It felt surreal, dreamlike. Avernus planned it all out, or he thought he had it under control.

Ready to fight the exorcists? Check.

Watching out for unpredictable traps and ambushes? Check.

Facing off against hordes of daemons? Check.

Marrying Velvet Crowe? Not so much.

The coughing stopped. Avernus's watery eyes reverted to normal. He quickly collected his scrambled mind back into reality and looked behind him; at a girl who was known to the world as the Lord of Calamity, cunning, ruthless, and malicious.

He blinked faster; there was no vengeful and scary girl anymore. Aside from her torn outfit, nothing was relatable to the preying wolf that hunted the Midgand.

There was just a plain girl with beautiful round eyes, burning with passion. Velvet was running towards him with haste.

"What happened?! Are you okay?!" Velvet asked worryingly as she was giving him some back blows.

Avernus cleared his throat several times, "Yeah, I'm okay… The drink went the "wrong way." He casually replied and attempted to look her in the eye, but her innocent staring prevented him from protesting. Avernus didn't want to ruin the moment. After all, he wanted her back to what she was before all this started. Avernus just had it unexpectedly.

"Why, Velvet?" Words barely came out of Avernus's mouth.

Velvet placed her hands on her hip. Taking a severe but charming posture, looking confident, like Velvet was sure of what she was doing, "Because you promised, do you remember?"

Velvet's sudden change of heart and her tone of voice were alien to him. Avernus didn't know where to start or remind her of their mission. "Yeah, I remember, but…."

"Laphi is alive. Niko is alive. Everyone's alive. Can't you see? We don't need to run. We can stay here together." Velvet moved closer to the inches of his chest. "I can take care of Laphi, and you can find a job here. I'm sure the village needs a teacher." Velvet softly spoke.

Velvet's eyes, her voice, her smile, and her body language were reassuring and cheerful. For Avernus, for Laphicet, and even for their friends, those were precious. Ruining them by reminding her that it was probably a trap would be a cruel and unforgivable move.

Avernus glanced at Magilou and Eleanor for a brief second. He wanted their opinions. He read the same things in their eyes: "No."

"What do you want to do now?" Avernus calmly said to her.

Velvet smiled, moving her hands behind her back, grabbing and holding them together. Her eyes glimmered with an idea, "Let's go back to the village. I want to make something special for Laphi and you for tonight, and I need to buy something."

Avernus nodded. Velvet took off first, and the rest followed her.

Eleanor looked at Avernus as he tried to keep up a straight face and hide his conflicted emotions.

"Do you think they've located the therion?" Eleanor telepathically asked him.

"I doubt it, but let's focus on Velvet. I'm more worried about her than finding that therion." Avernus responded. His concerned feeling sent negative vibes all over their mental connections.

Laphicet lowered his head, "Yeah, for now, I want to stay close to Velvet. I've got a bad feeling about this too. My stomach is twisted, and I've got a chill up my spine."

"Eleanor looked at both of them, "Something more important than our mission? But when you're both put it this way… I trust your feelings…."

Magilou suddenly pinched Eleanor's back. She caught their little secret talks by looking at their eyes, "Aw aw aw, no telepathic talking, you kids!"

Avernus looked at the witch, "Do you have any suggestions other than pestering, witch?"

Magilou chuckled, "Nope!"

"Then what will you do?" Eleanor asked as she massaged her bruised back.

"Whatever I feel like!" Magilou jokingly said.

Avernus sighed in frustration, "Helpful as always, Magilou…."

Velvet suddenly slowed down so Avernus can catch up with her, "Do you know what I want to make for you and Laphi?"

Avernus's eyes were fixated on her face; she was happy, energetic, and passionate. He completely forgot what she asked of him, "Ah… I don't…."

"First, I'm going to whip up my special quiche, and then I'll throw in tomato and egg soup and some pudding!" Velvet cheeringly said to them.

Eleanor was still baffled at her jolly actions, "I didn't even know your face had smile muscles." She said to her, but Velvet lived in another place and time, utterly oblivious to Eleanor's observation.

They reached the center of the village. People were running around, carrying bags and crates on their backs. Velvet silently giggled. She said something to Laphicet and, with him, went to the shop. Avernus stayed and swallowed in fear. Watching the villagers, He predicted the reason behind their haste. "Oh my god. This is for the ceremony, isn't it?".

"There you are, you little weasel!" Avernus sensed that Tia's voice was coming out of another world. She was angry, but at least, unlike Velvet, that was still something familiar to him.

Avernus ingenuously looked at his malak. Tia was rushing towards him along with the reaper and the swordsman beside her,

"What the hell did you do?! That Niko came back running and screaming that you and Velvet have decided to get married! Are you out of your mind?!"

Hearing Tia's angry voice pulled him closer to reality. "Listen, Tia. There was someone that looked exactly like Laphi, and he was resting in his bed. Velvet saw him and suddenly went…." Avernus stopped and looked at Eleanor and Laphicet from the corner of his eyes. "… I don't know how to put it, Velvet's changed and suddenly. she told Niko that we wanted to get married."

Magilou stretched her arms, "As much as I want to tell you otherwise, he's right. Velvet's completely lost it."

Eizen rubbed his forehead, shaking his head, looking bothered, "That's not good. We can't waste our time playing games here."

A flicker of thoughts crossed Avernus's mind. He moved closer to Tia, raising his arms as he was going to tell something important, "Pay attention to me very closely; there is a temple in Morgana woods outside of the village. I need you three to go and check it out."

Tia's silver brows jumped up, "A temple? I didn't sense anything."

Avernus closed his opened hands, shaking and pointing them towards the village's gate, "It's there. I was helping…." Avernus ate his last word, the deadly glances of Eizen barred his tongue from mentioning Edna, "…Grimoirh and Morgrim three years ago. Whatever its purpose is, it must be related to Innominat."

