#(which also stops silva from giving up and is part of the reason she refuses to join eden's gate and their violence in the future)

[vilandel]

Not A Rival

Summary Surprising her boyfriend at Headquarters seemed like a good idea, but little did Vanessa know that 1. three captains were going to find out she was dating Nozel Silva and 2. that they weren't the only secret couple...

A/N Wrote this two years ago, one of my first oneshots for Black Clover... So, it was way before the famous Lucius plot twist, which is why Julius makes an appearance here

Ao3 link

♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣

“Nozel, stop, it tickles.”

“I highly doubt that this is the reason why you always laugh when I kiss you there. And… may I doubt as well that you really want me to stop?”

Gosh, that sounded hot. Vanessa swooned a little. Well, more than a little. He was right, she didn’t want him to stop. Nozel just let a smug smile appear on his lips before he lied them back on her neck. She couldn’t help but to giggle again.

Well, it was true, it didn’t really tickle. Maybe a little, but that wasn’t the reason why Vanessa laughed. She was just happy. Happy to be in Nozels arms. Happy to see him again after three days. Just happy.

It wasn’t easy to be in a secret relationship with a royal. Even more with a Head of House, who happened to be also the captain of the Silver Eagles. Not to mention that a relationship between a prince and a witch wouldn’t be well received within royal and noble circles. That was one of the reasons why Nozel and Vanessa kept their relationship a secret for now.

One day, they will make it official and be out in the open. Face those rules and all those stupid things that were expected from royals. Vanessa might be a tiny bit sorry for all those nobles with daughters they would have loved to see engaged to the Head of House Silva. That she could understand, Nozel Silva was a catch. But at the same time, Vanessa wasn’t sorry at all. It would be arranged marriages, no place for love. Nozels heart was hers and her own was his. She refused to give that up.

But right now, Vanessa didn’t want to think about nobility and those stupid, complex circles full of bigotry. Nozel was far more important to her and his lips way more enjoyable. They made their way across her jaw before finding her lips. Nozel didn’t waste any moment, kissing her deeply. Vanessa put her arms around his neck, pulling herself closer to him. Heavens, she missed his kisses so much!

“You should relax more often, honey. It does you good”, she giggled as they parted.

Nozel simply tucked some of her pink curls behind her ear, a soft smile on his lips. Vanessa sighed happily. She could swoon for that smile. They were together for a few months now. Getting used to see those genuine expressions on his face, usually hidden behind his cold mask, had been surprisingly easy.

“It is very easy to relax, when you’re with me.”

They kissed again, much softer, but still passionate. Vanessa was decided to savour any moments, to not miss one single second.

Three days without seeing each other, that was long. Vanessa had been on a mission at the border to the Diamond Kingdom, but most of the time, Zora, Gordon and herself had been more preoccupied to stop Luck to destroy anything. And when they came back, she just had learned that not only there was a captains meeting, but that all nine of them plus the Wizard King had been called for a meeting with King Augustus, because… well, the reason was most certainly something stupid and forgettable.

This had frustrated Vanessa quiet a lot. She hadn’t seen Nozel for three days and even worse, she didn’t have the chance to really say goodbye.

But then, a chance appeared. Noelle wanted to go to the capital to meet up with her sister, so Vanessa jumped on the occasion to accompany her.

Noelles bond with Nozel had become better and stronger, her relationship with Nebra was also on the way for betterment. Noelle was taking one sibling at the time to mend those broken bonds. After some awkward meetings, the relationship between the Silva sisters became slowly better, today Noelle and Nebra were on good terms.

Vanessa left Noelle with her sister at some noble but nice café, pretexting to go shopping at the Black Market. Nebra had made a confused face and Noelle began to explain while her squadmate let them be. But of course, instead of going shopping, Vanessa went headfirst to the Magic Knight Headquarters, determined to finally see Nozel again.

She just came right when the first meeting was over and when the captains had a bit time before the second one with the King. Surprising her boyfriend of a captain right when he was alone in a hallway, Vanessa dragged him into an empty room, where they fully enjoyed their reunion.

“Don’t you have a meeting with the king coming soon?”, Vanessa asked innocently as they parted from another kiss.

“That’s not of importance”, Nozel answered quietly, before rubbing his nose against hers.

But just as they were about to kiss again, the door to the room opened suddenly.

“Wha-… Oh, my! Oh my!”

Nozel and Vanessa turned abruptly towards the intruder, who was none other than Dorothy Unsworth, captain of the Coral Peacocks, very much awake, for once.

The other witch looked very surprised, but had still the biggest smile on her face.

Vanessa saw Nozel turning beet red and she suspected to be a bit flushed herself. Until now, only the Wizard King and Nero knew about their relationship; as well as Gordon, but he learned it by accident. Which had been enough for now, both weren’t ready yet to go out of secrecy.

Although, with captain Dorothy here, their secret was at risk to be no longer one.

