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Morgana Woods, Aball - Two years later

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Mist swirled and pooled around Rokurou's feet as he stalked between trees, his hand hanging near his sword. "Come on, you big ugly bastard, I know you're out here…."

He paused to listen, head forward, moving to follow the faint, wet sounds of crunching and tearing emanating from behind a nearby log. His demonic eye flared up. Creeping forward on silent feet, Rokurou slowly leaned around a tree trunk to steal a glimpse of his prey. But sounds of battle cries and howling echoed around the forest. Rokurou lunged out from behind the tree. His eyes widened. "Huh? Velvet?"

Velvet, wearing a long red vest-like coat with red arm-length detached sleeves with frill style, and a tricorne red hat with black lines at the edges, looked up at him innocently, yanking her wrist blade out of a Lycan's skull as Velvet put her long leather boots on its neck. "Rokurou? Fancy meeting you here."

Rokurou groaned in the disappointment of Velvet stealing his kill. "Don't you get cute with me. I've been stalking him for days!"

From behind the bushes, Orthie and Russ jumped and moved protectively to Velvet. "Didn't see your name on it, and it's not my fault if you're getting slow, Rokurou."

Rokurou sighed, crossing his arms. "Forget it. What are you even doing here? I thought you were out at sea, and you know it's the time for…." He paused for a moment and rubbed the back of his neck, shaking his head in guilt. "I'm sorry, I'm not sure if I should bring it up."

Velvet nodded. She kept her glance unreadable as ever. "It's okay. We were on our way to Loegres, and Eizen wanted to pick up Edna. So, I thought I should check on Aball."

"Aball? So Tabatha still wants to convert it into a hideout?"

"She is, but I'm still not sure if it's best to hand it over to Bloodwings or if I should keep it for myself and make it my own base." Velvet said. "The soil fertility is improving, and it would make for a perfect sanctuary for the crew and their families. Say, why don't you join us? I think everyone would love to see you again, even if it is for a few days."

Rokurou sighed and shook his head. "No, thanks. I don't think Eizen would approve of the presence of a bloodthirsty daemon when Edna's around."

"Eizen said Phoenix's domain is getting stronger, and Laphicet is around, so you're harmless." Velvet said, smirking impishly.

"Harmless, huh? Not sure if it's true about me, but when you put it that way, I think I can spare a day or two."

Velvet gave him a nod, and along with the dogs, they travelled back to the Van Eltia.

As they arrived at the Taliesin port, Benwick rushed at them and saluted. "Ma'am!"

"Report, Benwick."

"The ship is loaded with supplies, and Ms. Hume says that Eizen and Edna are already onboard."

"Right, call everyone back to the ship. We're leaving at noon." Velvet ordered, and they embarked on the Van Eltia.

"It's been a long time since I set foot on this ship…." Rokurou said, but he heard a familiar chuckle as soon as he came on board.

"I thought I heard the sounds of inadequacy coming from somewhere," Eizen smirked.

Rokurou darted a brow up, eyes brewing with a fresh challenge in mind. "Oho! I see you're getting bold, old man. How about a…."

"No settling differences or no friendly wager on this ship!" Velvet yelled. "Got it?!"

Rokurou raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, alright… Sheesh, Velvet, I don't recall the crew saying anything about Aifread being this strict. Am I right, Eizen?"

"Velvet's the captain now, and the crew is pretty content with her way of leadership," Eizen said.

"Damn right, they should." Velvet said.

Then an apple hit Rokurou's head out of nowhere, landing and rolling over the deck. "Ouch! What the hell?"

He raised his head to see Magilou sitting on the topmast, shrugging her shoulders and eyes sparkling with mischief. "Didn't see you there, big boy."

"Why's everyone picking on me today?" Rokurou moaned, massaging his scalpel.

"It's because they missed you." Velvet said, chuckling in amusement.

Rokurou groaned. "Ah, my life's been pretty busy lately. Eleanor has a lot of daemon-clearing quests to do, and I can't complain."

Eleanor emerged from the crew quarters, squinting up into the sunlight. She caught sight of Velvet and Rokurou, face beaming with delight as she rushed over. "Hey! Rokurou! Did you finish the final request?"

Velvet frowned slightly at Eleanor. "Come on, give him a break. Life's not just about work, you know."

Eleanor raised a scolding finger, cocking her head. "There is no rest for the protectors. We must stand vigil during these tough times!"

Magilou chuckled at Eleanor's reaction and jumped down. "Rokurou as a protector?" She sneered. "This man does not think about anyone other than himself."

Rokurou cracked a prideful smile. "Protector or not, I get to fight, and she even pays me for it."

"Still in it for yourself, eh?" Magilou said.

The swordsman straightened his broad shoulders. "Yep! I'm still the same old Rokurou Rangetsu you all know and love."

Benwick and the rest of the crew came aboard. "All finished, Ma'am!"

