something? How will he kill? It's unlikely that he'd decide to shoot anyone in this room, as he'd be spotted straight away, and besides, 'XIII' very rarely acts without guile. Added to all this, it's their first meeting: 'XIII' is bound to offer Deshya a complex investigation. However, even if she's interested to know what 'XIII' has planned, she doesn't want to find out: she wants to stop him from killing anyone. Even if they're bad people, that doesn't give 'XIII' — or anyone, really — permission to kill them. Whether it was Koinu Blushark who killed her father or Daniel Teri who killed Ben Tharen, they had no right to do so. Certainly, the victims weren't good people — or at least, they hadn't acted in the best of ways.
— But that's no reason to steal someone's life! Deshya thinks so, and will think so for the rest of his life.
- I have to go to the bathroom, I apologize.
While the girl with the fox-like attributes is in her thoughts, a woman rises from her chair: it's Kiara. However, before she can step forward, Shinpei asks her to stay put.
- I'm just going to the—
- That's not the point. We still don't know who the targets of 'XIII' are. If it's you, then you'll be invulnerable away from us," Shinpei cuts her off. Ei, you go with him.
- Sure.
Kiara frowns.
- I understand your concern, but I refuse, even for my own safety, to be watched while I relieve myself," she admits.
- She'll stay right outside the bathroom door. Policemen are outside and watching all around, so if 'XIII' wants to get away, it's either by beating Ei, not an easy thing to do, or make sure she's not spotted by anyone outside the restaurant. She'll just keep an eye on things by coming with you.
Kiara sighs and shrugs, realizing that she has no choice in the matter: so she accepts. Ei gets up from her chair and apologizes to Gatito, with whom she was chatting about their work, and joins Kiara without further ado. Not even four seconds pass before another woman stands up. This time, it's—
- I'm going to have a quick smoke outside!" says Kelly.
The woman with medium-length chestnut hair speaks. Shinpei asks another policeman to follow her and he accepts. Deshya would have thought it was the man with the dreadlocks who would be chosen, but Shinpei doesn't offer. Is it possible that he's not an agent, but someone else, then...? She doesn't bother to ask and watches Kelly walk away with the other policeman.
- Do you want me to come with you?" asks Rosaline, turning around.
Kelly stops and looks at the bride with question marks in her eyes.
- If there are more of us, 'XIII' is less likely to appear," admits Rosaline.
- Not good. Besides, as cold as I am, I don't see myself as his target.
She shrugs her shoulders and continues on her way alongside the policeman, leaving the room with its lively, festive atmosphere. Most of the guests had finished their appetizers, with some still taking their time or unable to eat everything. It has to be said that the aperitifs had already filled some people's bellies... Deshya used to be that kind of person. She's careful now, and if there are any appetizers left over, she takes them and eats them in front of a movie, a series or a stream. She's already gained a kilo or two as a result, but she's far from overweight, let alone obese, so she can afford it. If she ever has to give up her daily sport, then that's another matter, but with gymnastics and her long walks to and from home, she should be able to keep her figure. In any case, she doesn't mind putting on a little fat: she just thinks it's cuter, whether it's on a girl or a boy. However, that doesn't mean it's ugly otherwise: Aya is rather slim, with thin thighs, but she's still very cute. Deshya just prefers a little more 'squishy', like Frie or Tessa — even Mariah!
The minutes pass quickly enough when Ei and Kiara return together from the bathroom. Kelly and the other policeman are still not back, but it's normal that smoking takes longer than—
- We've got a problem.
This is what Ei confesses as soon as she arrives at the table, whispering to Shinpei and Deshya. Gatito frowns, but before he can ask for details, this town's police detective does. The other guests at the table are intrigued by what's being said, especially as Kiara seems to be bothered. Nevertheless, Ei makes sure that their conversation is not overheard by everyone, but only by those who need to know.
- It seems that Mina, the waitress, has been kidnapped.
Deshya opens her eyes wide, but Shinpei and Gatito squint theirs.
- Situation," says the police detective calmly.
- I was in front of the toilet as planned when Kiara came in. However, fearing that 'XIII' was already waiting for her there, I entered the room to check that all was well. I didn't even have time to check a single cabin before someone knocked me out from behind. Kiara quickly woke me up, but she explained that Mina had been kidnapped.
The policemen and detectives listen attentively. Shinpei turns to Kiara, who steps forward when she notices everyone staring at her.
- How do you know?" asks Shinpei.
- I-I heard a strange noise when I was in my cabin… Then I quickly heard a woman's scream and…
- Was it Mina?