“Oh well, that is unexpected. But how cute are you two! I mean, I suspected you to have a lover, Nozel, but I’ll never would have thought this person is a fellow witch! Congratulations! Aww, did I mention that you’re both cute together?”

“Yes, you did.” Nozels voice was calm and he straightened himself, like a proper royal. But he was still blushing a lot and he didn’t let go of Vanessa.

“How… did you had suspicions?”, the Black Bull witch asked. She didn’t know what else to ask.

“Oh, it’s subtle, but I had the feeling that Nozel was more relaxed those last few months. Happier too, he smiled more when he thought no one was looking. Besides, he took much more free time, which says a lot. Did you two knew that it is a mystery my squad wonders about right now? Why would captain Nozel Silva of the Silver Eagles take more free time? There’s a few bets concerning this and it seems that I won mine.”

Dorothy babbled, chipper as always. Vanessa was blushing again, though she couldn’t help but smirk a little. The thought that some Magic Knights had running bets about Nozel being in a relationship or not was a funny thought.

Her boyfriend, on the other hand, didn’t seemed very pleased. “Dorothy, I would be most grateful if you would keep to yourself what you saw.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll wait until it becomes official, I’m patient. And you know me, Nozel, my lips are sealed. You at least asked me.”

“What do you mean?”

“Oh, you’re actually the second secret couple I discover today. That’s way I came here in the first place, to take cover.”

But before Nozel could ask what she meant, there was a voice thundering through the hallway, “COME BACK HERE, MISS POINTY HAT, WE’RE NOT FINISHED WITH YOU!”

One moment later, a very angry Yami crashed in. Vanessa flinched. That wasn’t good. Her captain was surely one of the last persons she wanted to find out about her relationship with Nozel. Looking at the silver haired man, she just knew that he was thinking the same. She sighed. Hopefully it won’t be too difficult to continue to meet.

But then, captain Charlotte appeared just after Yami. Holding his hand.

Oh… Oh. Oh!

In that case, it maybe won’t be too difficult to continue to meet. She just needed to don’t screw this up.

“Listen well, Sleepy Hat. If you ever dared to tell anyone one single word about what you saw, I’ll personally-“

“Yami, please, you can ask her nicer.”

“Rule number 1, Prickly Princess, NEVER take any risks! I don’t want my entire squad coming after you. Or your fangirl getting overly upset every time she sees me.”

“We’re not there yet. None of our squads knows.”

“I know my brats, there’s only a matter of time until one of them finds out. And besides your fangirl, all your girlies might discover it soon as well.”

Dorothy just interrupted them with a cherry giggle, “One of your squad already knows, Yami dear and it has nothing to do with me. At least directly.”

“Dorothy!”

Nozels warning came a tiny bit late. Both Yami and Charlotte realized that Dorothy wasn’t alone. Slowly, they turned to the other couple in the room.

It was a bit an intense yet awkward silence. Vanessa didn’t know if she felt excited or embarrassed. Maybe a mix of both.

While Dorothy smiled like she had the time of her life, both couples just looked at each other, slowly trying to understand what was happening.

Silence.

Dorothy giggled.

More silence.

“What the fuck!”

That was exactly what Vanessa was thinking. Nozel and Charlotte probably had the same thought as well. But none of them would have said it out loud like Yami did.

“Hello there, captain Yami. Captain Charlotte, nice to see you.”

She had a joyous voice, but Vanessa knew that her cheeks were still burning. Hopefully, the other two wouldn’t notice it. After all, they were also flustered.

“Um… nice to see you… too… um, Vanessa, wasn’t it?”, Charlotte stuttered. She looked like she didn’t quietly understand.

“What the hell are you doing with a member of my squad, Bird Braid?”

Nozel straightened himself again. Despite the blush and the fact that he was still holding Vanessa, he looked very royal.

“Probably the same that you did with your own… girlfriend, Yami.”

“Girlfriend?”

Both Yami and Charlotte looked like their minds went blank. Which was quite a sight to see, but Vanessa was still a bit too flustered to laugh. Not like Dorothy, who couldn’t stop giggle right now.

Vanessa looked up to Nozel, a happy smile on her lips. “So… does that mean that I’m your girlfriend?”

“What else should you be?”

The captain of the Silver Eagles was still blushing, but when he looked at her, he was softly smiling. Vanessa couldn’t help but put a kiss on his lips.

She heard Charlotte gasping and Dorothy letting out something that sounded like an aww.

“For fuck’s sakes!”

The couple parted as Yami yelled.

“What is even going on? Braids is smiling and you hug him, kiss him? Did I miss the end of the world or what?”

“If it were the apocalypse, we wouldn’t be here, Yami.”

“Shut up, Birdie, I wasn’t talking to you!”

Nozel sighed, tightening his hold on Vanessa. Holding her helped him a lot to calm down.

“So… you’re together?”, Charlotte asked, a bit pale and probably still processing what was going on.

“Oh, come on Lottie, no need to ask, it looks pretty obvious, don’t you think? I mean, look how they still hold each other, even after getting caught.”