"How?" Eizen asked. His tone was curious and threatening at the same time.

The Shepherd entirely shifted his attention to the pirate malak, "Innominat was imprisoned beneath a sacrificial hole in the cape. There was a temple there, but all of it had been sunk into the sea. This one, however, survived." Avernus explained slowly.

"What's a sacrificial hole?" Rokurou asked.

Before Avernus could answer, Tia looked at Rokurou over her shoulder, she was more than ready for a reply, "They are gates between worlds. If you go there, all you see is a darkened, endless pit. But their real purpose is being a keyhole to pocket realms, hiding in between dimensions."

Rokurou's cheerful face was gone. Her explanation bothered him. There was too much new information, "What about the sacrificial part?"

"Human souls are the keys to commune with forces beyond. Most of the higher beings need mediatory or derivative tools to interact effectively with the physical world. Something understandable for everyone. Laphi's sacrifice was to reawaken the Innominat. His soul did just that." Tia explained.

"I don't get it. According to the book, the other four were against the Innominat, but then why the ancients imprisoned the Empyrean and left an easy way to wake it up?" Eleanor inquired, clueless.

Tia bitterly smirked, "Who knows? Maybe they needed him."

Avernus jumped in the conversation, "… or they hadn't found a way to get rid of him completely."

Tia hissed, mockingly, "Don't be absurd, Avernus. All of the gods play a crucial role in the wheel of life. You think destroying one would fix everyone's problem with death and misery?"

Avernus instinctively moved a little closer to Tia, "When did you become an expert on the Empyreans? And yes, Innominat is like cancer that needs to be taken out. Nothing good will came out of something that starts with the sacrifice of an innocent child.".

Tia folded her arms, acting as if she was offended by his comments, "You absolutely don't know how this world works, do you, my sweet little naïve brother?"

Avernus's brows knotted. Her snooty tone was unwelcome and unexpected.

"But we saw her brother on the bed…." Eleanor quickly said, breaking the friction between them.

The silvered hair malak turned to her, "Although I can't say for sure for other villagers, Velvet's brother is dead. Innominat's revival is proof. Laphi can't be alive, and Innominat exists at the same time." Tia's long fingernails began to emit faint glows. "I can safely dispose of that creature with certainty."

"No, I forbid it." Avernus firmly ordered. The corners of his eyes crinkled

Tia groaned in anger, "Don't waste our time. You're a mature man, Avernus. You especially can't be ignorant in these situations. I will kill him and force her out of this madness if I have to."

Avernus continued to stare at her from the corner of his irritated eyes, "And I will say it once more; I forbid it."

The argument between the Shepherd and his malak added more tension, making everyone oblivious to the real situation around them.

Eleanor noticed a group of villagers approaching Avernus with Niko walking in front.

"We need to borrow the groom for the night." Niko merrily declared. It was too late for Avernus to act as they surrounded him and took the Shepherd away. Avernus lifted his arm above the crowd, "Eleanor!"

The young exorcist raised her head, looking directly in his eyes, waiting for a critical and strategical order.

"…Take care of Velvet and Laphicet!" Avernus shouted as the villagers escorted him away.

Tia briefly glanced at her. Eleanor felt the immense gaze filled with unusual anger and disdain from the sophisticated malak. "We will check the temple in the Morgana woods. Let the kids have their fun." Tia said it in a condescending tone, maintaining eye contact with the young exorcist. Eleanor, for the first time, felt that Tia acted and sounded malignant. The trio quickly left for the jungle, leaving Magilou and Eleanor in the middle of the village.

Velvet and Laphicet came back to them. She already acquired a set of ingredients from the shopkeeper. Velvet smirked, looking eager, "They ran out of prickleboar meat. We need to hunt some ourselves!" She optimistically said and took the lead, walking towards the main gate. Laphicet handed their items to Eleanor, "Velvet enjoyed herself at the shop!" Laphicet said compassionately.

Eleanor checked the contents of the bag, "She picked out a nice balance of foods with that amount of gald." Eleanor suddenly smiled, "Velvet seems so cheerful."

"That's the real Velvet, I'm sure of it," Laphicet added.

At that moment, the real truth hurt even more than before, sending chills to Eleanor's spine, "Yes. An ordinary, dutiful, loving sister." She said gloomily.

"I wish she could've stayed that way." Laphicet closed his eyes, imagining Velvet in a more joyous time, "She could have lived a happy life, surrounded by her friends…."

Eleanor followed Laphicet's daydreaming. She chuckled, "A happy, ordinary life for an ordinary girl, with a kind family and supportive friends. Just plain Velvet Crowe, sister to Lord Artorius…."

Magilou raised her right arm towards the sky, jumping in the between of them, "…And wife to Avernus Diphda, the runaway Shepherd and the prince of the far-continent." She winked at them, "Don't forget that important part, kids."

Eleanor and Laphicet both blushed. Bienfu suddenly appeared, "What's wrong with falling in love or even marrying?" he asked them with an ill intent of switching the conversation.

Laphicet began to stutter with his words, "M-marriage?! L-love?!"

A line appeared between Eleanor's brows, "Look what you said, Bienfu! You made everyone uncomfortable!"

Bienfu clapped his tiny hands, holding them in front of his face, "There's nothing to be ashamed of. Most of every girl's happiest memories are of her first love, after all." He flew over Laphicet's head, hovering around him, "I always wondered about who Velvet had feelings for. But now, I'm certain who that guy was…."

Laphicet lowered his head, looking downhearted, "Do you mean… Avernus is Velvet's first love….?" He said in a low tone as if he was murmuring it to himself.

Eleanor stared into the distance, "Yeah, I always wanted to meet the guy Velvet first fell for…."

Laphicet quickly turned away, frowning, "I didn't want to meet him."

