Ci led the two away from her prison, the tower. She brought them to the center of the island to an empty snowfield.

Akeru: Is it...here?

Ci shook her head as she snapped her fingers. The ground below them rumbled as an ice pillar elevator rose from the ground. The three went inside as the land returned to normal, bringing them and the elevator back down into a crystal cave. Akeru and Itsuki were amazed by the beautiful sight. As they reached the bottom, Ci stepped out and went to the back of the cave.

Itsuki: So even if we found out where the amulet was...we would never have been able to find it?!

Ci: Exactly...

Akeru: But why do you have it?

Ci: It was at the Key's hiding place; I assumed it was important. However, I am unsure of its purpose.

Ci went to the back wall and punched a spot, opening a secret door. On a pedestal in the middle of this secret room were two things: An amulet with a starry purple color and the top half of a white dragon egg with light blue sparkles on it. Ci grabbed both and handed the Dusk Amulet to Akeru, who held it with intrigue.

Akeru: This is it...maybe if I put them together, it will work!

Akeru placed the two amulets' backs to each other and closed her eyes. Ci and Itsuki watched as...nothing happened. Akeru opened her eyes and tried again, but it also failed.

Akeru: Why...why isn't this working?! I still don't remember anything!

Ci: May I offer a theory?

Akeru: W-What?

Ci: Perhaps, you never had memories to lose?

Itsuki: What do you mean? Everyone has memories!

Ci: You said you woke up with nothing but the Dawn Amulet, correct? It has bothered me since you said it; you had no clothing either, right?

Akeru: As embarrassing as it is...y-yeah, I had nothing on.

Ci: Why would you not have clothing? If it was simple amnesia, why would you be naked for?

Itsuki: Maybe someone tried to-

Akeru: Don't say anything weird, Itsuki!

Itsuki and Akeru were both red as Ci sighed heavily at the two.

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Ci: When someone is created in this world as a baby, they also have nothing...so if you were created by something, the same rules would apply.

Akeru: C-Created by something? So that means...this whole journey here has been for nothing...

Akeru had her head down as Ci hugged her. She was cold, but Akeru appreciated the hug all the same.

Ci: It was not for nothing, just not for the reason you thought. If you two did not travel here...I would have sat in my tower as the AWF eventually would find this Key.

Itsuki: Speaking of...what of the Shackle?

Ci: Yes...we need to check it. I fear they did find a way to it, as you said.

Ci made the Ice Beast Key vanish as she led the two out of the cave and back onto land. She led them to a frozen cavern next to the sea to the east. She thawed out the entrance and walked in, only to see where the Ice Shackle would be...but instead, there was a massive hole in the ground.

Ci: How foolish of me...I should have thought about them drilling underneath!

Akeru: Well...at least we have the Key!

Itsuki: Shit! Speaking of a Key, we need to get to Cleo!

Ci: Sister? Why are you in a rush to go back to her?

Akeru: Itsuki heard some of the AWF talking; they have the Sand Beast Key thanks to our mistake...and that her assistant is part of them undercover!

Ci: So they intend to trick her as well...not a complex task by any means.

Itsuki: The only issue is that she wants us dead for stealing her treasure.

Ci: Understandable, so what of your next move? Do you plan to help her?

Akeru: I'm not sure...we don't want an Ancient Beast running around, but it would be hard to convince her that someone close to her is part of the AWF.

Ci: That is true...I know that I now have no purpose in staying on this island; perhaps I should start my own adventure...

Itsuki: Why don't you stay with us?!

Akeru and Ci look at Itsuki with their eyes raised.

Ci: A Witch traveling with both of you? You would have people fear you in every area you travel to! Not only that, but if my sisters saw me, that would be a fight instantly.

Itsuki: Not a Witch, a friend!

Ci: F-Friend?

Akeru: He is right! You are like our friend, just like Aurora is our friend too!

Ci: Such a dull word; I don't need friends.

Itsuki: But if you went alone, you would just sit in another tower or something of the sort!

Akeru: Yeah, and besides... it's clear you and your sisters can't win by yourselves! That's why I have an idea, though you will not like it: Joining the Witches together in unity!

Ci couldn't help but start to laugh at her suggestion.

Ci: Unity? What a funny joke...do you know how difficult it would be to have even one other Witch join you with me around?

Itsuki: Just for now! You said that one guy, Gavolt, was holding back...well, what about the other higher-ups like him? They clearly know how to fight and fool you!

Ci: That's enough...but I suppose you possess a point...Fine then, for now, we will travel with each other. But be warned, my sisters will not be as forgiving as me...especially not Cleo.

Akeru: That's fine; we will find a way through her thick skull! Now, please lead us to the docks...we have a ship waiting on us.

Itsuki: It will take two weeks to get there...unless I can find a way to make the ship go faster. I'm going to look through my books; maybe a wind spell could speed us up?

The three of them left the cavern and returned to Ravenbeard's ship. The pirate came out of his ship to see them all get on board.

Ravenbeard: Aye, ye survived! But who is this fine woman?

Itsuki: This is Ci; she is the Ice Witch-

Ravenbeard: Y-Y-You thought bringing a Witch on board was a good idea!?

Akeru: E-Easy...we trust her, she isn't like Cleo...speaking of, we need to head back to Polisha as fast as possible! She is in danger!

Ravenbeard: Bah, to the seven hells with her!

Ci: If you refuse, I can easily just take your ship myself.

Ravenbeard looked at her and grumbled, returning to his wheel. The ship sailed off as they all looked at the island behind them, shrinking in the distance.

Ci: A unity of Witches...it does sound nice. While I disapprove of all my sisters, it would be nice to like them once more like family.

Akeru held the two amulets around her neck tightly as Itsuki put his hand on her shoulder.

Itsuki: We have two new goals now, don't feel down! We will unify the Witches...and while we are at it, look for who or what created you...and why.

Akeru: Right...you better get to studying then; you need to learn more to get stronger!

Itsuki nodded and smiled as they continued to sail away towards the desert country of Polisha.