“Lottie?”

Yami forgot shortly Nozel and Vanessa to look at Dorothy, apparently stunned that she had such common nickname for his girlfriend. But Charlotte didn’t react to Lottie, she simply continued to stare at the two love eagles, who were indeed still holding each other tightly.

“Since a few months.”

“Months?”

Yami stopped to look at Dorothy to glare back at Nozel and Vanessa. Well, mostly at Nozel.

“And how long have you two been together?”, Vanessa asked, before either Yami or Nozel would say something insulting.

“Well… a few… weeks. Not as long as… you both”, Charlotte answered, with a very stuttering voice. Vanessa frowned a bit. Why was the captain of the Blue Roses this shocked?

“Oh, in that case… congratulations, captain Charlotte.”

“For you… as well, Vanessa…”

“Oh, for fucks sakes, to hell with the congratulations!”

“Language, Yami dear.”

Captain Dorothy seemed really to have too much fun right now.

“Vanessa, really? Hanging out with Braids for months? Come on, you have better taste than a wall of bricks!”

“Excuse me?”

Nozel was about to retort something, but Vanessa was faster.

“Captain, who I’m dating is my business, not yours. And Nozel is anything but a wall of bricks. Trust me, I already get countless proofs that he’s not made of stones, given how many times we-“

“Vanessa!”

Nozel put a hand on her mouth, while blushing even harder than before. But it was too late. Dorothy, Charlotte and Yami perfectly understood what she was going to say.

Charlotte blushed furiously, Dorothy giggled again and Yami looked like his mind went blank, surprisingly.

“Wait, Bird Braid. Does that mean that you’re not prude?”

Silence.

The two witches burst into laughter. Well, Dorothy already had a lot of laughs in the last few minutes, but this time Vanessa couldn’t help it, despite how flustered she still was. She didn’t even know if it was funny and why, she just laughed.

The other three captains didn’t laugh, though. Nozel simply sighed, resigned, flustered and still holding his girlfriend of a witch. He softly caressed her rosewood curls and seeing Vanessa this happy helped him to calm down a bit.

“Vanessa, would you please don’t speak about… this in front… of others? This is very… private.”

“Sorry, honey. I just don’t like that he insulted you, so I got heated a bit.”

“Not only is Bird Braid not prude, but he said please?”

Dorothy burst into laughter again. She really seemed to have the greatest time ever. All she needed at this point was popcorn and to sit down.

Just in this moment, the door opened again and Julius came in, visibly content. “Ah, there you are. Good news, I managed to persuade Augustus that the second meeting wouldn’t… Oops, did I interrupt something?”

“No, nothing at all, Wizard King. I just discovered that three of my captain colleagues are in a happy relationship and one of them even with a fellow magic knight witch.”

Dorothy couldn’t help it, it seems. She was lucky that the Wizard King knew about her and Nozel, but what if it had been someone who didn’t know? Vanessa knew that her boyfriend wasn’t eager to tell any of the captains for various reasons, especially Fuegoleon. But he had admitted that if one captain would not so much of a problem, it would be Kaiser. For Nozel to came to such a conclusion and to admit it, was already big.

Vanessa looked at Yami and Charlotte. They weren’t really disturbed by the present of the Wizard King, it seems. That might would mean, that Julius knew about their relationship as well.

Where there other captains in secret relationships he would know about?

“Vanessa, nice to see you. You’re really lucky, the second meeting won’t happen, so Nozel can take you directly on a date. Which is really less, less boring than the meetings, even for him, I’m sure.”

“Wait, Julius, you knew that Braids was dating one of my brats?”

“Yes.”

“So why didn’t you tell me?”

“They wanted to keep it secret, just like you and Charlotte.”

The Wizard King answered with a very happy smile, so that even Yami couldn’t bring himself to retort something. So, he decided to glare at Nozel again.

“Okay, but listen, Birdie, if you-“

“I know!”, Nozel replied, interrupting the captain of the Black Bulls. “If I hurt Vanessa, you are going to hurt me, no need to tell me. But it is not in my attention to hurt her. Besides, she can defend herself. She’s a very capable Magic Knight, after all.”

“Thanks, honey,” Vanessa chirped, kissing his cheek. Nozel blushed again, but he couldn’t repress that a small smile appeared on his lips.

“I can’t even threat you properly, Braids? No fair!”

Dorothy laughed again, clearly having a very fun time. This time, she was joined by Julius.

The couples, on the other hand, were still looking awkwardly at each other. That is, until the captain of the Blue Roses seemed to get a hold on herself.

“There is something I need to clarify. Vanessa, since you and Nozel are… well, in a relationship, that would mean… um, that you’re… not a rival, right?”

What was Charlotte talking ab- Oh!

Their contest at this Star Festival when the Black Bulls came in second. Back then when she and Nozel weren’t together yet, not even really acquaintances. When her crush was still lingering and given how she challenged the captain of the Blue Roses back then while she was already a bit drunk, Charlotte must have come to this conclusion.