"Good. Set sail for Loegres immediately. We need to reach the rendezvous point before dusk." Giving orders to Benwick, Velvet headed out to the crew quarters. She entered the kitchen and caught a glimpse of Lailah wearing an apron. The fire malak hummed cheerfully, and she delicately lifted a small, rimmed bottle from the top shelf. Behind her, Velvet walked over to lean on the counter beside Lailah. For a while, Velvet watched as the oblivious Lailah struggled to uncork the tiny bottle.

"Do you need help, Lailah?"

Lailah jumped, nearly dropping the bottle on the floor. She quickly fumbled it onto the counter and took a step back.

"Oh hi, Velvet-san! I didn't think you'd be back so early!" Lailah said nervously.

Velvet smiled softly. "What are you doing here? Trying to usurp my position?"

"No! I just, um... While you were away, I thought I could help, so..."

Shyly, Lailah picked up a bowl and set it in front of Velvet filled with fried rice and omelet with ketchup topping. "I made Omurice!"

Velvet lifted the bowl, sniffing the contents with interest. She forked a piece, tasting it… and quickly sets the bowl down along with the fork. "Uhm… I think it's better not to eat this one."

Lailah wilted. "Oh, is it that bad…" Then her eyes glittered and widened out of curiosity. "Wait… Velvet-san, how can you taste it?!"

Velvet blushed slightly. "I-I forgot to tell you guys, but I've had my taste buds back for three months now."

Lailah clapped her hands in excitement. "This is great news! I reckon this is because of the weakened link between you and Innominat."

Velvet raised her therian arm, gazing at it. "I think you're right. My arm is calmer too. I feel less anxious, and my appetite is improving. I guess it is all thanks to your... brother."

Lailah beamed. "I know he will be happy to hear this when he comes back!"

"Comes back…" Velvet repeated and whispered to herself, eyes staring blanking before shaking her head to drive off her wistful thoughts of Avernus. "Anyway, let me show you how it's done…." Velvet joined Lailah behind the counter and started pulling down small bottles of spices and raw ingredients that she had stored. "Now, if we want to make omelet better, we need to have milk, sharp cheddar cheese, and add extra virgin olive oil. Can you hand me that cheese, Lailah?"

Lailah dutifully followed Velvet's instructions, watching Velvet work with rapt attention and a small satisfied smile on her face. Lailah then understood what Avernus meant those times when he talked about Velvet. She wished that he was here with them to see it.

The kitchen door flung open, and Magilou, along with Eleanor, swept inside. "Oh, my God. I forgot how Eizen loves to talk about everything!" Magilou moaned, massaging her temples.

"Yeah. I'd bet he is all fired up now that Rokurou is here. He is one of the very few who can still see and interact with him." Velvet said.

"What about you? Don't you talk to him?" Eleanor asked.

Velvet let out a silent sigh. "I do, really. But I can't stand his lectures and lessons all day."

Magilou sniffed, and her gaze fell on Omurice dishes. "Not gonna lie, but I'm dying of hunger!" She then caught a glimpse of Velvet tasting the fork. The all-knowing witch smirked. "Oho! It seems someone can relish the flavour of actual food again."

Eleanor's glance jumped from Magillou to Velvet. "You can taste again, Velvet?"

"I can."

Magilou seated and scooted her stool closer to Velvet, her eyes gleaming with avid curiosity. "Okay, so, run it by me. What did you have in mind when we stepped in to defeat Innominat? What was your plan?"

Velvet ignored her, looking indifferent. "I'll never tell."

Magilou dropped her forehead onto her crossed arms, groaning into the counter. "Oh, same old Velvet."

Eleanor stood beside Magilou, arms akimbo on her hips scoldingly. "Magilou, would you ease up? Maybe Velvet doesn't want to give you a play-by-play of what's on her mind."

Lailah nodded, agreeing with Eleanor. "What would we ever do without you to nudge us toward common decency, Eleanor-san?"

Magilou raised her head, rolling her eyes elaborately. "Because Avernus discarded the power of all five Empyreans like it was trash. He could've changed the world in unimaginable ways. Yet, he used the final artifact and destroyed it to dive into Innominat's mind. Now, there's no way for anyone to make a pact with even a single Empyrean. I just want to know, was it really worth it?"

"Because he sacrificed…." Suddenly Eleanor spotted Velvet's darkened eyes and cupped her mouth. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…."

A heavy silence fell on them, and Velvet put the cheese and grater back on the counter wordlessly. A few moments passed until she could recollect her thoughts.

"I don't know if that power was worth it, but I know that it wasn't worth seeing him disappear." Velvet said remorsefully. "I thought I could go about my life, and things would get better with time. But I always felt something was missing… Someone that should've been here with me."

Magilou raised her brow and smirked, watching Velvet melt the cold wall she put around herself. "Just so you know, Velvet, I asked him the night before the attack about why he wanted to go that far to save you. He looked me straight in the eye and told me you deserved a second chance. That by doing it, he would also give back the world what he was going to miss."

"Why?" Velvet asked, staring down blankly. "Did I even deserve it?"

