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Palmiers For a Sister: Two days ago, Van Eltia

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Eizen carefully stepped towards his little sister. He shot a sad smile at Edna. "How're you holding up? That was a lot for you to take in, and I've already trapped you in my misfortune." Eizen said, glaring worryingly at the little malak.

Edna drew back, squeezing the handle of her umbrella. Her blue, glistening gaze shifted between Eizen's eyes. For a moment, she seemed poised to speak. Then she shook her head. "I'm wonderful." Edna paused. Words died in her mouth afterward. Not because of lack of intentions, but her overwhelming emotions barred her from conjuring her feelings into words. Edna gritted her jaw.

Eizen glanced over towards the ocean. "My curse put you in constant danger. You know how it is."

Edna tried to swallow the knot in her throat. She was helpless in showing Eizen that how much she wanted to stay with her brother. "I know…"

"I'll stay on the other side of the ship until we reach Taliesin, but it's too dangerous for you to be around me for long," Eizen informed her, glaring at Edna, waiting for her confirmation.

Edna remained silent.

Eizen let out a stifled breath. "This is for your safety. You do understand that, right?"

Edna seemed to be about bursting into a cry. "I do…"

Eizen turned on his heels. "Good. Then farewell."

As Eizen marched towards the other side of Van Elta, Velvet and Laphicet stepped closer to Edna. The little earth malak turned slowly towards them. "What do you want?"

Velvet stood in front of Edna. "Is there anything you want us to say to your brother?

"No." She answered in a harsh and rude tone.

Velvet remained calm, tipping her head to the side. "Every younger sibling has something they wish to say to their elder. It doesn't matter whether they're sisters or brothers. So I'm asking again: are you certain you don't want us to deliver him a message?"

Edna raised her eyes, meeting Velvet's gaze. "But every older sibling reacts to their younger siblings with worry. I don't want to say anything at all. Sometimes it's better this way." She turned and slowly walked to a secluded area on the back of the ship.

Velvet and Laphicet glance at each other, and with a nod, they went to Eizen.

"You could spend more time with your sister." Velvet blatantly said to him.

"I did enough. There was no need to push the matter." Eizen replied, narrowing his brows.

Laphcet moved closer. "What if she wants to be with you? I doubt anything can happen with us around."

Eizen sighed uncaringly. "I would still leave her behind. Your domains won't win against my misfortune and misery."

Laphicet dropped his head. "But to finally meet her, then just leaving after barely exchanging a single word…."

Eizen crossed his arms over his chest. "Why is it important? Anything I say will come off as an excuse. Besides, I prefer to be in touch through letters. Emotions get in the way when speaking face to face." Eizen focused on Laphicet as he raised his head. "I'm no fool, Laphicet. I know what she wants. I would happily grant it if I could. But there's no avoiding the reaper's curse, and I'll not leave her clinging to something that can never be."

Velvet gently patted Laphicet's shoulder. "Phi is right. We all feel this reunion has been a long time coming. Even if it is a short-lived one, couldn't you do something for your sister?"

Eizen smirked. "I see… Laphicet's and Avernus' serenity finally rubbed off on you."

Velvet glanced at Laphicet. "Maybe, but that's not my answer."

Eizen shook his head. "Like what?"

"You used to make palmiers for her all the time, did you not?" Velvet asked.

Laphicet's eyes beamed with hope. "Yeah! So why not make them for her again?"

Eizen groaned and turned his head away.

Velvet frowned slightly. "Eizen, my little brother is dead, but your sister still lives."

Eizen glared at her from the corner of his eyes, looking tense.

Velvet narrowed her eyes. "I'll say this once; this could be your last chance."

Eizen felt the weight of Velvet's message. It hit him right in the head like a rude wake-up call. "I suppose you're right. We wouldn't be able to eat them together as we used to."

Velvet and Laphicet exchanged a hopeful glance. "I trust you remember the palmier recipe?" Velvet inquired.

Out of the blue, Eizen's gloomy mood loosened up as his eyes glinted. "Of course I do. Not too much sugar. She always liked it when I'd mix a few tea leaves into the crust to make it more aromatic." He dropped his arms, smiling. "I could never forget the recipe. It's her favourite."

With a nod from Eizen, the trio left the deck for the kitchen.

Half an hour had passed. Edna, bored and tired, wandered into the inner quarters. A familiar scent abruptly piqued her interest, unwrapping the veiled memories from a long time ago. Edna tracked the delicious smell to the kitchen. At the door frame, she nearly stumbles into a towering figure, holding a plate. She gasped and stepped back. Edna noticed the full platter, and her eyes glittered for a moment with interest. "Are those… palmiers?"

Eizen glanced back and forth between palmiers and Edna, looking slightly disappointed. "Yes, but I wanted to surprise you."

Her focus shifted back to Eizen. "You didn't need to make those for me."

Eizen's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Why? You don't like them anymore?"

Edna continued to stare at Eizen. A sense of longing flitted behind her eyes. "No, I still like them! It's just if you have the time to make those. I'd rather that you and I…." Edna's tongue failed her once again. She thought that Eizen wouldn't want to hear what she has to say. "...Nevermind." She dropped her head, receiving the plate aloofly from Eizen.

The reaper rambled over to the corridor but suddenly was cut off by Rokurou. The swordsman smirked, blocking the hallway. "Listen, Eizen, I get where you're coming from, but you need to go back, sit, and have a talk with your sister."

Eizen scowled. "What if I don't?"

Rokurou massaged his chin mischievously. "Then you'll have to deal with me."

Eizen began to crack his knuckles. "You know that my sister's safety is my top priority." He whipped his hand to the side. "Get out of my way, Rokurou, before things get ugly."

Laphicet scrambled to their side, shimming Eizen's side to stand next to Rokurou. "Then you'll have to go through me too."

Eizen let out a dull hum. The silence fell heavily between them.

"You don't even know why they're my favourite." Edna suddenly broke the stillness.

Eizen turned his head at Edna. She shot him a gloomy glance. "You would talk about wheat and flour and cooking techniques, with enthusiasm in your voice and a smile on your face..."

Eizen's frown faded. Edna clung to his glare. "If you're not here with me, without that expression, they wouldn't be the palmiers I used to love!" Edna went off, her voice nearly turning into sobbing.

Velvet's footfall resonated as she marched towards Eizen. "Pay attention and give her what she needs." She levelled a cunning gaze at him. "I know you can do it."

Eizen breathed a sigh. "What makes you think that?"

"Because you're the ultimate caring brother." Velvet said, flashing a smile afterward.

Lailah locked her hands in front of her, standing beside the lord of calamity. "Velvet-san is right. Avernus is the same, but I'll tell you what I told him. Eizen-san, don't ignore your little sisters. Please."

Eizen swept a glance over everyone and then rested his gaze on Edna. "Alright…" He heaved a heavy breath. "But you must promise that nothing happens to Edna."

Velvet surveyed around the room. "Where is your normin, Edna? Avernus said something about his blessing being able to hold back some of Eizen's curse before."

Edna shook her head. "He's somewhere below the deck, sobbing loudly over his failures."

Laphicet nodded at Lailah, and they both filed out of the kitchen. "We're going to bring him back."

"Talking about the guy, where is Avernus?" Rokurou wondered.

"He was talking with your friend with the funny hat and Grimoirh. They moved inside before I came here." Edna replied.

"We don't have much time before we reach Taliesin," Eizen informed.

Velvet pulled a chair, beckoning Eizen and Edna to sit. "Then, don't waste any more time. We'll wait outside."

The brother and sister each took a chair as they rest emptied the kitchen. Eizen leaned back on his chair, all senses working to their max. Edna rested her umbrella beside the table. "I see how having new people around you can change a person," Edna said with a hint of enviousness.

"You're right. I don't walk alone anymore, Edna." Eizen said.

"I wish I wasn't lonely. I want to have a purpose, just like you." She expressed. "I...I want to believe that Avernus can help me with it. Even if you've already given up on me."

Eizen bit his lip. "I haven't given up on you. I've chosen to walk away to protect my sister. I already told what I feel when I sent Phoenix that letter. I know I'm selfish, I knew that it left you lonely and sad, but it was the only way that I knew how to live."

Edna shook her head slowly, transfixing her azure eyes on her brother. "That letter you sent with Phoenix three years ago was the reason I wanted to find a way to be with you. I tried to stay in touch with more letters, but..."

Abruptly, the metallic sound of the door rotating on its hinges broke their focus. Phoenix traced into the kitchen, closing the door behind him in a fit of apparent annoyance. Eizen glared at the normin. "I heard your weeping all over the ship. It kills the mood for a pirate vessel."

Phoenix grunted in shame. "I failed at defending your sister. I endured, albeit my power was not sufficient at holding that ruffian legate back." He bowed. "I'm sorry, my friend! Please accept my sincere apology!" His voice shrieked apologetically.

Eizen waved his hand. "Don't overthink it. He gave us all a hard time."

Phoenix straightened his body. A mild frustration hazed his closed eyes, but they immediately flashed with determination as he opened them. "I swear on my honour that I protect your sister till the end!"

Edna whirled on the chair, now fully facing the normin. "I want you to promise me…."

Phoenix's eyes immediately brightened up. "Anything for you, Miss!"

"I want you to pay attention to any instruction Avernus sent you." Edna requested.

The normin's face contorted in a fit of immense anger. "Do you mean from that barbarian?!"

Edna confidently nodded. "Yes. And that's an order, not a request."

Phoenix growled and relented for a moment. "But he must overcome my trail first! Therefore, I'll challenge him into a duel!"

Edna's brows knotted. "I've seen him how far he's willing to go for his friends. If you're challenging him for his resolve, you should know that his determination is as unstoppable as…."

Suddenly, the body of Phoenix shined for a moment. Eizen also felt a vibration in his pocket and pulled out his coin. His eyes widened in curiousness. "My vessel is reacting to his blessing." Eizen tossed his coin, but his brightened face dimmed once more. "Tails… the reaper's curse is still in effect."