Vanessa looked at Nozel and from his glance, she knew he understood as well what Charlotte meant. Of course he knew, she had told him about this crush on Yami. He had been a bit jealous, but he made big efforts to fight against it. After all, that crush was the past and Vanessa had countless occasion to prove him she was now his. And her feelings for Nozel weren’t a crush.

“Rival? What kind of rival?”

Of course Yami would ask. He had been oblivious to her crush on him and for someone who was able to read Ki, he had been wrong for long about Charlottes true feelings towards him. Even today, the captain of the Black Bulls seems to have no idea what his girlfriend was talking about.

On the contrary of Dorothy and Julius, who had known basically nothing about this, but still seemed to have put the dots together. The captain of the Coral Peacocks was still smiling cheerily, but now with a knowing glance. The Wizard was still smiling as well, but there was some worry in his eyes and he seemed ready to step in if something might happen.

Alright, time to put this non-existent rivalry back where it belongs.

“No worries, captain Charlotte. I’m not a rival and given the circumstances, I might never had been one. I found my luck somewhere else and I couldn’t be happier.”

Relief washed over Charlotte and for the first time since she entered this room, she smiled.

“That’s good to hear. I mean, um, well… I’m happy to hear it. And sorry that I think… that you were… well, my rival. Well, what I mean-“

“I think I get it and there’s really no need to apologize.”

“But when I believed it, I thought kinda badly about you and I was afraid that you would take… well, I’m sorry to have believed it.”

“Well, sweetie, you won and I’m really happy for you. Although I don’t consider myself as a loser, on the contrary”, Vanessa smirked while looking at Nozel with a wink. He smiled again softly, but not without getting flustered.

“Wait, Prickly Princess, what kind of rivalry did you had with Vanessa? Who’s the better knight or what?”

“Yami, for someone who reads Ki, this could sound rather stupid coming from you”, Charlotte sighed, slightly blushing and now holding his arm. Dorothy and Julius burst into laughter again.

Vanessa felt Nozels arms tighten around her. Oh, he must still feel a bit jealous, maybe. She grinned, leaning into him. She wasn’t mad, he made such efforts to come over it, even though it was in a Silva way. And even better, it would give her one more reason for staying at his place this night and prove him again that she was now his, only his. Something she loved to do.

“Don’t worry, honey. Even if he finds out today or another day, it will be not such a drama. I’m sure of it. Consider it something that you know and he ignores.” This made Nozel smile softly. “And I’ll show this night that I’m yours only.”

“Your place or mine?”

“Yours, we’ll clearly need some privacy after this.”

“Good, but let me take you out on a date first.”

“I’d love that, honey.”

“Oh, sweet love eagles, what are you whispering over there?”, Dorothy called out, causing Yami, Charlotte and a very grinning Julius to turn back at them.

“Just sweet nothings, captain Dorothy,” Vanessa chirped, leaning more into Nozel.

“Ugh, gross- Ouch! What was that slap for, Prickly Princess!”

“You never find it gross when I say sweet nothings to you, so stop being so contradictory!”

“I’m not contradictory, since it comes from Braids, after all. It doesn’t suit him!”

“It doesn’t suit you as well on the first glance, but you’re still doing it when we’re alone, my dear Dark Knight.” Somehow, captain Charlotte managed to sound angry and flirtatious at the same time.

The captain of the Blue Roses seemed more confident now. Was it because of the relief that after all, she didn’t have a rival to Yami’s heart? Vanessa couldn’t help but smile. She was really happy for them.

And she had something to use in case Yami would made some difficulties about her dating someone he respectfully didn’t like. After all, Vanessa loved Nozel, she wanted to be with him and she won’t let anyone take this away from her, not even her squad.

“So… who knows about those juicy little secrets? Besides me and Julius dear, of course,” Dorothy asked, with the biggest grin on her face.

“Well, Goldie Guts knows. He might have even known before Charlotte and I did. And that fat, winged Blue Rose there. Molly Something, I don’t know.”

“Yami, please, don’t call her fat! And her name is Puli, not Molly. Puli Angel! And don’t you dare whatever me, she was a great help for our relationship and still is.”

“Yeah, whatever.”

Vanessa, Dorothy and Julius burst into laughter again at the couples bickering. Even Nozel was smiling a bit.

“In our case, it’s Nero. I don’t know how she find it out, though. And Gordon, he stumbled on us by accident, when Nozel visited me at the Hideout.”

Vanessa still had no idea how Nero found out, but she was glad that this dear, silent girl did. Nero’s own story with the first Wizard King was heart breaking. Even more that the black-haired girl wanted to help Vanessa with her own prince. Her words. Vanessa has been very touched by Nero’s story, so that she offered her to be there whenever she needed to talk about her lost love.