Magilou came down from her seat. "According to him, his words were, "You took on the sin that wasn't yours to bear." Avernus saw a lot of good things in you that outweighed your scary side. I'd say you're lucky, or god knows where you would've ended up." Magilou whipped her hand, and a leather-bound book appeared out of thin air. "Here."

"Isn't that Avernus' arte book? Why do you have it? I spent months trying to find it." Velvet said, frowning at the witch.

Magilou gave Velvet a flat look. "He gave it to me as payment for helping him with his plan. His puppy-dog eyes didn't get him anywhere. You know I don't work for free, any more than you do. He wrote down every arte in this book. I think it's time for you to have it since it belonged to your beloved Avernus." Velvet hesitated, and Magilou sighed, eyes looking frustrated. "Not going to lie, but I can't stand him. I'm kind of jealous, seeing someone willing to see beneath your skin and gamble his own life for you... So get it off my hands before I throw it in the sea."

Velvet accepted and brushed a hand over Avernus' golden insignia on top of it. A slight smile curved on her face, and Velvet wandered toward the exit. "Follow me."

All the girls exited the kitchen and made their way to Velvet's private quarters. They stepped inside, their gazes skimming over the decorative trophies. Velvet's chamber was packed with glass counters that held weapons, strange jewelry, and mannequins wearing her outfits.

Edna emerged from behind one of her wardrobes, carrying a birdcage with a parrot with green and yellow feathers inside it. "This bird doesn't talk much."

Eleanor raised a brow. "When did you get a parrot, Velvet?"

Velvet carried Avernus' tome to the other side of the room. "Benwick got Jolly for me a few weeks back. He said it's "proper" for me to have one."

Edna tried to poke Jolly with her umbrella, and the bird screeched, flapping its wing and flying in circles. "I'll devour you all! Devour! Devour!"

The girls widened their eyes in surprise. "Why is he saying "Devour"?" Eleanor asked.

Velvet sighed. "I took Jolly with me after we raided a few bandit outposts. That's when he must've learned it."

Magilou raised a prying brow at Velvet. "You still shout "devour" when you jump into combat?"

"Yeah. Because that's pretty effective, it chills their bones, and most of them scurry away before putting up any significant resistance."

A little light-headed from the thick incense in the air, Eleanor approached the counters for a closer look. She bent over to examine a familiar pair of feather earrings. "Did these belong to Avernus?"

"Yes. They were his spares." Velvet said, her voice waving with grief.

Eleanor turned to Lailah. "Why did he even wear those earrings anyway?"

"Malakhim usually gift chosen humans with feathery cosmetics. These signify that malakhim considered Avernus to be one of their own," Lailah explained.

Magilou opened a display case and grabbed a piece of transparent black armour. "I think I saw this armour somewhere before…."

"It belonged to Avernus. Tia made a full set for him to use against magic. But those didn't always fit into his style." Velvet explained.

"Yeah. The guy loved his own fashion. Who'd want to bury that body under heavy armour anyway?" Magilou said, grinning provocatively, and Velvet shot a sinister glare at Magilou in return.

Eleanor's glimpse suddenly fell on another smaller notebook with Avernus' emblem on it. She opened the glass door and picked it up, glancing at the cover. "Hey, Lailah, what does this symbol represent?"

"You mean the Shepherd's symbol? It is actually a dragon's head. When Avernus slew his first dragon, he was exhausted to the point that he couldn't stand, so he decided to lay down and then sketched his symbol from the dragon's head."

Eleanor flipped the cover, and her glance fell on the illustrated pages filled with Velvet's different poses, mostly when she was sitting on the Van Eltia's wooden railing and staring into the horizon. "Those are some masterfully drawn pictures!"

Velvet and the rest joined Eleanor. Each page was an illustrated memory from their adventures. It wasn't just Velvet. Even the pirate crew, Tabatha and Prince Percival, were illustrated to perfection. Lailah glanced curiously over at pages, resting her cheek on one hand and pointing to the pictures with another. "Wow, you people travelled to a lot of temples and ruins."

"I'll take you to them when Phi gives you a few weeks off." Velvet offered but then hesitated, regarding the memories with a clear, thoughtful gaze. Lailah could see shadows of competing emotions flitting behind her hazel eyes. Velvet swallowed. "Look. Everyone one of us is in these pictures. He drew everyone, but not himself… I don't even have a single picture of him."

Lailah spotted a tiny and sneaky tear trickling down her cheek. Velvet gave them a restrained, bitter smile and closed the notebook. "Let's get back to…."

Suddenly, a calm sense of security fell over them, and they heard heavy flapping coming from outside the ship. Their faces beamed, especially Velvet's. Then, they heard knocking on Velvet's door.

"Come in."

The door swept open, and Laphicet stepped inside. Lailah bowed slightly, and Velvet wandered to his side. "Welcome back, hero."

Laphicet chuckled, looking calm. He nodded. "Thanks, Velvet. It's not like you haven't seen me in a long time."

"When was the last time you visited Velvet?" Magilou wondered.

"Yesterday," Laphicet said.

"So, an all-powerful god is occasionally visiting you. For what, exactly?"Magilou sneered.