Phoenix checked his arms, gazing surprisingly and breathed quietly. "I don't understand, but for a moment, I sensed your domain was drawn back."

"So, Avernus wasn't wrong," Edna said, a tiny smile forming on her stoic face.

Eizen squeezed the coin. His promises were too good to be true for a malak that searched across the world for centuries. "Do you trust him that much?"

Taliesin Ho!

Benwick's shout abruptly ended their conversation, and she avoided giving her brother a response. Edna grabbed her umbrella. "From one perch on a mountain to another…." She mumbled to herself silently, but a flicker of hope drove her forward.

Hope for a tomorrow to be with her only brother.

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Present time. En route to Mount Killaraus, Van Eltia

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Van Eltia sailed over the rippling surface of the ocean. Avernus and Lailah were on the deck as the fire malak presented the Shepherd with her new fortune-telling cards. Avernus shuffled them, scoping the sheets in detail. "When did you become a fortune-teller?" Avernus asked.

Lailah snatched them back, smiling lively. "A few months ago, when I was on the sea, I found some worn-out cards. But I never actually told anybody's fortune." She looked around the tilting deck and spotted Velvet sitting on a wooden railing across them.

Lailah suddenly yanked Avernus' arm and guided him towards Velvet. The lord of calamity slowly turned her head, lifting an eyebrow as Avernus nearly stumbled forward. Lailah held her cards towards the lord of calamity. "Pick a card, Velvet-san!"

Velvet glimpsed at the illustrated deck of cards, checking their back covers. "What is it for?"

"I want to tell your fortune!" Lailah chirped.

Velvet glanced at Lailah's pure and innocent's face, and suddenly Celica's smiling image flashed instead of Lailah's for a mere second. She complied and reluctantly pulled one card. Lailah then turned to Avernus. "Now, you pick one!"

Casting a doubting glance, Avernus complied and chose one. "Alright…"

Before Lailah had a chance to check them, out of nowhere, a psychic wave of tremendous proportions swept across the ocean, hitting their brains like an invisible raging bull. Avernus' senses lit up. A faint chiming sound boomed in his ears. "A domain!" He yelled vociferously, turning to Velvet.

Velvet immediately jumped down and gave Avernus an alarming glare. The rest of the team paced to their side. Laphicet's eyes focused on something over the faraway horizon. "It's Innominat!"

As the Menegarie exchanged worried glances at each other, the human pirate crew began to squirm, holding their heads and yelling in pain. It didn't take a while until their bodies stood still, eyes impassively staring into nothingness as if they'd already died.

Avernus waved his hand over them. "Innominat's domain is sealing away their wills! He's fishing their consciousness like a mad angler!" He said, turning to Velvet in haste.

She nodded in response. "Rokurou! Come down here and give them a good smacking! Wake them up." Then Velvet gestured over to the reaper and whipped her hand. "Eizen! Let's go to the nearest harbour!"

Eizen banked the rudder to the left, changing the course sharply. "Aye, aye! To the port Zekson!"

Van Eltia sailed swiftly across the ocean and soon reached the Loegres' shores, docking into the first empty pier as the crew was ready to pounce out of the ship like a hunting wolfpack. Benwick was the first person to jump down, leaning over the water to sink his scrunched-up face into it. He groaned, hissing in pain after he whipped his back. "I feel like some asshole played tug of war with my brain!" Benwick looked over to Avernus, eyes fading away. "And you didn't have to slam my head that hard!"

Avernus pulled Siegfried out, tilting it left and right as he surveyed the gun, analyzing it for combat readiness. "Didn't have much time before your mind completely surrendered to Innominat," Avernus said, cocking the gun and wearing a proud smirk.

Eizen paced and patted Benwick's shoulder as he passed by him. "Dig up some spirit, sailor. They're trying to strip away your will."

Immediately, Eleanor gestured to someone marching to their side. "It's the merchant! He's alright!"

Avernus narrowed his eyes in doubt. "I don't think that's the case…."

The man's face was devoid of all life. Staring blankly like a golem, the merchant passed Laphicet and Lailah and wandered to the back of the pier. "I do not deserve to be all right. I used people, stepped on them for making a profit. I helped wanted criminals so that I could expand my business..." His voice was monotonous and senseless, the same as his eyes.

He stepped closer to the edge of the docks. Eleanor darted and yanked his vest. "He's going to kill himself!"

The man paid no heed to Eleanor and pushed against her efforts. "Yes… The world needs to be purified of malevolence. I don't belong here. I have to die." The merchant admitted, struggling against Eleanor's hold. Suddenly, Velvet paced hastily to their side and took the man by his collar. She jerked him back, coiled her fingers, and punched her fist into his jaw. His body flew up with a bone-cracking sound and hit the ground with a loud thud between the group, laying unconscious.

Avernus glanced mildly astonished at Velvet. She frowned, squiring her shoulders. "You can die if you want. But saying you "have" do die is an excellent way to make my blood boil."

Magilou poked the merchant's shoulder with her pointy shoes. "Those awakened to their malevolence seek to end their lives. Welcome to Artorius's uncompromising world of reason"."

Eizen groaned in anger. His leather gloves creaked and squicked as he clutched them firmly. "First they steal humanity's rudder… And now they want to say who lives and who dies?"

Avernus closed his eyes, and it seemed that he took a deep breath. "I can't sense anything in the area. Not even an ounce of malevolence."

Velvet's eyes surveyed the docks and then fixated on Avernus. "We'll need to confirm how far his power reaches. And I think it's best to check on our allies in Loegres."

Avernus instantly caught Velvet's signal. "Then lead the way, boss."

The team scrambled towards the exit gate. Lailah gasped at the long queues of townspeople, frozen as if they were emptied of life, awaiting who-knows-what near legions of imperial soldiers. "What is happening?!" she inquired, her voice saddened and stuttered, glancing back at his brother's determined face for an answer. Avernus frowned slightly, but his eyes didn't waver from the road. "Innominat's domain is spreading. Hauling any consciousness back to the earth, where his body nests deep."

Bienfu's chubby figure winced as he flew erratically, swallowing. "What is going to happen to the world? How far will Innominat's power spread?" He suddenly came face to face with a woman and fleed back towards the group, screaming. "Bieeen! There is no life in anyone's eyes!"

Laphicet turned to the woman and noticed she would jump down into the water like the merchant. His hands glowed and instantly cast a spell at her. The glittering orb hit the woman and engulfed her in a shining aura as she slumped to the ground, slumbering. "It's not just people's minds being shackled. They're being forced to die too!"

It was one of the few times that the playful expression on Magilou's face was non-existent. Her eyes scanned the populace near the water, waving her hand and casting a sleeping cloud over them. "His domain has certainly extended to at least the entire populace of this country…." The group that she targeted slowly stumbled on the ground, lying unconscious. Magilou smirked, "...Otherwise, what would the point?"

Eleanor gave the witch a grateful nod. "Then it's happening everywhere…" she suddenly gasped mildly and turned to Avernus. "...That means it's going to affect the far continent too."

The shepherd's face was wrapped in anger. "If that's the case… Then the far continent is a hundred times worse than here."

Rokurou's fingers grazed the hilt of his swords, eyes scanning the road for danger. "Innominat created this ideal hell in a single moment. That's the power we're up against."

After passing the bridge and reaching the city's gates, Avernus shoved the great doors open. They swarmed inside, eyes probing the quiet streets. Magilou pulled a card and whirled it on her index finger. "Even the capital is silent as death."

"Innominat's power did this, a god among gods." Rokurou nervously said, frowning in cautiousness.

Velvet glanced at Avernus' contorted face and gave his hand a small squeeze, pulling it gently as she took the lead. "Come on, let's go to the castle."

The team followed her, and they climbed the great steps towards the citadel of Loegres.

Suddenly, among the stony silence, screams of a child pierced the air, jingling in their ears.

"Mommy!"

Velvet whirled her head to find the source, but new fluttering sounds resonated from above, and shadows loomed over the street. They raised their heads and saw several flying creatures gliding to a street in the corner.

"Daemons in the capital?!" Eleanor screamed.

Velvet gritted her teeth and scrambled to the creatures' supposed destination. "No, they're malakhim!"

The squad turned sharply into an alley. They quickly found the child among two more acquainted individuals protecting her.

"Prince Percival! Tabatha!" Velvet yelled their names.

However, the flock of malakhim descended and swooped down upon the unsuspecting three, catching them by surprise. The squad could see the malakhim's features clearly; White feathery wings, wearing a white robe, and they had an iron mask that covered their whole face. Along with their humanoid appearances, those malaks seemed to be mimicking angels illustrations from children's storybooks.

The larger, more intimidating one pointed her golden staff at the Menagerie, and three of the malaks broke off to engage the Velvet's team.

Avernus readjusted his gun, jerking his chin at the flying malaks. He took a deep breath and pressured his boots to the ground. The shepherd immediately disappeared into blue sparkles and quickly reemerged on the nearest wall. Using it as a boosting platform, Avernus thundered over the stone bricks. He sailed through the air at the closest enemy. The shepherd whirled his right arm from his back, curling his fingers over something invisible. The space between his hand flashed and glistened as Caliburn formed out of thin air. Avernus used the momentum and slashed the malak in a flashy swirl. The sheer force of the blade cut her staff in half, and the malak was hurled towards the ground. She tumbled into wooden crates, breaking the timbers as she collapsed to the earth. Avernus landed beside her and stepped on her chest, training Siegfried over to her face. Avernus held his breath, brows knotting as he pulled the trigger. Siegfried throbbed in his hand, and it cracked, glowing as the blue magic orb shot from the barrel, connecting instantly with malak's face. Her face winced back and forth. Avernus narrowed his eyes to check the malak's movements.

Abruptly, she screamed behind her mask and struggled to free herself from under his boot. Avernus bared his teeth and emptied more shots, all proving to be ineffective. He backpedalled away from the Minion, who sprang to her feet with inhuman grace.

"Siegfried can't break their bond to Innominat!" Avernus yelled.