Impatient, Deshya asks the question. Kiara nods with insecurity and a lack of confidence. Ei slammed her fist down hard on her palm, but it seemed more like a way of hurting herself than anything else.
- I didn't pay enough attention. If this leads to Mina's death, then—
- Until that happens, it's best to just sit back and concentrate on the present and prevent it from happening.
Shinpei rises at his words and gently pats Ei's shoulder.
- We face 'XIII'. We have to see him as a monster, while, us, we are only human.
He steps forward, asking the policemen, including Gatito and Deshya, to stand up in turn, and lets out a weak smile.
- But unfortunately for him, we're capable of exterminating a monster. So let's do our best again.
Stars appear in Deshya's eyes: she recognizes Shinpei perfectly here. A man who greatly respects the intelligence of criminals and the people around him, understanding that he can even be below them... but he will never give up. He'll always go beyond his limits if he has to. An opponent like 'XIII' is almost impossible to catch, but Shinpei believes it's possible every day. He doesn't get depressed; he keeps telling himself it's going to happen. Maybe that's why he's the man sent on almost every 'XIII' case…
- W-What's going on?
As half of the table where the bride and groom are seated stands up, the guests stop chatting to each other to observe them. What's more, even Rosaline and Sam got up.
- Is it 'XIII'? Has he ever killed anyone?!" asks one of the guests.
- I knew it! XIII' is here!
- Ro... Rosaline, it's not that, is it?!
All of a sudden, the guests start to panic. Nothing is explained yet, and yet they let their fantasies bother them. Sure, they're right about 'XIII's' actions, but it creates unnecessary panic. Some of the guests are also reluctant to get up, and Deshya looks at them, remembering what happened during the unstoppable train affair or even during the Furas’ party... If they all start getting restless, it's going to make the search more complicated. However, the situation is different to that of the train, but at the same time, Deshya wonders if it isn't similar: letting someone leave here is too risky. As long as 'XIII''s targets are at the party, they can at least know where 'XIII' is, and the cops are there to be able to stop him killing or even catch him afterwards. If the target(s) return home, it will be impossible to protect them without knowing their identity. This is also why 'XIII' is so dangerous: unless he's stopped in his tracks from killing his target at the very place of his challenge, he'll get rid of his target no matter what. Whether he's a civilian, a person of some importance to society, the head of a major corporation or even the rich and powerful, 'XIII' is always on the move: he will never give up. The only targets of this criminal who have survived are because the police or detective managed to prevent 'XIII' from killing them with a plan or by directly understanding the disguise employed, but this is so rare that one can almost say it never happened; a sad thing to think. At least they know it's possible to rescue their targets... and that's by 'defeating' 'XIII' at his own game on the very day, at the very place of the 'challenge'. Of course, this is easier said than done, given that 'XIII' almost never makes a mistake and plans everything in advance. When he sends the letter, the methods of escape, the disguises, the research into the personalities he's going to imitate, etc... He's a real demon.
- Please calm down.
In his polite tone and calm, slow voice, Shinpei speaks. He speaks loudly enough for most of the guests to hear him, and like magic, they all calm down. Shinpei thanks them before continuing:
- We can't waste any time, so I'll ask you to stay put and check your surroundings. I can promise you that you're in no danger, as the targets of 'XIII' have already been identified and alerted.
Deshya is shocked: this is clearly a lie on his part.
- However, I won't deny that he's here. If you're a fan of his, please don't create a useless ruckus. The opposite is also true. I understand that you're probably scared or unsure if you're going to be his target, but I can promise you that none of you, dear guests, are. Stay in your seats and enjoy your meal while we stop him. What's more, we have confirmation that his current target isn't dead yet, so it's possible we'll get this over with without a hitch. Thank you for your time.
Shinpei bows gently and as if he's just put a spell on the room, everyone calms down and the friendly atmosphere returns. Deshya doesn't know if it's their trust in Shinpei or that it's common knowledge that 'XIII' doesn't harm anyone except his targets, but she assumes it's both. What's more, some of them seem delighted to hear that this criminal is around... Deshya observes Shinpei, who smiles as he feels her attention focused on him.
- Sometimes you have to lie to calm people down. It's impossible to live without lies, after all.