"I promised Laphicet, if we make it, I'll cook for him every day. And I enjoy his company." Velvet said.

"Ugh. I'm even more jealous." Magilou mumbled.

"Velvet-san commands respect," Lailah said.

"And fear," Magilou added in an envious tone.

Meanwhile, Benwick rushed into the room and saluted. Midgand's royal navy ahead, ma'am, as expected."

"Prepare the ship for Prince Percival's boarding." Velvet ordered, and they all went to the deck. The golden galley of the royal navy docked near the Van Eltia, and Prince Percival came aboard, wearing a white fur coat and a long, red cloak over it. He gave Velvet a respectful nod. "Thank you for agreeing to this matter, captain. I appreciate your cooperation, as always."

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

Velvet crossed her arms over her chest, glancing at the prince after exchanging greetings. "You know I'm mainly doing this because your new contacts have information on our mutual friend."

"Indeed. They have sent an ambassador from the far-continent. If all goes well, it means a better future, for Midgand, for us. and of course… for you." The prince smiled amicably.

"But if they prove to be tricky, I will not hesitate to sink their boat." Velvet declared in a confident tone.

"It's a dangerous game, Velvet Crowe," Percival said and smiled in satisfaction. "Good thing you're a dangerous woman."

Velvet gave him an affirmative nod and signalled her crew.

Magilou poked Velvet's waist. "What was he talking about?"

Velvet turned to see her friend's curious faces as the crew escorted the prince and his guards to his usual cabin in the Van Eltia. "We received a message a few months back from the Hyland empire in the far-continent that they wanted to negotiate."

"That place where Avernus came from? They want to negotiate for what, exactly?" Eleanor asked.

"Well, it appears that Innominat's domain hit them pretty hard two years ago. They expressed their interest in re-establishing diplomatic relations. So, in turn, both empires can assist one other in their rebuilding efforts." Velvet explained. "You guys can go and rest in your quarters. I'll stay on the deck for the night."

Velvet was anxious about the news of their mutual friend. It was a glimmer of hope that she held onto for two years. But she wasn't expecting what had indeed waited for her the next day.

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The Next Day, Afternoon, Midgand Sea

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The ocean was gentle as the Van Eltia sailed through it. Standing within the bow of the ship, Velvet was scanning the horizon with her monoculars. As was stated in the message, a golden ship with the same engineering as the Van Eltia appeared over the horizon. Velvet spotted blue flags of the Hyland kingdom, with familiar symbols of what she saw in Avernus' book and on his clothes. She raised her arm.

"Ready the bow cannons. If they try anything sneaky, we'll send them to the bottom of the ocean."

Velvet stood near Prince Percival, and the crew cleared a portion of the deck. The Hyland ship docked port side of the Van Eltia, and the team placed a small wooden bridge. A group of three delegates came onboard, full armoured with long blue cloaks. The metallic sounds of their boats distorted the peaceful veil of the air on the Van Eltia. Wearing a severe face, one of them pulled a long sheet of paper out of his pocket and opened it, cocking his head.

Magilou elbowed Velvet's side, whispering, "Remember to smile, dear."

Velvet let out a silent huff instead, her brows knotting even more. Velvet's gaze fell on the Hyland delegate, waiting impatiently for their ambassador.

Then the introduction began, and from around the corner, the ambassador stepped into the ship, wearing a loyalty long white coat adorned by golden chains and a long, purple cloak covering his right arm towards the ground. His long, blond hair was loose around his shoulder and coiffed toward his back. He raised his head and smiled at Velvet.

"Presenting, Lord Averno Leopold Aeon Raphael Alistair Diphda, champion of-"

Velvet's breath was stolen, and her eyes were soaking wet. She broke into a run. Avernus braced himself, scooping Velvet off the ground into an embrace, drawing her body into his own as they twirled around. Velvet's hands were inquisitively caressing his face while his hands were folded around her back, pulling her in closer. She didn't waste any more time. Her body shook, shedding small tears for the missed time, releasing the tension of those two long years. Velvet kissed him hungrily, pulling his head closer in a silent but new form of a compelling argument. Velvet crushed her lips as her heart screamed silently into his soul. There was no shame and no more hiding from anyone and anything.

The Hyland delegates were gazing at the scene with opened mouths, shocked as their ambassador was involved in showing affection with a pirate captain in public, completely forgetting what they were there for. The Van Eltia's crew, on the other hand, threw their hats around, punching victory fists and cheering for their beloved captain and her long-lost mate.

Avernus pulled his head back and wiped Velvet's tears with his finger. Velvet ran her hand through his hair as she couldn't believe the nightmares had finally ended. Avernus' mouth painted a soft smile, and he nodded once before folding her in his arms again.

"You look dazzlingly beautiful, m'lady," Avernus whispered, tone of voice bearing his charming prince persona.

Velvet nearly broke into laughter, but all she let out was a soft giggle. "And you, mister, are two years late." She pulled back and cupped her hands all over his face, her hazel eyes eating him whole.