Velvet instantly lunged at the malak, slashing her in the ribs with the wrist blade. The Minion's body twirled from the immense force of Velvet's attack, turning her back to Velvet. She transformed her claw and sunk them into her back. In a violent, vertical downward move, Velvet tore its verbatim. The malak shuddered, then dissolved into clear, glistening goo that spattered the pavement.

"...Then we kill them." Velvet declared, eyes glowing with eagerness to fight.

Avernus turned his head to notice the rest of them already fighting the Minions of Prophecies. Lailah and Laphicet dodged an orange magic orb, sidestepping to their sides. Laphicet instantly conjured the Binding Order, and light chains appeared from ether, trapping their opponent and wrapping around it as the malak's body seemed crushing under the shackles.

Lailah started to levitate above the ground, opening her arms in a cross-like gesture. Her guardians flew and twirled around her, trailing like a long paper snake. Lailah squinted at the trapped malak, and her guardians were set ablaze, homing on the powerless minion. They rotated around it, covering and forming a fiery cage. The sheets' twirling gained incredible speed to the extent that the malak itself was becoming visible. The Minion suddenly fell on its knees and let out a shriek of pain; its body began to disintegrate under the intense temperature of Lailah's fire guardians.

Laphicet's chains and Lailah's blazing papers whipped away from the malak, trailing in a glory move of fire and light, leaving a burning twister that ground the Minion into ash and dust that dispersed into the wind.

The leader pulled the little girl and the prince Percival off the ground, and the last malak evaded the rest and escaped away after her leader.

Laphicet and Lailah sprinted towards Tabatha. Avernus raced to her side, crouching in front of her. "Hey, are you yourself?" Avernus asked.

Tabatha raised her head, meeting the shepherd's gaze, face scrunching in pain. "Yes. But they got Prince and the girl…." She moaned, breathing slowly. "... The prince was trying to help us get away from the capital. He said that the Abbey was gathering those who still had control of their own will at the villa."

Velvet tapped Avernus' shoulder. "We need to go after the prince." The shepherd raised his head and met her eyes. Avernus read her intentions clearly; after all, he didn't want to lose one of his possible relatives.

"You're right… but the defences would be high. It's better to sneak in through the catacombs." Avernus suggested.

Velvet gave him a tiny smile of approval. "Good plan. Let's go then."

Avernus rose on his feet and nodded at Tabatha. "Take care while we're gone."

Tabatha smirked in confidence. "Don't worry about me, my son. Just look after them."

After a brief nod, they went to the catacombs' entrance before sneaking into the villa. They passed through the sewers and came up closer underneath Abbey's headquarters.

Rokurou decided to broke the silence. "So, they were malakhim that Innominat sent after the prince and the girl."

"Innominat isn't whole. Artorius probably decided to move with his plan anyway when the Empyrean's power is still not absolute. So he must be using the malakhim to find anyone he missed and "process" them." Magilou explained.

Eleanor's hands trembled as she climbed down the iron ladder. "Process?"

Avernus jumped down halfway, turning to catch Lailah. "Yes, he needs direct contact to seal away their wills. We better be fast."

The team rushed through the corridors and raced across the unguarded villa's rooms until they reach the inner sanctum.

They heard screams of the little girl and prince's grunting that resonated in the chamber. Velvet slammed the locked doors. The wooden surface heaved inside and exploded into pieces. Avernus flew past Velvet, passing the debris and hastened inside.

His eyes narrowed in anger as he took in the room and glanced at an enormous bright column of light in the middle, swirling to the high ceiling. He could barely notice princes' and girls' figures, shuddering inside. The shepherd targeted the Minion leader above and lunged like a thunderbolt. Avernus cocked Siegfried and sighted on the leader in one fluid motion. "Hey! Over here, you bastard!"

The gun cracked in an explosive sound, firing a ray of death at the malak. The bolt exploded against the leader's temple in a spray of molten sparks, and the creature howled with pain and rage. Losing its balance, Avernus raised Caliburn and used the opening to plunge his blade into its chest. The Minion leader struggled as Avernus used his speed and momentum to send both of them into a crash course towards the ground. The malak hit the floor with sheer force, exploding the tiles into pebbles.

Avernus twitched the sword, opening the wound even greater. "This sword was never used to take a life of a malak…." He bared his teeth and pushed harder, diving the blade even further. "...But it doesn't matter now. I'll kill whoever endangers people's lives and freedom." The malak curled its finger around the blade and pushed Avernus with great might, freeing itself from the sword and crawling away like a wounded animal. Avernus pounced on its back and grabbed the wings. The veins on his arm glittered blue as mana empowered them, stepping on the Minion leader's head and pulling the wings away. The limbs began to crunch, and white mana fluid spewed from the conjunctions. With a roar, Avernus completely dislodged and ripped them apart.

The malak rolled away and got back on its feet. Its body shuddered, flickering between its angelic and another disturbing form that looked like a black lion. Velvet joined Avernus and probed the creature. "What kind of malak is that?"

"It's a shifter. An Okabe," Avernus said, reverse gripping his sword. "It was never anything angelic."

The malak's humanoid hair elongated and thickened as its skin melted into a furry coat. The iron mask broke away, and its jaw extended. The leader bared its teeth, hollering like a raging lion as the creature sprang toward them with hands curved into claws.

Velvet and Avernus gave each other a nod and stormed it. The malak sailed through the air. Avernus clawed his free hand, and a blue ball of lightning conjured between his fingers. "Lion's Howl!"

He threw his hand directly at its face. It exploded with a bright light, but the malak held his fist, roaring into his face. While distracted by Avernus, Velvet delivered a vicious slice to the leader's side, burying the blade, then did a quick horizontal slash that fur and blood filled the air, and it shrieked maniacally in pain. The shepherd followed Velvet's attack with a wide slash from Caliburn into its chest, leaving a nasty gash that sent the Minion leader flying off and slamming into the wall. Avernus averted his eyes to check on his comrades: Rokurou vaulted over the flying malak and landed fatal swings on the wings, tearing the feathers up. The malak lost control and plummeted towards the ground. A savage grin flitted across Eizen's face as he charged his fist and delivered a heavy uppercut into malak's back as it fell. The creature bent over Eizen's fist and dissolved into a bright smoke.

Avernus darted a glance towards Magilou, Eleanor, Laphicet, and Lailah while they were fending off another Minion of Prophecy.

Lailah caught her brother's gaze and smiled back in assurance.

"Damn… We look like heroes now," Avernus said.

Suddenly, Lailah's face changed, the elation leaching away as she spotted something over Avernus' shoulder.

Velvet also screamed, "Watch out!"

The shepherd wheeled around, brandishing Caliburn and narrowly missed losing an eye as a glowing crystal shard passed over his face.

The malak was back on its feet and roared in aggression. Suddenly, its body rippled and contorted, growing in size, as a pair of wings burst out of its back.

"It's shifting again!" Avernus yelled, glaring at the leader's new body, an enormous jet-black lion with wings, baring its teeth, howling a challenge toward the lord of calamity and the shepherd.

Avernus and Velvet stalked towards it. "Let's finish this." He caught his breath as the malak stamped a gargantuan paw, then charged forward, bellowing and roaring. Avernus lunged to meet his opponent. Velvet whipped her demonic arm and followed him. They both readied their weapons in harmony.

"Velvet! On my mark!" Avernus shouted. Velvet's ears perked up at the sound of his voice, and she clawed her demonic hand, and they both slashed in a single explosive movement, sending the Minion leader sprawling towards the ceiling.

Avernus gave Velvet a wink and grabbed her hand, warping to the top.

They appeared higher, and after a wide twirl to gain momentum, Avernus threw Velvet at the malak. "It takes two to win!" He gestured his hand over at them, and a ring of light appeared behind the creature.

Velvet's body brightened in a crimson light. "...You are my prey in the night!" she bolted into the malak's chest, giving it a deep, bloody wound and trailing a dark mist around it. Avernus darted in the brightest light, trailing a golden glow. He clawed his fist and meteored a powered-up Lion's Howl it into the malak's opened wound. "...And you're a goner when standing between us… Midnight Salvation!"

The circle lit up and whirled around, with one half swirling light and the other swirling dark. The malak's flesh withered like a husk inside the symbol, its graying, decayed skin collapsing over its bones as it was cast out of existence. Velvet and Avernus streaked down to the ground with the latter leaning over a little, resting his hands on his thighs and gasping for air. With all the malaks gone, Velvet shot him an approving glance before slamming the sigil in the middle of the room with her claw, shattering it into million solidified pieces of mana.

The column of light dispersed, and the prince fell on his knees. Eleanor rushed to the girl, her face darkening with worry. Avernus strolled to the prince's side, helping him to get on his feet. "How do you feel?" he asked.

Gritting his teeth, the prince shakily pushed himself to his feet. "Thank you… Well, I know I can still feel scared out of my wits, at least." He managed a slight for his saviours.

Eleanor checked the girl's face for any injuries. "It's all right now. We'll help you find your mommy…."

But the girl interrupted her, staring stoically into Eleanor's eyes. "Mommy was executed. They killed her because she stole food to give to me."

Eleanor gasped in horror and stumbled back, biting her lips.

"But that's okay. They had to. Mommy was acting against reason." The kid coldly said. Her words were as if they came from a hollow statue.

Eleanor stood up, gripping her fists in a fit of anger and desperation. "...This is the true face of Abbey's suppression…."

Sadness hazed Percival's eyes. "Yes. This is the ideal world sought by Shepherd Artorius." Prince got a faraway look in his eyes, then shook his head. "As long

Malevolence gave rise to daemons. This was the only way. That's why the kingdom of Midgand consented to his plan..."

Avernus interrupted him. "What will you do?"

Prince turned to him, his eyes filled with determination. "I will never consent." He said firmly, clinging to Avernus' gaze.

The shepherd nodded in assurance. "Let's get you back to Tabatha. We will talk more." He swept a glanced at Eleanor, Rokurou, and Eizen. "Take the kid outside. We will meet you shortly."

The group left the villa for the outer walls, sliting into two groups.