The way he said it intrigued Deshya, especially as he seemed to have glanced at either Ei or the dark-skinned man behind him. However, she ignores it and just thinks about the train affair. At this point, Annie had also lied to the passengers about the vehicle's missed stops. Deshya must have used such a lie in turn, but in reality, she would never have dared to tell the truth... as it would have created a monster mess. Anyway, Deshya completely agrees with the police detective and just nods. Before going to look for them, Shinpei asks the bride and groom what they're doing, but they admit they want to look too. Kiara says the same. Shinpei would have liked to refuse, but since time is against them, he just agrees, hurrying from the room with the policemen and them all. As they arrive outside, they are quickly greeted by a woman who turns to them in astonishment.
- What are you doing...?" asks Kelly.
The smell of cigarettes is noticed by anyone, even if the woman isn't smoking. Near her, the policeman assigned to watch and protect her is on guard, but as he sees the group arriving, he relaxes.
- What's going on?
The policeman asks the same question as Kelly.
- Has anyone come out since?" asks Shinpei, not answering their question.
The policeman nods.
- I didn't see anyone," admits Kelly.
- She hasn't moved from here either," adds the policeman.
In short, the possibility of 'XIII' being disguised as Kelly drops to almost 100%. Shinpei turns his head towards the building before shoving his hands into the pockets of his long beige coat.
- It seems that 'XIII'’s first target was Mina Matze, the waitress at this restaurant," he confesses.” Ei was knocked out in the bathroom and Mina was abducted at that point, if Kiara is to be believed.
- But how did he get out?" asks Gatito. Weren't there any other policemen at the front door of the WC?
- We'll have to go and check, but there must be a small window. However... Anyway, we don't have time to chat any longer. We're all looking together to see where she might be. Despite what I said in the restaurant, the chances of Mina still being alive are almost zero.
In fact, they all understood this from the moment they learned that Mina had been kidnapped. If 'XIII' puts his hand on his target, then saving her is impossible; Shinpei can speak from experience.
- Ei, you go with Nathan and Kiara. Deshya, with your father and Rosaline. Sam comes with me and Martin, and Mohammed with Jean together. If Kelly wants to follow us, go with the two of them, otherwise go straight back to the restaurant.
- I don't know what's going on, but Mina is too nice a woman to be targeted by 'XIII'. If he dares touch her…
She cracks her knuckles with an angry look on her face: she doesn't need to finish her sentence for everyone to understand what she meant. In any case, the intention is understood by all. The policeman calling himself 'Martin' returns to them and confirms that no one else is in the ladies' or men's rooms' toilets at the moment, so the teams start running to look for Mina.
For Deshya, Gatito and Rosaline, the search was fruitless. They check the rise in the ground, the roof and a little further on, but nothing. Gatito prefers to stay by his daughter's side in case she discovers something and is attacked by 'XIII', even though he's never done such a thing, and Rosaline isn't comfortable being alone, as she's beginning to think she could be the next victim. If a kind, shy woman like Mina can be taken as a target, then she begins to hesitate about what she's learned about this 'legendary criminal'.
As for Shinpei's team, they go to look around the lake… unfortunately, nothing at all. Sam Strife, the groom, asks if it's possible they're still inside, but Shinpei explains that there are still cops inside who know the cause, since Shinpei quickly explained on the walkie-talkie as he left the restaurant. Sam scratches his head, not remembering when he did it, but fully believes him. Mohammed's side... again, no results. They don't even really know what they're looking for: 'XIII' often uses tricks to kill his victims, so what would he be doing so far from the restaurant? Perhaps he's planning something a little way from the building to create a ruse? This has happened before, so they can't rule it out. They never know in advance what the 'theme' of the ruse is going to be, after all... nor how he intends to kill his target(s): with a gun? With a knife? Poison? Other? They can't know that right now. If he's still inside, he'll probably get caught by the cops who are still there, so he must well and truly be outside…
And finally, on the side of Ei's team, the three of them bypass the restaurant. It's the police inspector who seems the most stressed of the three, clearly because she blames herself: if she hadn't been knocked out from behind, she wouldn't have let 'XIII' act. If she'd been more careful, then they could have stopped her — at least, prevented him from acting. Now, 'Mina Matze' is going to be killed by his hands, and they don't even know what disguise he's borrowed. Kiara stops behind them, but Ei notices him a few seconds later.
- What are you doing, Kiara?!" shouts Ei.
- …
The woman is standing in front of a container — a dark green garbage can that can be opened by lifting the large lid attached to the back. Kiara raises her eyes to the building's small window.
The toilet window.
Ei notices her and frowns as she runs towards Kiara.
- Is it possible...?!
The other policeman, Nathan, approaches when he sees Ei running towards Kiara. Kiara places both hands on the lid.
- Mina is someone I really like, so…
Although Kiara plans to execute a 'horrible' plan tonight against Rosaline, her friendship with Mina is real — it's not the same thing at all. If Mina is the real target of 'XIII', she doesn't understand why.