Magilou maliciously giggled, "Oh! The little malak is jealous of his pappy Avernus! Listen, kiddo; they can bring you another sister or brother, or more than one. Even ten! In this case, you won't be alone."

Clenching her fists, Eleanor nearly pounced at Magilou and Bienfu, "Stop it! You and Bienfu sound like an old couple, talking behind people's back!"

Laphicet little by little, glanced at Magilou's up-to-no-good face. "What… How?"

Eleanor instantly place her hands on Laphicet's ears, "Okay! That's enough! Let's follow Velvet. She is waiting for us near the gates!"

Magilou stretched her back uncaringly, "Then you'll be their only wolfie pup… at least for now."

Eleanor held Laphicet's hand and, together, went to Velvet with Magilou following them strictly.

Niko's house was a lot bigger than the rest. Her family was the richest, being the head of the village and all. Avernus trailed Niko to their guess room; a queen-sized bed in the middle, a large mirror near the drawers, and lengthy red drapes on the windows made it more like a house in the city.

"This is a big guest room… What am I supposed to do here exactly?" Avernus asked.

Niko smirked, "We're readying a hot bath for you. You have to change your clothes here and wear a more comfortable outfit, and then I'll give you a new haircut." She explained it, slowly and calmly.

Avernus suddenly scowled at her, "No one touches my hair." He said, scolding her.

Niko raised her hands in a surrendering pose, "Oh, okay! No need to get angry! But remember, you need to prepare something for the bride."

Niko instantly met his narrowed eyes, "Prepare what?"

The girl subtly laughed at him, "Oh, my goodness! You need to write her a special letter, work on your vows, and hopefully, prepared the ring."

Avernus swallowed, "The ring?!"

Niko folded her arms. The smile was gone from her face, "Didn't you two wanted to get married?"

Avernus shook his head and waved his hand, "Yeah, of course, silly me. The ring, marriage vows, and a…."

"A love letter." Niko reminded him.

Avernus's eyes widened, nodding to keep the charade on, "…Yeah, yeah… A… Love letter."

Niko grinned, "You also need to practice telling Velvet that "I love you." It is time to be a romantic mister if you aren't."

Avernus looked at the large mirror, "Sure… I'll practice it with that one."

Niko moved her index finger from side to side in a disagreeable manner, "No, that won't work. You need a girl's perception on this one." She moved a little closer to him, "Practice it with me. Say: I love you, Velvet."

Avernus calmly and subtly shook his head and smiled, trying to shrug her off, polity, "Thanks for the offer, but I'm good."

Niko's friendly expression was gone, "That's not acceptable. Say it. Now."

Avernus gulped and paused. He thought that If saying it would make her go away, he would comply, "I…. mmm… you Velvet." His voice muffled.

Niko frowned more than before, "No. Try again."

Avernus rolled his eyes, "Alright… I love you, Velvet." He declared with a serious face.

Niko stood silent, staring coldly into his eyes. Suddenly, she burst into laughter, "Ha-ha! You look so silly! C'mon, change your clothes and take your bath." She pointed her finger at him, "And work on that face. Velvet's going to be terrified if you decided to tell her like that." Niko winked and then left the room, waving her hand as the door closed behind her.

Avernus placed one hand on his face and the other on his waist, massaging his forehead and eyes. "Just give me a break."

A large paper on the table grabbed his attention. He picked it up. It read:

"I, Arthur, take thee, Celica Crowe, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part…." Avernus groaned disturbingly,

"It's Artorius's and Celica's wedding vow."

Avernus let out a prolonged sigh once more and put the sheet of paper back in its place.

The idea of a hot bath wasn't bad. A better experience compared to Van Eltia's small wooden bathtubs or Titania's spooky and dark atmosphere. But he couldn't ignore the threats of an ambush. The bath was quick. He came back to the room and saw Niko carrying a metallic chest.

"That was fast." She told him and place the box on the side of the bed, "Here, we don't have clothes the same size as yours, but these belonged to Arthur. I think you two are a perfect match in regards to the body, and They're as good as new so, don't worry about them being old or anything."

Avernus slightly frowned. The thought of having to wear Arthur's clothes was a kick in the mood he didn't need, "Thanks, Niko…."

She nodded and left the room.

Avernus stared at the box. At first, he avoided it like the plague. But if it was a trap, he could use it to wake Velvet from this illusion. He raised his arm and started to scan all over the exterior, checking it with magic for any signs of something lethal, a bait, or sabotage. Surprisingly, he didn't find anything unusual. It was just a plain and old-looking chest.

"Here goes nothing."

With a noticeable click, the lock opened. Avernus could hear his controlled breathing. The heavy door fell to the other side. The contents were illuminated under the effects of charged-up artes on Avernus's hands; A set of ordinary clothes with a notebook.

His curiosity finally prevailed. Avernus sat on the bed. Free information on their adversary.

First, a small separated page was folded at the beginning,

"Even now, you're still by my side

Smiling at me with that sweet smile

When I close my eyes, I see

A myriad of seasons, quietly…."

Avernus quickly folded it back, "A love letter…." He smirked, remembered a letter he wrote a few days back, "Still better than mine, though."

His inquisitiveness forced him to go through the book itself without prudence. Avernus's eyes skimmed through the lines. The book wasn't about the information on his artes, his tactics, or secret techniques. It was all about the average life of a man who loved his wife greatly.

"… The world's faith and moral purity have been decayed. The deep, profound sin accelerated its downfall. The four Empyreans are now slumbering. The threat of the daemons is growing to be out of control. Without Claudine, I'm helpless to stop it…."

Avernus flipped more pages, still looking for something related to his intentions,

"… I've seen mountains spew flame, and Lands covered in ice. I've crossed stormy seas and ravines deeper than the eye can see. But I've never seen someone so thoughtful. She's so kind. Even with her little brother and sister to look for, she never frowns. Celica always smiles…."