"Ehem…" Prince Percival cleared his throat, attracting their attention as Avernus placed Velvet back on the ground. "I don't think we need formalities here, cousin," the Prince said. "We are meeting on familiar ground, after all."

Hyland delegates were puzzled until Avernus raised his arm. "You can go back to the ship."

"But, sir…"

Avernus nodded, interrupting them. "This ship is my home. I'll take it from here."

"But they're pirates!" They complained. However, Avernus chuckled.

"You don't need to worry about me. For me, this is the safest place on the whole planet."

After exchanging baffled glances with each other, they bowed in respect and returned to their ship.

Avernus pulled a series of documents out of his coat and presented it to the prince. "The situation on the far continent is summarized in these pages. I took the liberty of signing them before our meeting."

Percival provided papers of his own. "Then I'll do the same. I think we all know how urgent this matter is. You did the right thing. There is no need to waste more time on negotiations." Prince looked over his shoulder at the gang. "And I think you have your friends to attend. They're eager to meet their long-lost companion."

Avernus walked past the prince, meeting his friends as they were either smiling like Eizen and Rokurou or wiping off their tears like Eleanor, who slowly walked up to him for a hug. "Welcome back!" She sobbed silently.

Rokurou threw an arm towards Avernus, who caught it, shaking his hand. "Well, I'll be damned. You're really back! But how?"

"Long story. But I'll tell you all about it one day." Avernus said and turned to Eizen.

The reaper raised his hands. "No one can see me. If you give me a handshake, you'll look like a fool."

Avernus chuckled and grabbed his steady hand, shaking it firmly. "I don't care. We do what we want, am I right?"

Eizen smiled, "We do indeed."

Avernus then strolled over to Magilou as she had her back turned, hiding her face.

"Good to see you again, Magilou."

She unexpectedly sniffled. "Yeah…"

"Are you… crying?" Avernus smirked. "Don't get soft on me now."

"I didn't go soft, you dimwit." She turned and saw him standing with open arms.

"Hugs?" Avernus said.

Magilou growled. "Fine… but just this once." She bent forward and gave him a friendly but awkward hug. "There, there."

Avernus tried to pull back but was faced with a little resistance from Magilou before separating himself. His eyes scanned the deck for Laphicet and Lailah. "Where are they?"

"They're inside," Magilou said, pointing to the crew door.

As Avernus moved inside, he heard sounds of crying. Avernus walked in further towards the source and saw Lailah as Laphicet was comforting her.

"Lailah?" Avernus called.

The fire malak quickly scrambled and dashed into his embrace, wrapping her arms over his neck and weeping. "I...I've waited all this time! I tried to be strong. I thought you'd never come back!"

Avernus patted her back gently and let her weary face rest in his embrace. "I've missed you too, Lailah. There wasn't a moment that went by that I didn't think of you."

She pulled her face back, wiping her tears as Avernus put her back on her feet. He gazed at her with pride. "You've gotten so strong, Lady of the Lake."

Lailah sniffed and nodded. "T-Thank you."

Avernus turned to Laphicet and kneeled before him. "Maotelus."

Laphicet blushed slightly, waving both of his hands. "Oh, y-you don't need to do that! Especially not you."

Avernus rose on his feet. "You're an Empyrean now. A god. And with the purification results that I saw in the far continent, I knew my choice was the right one." Avernus expressed, giving Laphicet a firm and satisfied nod. "You deserve respect more than any god."

"But when did you get back?" Laphicet asked, and at the same time, they heard the door behind them open and closed as Velvet joined them.

"About a few months after I sent Innominat back to the Heavenly Realm, I found myself in the temple that my real mother left me in as an infant. Apparently, I had crashed into the ceiling after falling from the sky. Although, I couldn't remember anything else besides that."

Velvet crossed her arms and her beaming face darkened with a fit of slight anger. "You mean you've been back for nearly two years?!"

Avernus shook his head as he recalled the events of the two long years, trying to rebuild what was lost. "I tried to. But everything was in ruins. Innominat's suppression did more damage in the far continent than I expected. There were no seaworthy ships left, and the empire was in peril, so I stayed to help."

"Tried?" Velvet said, voice heavy with slight anger. "You left me for two years, and you could've come back here sooner, but you didn't..."

Avernus noticed her anger. He loved that burning emotion as he missed it for a long time. Velvet was waiting for an explanation, and she wasn't going to give him a quarter if he didn't give her a satisfying answer.

"I had to stay and help rebuild the empire. Although, not all could be saved and salvaged. If I left it to someone else, they might've done it wrong. Trust me, you were on my mind, always."

Velvet pout and clicked her tongue, "Tsk. Fine. But you're still not off the hook."

"After you left…." Lailah said, looking at Laphicet, and the great malak continued.

"Tia attacked us."

Avernus raised a surprised brow and listened carefully while Laphicet, Lailah, and Velvet told him about their fight with the first Seraphim.

After a long talk, Avernus sighed. "So, she was that desperate…."

"But we stopped her." Velvet said.

"No doubt you did, but she will be back. Tia is not the type to let go of the hatred that easily."