As for Gordon, it had been an accident. He basically caught them in a heavy making out session while they were in one of the rare, not so crowded places of the Hideout. But it didn’t cause any problems. Vanessa couldn’t imagine if it had been Gauche, Magna or especially Noelle. Gordon at least was a silent guy, even genuinely happy for them. After giving them his congratulations, he had promised to keep the secret and left them alone. The next day, Vanessa got a glimpse of a new doll in Gordons collection.

“Don’t tell me you invited Braids to our Hideout?”

“Alright, I won’t tell you.”

Dorothy giggled.

“Did you never invite Charlotte at your place?” Nozel asked, as calm as possible. He was probably trying hard to not start a stupid fight. He was really trying so much and Vanessa was ready to generously reward him tonight, as thanks.

“Sometimes, but… well, it needs acrobatic measures to have some privacy back there.” Yami looked like he was himself trying to not start a fight. The fact that Charlotte was holding his arm tightly might helped.

“I have to agree on that.”

“Hey, don’t you dare insult my Hideout, Braids!”

“I swear, I didn’t mean it as an insult.”

“Leave my boyfriend alone, captain!”, Vanessa pouted. “He was just stating a fact and I agree on it as well!”

“Me too, actually,” Charlotte added and that made Yami close his mouth.

“How amazing! Nozel, Yami, what a treat to see you agree on something!” Julius exclaimed, clapping his hands.

Nozel and Yami just looked at each other, not sure how to react about that statement. Vanessa sighed, those two might never change in their opinion about each other. At least, they respected one another and that was a lot already.

Charlotte looked at Vanessa, who looked back. There was some resigned acceptance and understanding in their eyes, probably due to their respective partners. But also a new affection. Maybe now that this non-existent rivalry question was out of the room, maybe they could become friends. Vanessa would be happy about it.

“So, um… We agree to not tell anyone about our little secrets? At least, until we’re ready,” Charlotte suggested.

“Yes. I love my squad, but I’m not ready for them to learn about my relationship with Nozel yet,” Vanessa giggled. Oh yes, she definitely wasn’t ready for that. Well, Nozel and Vanessa were talking lately about to finally tell Noelle about it – a topic that Nero and Gordon were coming up as well from time to time – but they were still postponing. Noelle was surely going to have a shock learning this and well, she might overreact a bit like the Silva she was.

“Yep, you can count on me, cuties! I won’t say anything!” Dorothy added, making a peace sign. She was having so much fun, obviously.

Nozel only added in agreement. Yami said nothing, glaring at the captain of the Silver Eagles, but at the end, he nodded as well.

“Okay, I won’t say anything. But I’m not over with you two!”

Vanessa sighed. Like every Bull, she appreciated that Yami was protective of his squad. But sometimes, like now, she was maybe slightly irritated by it.

“Captain, please worry about your own captain. And just in case, leave Nero and Gordon out of it.”

Yami gagged a little. Either he didn’t even think about Nero and Gordon or he might had thought about scolding them as well. One day.

Nozel sighed, before he straightened and turned to the Wizard King. “Since the meeting with Augustus is luckily cancelled, Vanessa and I will take our leave. Have a nice evening.”

He took delicately her arm and lead her out of the room, like she was a real princess. Vanessa smiled happily. Nobody else treated her that way and she came to enjoy it a lot since she started dating Nozel.

They were out of the room, when Vanessa turned one last time. “Oh, captain, just so you know, I might not coming home this night, so don’t wait for me. Good night, everyone!”

“Bye, love eagles, have a good night!”

This undertone in Dorothy’s voice. She was really having too much fun. Vanessa was ready to bet that was going to tease Nozel, Yami and Charlotte endlessly during the future captain meetings.

Charlotte and Julius waved, the first with a small smile, the second happily grinning. As for Yami, he shot Nozel a warning glare, before sighing and giving them a nod. The door closed and they both were now alone in the hallway.

“Can I borrow one of your pigeons, please? To warn Nero and Gordon, just in case.”

“Of course.”

Oh, what a sweetheart. Vanessa really considered herself lucky with that boyfriend. She might have won the lottery. As thanks, she went on her tiptoes and kissed Nozels cheek quickly.

The silver haired man blushed a bit, but a small smile appeared on his lips. Yes. Charlotte has Yami while Vanessa has Nozel and tonight, she’ll will show him how happy she was to be with him.

[talpup]

Summary: Yami Sukehiro just wanted to join the Magic Knights and make his mentor proud. He knew there would be trails. He knew trouble would come his way. Knew he would be faced with discrimination for being a foreigner and a peasant. What he didn’t know. Didn’t expect. Was that literal Chaos would come his way. That he and his mentor’s sister would be at the center of world ending trouble. Or that he would fall in love with his mentor’s sister and face more than discrimination; but the jealously of Nozel Silva who loved the same woman he did.