Avernus slowed down a bit. Akin to Velvet's situation, reading these lines, he felt that it was all about another loving family, "…I never thought I could ever be this happy. Celica and I are expecting a child. I only wish I could've made something nice for her. I put my heart into making a necklace. This will serve as proof of our love. This I swear here and now; I swear to protect both of them with my life."

Those lines put a smile on his face. After all, they were literal words of a loving father and a husband, "Their child… I wonder about this path that I'm taking. I could ever have one…." Avernus said to himself, unsurely.

Avernus turned over a few more pages. A sense of uneasiness abruptly overcame his mind; Artorius's handwriting changed drastically as if he didn't want to bother himself anymore. There were long gaps between the dates. "… I wanted to have my life with Celica. With our child. But after they've perished, Melchior opened my eyes; Humans are weak. Filled with sin. The people of Aball sold my family to the daemon horde in the hope that they could escape and hide."

Avernus leaned more. There was only one thing, one trait of the humans that he couldn't stand; Injustice.

"No… They didn't…." Avernus aimlessly mumbled angrily, the sides of the pages crumpled. He was inadvertently squeezing the book: another tragedy, another stolen happiness.

"… At first, I wanted to embrace them, to fool myself that they've come back to me. But they weren't the same people. I couldn't keep my promise. I already abandoned who I was. Fate is cruel, but I'll make things right. I will put an end to all the pain in this world. Melchior and I found a way to adjust this "reason." Innominat's resurrection is incomplete. We, the exorcists, will guide him until we understand the process."

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Avernus's gaze remained unmoving on the last words, "On the souls of my dead master, wife, and child. This, I swear. My name is Artorius Collbrande. I have inherited the will and the strength of Claudin Asgard, former head of the exorcists.

As Melchior said, that' night's tragedy will change fate, and birth salvation."

Avernus turned over the hardcover and darted towards the window, wearing his outfit. "Melchior… everywhere we go, every tragedy, every misery, he has his dirty claws deep in it."

He silently opened the lock, sneaking out of the window into the shadows, "… So, Seres was reborn that night alongside their child… but what happened to him? who is it?! Where is that kid?!" Avernus asked himself impatiently. But before answering any of that, he had to free Velvet of this madness.

The villagers were fast. The whole area was already decorated with hanging lamps, wedding signage, mason jars, and… Avernus abruptly stopped;

"A wedding arch?"

They made an arch from vines and branches. Flowers were everywhere.

A send of chill and sadness fell upon his body. An illusion of a healthy life passed instantly in front of him. That vision taunted Avernus, like an irritating clown that was there to disappoint him. His codes and dogma was in contrast to ordinary life;

"Shepherd, you suffer so others can live in joy.

You fight so others can live in peace.

You sacrifice so others can be free.

You die so others can live."

Then, the words of Prince Percival were more transparent; "When you're a prince, you're not a person. You're an institution, one designed to serve the state and its people."

"I can never… have a normal life… never…" among the negative and hopeless thoughts, the images of Velvet and Laphicet dissolved the darkness away. There was still hope for those two, and he would not falter, not an inch.

The wind blew, and Avernus flew like a bird on the flow, jumping on the top of the tree branches silently. He saw Eleanor, Laphicet, and Magilou entered the Crowe's house. Avernus warped near the window. They sat around the dining table, but Velvet was not present. Avernus circled the house. At the first window, he noticed Laphi's pretender was still lying on the bed. Avernus groaned and moved to the next window.

Leaning against the wall, he took a peek. Near the faint glow of a candle, Avernus recognized Velvet, having her back at him, but her straight mega-long hair was swept back. It was all around her. Like a thief, he picked the lock using magic and silently opened the window. Avernus slowly entered the room.

Velvet's instincts flared up to a presence. She quickly turned to him.

Avernus was glued to the spot. He swallowed nervously. His turquoise eyes gawked before forcing himself to turn away. His cheeks heated up. "I'm so sorry, Velvet. I didn't know you weren't wearing… clothes."

Instead of being angry, she slightly chuckled and casually walked to the bed. Velvet picked a clean robe and calmly wore it. "I just had my bath…Are you that impatient that you sneak into my room like that?" she mocked him in an inviting tone.

"No, That's not it." He serenely answered with a hint of shame.

Velvet sat behind her dressing table. She arched near the mirror. Avernus walked closer, "What are you doing?"

Velvet turned to him. She had a brush in her hand. "Normally, I would object, but since you and I are getting married, you should know; I'm putting up makeup."

The red marks on his cheeks were still present. He never saw Velvet wearing any makeup before rather than her usual eyeliners and eyebrow fillers, "Ha?"

Velvet chuckled at the naivety of that man. She turned to the mirror, "Have patience."

But he couldn't. Not when they were snared in Abbey's trap. Velvet was in the happiest mood that he had ever seen. The choice of safer words to not to hurt her was near impossible. Avernus looked at the table and saw her hair comb. He then glanced at Velvet; her flawless hair was so inviting. Avernus picked up the comb. Velvet was watching his reflection, "Do you want to?"

Their eyes met in the mirror, "Yes, ma'am."

Velvet was finished with her eyes. She leaned straightly. "Go on."

Her invitation cleansed his mind of all troubles again. Avernus walked behind her. The comb sank into the silk and soft sea of Velvet's ravened smoothness.

"Your hair is magnificent, Velvet." The praise came out of his mouth naturally. The comb danced to the flow. There was no resistance. Avernus could do it all day. That hair, needless to say, was enchanted. He glanced at Velvet. Their eyes met. Her golden eyes were enticing. Avernus was fascinated with them from the time they had met one another. Like, two shy young people, they broke the contact instantly.