After a while, Eleanor's group escorted the little girl to the town. She left without uttering a single word. Eleanor's eyes traced her gloomily. "A world without sadness, a world without hate…."

Out of the blue, Avernus cut her short. "But also without joy and love…."

They whirled their heads to see the rest joined them. Laphicet and Lailah were leading the group. "I can feel Innominat's domain spreading even now. It's incomplete, but it's quickly growing stronger." Laphcet said with confidence. He turned to Lailah, and she smiled proudly, nodding.

Percival stood by Avernus' side, glaring miserably at the ground. Laphicet slid closer. "Prince, Griffin is doing well." he comforted him.

Percival's gaze skimmed over the boy, and the sadness in his eyes began to wash away. "That's good news…." The side of his mouth twitched as if he wanted to laugh. "I'm happy… thrilled." He lifted his hands, gazing at them and frowning. "I don't want to lose who I'm." He turned to Velvet, eyes filling with solicitation. "I know it's selfish to put this burden on you, but I beg you. Stop all this. Stop Shepherd Artorius."

Velvet stayed silent for a moment, trailing off before returning her attention to the prince. "You said something to me once; a bird that cannot fly is no bird at all." She switched her attention to Avernus and Laphicet. Her eyes were gleaming with affection. Avernus raised a brow and shared a smile in response while Laphicet blushed and lowered his head. "And now I say this to you…." Velvet turned back to the prince. "...People stripped of their feelings can never truly be alive. We're going to defeat Artorius. We're going to make this world one where we can be ourselves." Velvet crossed her arms over her chest, beaming assuredly. "We're doing it for us. Not for you."

Prince's face lit up in the hope and shot Avernus and Velvet a gentle smile. "You've changed, haven't you?"

Tabatha instantly cut them off. "Yes, you have changed." They all turned to her as she wandered to their side. "You used to be a sword, wielded by your hatred. But now, you're in control. You're the one who swings the blade."

Velvet snickered. "Even if I still don't know when to sheath it."

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

Avernus turned to Tabatha, smirking. "You're right; she's getting better day by day." He rubbed his chin, glancing amicably at Velvet. "Give her another month, and you'll have a full package in no time."

The older woman bowed her head slightly at Avernus. "Then, I suppose your mission is bearing fruit at last after all the adventures you had."

Velvet raised a brow in question at the Shepherd.

"It is, and from what I can see, I'm optimistic that we change the tides," Avernus said.

Laphicet whirled on his heels towards Velvet and Lailah. "Don't worry. When danger comes, I'll be there to protect you all."

Tabatha chuckled. "Oh, my. I'm jealous. It must be nice for you girls to have reliable young men like them by your sides."

Lailah blushed, covering her mouth and immediately looked back at Velvet. She flashed a smile. "It certainly is. They're the courageous souls of our team."

Avernus and Laphicet exchanged boastful gazes with one another. "See? She finally admitted."

Tabatha looked at Eizen with empathy. "I heard about captain Aifread and Lucian kidnapping your sister…."

"Yes. We dealt with them. But the Abbey trampled all over his pride to achieve this suppression. And they used my sister to get to me." Eizen raised his coiled fist, clenching it severely. "With this hand, I will destroy them!"

Tabatha gave the reaper a firm nod and turned once more to Avernus. "And what about you, Shepherd? What is your resolve after all of this?"

Avernus smiled back at Tabatha. "Thanks to them, I came to believe that a world where people can understand each other isn't impossible. We're imperfect and self-centred people, and that's why…." He looked back at his comrades with respect in his eyes. "...Even if the world rejects me and even if the world blames me, I will keep on fighting beside them no matter what, until the very end."

Tabatha smiled softly. "Then I'm going to be selfish too, and as another flawed human being, I will offer a humble prayer that you succeed."

Velvet swept a gaze over all of them. "We stick to the plan. Wake up the four Empyreans, help Avernus make a pact with them, and taking Innominat's domain away from him."

Avernus waved his hand. "I'll catch up to you in a moment."

As the squad left for the town's gate, Avernus turned to Tabatha and the prince. He pulled Claudin's book from his pocket. "I wanted to thank you both for everything you did. Especially for the book."

"The honour is mine, son of Claudin," Tabatha said, grinning visibly with all the wrinkles on her face.

"You spoke there like a true Asgard, Shepherd Avernus. It was my privilege to help the blood of mine." Percival calmly said, bowing courteously.

Avernus paused, rubbing the back of his neck and looking at Tabatha head-on. "I appreciated that you didn't point out to it in front of them."

"Who else knows about it?" Prince asked.

"Magilou, Grimoirh, and Velvet," Avernus replied.

"I can guess that she didn't mind it. Am I right?" Tabatha inquired.

Avernus glanced over his shoulder at Velvet as she walked away along with Laphicet and Lailah. "No, and that's what I like about her."

"Mind if I ask: do you have a plan against Shepherd Artorius?" Prince said.

The joy on Avernus' face dried. His eyes trailed away. "I do." The pain had written all over his eyes, but he didn't falter and gazed with utmost confidence. "That's why I have got a request from you. After it's all done, erase all traces of the Abbey, of atrocities, and of what they've done."

The prince let out a heavy breath, stroking his chin in worry. Avernus gently extended his hand, waiting for the prince. "No one knows what's going to happen to the world. But I believe everyone can change that." As Avernus said, the prince raised his head, meeting his eyes. "Although we can't change the past, we can change the future into the world we desire."

Percival smiled back, grabbing his hand in return and shook it. "You know that Claudin sacrificed his life for Artorius…."

Avernus nodded. "I know."

"Do you think Claudin was wrong?"

Avernus lowered his eyes for a brief moment before raising them again with confidence flitting in them. "From what I read from his journal, Claudin believed in the purity of Artorius's spirit. He entrusted his hopes and the future of the world to him." He bitterly smiled. "I know how that feels, the weight and fate of the world on your shoulders."

Avernus looked up, and they followed his gaze to a flock of birds flying high. "Artorius had been worn down and broken by his mission. But Claudin wanted to give him hope to live his life. Instead, Artorius blamed himself for his death until a certain family saved his life. The same family that saved me."

He turned his gaze back, wearing an assured smile. "I'll set Artorius free and make sure they make through this. I know that's what Claudin wants."

"What about you? Will we see you again?" Prince asked. Uncertainty waved in his tone.

The corner of Avernus' lips twitched, and he shut his eyes, suppressing a hesitation. "... I doubt it."

"Avernus, you have a place here. I can use another Asgard as a brother by my side. We can undo the damage Artorius and the Abbey done to the continent!" Prince implored, his face darkening slightly with apprehension.

Avernus took a deep breath and opened his eyes. "As I told you, my place is beside them… till the end. You said it yourself; you want to be who you're truly are. It took me time to understand that I'm no Shepherd, and I'm no prince. I'm just a simple guy, and I can't change who I'm."

"Have you give it enough thoughts, son?" Tabatha asked.

Avernus nodded calmly. "Yes. My plan is our only shot, and there is another threat that is looming over the horizon that I can't ignore."

"What about the world? Without people like you..." Prince wondered dimply.

The shepherd's expression remained firm and confident. "The world doesn't need people like me anymore. It can manage. You saw what happened. We'll cause more problems if we overstay our welcome. Our purpose was to show people their true potential for connection, not meddling how the world works. All I can do is to give you a clean slate and trust the future to you and them. That's what I learned from Claudin."

The prince and Tabatha remained silent. Tabatha returned Avernus' unshakable resolve with an appreciative smile. "Exactly what I would expect from you," Tabatha said.

The wind blew his hair around, and Avernus smiled graciously at them for the last time. "I wish you all prosperity and strength. May your will to live remain adamant." He turned and marched towards the Menagerie like a sharp blade slashing through to tomorrow.

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

Van Eltia, En Route to Mount Killaraus - Round Two

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Avernus stepped into the corridor. Mind racing from one branch to another. The plan he had seemed like a long shot. Even if Zenrus were here, he would've sneered at it as wishful thinking. The first step would be to find the last artifact of Musiphe, the fire Empyrean's blessing. He heard Magilou's murmuring coming from her room.

Still strangled by his thoughts, he forgot to knock on the door and abruptly rushed into her cabin.

His pale green eyes suddenly widened to their limits as he laid eyes on the ongoing scene; Magilou, wearing a lecherous grin that split her face in half, lifted the book that was in front of her skirt. Avernus' lowered his gaze and noticed Laphicet, staring inquisitively and innocently at her waist.

He scrambled like a whirlwind and covered Laphicet's eyes with his hands.

The shepherd threw a furious glare at the witch as she held the book, jerking her hip to the side. "What the hell are you doing?!" He shouted.

Magilou's grin melted into a sly smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, chill out, Avernus. He's a grown man now that has been charmed by my bewitching waist."

Avernus frowned like an angry lion. "That doesn't mean you can do whatever pleases you!"

Laphicet opened Avernus' fingers and peered at the book through them. "Those bindings with the locks on them… This style used to be popular during the Meliodas dynasty…."

Magilou pursed her lips and lifted her book even higher. "Oh, or is it maybe the pappy want some too, hmm…?

Avernus closed his eyes and inhumanly turned his head away. "Oh… For goodness's sake!"

Out of the blue, Eleanor stepped into the cabin, nearly bursting into a scream. "What the?! What are you doing with Laphicet and Avernus?!"

Magilou released the book and hooked her hands over the back of her head. "Laphicet wanted to see, and Avernus stumbled into the room. So, I was showing them. You have no right to stand in the way of their cravings."

Avernus bellowed out of his nose in anger. "She's lying, Eleanor. No one wanted to see anything except for some old book that she's dangling from her hips like a twisted hippy!"

Eleanor stood side by side with Avernus and raised her hand. "It's my job to protect Laphicet as his vessel and Avernus as his squire from wicked people such as you!"

Magilou rolled her eyes. "You can't land a husband with that attitude, I'm telling you."

"Like I need advice from you!" Eleanor groaned, crossing her arms.