- I want to find it!
Kiara and Ei both lift the lid of the container, hoping to find Mina's body still alive... but, unfortunately…
All they find is garbage. Nothing else.
Ei sighs in disappointment, but before closing the lid, she checks under the garbage. However, it is impossible to hide a body in there, so they close the container and Kiara clenches both fists.
- …
She says nothing, an angry look on her face. Ei pats her on the shoulder, promising that they'll find her. Kiara nods softly and, without further ado, Ei and Nathan continue their active search, Kiara again looking out the window of the ladies' room.
Unfortunately, after about 15 minutes of intensive searching, nothing is found. Not a mechanism hidden by 'XIII', not the living or lifeless body of 'Mina Matze', nothing. No one. Gatito knocks against the restaurant wall, gnashing his teeth.
- Where did they go...?" he wonders, eyes squinting.
- Is it possible that 'Mina' is actually 'XIII'?" asks Rosaline.
Both Oveja turn towards her, but Deshya answers first.
- It's not impossible, especially since it fell on me during the aperitifs... After that, I don't see why 'XIII' would do such a thing, given that when I looked in my hood, my two pockets and shook my clothes, nothing fell out, so I don't think he'd have put anything on me.
- …
Rosaline reflects and Gatito sighs.
- There's no point in looking any further, I reckon. They're either much further away, another team has found them, or they're still inside. I think we'd better get back to the restaurant," he suggests.
He looks at his daughter and the bride, seeking their approval, and rightly so, they nod. Deshya sees no point in going any further than this, since there's no reason for 'XIII' to take his victim to a remote location: he likes the spectacle, showing others the fate he inflicts on sinners, the refuse of this society. If they were to dispose of the body too far away, it would be pointless. True, it would be less risky, but 'XIII' isn't the type to play it safe every time. If he did, then maybe he'd be literally untraceable every time... Maybe.
- No, surely not," thought Deshya.
After all, if they can't catch him when he plays the risk card, she doesn't even want to imagine when he prefers safety. With his talents for disguise, stealth and evasion, including his intelligence and what appears to be a knowledge of people's true nature, he could perhaps go so far as to commit hundreds of murders a year, many more than he already does. He would be such a serious threat that he wouldn't even be considered a serial killer anymore, but probably something even stronger, maybe even a new term... Deshya doesn't even want to imagine 'XIII' acting like that, because it could be even more horrible. Some say that as long as he's killing the 'trash' of society, everything's fine, but what if he were to lose his mind and choose his targets almost at random? No one would be safe, even at home. It would create an era of terror that would probably require an unimaginable number of police forces and other groups, associations and probably even gifted assassins themselves to stop him. Deshya wants to believe she's exaggerating, but 'XIII' really is that much of a superhuman... She hopes she's wrong, but given that he still hasn't been caught, she can only think she's right... As the three return to the restaurant, they bump into Shinpei, Sam and Martin. The two grooms talk uneasily together, Shinpei with Deshya and Gatito.
- No results on your side either?" asks the dark haired man.
They both nod and Shinpei observes the restaurant's front door.
- I don't know where he went, but chances are he's still inside. Maybe he pretended to pick up Mina's voice to force us outside... I'm already amazed that he dared to knock Ei out when he's the type who doesn't necessarily hurt police officers. That means he had to in order to carry out his plan... So he had to hide in one of the cabins," explains Shinpei.
Deshya thought the same thing.
- What about the other teams?" asks Gatito.
- I asked on my walkie-talkie on the way back to the restaurant, but it looks like everything's been searched to no avail. They're all coming back too.
- Say, Shinpei…
Deshya attracts the attention of the detective, who shakes his head gently, listening.
- Do we know how 'XIII' chooses its targets? Well, apart from the fact that they're always 'garbage'," she asks.
- Honestly, that's a question I unfortunately don't know the answer to. Even with access to police files, he doesn't necessarily kill other criminals or people who have committed crimes such as rape, theft or assault of any kind. Sometimes he kills people who have done mischievous things or are planning to do mischievous things, but how would he know that? I don't know. Nobody knows but himself.
Shinpei touches his chin.
- Although 'XIII' always acts alone when he kills, there's nothing to say he doesn't work with others. Maybe he asks some of his fanatics who are normal people in society to report who might or might not be 'trash' and then checks it out, or maybe 'XIII' himself is a normal person. Given his professional disguises, we think he's working with someone in the business. We're still looking into how 'XIII' can produce money for certain mechanisms in his plans, and how he can act so freely, but... It’s impossible to know.