Velvet watched him, standing behind her. She didn't need anyone. Instead, everyone needed her. However, at that moment, Velvet felt more secure. The brushing sent a tingly feeling throughout her scalp and down to her spine. Calmness, the feeling that escaped her a long time ago, was back. Velvet glimpsed at Avernus's happy face; he was living the dream and so, was her too.

That is probably what Celica and Arthur felt a long time ago.

Avernus didn't want it to end, but they had a mission. He stopped, thinking to select the words carefully to lessen the hurt. But he didn't know that Velvet was already standing in front of him.

She placed her hands on his chest. Once again, his endurance was gone. No daemon, big or small, could get away with that easily. Velvet didn't need a hard shove. A slight push sufficed. Avernus fell on the bed, and Velvet pounced on his defenceless body.

What was he going to say to her? Avernus couldn't remember. The thoughts were lost again amidst her presence.

Velvet moved her face closer to his. Her loose hair was all over them both. It was still wet as it brushed against the skin of his cheeks.

"You smell fresh… like a newborn baby."

Her eyes were hidden behind strands of her hair. Only Velvet's pink and brightened lips were visible, whispering to him. She had an aroma of rose and lilac, fresh, neat, and sweet.

Avernus gulped harder. Having her body on top of him, wearing only a robe, made it impossible to think straight. "I… had a bath too…."

Velvet didn't hear his pointless words. Her breathing intensified. She moved her lips closer to his left ear. Velvet's wet hair touched his earlobe and his neck,

"…Say it." She mumbled to him silently.

Avernus swallowed once more. The sensation sent shivers throughout his body. He had no more control.

Velvet thought the groom was too shy. He needed to loosen up a bit.

"…Say it."

Avernus couldn't escape it. Nothing in the world mattered for a second,

"I love you, Velvet Crowe." The wall broke, the lock on his mouth destroyed, the barrier of his dignity was disabled. The jailed emotions escaped and reached the beloved.

Velvet got what she wanted: The confession.

Velvet smiled and sat straightly, looking satisfied and fulfilled. Avernus narrowed his eyes, "Don't you have something to say to me too?" he asked patiently.

Velvet gave him a quiet smile instead. Her cunning eyes said it all. She was a winner in not being the first one to say it. Velvet would use that right of keeping those precious words to herself.

The Shepherds' eyes widened. He thought that Velvet tricked him, "You made me say it! That's not fair! What about you? Don't you…"

Knock! Knock!

Velvet looked at the door,

"Coming!"

She jumped down and quickly took the rob off. Avernus turned to the windows. He could hear Velvet's faint giggles as she changed back into her typical outfit.

Velvet opened the door; It was Laphicet. "You were taking too long… I was worried." The kid told her worryingly.

"I'm alright. Have you check on Laphi?" Velvet asked.

"Yeah… He's still sleeping…." The boy suddenly showed her a book, "but I managed to find the original copy of the book on Innominat! And all the pages are here!" he declared excitingly.

Avernus quickly jumped from the bed, darting to the door. Laphicet nearly jolted when he saw Avernus appeared out of the darkness of Velvet's room.

"What book?" Avernus inquired.

Laphicet remained silent for a brief moment. The reason behind the presence of the Avernus in Velvet's room was unknown to him. Avernus looked at the table. He saw Eleanor with an admonishing face and Magilou, grinning and waving at him. Avernus wasn't supposed to be with Velvet.

"I had an important matter to discuss with Velvet…." Avernus said with a straight face. Magilou exploded into laughter. Eleanor shook her head as if she was disappointed.

"Whatever… Laphicet, may I see the book?"

The kid nodded. Avernus took the book and opened it, going through all pages at once. "Yes… This is what we need…."

Laphicet and Velvet went inside the other room.

"You are so irresponsible, Avernus! I can't believe that you only think about yourself!" Eleanor spoke to him telepathically.

Without raising his head, Avernus glanced at Eleanor, "You don't believe me if I say that we "didn't do anything," do you?"

"No."

"Figures…"

Out of the blue, Avernus sensed Velvet's presence beside him. He turned and was greeted with an aggressive face, "Avernus… Are there artes that let the caster manipulate dreams?"

The wolf's tone of voice was back. The inevitable moment had finally arrived.

"…Yes, some malakhims are experts in that field."

"How?"

"They cast fog, and when you dream inside it, they can transform your regrets into reality, creating an opposite effect."

Avernus realized Velvet's shaking hands, "An arte that reads your regrets… and shows you happiness…." Velvet looked at Avernus. The determination was back, "We're going to the cape." She declared harshly.

Avernus nodded, "Let's go, everyone."

"Now… it is late!" Eleanor disagreed.

"It's now or never…." Before the Shepherd could end his sentence, he noticed that the pretender started to move in Laphi's bed.

"Vel-vet. Don't go…Stay with me…." It murmured.

Velvet went back into the room but not for Laphi. She picked up Laphicet's compass from the bed, having no care for the pretender, "This is Phi's compass…."

Laphi extended his arm towards the Shepherd, "Avernus… don't leave me… you promised…."

He bitterly smiled, "I didn't promise anything to you… But I promised him." Avernus squeezed his sheathed staff that was on his belt. His eyes glared at him like a hawk. "…And I intend to keep it." He declared stridently.

Velvet stopped before exiting her house, "I'm sorry, Laphi."

She opened the door, and the rest of the team followed her.

Laphi's pretender cried, "No, don't… wait… Velvet, Avernus, wait… don't… Don't you two leave me here!"

His whining was muffled behind the door.

Everyone was on their toes. The air reeked of foul stench and was covered by fog.

"Is this what you talked about, Avernus?!" Eleanor asked tensely.

"Perhaps."

Velvet looked at them, "We're going to the cape shrine! It's time to drag out the therion." She ordered them. The alpha wolf was back.