Avernus massaged his forehead, shaking his head. "Let's forget about it. Magilou, can I talk to you in private?"

The witch smirked, gazing devilishly. "Sure."

Avernus led Magilou back to his cabin.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" Magilou asked, leaning against the wall.

Avernus brushed past her and thumped down on the chair. "I know it sounds funny, even to myself…." He raised both of his brows and shrugged to himself and levelled a sincere gaze with Magilou. "It's about the Therions, Laphicet, and Velvet."

"...The link between them and Innominat." Magilou guessed. "Did you finally figured out what you want to do?"

"Yes, I think I've finally managed to find a way without endangering their lives. But I need to find the last artifact. Don't you have anything about it in your books or the time when you were training in Abbey?"

"Can't help you with that. Never heard of them before meeting Velvet." Magilou replied.

Avernus sighed and put his leg over another, opening his arms over the back of the chair. "I can guess what Velvet would do: letting everyone blaming all the wickedness of the world on the lord of calamity and shouldering all of this by herself."

The playful smile began to dry on Magilou's face, changing into a more serious expression. "Then I think "you" want to have that privilege instead of her."

Avernus clicked his tongue, faking a smile. "We, shepherds, are to blame for what had happened to the world recently, to the people, to you, and Velvet's family."

Magilou smiled bitterly and stared blankly into the wall. "You can say that again…."

"Even though how much I want to run from all of it, I have to make it right. I can't let you people suffer because of something you didn't sign up for." Avernus exhaled. "That's why, again, I need your help."

Magilou pulled a card from her purse and hefted it, glaring wickedly into the portrait of a bearded man that was drawn on it. "You know, how sweet your words may be. I'm not Velvet. I don't do anything for free."

Avernus chuckled. "I'm fully aware, and you shall be paid."

Magilou faded the card into nothingness and turned eagerly to Avernus, wearing a satisfied grin. "Very well, it seems you know how to trade. So, tell me, what do you need me to do now?"

Avernus waved his hand. "Not now," he said.

Magilou raised a brow in surprise.

"After we've dealt with Artorius, Innominat, and Tia." Avernus' trailed off. "I need you to record the true narrative of what we did, what we faced, and the true purpose of our fight… and seal it away from the world until the time is right for the people to hear it."

The playfulness on her face faded away completely. "Is that it?"

"Yes."

"So, what will you do?"

Avernus cocked his head, looking haughty. "You need to pay me, or I'm not going to spoil it for you."

The tense atmosphere got to the witch, bothering her calm, and collected spirit. "Stop talking in riddles, and I hate it. You sound like that megalomaniac malak, Tia."

Contrary to Magilou, he maintained his calm posture. "There is no riddle, Magilou. Just tricks that make me more effective in my job and keep me floating in the competition. And if you want to know it that badly, I suggest you make a considerable donation."

Magilou groaned and marched to the door, hands locked behind her head. "Whatever. Do what you want. I don't know why I even care."

As the door was closed, Avernus pulled his pendant. The lid popped up, and a smile formed instantly on Shepherd's face, looking at Rosa's tiny portrait.

"I finally figured it out, mom."

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

Velvet's Soulfire

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Velvet retreated to a corner of the lonely part of her soul, a vast plain of nothingness covered with princessia flowers. She curled inside a batch, hugging her legs. Velvet reached out to her consciousness. Velvet took a deep breath as she sensed the presence of two souls inside her. "Oh, good. It seems you're both still here inside me," she said, raising her head.

Teresa and Oscar stepped closer. "It is not as though we desired these circumstances. We're only here because you ate us." Teresa said.

Velvet turned to them. "I make no apologies," she said uncaringly.

The brother and sister glared defiantly. "You wish to sacrifice us to the four elemental Empyreans, is that it?"

"Yes, and I won't apologize for that, either." Velvet replied.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps, clomping the flowers behind her. "And neither do I." A loud voice boomed their ears.

Velvet whirled her head to see a figure similar to Avernus stopping by her side but with loose hair, gazing steadfastly over the siblings. She winced slightly as his appearance radiated something different; he was more intimidating but soothing at the same time, even to the wolf herself.

Teresa switched her glance to the Avernus' lookalike, narrowing her gaze slightly. "It matters not. Her sins are nothing that even your mere apologies could ever absolve."

"That's where you're wrong." Avernus' doppelganger raised his voice. "We all bear our sins, and we're full of contradiction. But that's what makes you humans, and I deem her sins forgiven."

"Then you're in denial of how selfish she is and what truly is the lord of calamity." Teresa calmly complained.

"I can see her heart and beyond her soul. The misdeeds that befell and wounded this world is not of her doings. If you want to point the blame, pin it on your shepherd. For whatever is worth, I'll carry his sins, as well as yours, for the world to move forward." The doppelganger said, stridently.

Velvet scowled and grunted, waving her hand dismissively at him. "That's not for you to decide! I know how my sins run deep. I need no salvation from anyone!"

The figure paid no attention to Velvet as if he didn't hear it.

"Remember this…" Oscar said. "No matter how many times I am reborn, I will act the same."

Teresa nodded. "As will I."

Suddenly, the whiteness shone brightly, forcing Velvet to cover her eyes. She then heard a relaxing chime, and the tense space calmed. As Velvet opened her eyes, she found out that the sibling had already vanished, and the whole area was felt like a sizeable colourful tunnel, with the spectrum racing to the infinite, and they were in the center of it. The figure glanced at Velvet, finally acknowledging her presence.

Velvet eyes widened in wonder. The otherworldy glare assured Velvet that he probably wasn't the real Avernus. "Who are you?" she asked.

He seemingly dodged her question. "I can see things the rest of you can't see. Over there, even time is glowing." He told her in a peaceful but cryptic tone. "Velvet Crowe, no matter how deep the despair, hope is always born out of it." The doppelganger smiled. "You are light. Use even sadness as power and light the way."

Velvet clenched her fists, feeling annoyed by his riddles. "I asked, who are you?"

He turned relaxingly and gazed into the infinite aura. "Humanity is standing on the verge of a great leap. One day, the time might come when they will cross it along with malakhim." He raised his hand, gesturing at the light at the end of the bright foyer. Velvet's eyes followed his beckoning.

"The road leads there...Over the rainbow."

With a sharp gasp, Velvet jerked awake. She raised her head only to found that Van Eltia was now docking in Hellawes.

The team disembarked the vessel in haste. Avernus turned to Benwick as the sailor moved to acquire supplies from the quartermaster. "Stay near the therions. They're part of Innominat, and their domain should protect you long enough for us to reach Mount Killaraus."

Velvet abruptly raced to his side. Avernus was nearly startled from her sudden dash. "Umm… Do you want something, Velvet?"

She frowned and reached out, tugging his coat closer to herself. "Did you just hijack my dream?" Velvet mumbled.

Avernus blinked in surprise. "Huh? What do you mean by hijack?"

"You were in my dream not long ago!" Velvet blurted severely.

Avernus gave her a coy smile, thoughts dwelling on something more intimate. "Oh, well, that's a good thing. I hope I was up to your standards?" he said sheepishly and ignorantly.

Velvet read his eyes; those pale green emeralds were pure as usual. Velvet groaned as his sincerity was evident. "Perish that thought for now."

Laphicet ran back to them, eyes beaming. "Hellawes hasn't been suppressed yet."

"Then, we move immediately." Velvet said, nodding at the team.

The Menagerie pushed on outside the town's gates and entered Figahl Icecaps, one of the enormous ice lands of Northgand that covered the land in thick, frozen grounds for miles.

Bienfu instantly let out a sneeze as soon as they moved into the field. "It's even colder here than last time!" the normin irregularly flew as he sneezed two more times, shooting around like a little loose ball in the air.

Eleanor hugged herself, shivering uncontrollably. "You're right, Bienfu. It was merely freezing before. Now it goes straight to the bone."

The normin slowly flew to her side with a coquettish smile on his face. "Allow me to warm…."

Eleanor backhanded Bienfu with all her might, sending him tumbling through the air. But then her face contorted, and she let out a sneeze too.

Magilou picked her nose, trying to stop her imminent sneezing, but she failed to do so as she quickly followed Eleanor, forcibly puffed through her nose. "It is so cold! If this is so cold here, I don't want to know how Gaiburk icefield would be like now!"

Rokurou bobbed his head in pride, gazing triumphantly over the girls. "I've stayed up in the mountains many times during my training. I know, it's pretty tough for a human to…." His eyelids shuddered as his boastful face twisted into a sneezing face, and his chest heaved. "ACHOO!"

Velvet nudged her body to the side, moving away from Rokurou. "Why are you sneezing all of a sudden? Daemons aren't supposed to feel cold."

With a gripping nose, Rokurou shot a blameless glance to Velvet. "No. A snowflake just flew up my nose, and…."

Suddenly, Velvet interrupted him with a tiny cat sneeze of her own that came out of nowhere. She squirmed and opened her eyes, meeting with Avernus' rounded, praising orbs. His mouth moved slightly, mumbling something. "That was the cutest thing… ever."

Velvet's cheeks flushed instantly.

"You're sneezing too," Rokurou said, pulling her out of her reverie.

Velvet shook her head in denial. "My hair was blowing around and tickled my nose."

Lailah went to Laphicet's side. "I can feel an immense source of fire nearby."

Laphicet nodded, opening a page of the book he was ready and showed it to the fire malak. "That would be the mount Killaraus. In the past ages, the area also used to be famous for its hot springs too."

Eizen joined the young malaks, leaning over the book. "Yeah, the volcano used to be active, but…." He raised his eyes only to notice that everyone was staring at them. "What?" he asked, annoyance hinting in his tone.

Velvet, still eyes narrowing in wait, shot a gaze over to them. "We're expecting you all to sneeze."

Laphicet and Lailah glanced at each other. The boy breathed heavily, and Lailah played a bit with her nose. "Sorry, no sneezes here," Laphicet said.

"Not here, either," Lailah added.

Eizen snorted in indifference. "I can take more cold than this."