Laphicet gazed confidently at them. "Then, it will be our life's work to keep her away and stop her for good."

"True," Avernus said and turned to Velvet. She read his mind and nodded at him. "You have our support, as always."

Avernus felt Velvet's finger sliding stealthy over his arm. "I think we all have around two years' worth of news to catch up on."

Suddenly, Avernus sensed someone poking his waist from the other side. He turned puzzlingly to see Edna, looking annoyed, as usual, jabbing him with her umbrella. "You promised to cure my brother's curse. Don't think I forgot about that."

"That's not how to greet your friends," Avernus said.

Edna huffed, turning her head away from him in annoyance. "Hmph! Dumbass."

Avernus rolled his eyes at her childish behaviour and opened his hand. Particles of blue light swirled and merged into a small Normin doll. "Here. Give this to old man Phoenix."

"What is it?" Edna asked, inspecting the doll with interest.

"It's a Noir doll. These can boost Phoenix's domain and protect you against Eizen's domain until you can properly develop yours."

"Develop mine? What do you mean?"

"If you can expand your domain, it can nullify Eizen's curse." Avernus extended his hand further, and the Noir doll glittered, lighting up Edna's face. "There is no one else but you who can save your brother, Edna."

The little earth malak accepted his gift. "Thanks." She mumbled, lowering her head.

"You're welcome, little one."

Velvet suddenly yanked his arm, and his calm eyes widened. "We need to talk. In my quarters."

Avernus read those yearning eyes of Velvet. "Following your mark, Lady Crowe."

Velvet dragged him to her cabin. As they entered, Avernus' attention was lured to her shining trophies and decorations. Velvet suddenly locked her cabin and leaned against the door, head lowered as she heaved a heavy breath. "You do know how to make me worry all the time, don't you?"

"Trust me. I know very well this isn't normal. But I tried my best to find my way back to you." Avernus ensured.

Velvet pulled up her head. Her hazel eyes burned in a passion that no smooth talk could tame. "Speaking of trust... with all this 'Tia's deception business,' how do I know you're the real Avernus?"

He shook his head. "I don't know. You just do."

Unsatisfied, Velvet marched at him and stopped in a breath distance. "I'm afraid you'll need to do more to convince me."

Avernus wrapped his hand over her waist and pulled her for a sudden kiss. Velvet opened her eyes and breathed slowly as their lips parted. "I'm afraid that's not compelling enough." She whispered.

Avernus stroked her soft cheeks. "I know... I'm sorry that I left."

"Yeah... you should be." Velvet slowly pushed him over toward her bed. "Maybe you can apologize some more... here." She shoved him gently, and Avernus fell on his back over to Velvet's comfortable mattress.

Velvet climbed on top, placing her legs over his waist. Avernus could swear that Velvet licked her lips for a moment. "Do you know how painful it is to wake up all alone? You don't just make a promise and then disappear for two straight years." She locked her fingers over his wrists.

Avernus tried to turn the tables, but Velvet firmly pinned his arms to the bed. "This isn't what I was expecting."

Velvet lowered her lips to his ears, her breath tickling his neck. "Quit squirming."

Avernus obediently sobered. With his resistance gone, Velvet reached out to run her finger along the underside of his jawbone, making him shiver.

The humour slipped from Avernus' face, and his eyes darkened with a naked, smouldering desire for the pirate captain. "I will not trade anything for our time, not when it's led us to this moment...together, just you and me."

The chains on Velvet's emotions were torn apart. "I want you… so much." She trailed her nose close to his face, taking deep breaths of his skin before locking their lips, melting and diving into the velvety darkness of the night.

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A Few Hours Later

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The stress and pressures of two years had vanished. Avernus opened his eyes to be greeted by two golden orbs, still burning with desire.

"Look who decided to wake up." Velvet said, hand under her chin and grinning rakishly.

"You didn't get any sleep?" Avernus asked.

"No. I was watching you the whole time." Velvet said. "You sleep just like a little kid. So innocent, so harmless." Velvet nestled back against his warmth, and Avernus drew his arm tighter around her. "You're in pretty great shape for someone who was playing the commoner prince these past two years."

"What can I say? My life didn't change that much. There were still daemons to fight and people to save. It was a world of hurt without you by my side. At any rate, I couldn't wait to be alone with you again. Those formal affairs drove me insane." Avernus tipped his head back, smiling up into her face. "By the way, you looked astonishingly elegant in your pirate outfit."

Velvet giggled and glanced impishly. "You just wanted to peel me out of those clothes, didn't you?"

Avernus shrugged innocently. "Oh, c'mon. It's a great life. There's no shortage of adventure, combat, and people you can depend on."

Velvet ran a finger over his bare chest. "It's a funny thing, you know… How often we're on the same page about stuff. It seems like no big deal, but it's rare to have that with someone. Been rare for me, at least. A girl who everyone was too scared to even look at."

Avernus chuckled and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. "I'm glad you feel that way. Everyone should have a person like that in their life. Someone they can afford to let their guard around. Just to, you know, be themselves."