"Behind you, Velvet." Avernus acknowledged.

The girl ran like a hunting wolf. The pack followed her, inflexible and determined. Velvet finally saw through the illusion.

Avernus sensed his malak as they approached the center of the village. They saw Tia, Eizen, and Rokurou in a confrontation with the villagers.

"There you two," Tia said.

Niko looked at them disturbingly, "Velvet, you have to stop your friends. They keep saying they're going to the cape, and they won't listen."

The shopkeeper joined the conversation, "The Abbey's forbidden anyone from going inside. We'll all be punished if anyone breaks the rules."

All eyes were on Velvet. She was back in command and back to her senses. She placed her bandaged arm on her chest,

"I hate to say it, Niko… But I think I'm a terrible person. I thought I could have my old life back again, and I could forget everything else. I tried to act like I was doing it for Laphi, for Avernus, but it was all for myself." Her soft voice changed drastically and back to a harsh, cold, and ruthless tone, "But I can't forget. I shouldn't forget. Laphi is dead. He was murdered without even knowing why! I will never forgive that… Ever!"

She glared at the villagers, the Lupus was back to hunt the damned, and they were already destined to fall prey to her deadly claw once more.

"So get out of my way. If you don't… I'll devour you again!" Velvet let out a wrathful howl.

Malevolence began to fill the area around them. Avernus focused his thoughts towards Tia, "Make my connection to the Earthpulse the strongest your power reach… Full Power."

"Why do you need that much energy?"

"It's simple." Avernus coldly glanced at her, "I will not have Velvet kill them again."

He squeezed his injured hand. The cut made by Velvet's blade was still vulnerable even after Laphicet healed it. The wound opened, blood dripped steadily.

Niko started to mumble, "Why… Velvet… Why must you do this?!"

She shrieked. The corrupted dark smoke slowly transformed their human bodies back to their original forms. Claws, fangs, and manes substituted their arms, teeth, and hairs.

Velvet unsheathed her blade, "There we go! The truth at last!"

Everyone prepared to enter the fray.

"Smokescreen!"

Avernus's arte impacted the ground in front of them. Thick steam enveloped the area. Velvet checked her surroundings. Something substantial, emitting a red hue, began to form in the smoke.

"Chaos Reach!"

A giant dragon's head emerged from the cloud following Avernus's strident shout. Its massive jaw opened. The daemons were caught off-guard. Overwhelmed, they were trapped in its mouth. The fangs crushed the werewolves. Their howls turned to agonizing whimper. The immense heat that the dragon radiated melted their bodies away before they have a chance to quiver. Along the daemons, the decorations for the wedding burned away.

Flowers turned to crisp, drapes were lit, and jars were broken. The daemon Niko dodged the arte, clapping its greenish wings and gaining altitude to avoid the intense fire.

Avernus pounced from inside the cloud. The daemon was too slow to react. Avernus's command extended Dreamshadow. The blades were formed on the top. He was no simple, young man who didn't know how to write a love letter or how to say that "I love you, Velvet." He was the Shepherd of misery and death. Shadow of Calamity was going to send it to the darkness.

Avernus raised the staff. The blades flashed, "Harken Scythe!"

He brought down Dreamshadow on her. The staff slashed its wing. Bloody feathers filled the air around them. The beast screamed as it came crashing down on the wedding arch. The crippled daemon stared at Avernus with its pitch-black eyes.

"Thanks for the lessons, Niko," Avernus mumbled. His face remained cold and calm, but his heart died again for the thousandth time. Avernus opened both of his hands and raised his arms, holding them towards the daemon. They began to heat up. His face torso and face shone brightly.

"Inferno Blaster!"

Two separate streams of molten lava were cast from his hands. They joined midway and became one intense ray of destruction.

The bird daemon opened its beak and screamed. The fire ray reached its target. The fierce temperature and the fire disintegrated the beast and the wedding arch along with it. They turned to ash and the remains reformed to sparks, disappearing into the night, like his dreams and the illusion as they were.

The pointless image of him holding Velvet's hands under the arch was gone.

"I can never… have… that."

The last of the daemons fell. Laphicet managed to disperse the cloud using his arte. The area was silent, except for the sound of burning woods and cloth. The air reeked of torched meat. Avernus was standing there, among the flames and melted bodies of the daemons. His arte was still in effect. They noticed the blood dripped and mid-way, turned into fire and lava before hitting the ground, hissing as the driblet marked the ground black.

"I… killed them all," Avernus said to them, ambivalently as if his sanity was failing.

Velvet frowned at him. She gritted her teeth and ran towards the cape.

"This way! The shrine is through these woods!"

Avernus ran behind her. Rokurou shook his head confusingly, "Hey, mind telling me what the hell's going on? Blinding us with the smoke and then burning the daemons all by himself?"

Magilou had her eyes focused on the track, "It's a trap. Abbey spun an illusion based on Velvet's dreams. A nasty arte probably came from the far-continent."

"But why Avernus turned into a brutal killing machine all of a sudden?!" Eizen inquired.

Magilou sneered, "It's simple; he didn't want Velvet to go through killing her friends again."

Rokurou groaned again, "Then why burnt away half of the village?! I don't understand."

Tia sighed, "Avernus wanted that illusion gone for good. At least, he feels that he destroyed his chance at happiness by his own hands and not anybody else's."

Rokurou shook his head, "Velvet's shaking off the dream by herself, Avernus killing the daemons so Velvet won't have to repeat the act and us, finding a strange new temple… this day couldn't get any weirder."

Eleanor turned to Rokurou and Eizen, "Did you find something in the jungle?!"

Eizen slowly nodded, "…We did."

"Don't stay behind! Move it, people!" Avernus yelled at them. Tia glanced at their puzzled face, "We'll talk about it after we find the therion."