Please remember this fic is rated mature and has warnings of violence, abuse, sexual tension, sexual behavior, and other possible triggers. For a full list of story tags please check the fics AO3 (link to that at the top of my tumblrs homepage).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Also, there’s a very small part in this chapter that turned out a bit more spicy than planned. It’s not explicit and definitely not enough to change the fics tags, clothes stay on and nothing happens under them. But since it’s a bit more steamy than I had planned I decided to mark where the spice starts and ends for anyone wanting to skip it.

Chapter 97

Teris stepped into the great room surprised to see Yami there. “I thought you were going to tend to the wolves.”

“Is that why you chose now to leave?” Yami asked, closing a book and getting to his feet.

“And just where do you think I’m going?” Teris tossed back.

“So you are leaving.” Yami said, both aggravated that she had attempted to sneaking off and proud at how well he knew her. “I’ll go with you.”

“You will?” Teris questioned.

“What? I helped save them.” Yami said.

“I didn’t claim otherwise.”

“Then?”

“It’s just--” Teris released a breath with a slight shake of her head. “Never mind. You’re more then welcomed to come.”

“Good we can talk about what you did down there on the way.” Yami said.

“What did I do?” Teris asked.

“Don’t play dumb. It doesn’t suit you.”

Teris sighed. “I knew what you would say and made a choice.”

“You’re damned right I would have stopped you. Alowishus said it was trying to decide if you were you, what with him having given you some of his mana.” Yami’s fist clenched at the memory of it.

It wasn’t so much that Alowishus had pressed his lips to Teris’. Though Yami certainly hadn’t likedthat. It was the fact that the man had forced his mana upon her. According to Julius, Alowishus forcing his mana into Teris’system had born sizable risk to Teris’ life if her system hadn’t accepted it but was too weak to expel or assimilate it. The fact that Teris had gone along with Alowishus’ plans for them to open the vault doors without fully explaining the risks involved,made Yami cross with her. Sure he understood why she’d done it. But even so, Yami never would have allowed her to take such a chance with her life. The fact that Nozel and Fuegoleon would have agreed with him, even knowing what it would mean for the them, made Yami all the more adherent to his stance.

Yami stepped in front of her, grasping her arms. “Teris, look at me.”

Teris stared back at Yami, impatient and annoyed by the continuation of the topic. Sorry as she was that she had in essence deceived Yami, she wasn’t sorry about what she did. Mana only knows what Alowishus would have done to them if she refused. Nozel and Fuegoleon certainly would have been put to death.

Seeing her petulant expression, Yami snapped. “I need you to listen. This is important.”

“Fine.” Teris snipped back.

Yami ground his teeth, the two staring at each other. Finally he told. “Don’t you ever take a chance like that with your life again. You hear me? I need you to promise me, Teris.”

“I can’t promise you that. I’m a Magic Knight, same as you. Could you promise me such a thing?”

Yami was silent.

“Well?” Teris pressed.

“That’s different.” Yami rumbled.

“Why? Cause you’re a man?”

Yami scoffed. “No.”

“Then why?”

“Cause I’m not half as important as you.”

Teris frowned. “Yes you are.”

Yami gave a mirthless smirk. “I’m a poor, foul mouthed, ill tempered, irreverent foreigner.”

Teris cupped his cheek, other hand resting on his chest. “Yami. You are so much more than that. You are… You’re everything to me.”

Yami clasped her neck, palm lifting her chin. He pressed his forehead to hers, her dark eyes filling his vision. “That’s why you can’t ever chance your life like that again, Ikigai. You’re my everything. The reason I get up and do what I do, and go on. I can’t lose you. I refuse to lose--” He stopped and swallowed, remembering how he had lost her for a few seconds that had felt more like an eternity the morning of the Summer Solstice.

Finger tracing his stubbled jaw, Teris looked sadly at him. “Yami, I love you. But even in a world without crazies interested in us,I can’t promise you that.” Her hand lowered, joining the other one on his chest. Pulling her forehead from his, she went on. “But I promise I’ll try never to take such chances. Will that work for you?”

“Hardly.” Yami huffed. His thumb tenderly caressed her cheek. “But I’ll take it.”

Teris gripped his wrist, pulling his hand down from her face. “Will you promise me the same?”

“Are we exchanging vows here? Can I make you mine, Princess?” Yami grabbed her waist, pulling her against his solid frame.

Teris knew exactly what he was doing. He was trying to get out of making the same promise she’d made. Annoyed, she tried to come up with a response but was too flustered by his words and desirous gaze.

Yami smirked crookedly. “I got all sorts of promises I’ll be making you the day you fully give yourself to me. Fair warning, most aren’t be for public ears.”

Teris’ own ears warmed, blush deepening. Swallowing her nerves, she met his gaze and tried to match his toying, lustfulsmile with one of her own. “I hope you plan on giving more than words if such a day ever comes to pass.”

Yami pressed closer his hands sliding down to her hips and around to her ass. Pulling her into him, his large hands squeezed and lifted her to her toes. “Just you wait, Princess. I got all sorts of things planned.”