Then, all of their heads turned to the unsuspecting Avernus at the same time. Magilou clapped her hands in cheer. "Okay, shepherd. It's your turn! Give us a good show!"

Avernus swept a defiant and rebellious look over them. "In your dreams."

Instantly, Avernus's senses lit up, and his eyes caught an incoming snowball sailing through the air and directly at his face. He jerked his head to the side. The shot whistled over his ear.

"Snowball fight!" Rokuour yelled vociferously. Laphicet, Lailah, and Eleanor crouched over the ground, hands packing snow and frantically making a stockpile to pelt Avernus with snowballs with faces beaming with excitement and eyes glittering with mischief. The shepherd retaliated, ducked as he began creating his projectiles. Velvet sighed, turning to Rokurou, inclining her to the side in a disagreement. "Really?"

As soon as the swordsman shrugged, the air thicked with compact snowballs, and one hit Rokuour right in his jaw, exploding into tiny solid and icy particles, showering Velvet with fallen cold flakes.

"Got you, sucker!" Avernus yelled childishly in victory.

The malaks bombarded the shepherd, but he rolled and took cover behind a large stone. He let out an evil laugh, making more snowballs excitingly behind the rock. "You're all going to lose!" he taunted them.

Eizen fumbled with more snow, making more shots. "He's oddly competitive."

Rokurou spat the snows in his mouth and dashed to get a snowball from the supplies that the rest made. "Oh, yeah? Wanna bet, Shepherd?" he held his breath to focus, eyes squinting on Avernus' covering rock. "Game on!"

Avernus peeked and released a quick shot of snowballs. They whistled and homed on the group. Eizen threw up an arm, and the balls all splattered across his dark sleeve and outfit, covering it with snow. He heaved a groan and shot a large snowball with all his might. Avernus instantly ducked, and the ball missed him.

"Huh! You're such a lousy shot! That's why you miss all your wind lances when we're fighting. Get better!" Avernus mocked in a provocative tone.

Eizen puffed through his nose, scowling in anger. "Why you!"

Avernus emerged from behind the cover in a flash and hurled more snowballs like a throwing champion, hitting Eleanor, Laphicet, Magilou, and Eizen's faces in a sequence.

However, the last projectile hit Lailah directly in her face, and she fell on her back. Velvet suddenly triggered, whirling her head at Avernus, giving him a warning glare.

Avernus threw his arms up in supremacy. "Yes! You all SUCK! Bow before my might, you punny creatures!" His mischievous expression suddenly faded as his eyes saw a considerable snowball coming straight for his face like a supersonic missile. Avernus didn't have time to react. The projectile connected on his nose; at first, a cold, sharp, and stinging pain burned right between his eyes and in his nostrils. His vision darkened with a taste of snow and freeze in the mouth. He lost all connection to reality. It was a surreal and painful experience that stole his consciousness for a second. Little did he know that the force of impact pulled him off the ground. Avernus backflipped, his body hurling through the air and landed in a pile of snow, burying underneath.

The team bafflingly turned to Velvet as she was still in her throwing pose, her clawed hand hanging to her side.

"Geez, Velvet. You threw it at him as you did for that exorcist back in Titania." Rokurou said, releasing his snowballs back to the ground.

Velvet suddenly came back to her senses and rushed to the shepherd. She jabbed her hand in the snow. Velvet found his jacket and pulled the shepherd violently out of the pile of ice. Velvet rubbed a hand over his face. Avernus struggled to raise his eyes. "Sheesh, Velvet. What was that for?"

"Never drop your guard down, even when you're victorious." Velvet said and helped him to get on his feet.

The rest joined them, and they wandered into the Gaiburk ice fields.

Eleanor's body trembled from the immense cold. Lailah picked some of her cards and sent them flying around the group. With a simple wave of her hands, they were set ablaze, radiating heat around the team as they moved forward.

"Thank you, Lailah. I know it's supposed to be cold here, but I didn't think it would be this cold."

Magilou moved closer to one of the heating cards, teeth chattering in the cold. "At this rate, I don't think I care what happens to the world after we wake those Empyreans up!"

Laipahcet gestured over some wall of eyes and to an enormous gate. "That's Merichio!" He shouted, and the group sprinted, ignoring the guard as they rushed into the town.

Inside, Merichio looked serene, with many small houses and structures around a larger Inn in the middle. A few people roamed the snow-filled streets in wool and fur clothing. The team strolled to the middle, probing the neighbourhood.

"What a beautiful town…." Eleanor remarked, but suddenly, her face darkened in worry. "Releasing the two souls here will surely destroy the town. Won't it?"

Velvet turned to Eleanor with a stoic expression. "Inhuman, aren't I? Curse me all you want…."

Avernus raised his hand in protest. "Don't be so hasty. In any case, I'll try to lessen the damage. Besides, we need to make sure there are no people around before the scarlet night."

"But can we wake up all four elemental Empyreans with the souls Velvet has devoured?" Eizen asked.

Avernus slowly nodded. "You're right. I need to make a pact with all four elemental Empyreans to guide them and take Innominat's domain away." He turned to Velvet. "How many can you wake up?"

She hesitated, focusing inward. "I think I'll only be able to wake two. There are only two souls left inside of me. Teresa's and Oscar's." Velvet replied

"Are you sure?" Avernus wondered.

Velvet frowned, wanting to remind him that he was there and saw the siblings, but then she remembered that the person in her dream was someone else altogether. "Yes, I can tell."

Avernus shook his head, nervously his belt restlessly. "We need two more…."

Eleanor stepped forward without hesitation. "This is my responsibility. I offer my s-"

Eleanor was suddenly interrupted by a long dash Rokurou made from back to the front. Grinning widely, he positioned himself between Eleanor and Avernus to divert the shepherd's attention. "Shigure's soul would make a fine sacrifice, don't you agree?"

Magilou slid between the two, having her ideas of her own. She tipped her hat to the back. "Melchior's heart is free of malevolence. You can have him too." She suggested.

Doubtful, Eleanor shook her head. "Taking out two legates all at once? Don't you think it is too risky?"

Rokurou glanced at Eleanor over his shoulder, sneering. "I was born ready. I've got a feeling that he won't just sit back and ignore me anyway."

"Same goes for Melchior. If we can lure them here, we can take them out while Artorius and Innominat are occupied with their ceremony." Avernus implied.

An alarming scream interrupted their discussion. "Daemons! There are daemons in town!"

Velvet whipped her head towards the source. "Leave it to me," she said, gripping her bandaged hand.

A group of townspeople flooded from the entrance to the back as they swarmed to the back. "The gate watch turned into a daemon!"

A blood-curdling shriek suddenly split the air as a half-bloated, half-rock daemon streaked from the entrance. The creature swooped down in the middle of the town as its grotesque body slammed the pavement. It sniffed the air, and then its evil eyes fixated on a small kid that was trembling in a corner. Snarling, it lashed out at her. The child's body seized with shock, but a dazzling flash of light illuminated the street. A magic bullet was shot from Siegfried and exploded against the daemon's head, fracturing into a spray of blazing sparks. The daemon howled and rolled backward.

The rest of the group surged towards them, and the kid turned to run. Avernus nodded, signalling Velvet. "It's your show, Velvet," he said and raised his gun again, battering the daemon with a barrage of stun bullets, rendering it staggered. Velvet swung her determined face the daemon's way, eyes flaring with bloodlust. She dashed and lunged at the daemon like a hurled spear. The daemon twitched sideways, but Velvet's blade crashed into him, tearing a deep gash into its head.

Velvet pulls the sword out of its head, and the daemon slump on the ground, motionless.

The rest of the village sprinted back and punched, cheering fists into the air, hailing in victory. "Thank you so much! How can we ever repay you?"

"I have a message for Abbey's legates." She declared her tone of voice hardening and losing any trace of compassion. "On the next Scarlet Night, I will offer a sacrifice to Mount Killaraus and strip Innominat of his powers."

She suddenly whipped her arm, and the bandages came off, transforming into a blackened crimson of a monstrous hand that it was. "I dare them to try and stop me!" Velvet scythed her claws on the daemon's corpse. The body was disintegrated into a dark mist and swiftly absorbed into her hand.

Horror hazed the villager's faces. A man pointed an accusing finger at Velvet. "She just ate the daemon with her arm! She's…!"

Velvet turned dramatically, sweeping a barbaric gaze over them. "I am corruption made flesh! Velvet, the Lord of Calamity!"

Dread and terror seized their body, and they froze in shock. Avernus slid to her side and pointed Siegfried to the sky. His finger fumbled with the trigger, and the gun fired in an ear-piercing explosion. "And I'm the devil incarnate, hailing from the gates of hell itself: Avernus, the Shadow of Calamity. Run back crying to your so-called saviours, for this town is ours to take!"

The burst of the gunshot shattered their fragile sanities, and soon, the people scrambled to the gate in a hurry, their screams filling the chilled air.

Magilou jumped in the middle of them and embraced her evil side. Rubbing her hands and smiling crookedly, she let out a burst of manic laughter. "Yes! This city is ours! Flee to the south, insignificant humans, and give me all your tears!" She opened her arms and clawed her hands, gesturing it at the sky. "Hurry, before our dark mistress sucks the marrow from your very bones, and our necromancer raises you from the dead to suffer more!"

The rest shared a pleasant smile until the town was empty of people.

Magilou ran between Avernus and Velvet, flanging her arms over their necks. "That was splendid, you two! We should do this more often!"

"It went well. Except…" Suddenly, Velvet delivered a quick punch to Magilou's side, and she curled in pain.

"Ow! What was that for?!"

"There will be no sucking of marrow. My sister taught me the proper table manners." Velvet claimed.

Eleanor flashed an approval glance for her. "Good job, Velvet. Now at least the citizens of Merichio won't be swept up in our fight."

Velvet broke their gaze as guilt flitted behind her eyes. "We just tore their homes and their sustenance away…."

Avernus placed a hand over her shoulder, and a heavenly warmth pierced her skin, prompting her to look him in the eyes. "You did well, Velvet. That was the best and quickest decision you could make to save their lives." He winked. "Thank you."