The pack followed the leader to the shrine of tranquillity. The fog thickened, a strange growling was heard as they got closer. The nimble wolf stopped, her eyes met the creature; A two-headed demonic dog with the size of two massive carrier wagons.

"Ready yourselves." Avernus declared to them.

Velvet, Rokurou, and Eizen stormed the therion. Their sharp blades brazed the daemon's thick hide. The green knifelike rings hit the daemon, and they bounced back, failing to do any harm to the creature.

"The skin is too tough!" Avernus observed. Velvet was unyielding. She lunged and clawed the daemon. Each head was covering both sides, but they were no match for Lord of Calamity's fast movements and failed each of their attempts to bite her out of the air.

Rokurou saw a blinking red light was coming towards him. "Annihilating Crash!"

The swordsman barely evaded Velvet's arte. She was throwing everything she had at it without any concern for her friends.

After analyzing the daemon from afar, Avernus closed his eyes. "I can sense his malevolence…."

Tia sank into his body, "What's your suggestion then?"

"An illusion."

"What?"

"Their malevolence type is "Obsession." The dogs didn't want to let go of their past lives and their beloved owner."

"What do I have to do?" Tia whispered.

"Read my… regrets, like what it did to Velvet and turn into Niko. Scare away that daemon. Distract it enough time so that Velvet can destroy the barrier."

Without hesitation, Tia did just that. An orb flew from his body and changed into Niko.

"Bad dogs! I told you a thousand times that you need to behave near Velvet!"

The therion suddenly stopped. Both heads trembled and moved a few steps back as Tia strolled towards it in the form of Niko. Velvet and the others were rooted in their place. Having to see Niko's face again disturbed Velvet greatly.

Avernus's shout pulled Velvet out of her reverie, "Velvet! Disable the barrier!"

She pushed her hand into the magical sigil in the wall. The area flashed, and it came crashing down, breaking into thousand pieces.

The therion changed its form back into the two separate dogs, with half of their faces deformed with blue and red cracks near the demonic eyes. Tia also transformed back. Velvet moved to two puppies' sides, "Sorry, pups. You're coming with me."

The dogs growled at her. They quickly merged into their therion form but Velvet, like quicksilver, pinned the heads down to the ground, "It's ok, I killed their owner. I deserve all their hate, and then some. But not now. Understood? Once I got my revenge, you can tear me apart if you like. I promise. Until then. I'll need your help."

Velvet's dominance was proved to them. The therion obliged the alpha wolf, the alpha therion. The fog disappeared, and they reverted their bodies once again.

Avernus felt that he was lighter. He checked his satchel for the book. To his surprise, It disappeared. "Damn it. The book was part of the illusion. It disappeared."

"What book?" Eizen asked.

Laphicet turned to the reaper, "I found a copy of the ancient book with every page still intact! It was in Velvet's house."

"The real one might still be there. We should go back to Velvet's house to search for it." Eleanor suggested.

A chilly voice, devoid of all emotions, called to them, "Are you looking for this book?"

Eizen shouted; "Melchior!"

The team turned to the source.

"I was already in the neighbourhood to retrieve it. But I must say, you two did well to break free." Melchior focused his attention on Velvet, stroking his beard, "You, Velvet Crowe, you have such a determined resolve. If you weren't a therion, I'd be tempted to take you under my wing."

Avernus walked closer. His staff was emitting magical energy, "She's under my wing."

Melchior glared at Avernus, "Ah, the failed Shepherd. You are even more dangerous than her. You had the power to stop it all, and you turned away from your duty. You were supposed to be a saviour, and instead, you betrayed the world and took their side. You're a disgrace but…." The book disappeared, he extended his empty hand, "Join me, and we shall make this right together. Do not disappoint Claudin."

Avernus scowled but grinned at the same time, jeering at the old exorcist, "Your offer is as empty as your hand, Melchior. I know what you did… and I could care less about your "Claudin. I don't even know him."

"Foolish, child. Then you'll be dead and buried alongside them."

Velvet readied herself for the attack, "Did you come here to flatter me? And I'll be taking that book." She said calmly and coldly.

The book reappeared in Melchior's hand. He held it in front of his face, "This book was compiled from the far-continent by my dear friend, who was also Artorius's mentor and predecessor as head of the exorcists. It contains the hopes and dreams left by a noble soul who gave his life for the world that grieved him. It is not for tainted daemon nor a rogue Shepherd to touch."

Eizen frowned, "Like we need your permission!"

Avernus felt a disturbance in the air; something was teleporting near their location,

Velvet and Eizen charged at Melchior.

"Velvet, No!" Avernus warned her.

The area blackened for a second; A towering, horned daemon appeared between them and Melchior, grabbing Velvet's sword with one hand and Eizen's fist with another. He threw them like ragdolls towards the ground as if they were weightless. The Lupus and the Reaper rolled over grass and dirt.

Melchior sneered, "Heh, look who obeyed me for once."

Eizen stood up. His eyes were looking at the horned daemon with dread and disdain, "No is that… you didn't!"

Melchior walked to the side of the beast, "Be patient. You'll know everything before long. What we seek is the realization of perfect order, as tranquil and beautiful as a wildflower in bloom."

The air around them tensed up with magical energy. Avernus looked at Tia, "They are getting ready to teleport."

A portal formed around them. Abruptly, Velvet felt someone hurried past her,

"See you guys on the other side!" Avernus yelled at them.

Melchior realized that the stubborn Shepherd was dashing towards them. But it was too late.

Avernus leaped into the portal. He grabbed Melchior's collar. The old exorcist opened a gateway immediately beneath them, and they fell right through it. The three impacted the ground. Avernus instantly stood up and pointed his staff at the daemon. "Thunder Break!"