Shinpei shrugs.
- It's also possible that he changed his real face into the one we all know from someone he then killed. He may have acted outside Belium, but at this point, there's not much we can really do. In fact, whatever happens, until we know the real identity of 'XIII' or whether his face is a mask, cosmetic surgery or something else, it's going to be complicated to start anywhere.
- I... I see…
Deshya totally understands what the police detective is saying... and it frightens her. How can someone like 'XIII' exist?!
- Let's go back," says Gatito.
Deshya nods and they all head inside together, with Gatito and the other policeman checking the back of the two grooms, protecting them just in case. When they arrive in the large hall, where everyone has finished eating, the guests turn to the policemen who have just returned. Just behind them, the other two teams return, but Shinpei doesn't pay them any immediate attention.
- Ah, they're back!" says one of the guests.
- Did you see anything strange?" asks Shinpei.
- Shinpei…
Ei tries to get the detective's attention, but since one of the guests is answering his question, he doesn't hear her.
- Nothing at all," admits someone.
- …
Shinpei looks down and the bride and groom are escorted by Gatito and the other policeman to their table. Ei wants to talk to Shinpei again, insisting a little more, but he walks on thinking, lost in thought. The woman sighs and touches his shoulder, admitting that it's important, but it's at the same time that a woman is talking to the bride and groom.
- Who were you looking for?" she asks.
- Mina, the waitress," Rosaline admits.
She doesn't know if she had the right to say it, so she freezes, but Gatito reassures her that it's okay. However—
- Ah? But she was here?
- …
The policemen stop, even the bride and groom and Deshya. The latter frowns and quickly approaches the woman.
- I-Is that right?!
The woman looks at the other guests on her table and they all nod in agreement. A teenager Deshya's age speaks next.
- She's come to serve the next table. She must be in the kitchen looking for another dish.
Deshya opens his eyes wide and Shinpei turns around. At that very moment—
— Mina is there, with a dish in her hand.
The two detectives run towards her, Ei following close behind. Gatito and the other policeman seat the two
by standing next to them.
- What's going on...?" wonders Tetazo's inspector.
What's more, as he watched their teams, he noticed something... strange. Even worrying.
- Where?
He doesn't see this person anywhere.
- Where have you been?!" asks Shinpei, approaching Mina.
The woman blinks, but before she can respond, a scream rings out. Deshya and Shinpei suddenly turn towards the large table where they were all eating: it's Rosaline who has just let out that scream.
- What's going on?!" shouts Ei.
- I-It's…
Rosaline holds up her phone, trembling. A few seconds earlier, the mood in the room had been rather light, despite the presence of 'XIII' in the vicinity; now it's tense. The guests are all focused on Rosaline. Gatito looks at his phone and opens his eyes wide.
- K-Kiara... just texted me... saying she's on the roof!!!
That's what Rosaline shouts, her voice cracking under the pressure. Ei directly orders some of the police to go without further delay. Shinpei follows her and orders Deshya to stay here with Mohammed in case something happens here. Gatito and the other policeman scan the surroundings in case this is just a way of distracting them from the room. The male policeman had noticed before Shinpei: 'Kiara' wasn't with them. This is exactly what Ei wanted to talk about, but Shinpei had been far too deep in his thoughts. Deshya bites her thumb: what does it all mean? Was 'Kiara' 'XIII' in disguise? If so, why lie about Mina by sending them all out? After all, even Kiara joined them in the search, so... She looks through the restaurant windows with a frown, trying to figure out what's going on. If 'XIII' really was disguised as 'Kiara', then where exactly was 'Kiara'? Sure, Ei was knocked out, but there's no way he could have come out of the bathroom, hidden the woman somewhere and then come back, disguised herself and woken Ei without being noticed. Kiara herself wasn't found in the bathroom either, so... it doesn't make sense. What's more likely is that 'XIII' imitated Mina's voice to send everyone outside, did something inside with her disguise and somehow lured 'Kiara' to the roof. However, she still can't be sure: there's always a chance that the message from ‘Kiara' be a fake, because if she really did face 'XIII', would she have time to warn Rosaline? It's all too strange…
- HELP!!!!
A scream rings out. It's perfectly audible from the first floor, thanks to the room's open windows: it's actually coming from outside. Deshya opens her eyes wide, still fixed on the outside, when another scream rings out in the distance another time, but one who doesn't utter a word. In full view of the guests, the police and the bride and groom…
A woman crashes to the terrace floor, losing her life with the sound of shattering bones.