Velvet groaned, frowning. "Don't get me wrong; this wasn't for them. This was to summon the legates here. That's all."

Avernus chuckled. "That maybe, but I know you enough to understand what is going on in your heart." The shepherd bowed humbly. "Please accept my eternal gratitude for sparing their lives, my mistress."

Eleanor nodded. "Avernus is right. For whatever reason, I thank you for what you have done, O fearsome Lord of Calamity."

Velvet glanced upon their bending bodies and smiled slightly. "I pretend I didn't hear you two, O my minions of darkness."

As Avernus raised his body, he noticed Benwick and the rest of the group running towards them.

"What is happening? We just saw a whole crowd of people feeling south!" Benwick asked breathly.

Eizen stepped closer, scowling in surprise. "Why are you here?"

Benwick pulled a letter from his satchel. "I have a delivery for you."

Avernus looked at Kamoana, Medissa, ad Kurugane as they strolled over to them. "What about them? Why are they here?"

"Kamoana insisted on following me. The poor kid said she had a dream that you and Eleanor died." Benwick explained.

Rokurou gave Kurugane a nod from afar. "How long do we have until Shigure and Melchior get here?"

"Given the distance that they have to travel, I say we have time until the Scarlet Night," Magilou implied.

Rokurou grinned in anticipation. "Then I'll make use of that time. Kurogane and I have something important to discuss." Rokurou said.

"All right. Everyone go rest up." Eizen ordered.

"This maybe be the last breather we get." She flashed an intentive glance at the group. "As always, better, make sure you leave no regrets."

The team began to disperse around town. Laphicet walked to Velvet, eyes flashing with a question. "Velvet… Can I stay with you?" he asked.

Lailah turned to Avernus, with eyes asking for permission. The shepherd nodded. "Of course. Go and accompany Velvet and Laphicet. I'll be checking around town a bit."

Avernus drifted away from the others and followed Eizen to a corner of the street. The reaper opened a letter and his eyes skimmed over it.

"Is it from Edna?" Avernus asked.

Benwick fished his flask out of his pocket and took a swig. "That's exactly it! She wrote him a letter this time." He then offered it to the Shepherd. Avernus took the flask, warm from the sailor's hand, and tilted it to his lips. The liquid seared furiously down his throat, making him cough a little. "What is this?!"

"Snake Tequila," Benwick said, scooping the flash from his hand and taking another swallow. "We don't drink tequila for babies around here, Shepherd," he remarked mockingly.

"I see Innominat is tugging over your brain again. And I have the remedy right here." Avernus cracked his knuckles, glaring threateningly. Benwick nearly choked on his drink as he laid eyes on his ready-to-punch fists.

Avernus then turned to Eizen. The reaper's face seemed distant, a vague, subtle sadness tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Is something wrong with Edna?"

"No," Eizen said, folding back the letter. "She's… hopeful." He scowled at the Avernus. "She thinks that you can do something about this curse for some reason."

Avernus grinned haughtily. "Edna's a smart girl."

Eizen let out a pent-up breath. "I hope you're right. Sometimes, I think it's too good to be true." He tossed his coin and caught it again. But this time, he smiled as he held a bit of faith over the corner of his mind.

"We'll talk more after waking the four sleepy Empyreans." Avernus waved his hand, leaving Benwick and Eizen.

The shepherd wandered off towards the city's smithy. His eyes caught Shigure and Kurugane, sitting cross-legged on the balcony, having drinks. Rokurou raised his cup as Avernus approached them. "So shepherd, do you want to join us and wind down before the battle?" The swordsman asked.

"That sounds perfect. I'd love to get my mind off things for a while." Avernus said, joining them on the terrace.

Rokurou poured a third cup for him. The shepherd held the glass close to his face and took in the aroma, and had a sip, letting it linger in his mouth before swallowing it.

Rokurou followed and nipped the Sake. "This is just the place to put things in perspective." He gestured to the sky.

Avernus glanced over the aurora above, the northern magic. For him, it was the first time he laid upon that marvel, the luminous glow that expanded over the skies. The ghostly glow swayed left, then right, undulating like a colourful sheet in the wind. He was transfixed.

"You okay over there?" Rokurou asked.

Avernus pulled himself back from the indulgence of the scene. "I am. Never saw something this beautiful." Avernus said and poured Rokurou some Sake.

"I knew you'd love it. Just like I did. It makes me feel like we're on the same page." Rokurou took a sip, gazing at the sky.

A feeling of strangeness, dislocation, and longing abruptly washed over Avernus as he remembered the far-continent. But also, a newfound sense of being at his home clashed against it.

Rokurou's lean face sobered, and he gave Avernus a warm, thoughtful look. "How do you feel about all this? Far from home and travelling with us?"

Avernus shook his head in bemusement. "I know it sounds crazy, but all this… it's insane, but now, it feels so right." He drifted away. "My whole life, I've felt like something was missing. Some crucial pieces. It was so disjointed, walking around like an unfinished puzzle. Always just a little off."

Kurogane's disembodied voice resonated around them. "A shepherd that purifies daemons, now fighting alongside them, always sounded so wrong to me. But you are different, and when you put it that way, it looks that you found your place. The thing that makes everything else make sense, I suppose."

Avernus smiled. "You're right. Now that I'm here, I'm me for the first time. All of me. And it feels amazing."

Rokurou nodded thoughtfully, rubbing his chin. "I get it. I mean, I'm no secret shepherd or anything, just your standard-issue daemon swordsman."

"Beg to differ. Pretty much nothing about you is standard, and I mean that in the best way." Avernus complimented.

Rokurou's lips twitched into a grin. "You're the most down-to-earth Asgard aristocrat I know. Even more than prince Percival. As long as you don't let it go to your head."

Avernus's eyes widened in surprise. "You know?"

"Velvet told me. But don't worry, as someone who is in her debt, I'm keeping it a secret." Rokurou assured.

Avernus raised his cup. "Much obliged, Yaksha."

"Are you ready for the pact thing with the Empyreans Velvet keeps talking about?" Rokurou asked.

Avernus gulped the drink, putting the cup firmly on the ground, almost slamming it. "More than ready." The shepherd replied with a hint of certitude.

Rokurou poured his cup once more. "What are your chances of survival?

Avernus sipped the remnant of his drink and shrugged. "I don't know, and I don't care."

Rokurou raised his eyes and noticed Avernus' cheeks were hot, red, and loaded. The shepherd poured more drink for Rokurou, and in return, he did the same for him. "Claudin wrote that a Shepherd is only as good as his last quest. If this is mine, then I can say that I'm confident that we'll be triumphant. The strength of the pack is in all the wolves, Rokurou. All in, no matter the cost. I'm ready, and I have the will to make that kind of choice." Avernus cocked his head and held his cup. "I came here only to win. For the sake of the pack."

Rokurou raised his glass. "For the pack!"

After their drinks, Kurugane raised on his feet slowly, his armour clanking all around. "Since you're here, Shepherd, I want to thank you."

Avernus stood up, giving him a curious glance. "May I ask for what?"

"I found the solution to forging the sword. When I restored Caliburn, I finally understood the secret behind the best swords. Their blacksmiths put everything they got into it and felt admiration and not all resentment against one another. That's what I'll do. I'll put everything that is me into a final blade." Kurogane explained.

Avernus shook his head slightly in wonder. "What do you mean?"

"The malak that turned themselves into Dreamshadow did it because they wanted to put everything they had, including what they were, into an instrument to the hands of the person that they trusted. In this case, I will turn myself into the blade, and together with Rokurou, we will defeat Shigure and the Stormhowl, and then, it will be called Stormquel." The blacksmith said and offered his hand for a shake. "May your strength never wavers, and your blade always finds your target as you draw breath."

Avernus squeezed the hollowed gloves of the blacksmith. "And to you as well, Kurogane."

With a nod from the Shepherd, Kurugane turned to Rokurou. "When the hammering stopped, come and get the sword." The blacksmith left for the smithery, shutting the door behind him.

"Rate me, Shepherd; how much of a jerk am I?" Rokurou bluntly asked.

"I'm a terrible judge of a character. But you're going far, turning your friend into a sword to kill your brother at any cost." The sound of pounding started, prompting Avernus to glace at the smithery. "But you always move forward to achieve your goal. A swordsman, wanting to climb to the top of the ladder. That's the kind of guy you are."

Rokurou bobbed his head in acceptance. "I guess you're right. But watch out, Shepherd; if you decide to be a swordsman, you know that I'll come for you."

Avernus pounded the steps down and turned to Rokurou, giving him a daring glance. "Count on it. I'll be waiting."

The shepherd travelled to the other side of the city and found Eleanor, Kamoana, and Medissa, waiting at the street corner. Kamoana saw Avernus and waved her hand, bouncing up and down in excitement. "Hey! Come here! We've something for you!"

Eleanor brushed her forehead and let out a sigh. "Oh, Kamoana! We told you; we wanted it to be a surprise!"

Avernus raised his brow, looking eager for the surprise. "What is it?"

Kamoana snatched something from Eleanor and lifted her hand. "Here!"

The Shepherd's eyes glittered as he laid eyes on a white glove adorned by a bead bracelet and red feathers, and his symbol had been etched on the back in gold colours. "It is amazing…."

Eleanor locked her hands in front of her and bowed her head. "I had a spare left glove, and yours were worn out. So we decided to make one, especially for you. Kamonana and Medissa both helped to make the bracelet, and I incised your crest on it." She beamed and gave Avernus a tiny smile, inclining her to the side. "I hope you like it."

Medissa stood by Eleanor's side, bowing her head in gratitude. "We can never truly thank you. You took care of everyone, especially Kamonana when she needed you most."

Avernus' face radiated with joy, his emeralds shifting gratefully from one to another. "This is perfect. Thank you."

Kamoana raised her fists, twinkling in joy. "Yay! Now, let's go and play hide and seek!"

Medissa stepped closer. "I need to talk with Avernus, Kamoana. Maybe Eleanor can play with you."