Velvet snuggled more into his hold. "It sure didn't come naturally for me in the past. Even before all this, I'd built up these defences. Brick by brick, moment by moment, til I walled everyone else out. For Laphi, for Arthur, and then for my revenge…." Suddenly, Velvet raised her head and climbed on top of his chest, gazing at him cravingly. "But, you just couldn't stay on your own damn side of the wall, Avernus."

He placed his hands under his head and gazed proudly at her. "I take pride in my "wrecking your wall" approach. But what do you really think?"

Velvet crawled and dragged her face closer to him. "There is something to be said about dogged persistence, Avernus. But I love it… and couldn't be more grateful for it. If there's someone other than me who knows about being bullishly stubborn, it's you, son of Claudin."

Night breeze slipped through the window as they enjoyed watching each other in silence.

Avernus raised his left hand and held it up, showing the shining ring that Velvet gifted him two years ago. "Whenever I was alone with my thoughts, I would just stare at it. Remembering your face just to give me enough push to go on." The ring shone under the moonlight. "There is one thing I have been keeping from you for a long time."

"What is it?"

"The oath that I made to you after the Empyrean's Throne was a life-binding oath: an ancient promise that attaches the performer's life force to the subject. It means… if something ever happened to you… I would've gone too."

Velvet pinched his arm, scowling. "What? Why would you do something so stupid?!"

"Ouch! I…" He paused and sighed. "I couldn't bear to fail again. I wasn't a good Shepherd. Everything I touched fell apart. If we had failed, I would rather let my life disappear and be forgotten." He instantly smiled. "But I think it worked in my favour."

"How?"

"The moment I stepped into the Heavenly Gate, I saw my mother, Rosa. All I could feel at that moment was a sense of nostalgia like I was ten years old. I ran to her embrace, and with every step, I grew younger and jumped into her arms. She lifted me, and I hugged her like a little kid, but she pointed back towards earth, and I saw… you. The next thing I remember was waking up in the temple with the priests rushing all around me."

Avernus slid his hands over Velvet's soft skin and around her cheeks. "Can't imagine anything more right, Velvet."

Velvet buried her face into his neck, heaving a deep, contented sigh. "Me neither, Avernus. This is perfect all around. Except for your stupid decision which, from this moment, you'll announce everything you do to me. Understood?"

Avernus squeezed her gently, moaning softly. The night seemed to breathe around them, exhaling serenity. "Let's make all these a habit from now on…."

As the two young people were swimming in sweet thoughts and soft touches, Avernus' stomach growled like a trapped daemon in a deep cave, shattering the atmosphere. He swallowed. "Can I ask you a favour?"

Velvet raised a brow, giggling. "Hmm?"

"I'm starving. I haven't touched the ship's ration for a day." His face twisted in mild disgust. "They taste garbage."

Velvet tilted her head to the table near the bed. Avernus took a glimpse of many oysters with their slippery textures, salmons, and plenty of spinach.

"I see you were fully prepared for the occasion," Avernus said, gazing over the dishes with surprise and excitement.

"I'm just living the way I see fit, and it means that I have to take care of you, dumbass." Velvet said and poked a finger between his brows. "So eat up, we still have time till the morning, and I need to be in a good mood to give the prince my share of news."

Avernus rose from the bed and tied a long cloth over his waist. "Huh, what news?"

Velvet placed a hand under her head and posed like a beauty queen, lying on the bed. "That the infamous pirate kidnapped the Hyland ambassador, and they all "disappeared."

"You just read my mind." Avernus marched to the table and picked up a bottle of rum. He grinned mischievously and raised it. "Drink up me hearties yo ho!" Avernus sang in pirate's accent, and Velvet couldn't help but giggle softly to his endearing dorkiness.

"How about a few more minutes of cuddling?" Velvet suggested with inviting eyes.

Avernus chuckled and laid back on the bed beside her. "How about till the end of the time..."

Suddenly Jolly screeched under his fabric sheet that covered his cage. "Never stop! I can't get enough of you! Never stop!"

Startled, Avernus whipped his head towards the cage with eyes widened. "What was that?!"

"That's Jolly." Velvet said and placed a hand over his cheek and brought his head down, resting it gently beside hers. "I'll introduce you two tomorrow."

"I think he learned some indecent phrases from you." Avernus grinned in a sheepish satisfaction.

Velvet giggled. "Don't worry. We'll bring him with us to some raids, and he'll soon forget about those."

She let her therian arm came out again, whipping out of its restraints. She pulled Avernus into a protective hug that was both firm and tight yet gentle and soft. Sighing in content, Velvet rested her head on his taut shoulder.

Velvet couldn't confess her heart before. But now, it was different. She was at peace, with someone true to her heart.

"I love you, Avernus..."

The days of suffering, tragedy, and sadness were finally behind them. Avernus squeezed her slightly, chuckling into her neck.

"I love you too, my precious Velvet."

Smiling at the silvered moon at the window while Avernus stroked her silky hair with one hand and hugging her narrow waist with the other. The two lovers cuddled together, locking in an embrace that could continue till eternity. They listened to the unlikely melody of the ocean outside of the windows, feeling sheltered, and apart from all the events of the world, they could finally live free.