Teris shivered at the low rumble of his voice. Though the lady she had been taught to be told her to shrink away and scold him, she instead listened to her inner wanting, reveling in the trusted freedom she had with Yami.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, Teris pulled him down and kissed him.

Yami’s hands panned up her butt to wrap around her waist. Leaning over her, he returned her kiss with hungry excitement.

Teris sighed into his mouth, hands tugging at his hair.

It wasn’t long before Yami had to pull away. Breaking the kiss, he turned his hip to her. It was his own fault. His thoughts and words, coupled with the feel of her had excited him enough to make things stir.

“Done already?” Teris asked, looking disappointed. She gave a playful pout. “You’re not giving me much hope for these so called plans of yours.”

Yami gave a throaty growl. Taking her words as a challenge, he told himself would surpass his limits of self control and deny his wanting till he left her dizzy and breathless. Leering over her, he backed her up, large hands on her hips.

Teris lowered her hands, reaching back to feel for the wall that she knew was there.

“Why do you suddenly look nervous?” Yami teased with a predatory smile.

“I—I’m not--”

Yami swooped down and kissed her,cutting off her words. His bodypressed into hers as hedeepenedthe kiss, tongue dancing with hers.

Teris’ lips became delightfully sore from the pressure. Her face raw from his sandpaper like stubble. Still, she kissed him back. Heady relief that she, Yami, Nozel, and Fuegoleon had made it out alive two days ago mixed with her love and desire for Yami.

**** extra spicy bit starts ****

She pressed back against Yami as he pressed her against the wall. Just when she thought she would faint from lack of air, Yami pulled away only to dive to the curve of her neck. He kissed and nipped as he slowly made his way up to the tender point just below her ear. His tongue leaked out to trace its way up to her earlobe which he flicked and nibbled.

“Yami...” Teris’ hands ran up his arms, trimmed finger nails pricking his skin ever so lightly.

Yami gave a low hum in reply. He nuzzled deeper into her neck when she tried to turn and return the favor. His hand lifted, clasping her just beneath the jaw. Gently, he turned and tilted her head, better exposing her neck.

Taking his hand, Teris kissed it. Her teeth plucked at the calloused skin of his fingers. Yami laced his fingers with hers, knowing that if she took one of his fingers between her lips he would be finished. Just the thought of it made things below his belt twitch. At that he gave another throaty hum which turned into a soft, low growl of frustrated wanting when Teris arched her back her breasts pressing into him.

He took her other hand and pinned both her arms to her side. Teris strained against his hold wanting to touch him.

Yami lifted from her neck wearing a grin. “Let’s see how long you can keep your hands off me.”

He slowly releasing his hold. Teris reached for him, but Yami gripped her wrists pressing them back against the wall.

“You’re not even trying.”

“Where’s my incentive?” Teris questioned, hips swaying. There was that familiar pulsing warmth in her core that Yami often caused, her legs squeezed together trying and satiate the need.

Yami slowly looked her over. Seeing the slight dance of her hips, his lips curled upward. The year and a half till her twentieth birthday seemed painfully far away. But he was set on waiting until they were wed. Even if he thought he had a chance of convincing her otherwise, which he didn’t, they were faced with so much as it was.

Seeing her like that. Realizing that she wanted him just as much as he wanted her. It should’ve been enough to make him step back and let them both calm. But he didn’t.

Smirking, Yami told. “You keep your hands to yourself till I’m done with you, and you can have anything you want.”

“Elaborate what you mean by anything.”

Yami’s eyes pulled over her form. “Anything.”

“That certain you’ll win this little game of yours?” Teris grinned, warming to the idea.

Yami didn’t reply. In all honesty, her tone only heightened his wanting and made things all the harder on him. But he didn’t caring about winning in this case. He simply didn’t want to stop yet and thought this tactic might help his cause.

Teris’ arms relaxed in his hands. “Fine. Have at me.”

Yami groaned. Her words. The huskiness of her voice. The look in her eye. She wasn’t playing fair.

Teris gave a surprised squeak and bliss filled laugh when Yami pounced.

Yami’s lips latched onto her collarbone. Arm snaking around her waist, his other hand gripped the back of her thigh lifting it his side. His hip pressed against her core.

Teris’ laughter ceased with a hitched in take of breath. Her head fell back against the wall further exposing her neck to him. Yami gladly took the invitation, lower lip pulling up her bared throat. Her hands moved to touch him; but she wasn’t about to lose this game so easily. Pressing her arms against the wall, her fingers curled into fists.

Yami tugged at her raised, held thigh. A soft, short moan escaped her. Lashes fluttering against her cheeks, Teris pressed her kiss swollen lips between her teeth trying to stifle any further noise.

Yami began to gently pull at her thigh and hip in time with every forward thrustof his hip.

Teris’ hands lifted, grasping her wrists above head. Breath uneven, she trembled with desire.

“Yami...” Teris exhaled in a needy moan.