Eleanor complied, placing her hands on Kamoana's shoulder. "How about you, me, and Bienfu play? Sounds good?"

The kid reluctantly nodded, and they raced to the pier. Medissa and Avernus strolled to the large inn in the middle of the town. Magilou waved at them, and they joined her. A troubled expression danced around Medissa's eyes. "I understand that you care a lot about Velvet. But I have got a bad feeling about her schemes."

Avernus crossed his arms over his chest and cut to the chase. "Are you worried about Kamoana?"

"Yes. Waking the four Empyreans and killing Innominat." She shook her head in concern. "I don't care about myself, but what if something happens to that little girl?"

Avernus closed his eyes and heaved a long breath. When he opened them, a gleam of hope and confidence shone behind them. "What if I tell you that there is no need to worry."

Medissa frowned slightly. "I'm sorry for not believing you. Until I see some evidence…." Medissa abruptly paused, looking over the shepherd's shoulder. "Lord of Calamity…" She said, scowling her eyes in hostility. Avernus turned his head to see Velvet, Laphicet, and Lailah approaching them. "What are you two talking about?" Velvet asked.

Medissa grunted silently. "...Your plans are your own business. But I won't stand by if Kamoana's fate is involved."

Velvet stopped beside Avernus, humming in indifference. "Hm...It's a bit late for that. If you mean to stop me, you'll have to strike me down first."

The air between them condensed with tension and anger. Medissa whipped her clawed hands in aggression, her long nails gleaming with magic and her face contorting in rage as if she was going to pounce at Velvet. "Very well, you asked for it!"

"ACHOO!"

Suddenly, Laphicet's sneeze tore them from that tense moment. Lailah then offered Laphicet a handkerchief.

Medissa gasped as she laid eyes on their innocent faces, reminding her of tenderness. She sighed, washing the contemplating thoughts away. "...I found an inn with a nice big hot spring. Warm yourself up before you catch a cold." She advised the little malak.

"That's a good idea." Velvet said, turning to Laphicet and lips curving into a smile. "Phi, want to join me?" She suggested in a gracious and blunt tone.

Laphicet winced and gulped, face crimsoning in embarrassment. "What? No way!"

"The bath at the inn is quite huge. No need to not use it because of me..."

Laphicet interrupted Velvet, shaking his head. "That's not the problem!"

He sneezed a second time before finishing his sentence. Avernus chuckled and patted his shoulder. "We'll go together. Lailah, you're with Velvet."

Laphicet let out a sigh of relief. "Oof. Yeah, thanks. That's better."

Avernus and Laphicet entered the secluded Inn, changing into their towels. The hot bath was ready to use. Avernus shoved the door and, along with Laphcet, wandered into the steamy room. They surveyed the vast chamber with great interest. "This is the largest bath I've ever been to!" Laphicet expressed as they dropped into the hot water.

Laphicet leaned against a corner, breathing freely, taking in the calm and solace feeling of the hot spring. "This feels nice…."

Avernus glanced around the bath with uncertainty. "I didn't check the plaque. I hope we didn't ramble in women's…." Abruptly, his ears throbbed, reacting to the sound of bath doors whirling on its hinges.

Avernus had a mere second to react. The shepherd pounced and grabbed Laphicet, and they both dived into the water. Cupping hands over their mouths, they recognized Velvet and Lailah's voice.

"Wow! It's so huge, Velvet-san!" Lailah said, and it seemed that she was running around.

"The floor is wet, so don't run, or you'll fall." Velvet advised.

Avernus moved his head up and down underwater, signalling through telepathy to Laphicet. "Oh, gosh! We're in the wrong section! I'll try to teleport us to the other side."

He circularly gestured his hand underwater, but his focus was lost to what was happening at the top.

"Velvet-san, let me wash your back!" Lailah offered.

The sigil partly formed, but it glittered and disappeared. Avernus shook his head and started over. Out of the blue, Velvet chuckled. "That tickles, Lailah!"

Lailah giggled in return. "Wow, Velvet-san, your skin is so soft and smooth!"

At that moment, it seemed that Avernus lost it. Losing control, he coughed underwater, sending air bubbles to the surface. Laphicet quickly clawed his hands and formed a portal, and engulfed both of them.

The air above the other side thundered and flashed. Avernus and Laphicet both fell from a reality tear and crashed into the hot bath below, sending waves of water and splashing all over the men's section.

Avernus swam up to the surface, taking a deep breath.

"What's going on over there?" Velvet shouted from the other side.

Avernus gasped and climbed out of the bath, collapsing on the ground. "It's… It's nothing. We're just practicing artes in here."

"Do be careful with Phi!" Velvet yelled as if that was a direct order.

Avernus and Laphicet both darted their brows, sighing in relief as they alluded to an unfortunate fate.

After the bath, Avernus saw Lailah, already dried and clothed, walking to his side. "I thought you're with Velvet," Avernus said.

"Laphicet followed Velvet to the largest room, I guess. He said he wanted to be with Velvet-san."

Avernus tied his hair and roamed into the corridor. "Get some rest, Lailah. I've something to tell Velvet."

The fire malak nodded, and Avernus jaunted towards the room. Before knocking, he heard Velvet and Laphicet talking. He stopped his hand in the air as his curiosity got better of him. Avernus leaned against the door, hooking his thumbs into his pockets. Not wanting to ruin their moment, he decided to listen instead.

Avernus first heard Laphicet's voice. "You know something, Velvet... your hair is gorgeous."

He closed his eyes, grinning to himself and picturing Velvet's hair. The little malak wasn't wrong; She had the prettiest hair that a woman could have.

Phi continued. "You know… that power that I have… If I could master the Silver Flame… I might be able to turn you back into a human."

Avernus opened his arms, shifting his head so his ears could listen better.

"A human?" Velvet said and paused for a second. "If we ever had a chance to start over, I'd love to cook for you every day. My quiches are much better than anything they sell in the stores."

The Shepherd smiled again. He could use some hopeful talks. The thing that Laphicet was a master at. His voice soon came afterward, bringing more joy to Avernus. "Okay! Then I'll fetch the water and chop the firewood while Avernus works!"

Velvet giggled. "All by yourself?"

"Of course! I will get a lot taller soon, and I'm going to get stronger too, like Avernus! In that way, I can help him too!" Laphicet said in excitement.

"I know you will…." By the time Velvet spoke, Avernus was lost again in his dream, a place far away from sadness and tragedy. A place that they could all be themselves, without a world weighing on their shoulders.

Laphicet's cheering was apparent in his tone. "Great! Then I'll start working with Avernus to master the-"

Velvet suddenly cut him off. Avernus frowned and opened his eyes. His heart began to ache as the concentration of malevolence fell heavy on his soul. He clawed his chest in pain.

"It's too late. I've made too many sacrifices. Too many to ever come back from. I can't." Velvet pondered, the radiation of malevolence reaching over the halls. "Even worse. I haven't stopped. I'm willing to sacrifice others to keep going forward. If we kill Innominat, what will happen to the therions who are part of him? Will they return to normal?"

Avernus collected his thoughts and focused. Velvet's regret fell severely on his soul.

"Likely, they'll all die, I know it. I dug my own grave. But what about Kamonana and Medissa?" Velvet said in uncertainty. Avernus dropped his head. As usual, Velvet wasn't far behind the guessing game; she had already figured it all out.

"More importantly, what about you, Phi? You're connected to him." Velvet's voice began to shatter and trembled in a mix of anger and sadness. "Even so, If I know him, which I do, he's probably going through a plan that I don't like." Avernus turned and pressed his forehead against the door in hopelessness.

"I know I might die if I go through with this. But still, I have to do it. Even if it means I have to sacrifice everyone that I know… Everyone that I love… Even you two who saved me."

Velvet's grief stabbed his soul. Avernus coiled his hand into a fist and clenched it in desperation.

"The Lord of Calamity isn't a daemon lord. She's just a selfish, horrible girl..."

Avernus walked away from the door and waited for Laphicet to come outside. After a minute, the door opened, and the boy stepped out. He saw Avernus, crossing his arms and standing near the wall, hidden mostly in shadows. The shepherd walked to his side. "Lailah is alone. Could you go and stay with her tonight?" Avernus asked.

Laphicet nodded. "Alright. I'll go, but what will you do?"

The shepherd turned the doorknob to the chamber. "I need to talk to Velvet."

Avernus closed the door, and his eyes caught the lord of calamity, sitting near the large windows on a big, red couch. He slowly wandered to her side, eyes peering at Velvet as she pressed her comb firmly to her chest.

The shepherd stopped in front of her, but Velvet didn't raise her head. An insurmountable feeling of remorse filled his soul, whipping his mind to no end.

"I know why you must go through with it, but there are sins that must be cleaned…."

He said. Little did he know, the feeling was mutual. Velvet couldn't bring herself to look the man in the eye.

Suddenly, Avernus kneeled on one knee like a knight. Velvet gasped in surprise and slowly raised her head to see his bright face.

"They say for shepherds that the first step to cleansing the sin is to seek the forgiveness in our hearts..." Avernus said, his eyes starting to get glossy. He bit his lips. "Velvet…" Avernus swallowed a knot in his throat and hastily bowed his head.

"I ask for your forgiveness!" His voice cracked in sorrow. Velvet's eyes widened, tracking a single tear streaking his cheeks and falling on the ground.

"For the life that has been taken from you, I beg you, forgive…."

Abruptly, among the burst of his emotions, Velvet's finger raised his chin. He was silenced. Her face sailing closer until her breath could cool his tears. She interrupted him with a fresh and sweet kiss. Velvet's eyes slowly glimpsed his face and took it all in, all the manliness, along with the emotions that ran wild. Velvet tracked his tear. He’s vulnerable and hot. She knew that Avernus would go to the end of the earth to take them back, and he will not waver. For her, nothing seemed more precious and wanting.

His green orbs were clinging into her radiant flames, his body weightless, as he felt himself falling on the large sofa beside Velvet. The crimson moon was rising behind her. Then everything ceased, even time, for their tenderness to warm each other one last time before the apocalypse.