The lightning bolt hit the daemon's chest, and it flew off the cliff into the sea. Shepherd turned and saw Melchior running down the road. He quickly followed him, "I've read Artorius notes: All you do is watch from the sidelines and manipulate people! That's pathetic!" Avernus stridently shouted.

Melchior's strength failed him to do a warp. Avernus's staff transformed into its Scythe mode.

"…And I'm qualified to do it!" Melchior summoned his large orbs as he turned towards Avernus. The Shepherd's staff clashed with the spheres. A shockwave was sent around them. The blade was locked into the light shield. They both pushed with all their magical might.

Melchior felt Avernus's wrath. His pale emerald eyes glared into his soul, "In your arrogance, you treat people like sheep! Like tools! You have no grace! No morals!" Avernus's voice became rough and harsh.

"Silence! You know nothing, Avernus Diphda!" Melchior hopelessly shouted in return.

The blades nearly broke the barrier between them, and magical flashes were beaming from the cracks, "What you're doing… what you did to Velvet, what you did to Kamoana and others, was the absolute worst thing one human can do to another! I will not forgive it!"

One of the levitating orbs exploded as its mana depleted. The blast illuminated the region. Avernus slashed the area in front of him. "Die!"

The Scythe hit something, but it was held in its place. His vision was returned; there was no Melchior, but instead, the horned daemon was back, holding the staff firmly.

He suddenly grabbed Avernus by his neck, pulling him off the ground. The staff fell from his hand. Avernus choked and gasped for air. A dread feeling of emptiness and void enveloped him. To his surprise dismay, Avernus couldn't use any of his artes.

Melchior appeared beside the daemon, looking frustrated, "I made him not to kill Velvet Crowe, not to kill the reaper, or the swordsman." He walked closer, "I made him just to kill you, and you foolishly followed me to your death."

"D-damn it!" Avernus struggled. His magic was suppressed and silenced by the daemon. His strength was no match for the horned beast.

"Don't fight it, Shepherd. Help me erase your mistake by letting yourself die." Melchior turned away and disappeared in a ball of light.

Avernus stared the daemon in its eyes. The beast emotionlessly stared back. "You're… you're the lost captain… aren't you?"

The daemon nearly crushed his neck. Avernus's sight went blurry. "I can't die here… Not now…" He slowly drifted away. Death was knocking at the door. The void readied itself to embrace him into her cold arms.

"Fight, Avernus. Release the fire in your heart once again."

A very familiar voice called to him.

"…Seres?!"

Avernus's vigour was restored, partially. He grabbed the daemon's face. His hands flared up and started to burn,

"Inferno Blaster!"

The robust fire magic was released directly into the daemon's face. It moaned and cried in pain as Avernus was released from his grasp, barely landing on the ground, holding his neck and coughing. The daemon covered its wounded face. His shriek echoed around the jungle as it twirled and quivered in pain.

Avernus gasped for the air, but his frowned, angry eyes were still on the daemon. He clenched his fist, moving and limping from side to side, until he suddenly darted at the wounded creature, "Begone! Beast! Lion's Howl!"

Avernus's fist turned into a silver growling lion's head. The daemon pulled his hands away in time to be greeted by his greatest hand-to-hand arte. The area flashed brightly. Avernus slammed his fist into his face, punching it with the rest of his regained might. The horned daemon's body was tossed into the chasm below, disappearing into the darkness.

Avernus fell on his knees, breathing heavily. He took a moment to collect himself, but he heard footsteps coming from behind him. He slowly turned his head and watched as Velvet and Laphicet approached his position. He managed to smile for them.

Velvet suddenly stopped, holding her arm in front of Laphicet. She said something to the kid and, she came to him, alone. Avernus noticed her eyes had been changed, even more drastic than before. Velvet wore her serious and threatening face for him, "I need to tell you something." She coldly declared.

Avernus stood up, "I've something to tell you too." His hand went for Artorius's notes in his satchel.

"We're done, Avernus."

He stopped breathing. The time halted, his nervous system took a hit. "Wha— "

"I said you and I are done. I don't…." Velvet showed her coldest side. The yellow eyes targeted his bruised soul, "I don't love you."

Avernus blinked faster. It didn't feel right, not, after all, they went through; after all, they shared, "Why?" his words were whispers that she didn't want to listen to.

Velvet maintained her glare, but her eyes teared up for a second before drying out, "That's the trouble with caring about anybody. You begin to feel overprotective. Then you begin to feel dependent." Velvet clenched her fists, "No matter how much I've been hurt and what became the thing that hurts me, I can't stop for anyone. Not even for you."

Avernus dropped his head, salvaged everything he could from his shattered sanity. He raised his head again. That look of Velvet was foreign to him. She began to reinforce her claims, hammering his psyche even more, "I will devour anything and anyone if it means reaching my goal." Her pupils dilated, "Even if that thing is you…."

He finally met her demonic and therion side. It was dreadful and vicious, as people described.

The sweats disappeared from his forehead, "Very well. If you think that's the best…."

Velvet uncaringly turned away, "Come, we managed to find another copy of the book. Grimoirh will need you deciphering it."

Straight back to the mission. Avernus felt like he took a cold shower. Her icy words chilled him enough.

Laphicet came to him, "What happened?" he asked innocently.

Avernus smiled for him, "Nothing particular, more missions. Come, we need to get back to the ship."

The Shepherd followed Velvet, walking confidently and unshakable as always.

Laphicet noticed a sheet of folded paper fell from his hand. He picked it up and opened it. It was a love poem from a lost and forgotten love;

"Even now, you're still by my side

Smiling at me with that sweet smile

When I close my eyes, I see a myriad of seasons

Quietly enveloping me

Nobody knows what's at the end of this long journey

But these uncertain nights will never come again

We can keep walking forever

Together, now and forever

This love that I clutch close to my heart

It Will never change, this one unique feel

"I love you, Celica."