And here, the curtain falls on this story. However, that does not mean their own stories came to an end.

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In the months that followed the treaty between the ancient Kingdom of Hyland and the empire of Midgand, Prince Percival proved himself to be a surprisingly effective leader. He made several tours to the countryside and other settlements around Midgand, overseeing the reconstruction process and readying the country for accommodating immigrants from the far continent. He greeted the people personally. Much to the commoners' approval, they accepted Percival as their beloved leader. He finally set his purified and closest friend, Griffin, free into the wilderness from the balcony of the Midgand castle. But to his surprise, the bird would come and visit him from time to time, even finding the prince as he made his outings around the continent. They were proving that their bond would never be broken, even when they both were free to choose their own paths.

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Tabatha and her Bloodwings would enjoy their time as Prince Percival's secret service. They would identify and neutralize potential threats to the Asgardian throne. Their part in the reconstruction effort proved vital as a famous architect approached Percival to ask for assistance and knowledge for his future plans to build his dream city, Aquapolis, on the lake between Taliesin and Aball. Bloodwings would go into hunts for buried ancient technology that had been lost for a long time.

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Magilou followed Eleanor for some time. With the Menagerie effectively disbanded, she would find herself alone with Bienfu, performing and exploiting Bienfu's poetry into mediocre ballads. Surprisingly, from time to time, she would receive painted cards and gifts from Velvet and Avernus. Magilou assured that Bienfu was spying on behalf of her friends and would punish the chubby Normin, but the witch was grateful as she had real friends who looked after her.

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With the purification power of Maotelus, Medissa, Dyle, and Kamonana were cleansed of their daemonic and therion curses. With Velvet granting a small portion of the Van Eltia's treasures, Dyle bought a small scrap of land near Yseult and started a farm with Medissa as his dear wife and Kamoana as their daughter. With the nightmares behind them, the family occasionally helped in the rebuilding process, visiting Eleanor as she followed Prince Percival around, supervising the process. The cheers and joy Kamoana gave Eleanor was all the red-haired girl needed to move forward. Now, Medissa had her second chance to raise her new daughter, Kamoana, to have a loving mother and father. Life couldn't smile brighter upon their new family.

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After the grand cleansing by Maotelus, Eleanor took the responsibility of helping the commoners in her own peaceful ways. With her adamant resolve and enthusiastic determination, she accepted her new role as Percival's supervisor, and accompanying him, was none other than Rokurou Rangetsu himself. Where her pacifist's ways halted, the swordsman's sharp blades struck from the dark, cutting down daemons and evils wherever was necessary. Eleanor announced the presence of the new Empyrean, Maotelus. A ripple of excitement spread among the pious people of Midgand, with many undertaking pilgrimages to the Empyrean's Throne to pay their respect to their new protector.

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Eizen remained with the Van Eltia's crew, for the time being, accompanying them on their adventures wherever they went, with the occasion of his beloved sister, Edna, stepping into the ship from time to time. As Avernus had implied, the dangers of his curse would prove less threatening, and Phoenix's domain grew more powerful. However, it usually exhausted the Normin as he dangled from Edna's umbrella while the brother and sister enjoyed each other's company. It was a small price to pay to see them happy together.

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As the new era began, Maotelus found himself in the middle of a brewing storm. With his unyielding conviction, the power of his new subjects, and Lailah's dedication, Maotelus began to look into new ways to grant a portion of his power into the new lines of warriors to fight wherever daemons rose to confront humanity and malakhim. As for Lailah, the fire malak couldn't be happier. She had a new home and a new family. With her bond ever strengthened with Maotelus, they both enjoyed each other's company, spending most of their time on strolls and flying over the continent, remembering their adventures with fond emotions and looking ready to confront the unknown tomorrow.

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Following rumours of several Avarostian ruins being a lair of a white-horned dragon, Zaveid travelled to the temples with the hope of finding his love, Theodora. Once his harsh trips through hazardous lavas were over, he found the senseless body of Theodora lying in the middle of the ruins. Zaveid took the malak in and couldn't be happier that his friends' effort finally bore fruit. She was the first dragon to be purified by a shepherd. In the following months, Theodora's health began to improve. Together with Zaveid, under the suggestion of Maotelus, they left the Midgand to search for ancient Avarostian artifacts to arm themselves for the coming apocalypse.

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As for Velvet and Avernus, they travelled to Aball and placed another monument in Arthur's memory beside his wife and child. Velvet restored Aball into a haven for the crew and their families, giving life once again to her village.

Avernus denied his honorary place in the Midgand's court for the time being, and a mild crisis ensued from a rumour that Avernus was abducted by the infamous pirate queen of the Midgand. In truth, Avernus, along with Velvet, went on an unexpected journey. Far from the dangers and politics of the world, they lived a happy and calm life. Some say they saw the two near Merichio, some near the sandy shores of Yseult. But not even Maotelus desired to pursue the two as they well-deserved this rest... Until the world needs them again.