Nipping along the line of her jaw, Yami made his way to her lips. He kissed her just as she released another moan. His chest reverberated in a responding groan. He released her thigh, his hand lifting to cup the back of her neck. Deepening the kiss, his other hand trailed up from her hip and curved around her ribs. His thumb came to rest just beneath her breast. He felt the tension within her change slightly. But when his hand didn’t move any further she relaxed and melted back into him, giving herself over to the heady feelings and sensations he caused.

His hip ceased thrusting and began to grind against her. Teris rewarded him with a long throaty moan, her body both tensing and easing at the same time. Yami’s hand pivoted, fingers sweeping up from her side to cup her breast. He followed her as she tried to break the kiss. His other hand, still cupping her neck, holding her in place.

Teris’ hands had dropped to Yami’s chest. But all thought of pushing at him to stop, fell away when Yami’s thumb swiped across the perk sensitive bud covered by her top and bra. Her body thrummed at the pleasurable jolt. She tired to suck in a breath, but with Yami’s mouth still attached to hers, was unable to.

Teris’ fingers clawed at Yami’s bicep. She wanted more. Needed more. And Yami gave her exactly that. His thumb traced around the pebbled peak as his hip moved in tandem against her core. Though she clearly enjoyed it. It wasn’t the response he had been hoping for. Experimentally, he ran the pad of his thumb back and forth over her excited flesh. Teris’ chest heaved, giving another mewling moan.

Changing his dance, Yami’s hip and thumb swiped in opposite directions as they pressed into her. He felt Teris’ body shudder, her muscle clenching and releasing only to tighten and release again and again. Not wanting to drown out the perfect sounds she was making, his lips moved onto her neck.

Teris whined, breath coming in starts and stops. “Yami.”

There was a growing tightness in her abdomen. The wetness in her underwear so that, if she weren’t lost in the throws of the moment, she would’ve worried it had seeped through and showed on her pants.

Teris pulled at Yami’s shoulder, other hand running up the back of his neck. All that existed was Yami, and the feeling his movements caused within her.

Her head rolled forward to rest on his shoulder. “Yami...”

The coil in her center tightened further. Yami’s strong body pressed harder against her as if trying to become one. What was left of Teris’ thinking mind wondered if this was what was meant when they said man and wife would become one flesh. The thought brought on a completely different kind of jolt. They had said they were going to wait. Yami had said he wanted to wait just as much as she did. They had to stop.

“Yami.” Teris said, voice more sober but still heady.

Her eyes fluttered open, mind caught between the unthinking tide of pleasure and wanting to tell him to stop. Only she didn’t want him to stop. She wanted him to continue until the coil within her snapped.

“Oh, Yami.” Teris mewled, melting back into him.

**** extra spicy bit end****

A burst of light from over Yami’ shoulder pulled at her attention. Teris blinked, seeing a darkened silhouette. Her muscles tensed for a completely different reason. Her hand dropped from Yami’s neck to push at his chest, other hand patting at his shoulder. They were no longer alone.

“Yami.” Teris whispered.

Still, Yami continued.

Eyes adjusting to the brightest of the incoming light, Teris recognized the figure. “Nozel!”

Nothing could have brought Yami out of the moment quicker. His head pulled back, movements instantly ceasing. “Nozel?”

Yami saw Teris’ wide eyes trained over his shoulder. A short, angry growl rumbled from his chest. Now that his focus wasn’t drawn to better things, he could sense the other mans raging Ki. For mana sake, why couldn’t he and Teris get a moments peace? What was the damned Ball of Pride doing here anyway? Wasn’t he suppose to be recovering at Healers Hall or something?

Yami let Teris push him back a step. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he balled them into fists to better hide the tent in his pants.

His eyes trailed over Teris wondering again how much she knew about sex or a mans body. Even if her mother had lived, Yami didn’t know what the ranking class taught their young unwed daughters. It wasn’t as if he could ask Julius about it. He considered just asking Teris. But even with them both wanting a relationship of free and open communication, some topics would have to wait until they were wed.

Nozel stood as still as a statue. Boiling inside, he wanted to lash out and end Yami Sukehiro. He wanted to demand to know what the hell Teris, his Intended, thought she was doing. But he couldn’t find the words. He was so shocked he couldn’t even move enough to tear his eyes away from the scandalous disarray of Teris’ hair.

Jax entered the great room from the back hallway. He lifted Teris’ report, squinting. Mana he swore her scrawl was worse than Yami’s. It was almost as messy as Julius’. He shook his head. Julius better get use to writing in a neater hand. The Magic Knights would find themselves in a bad way with a Wizard King whose penmanship no one could decipher.

“Yami. Can you read— Nozel?” Jax stopped.

The Black Bulls Captain blinked in surprise. They had said Fuegoleon’s injuries were worse; but still, even after two days of constant healing spells he would've figured the Silver Eagles Vice Captain would still be at Healer’s Hall or at least convalescing at home.

Nozel didn’t even turn to acknowledge the Black Bulls Captain.

Jax followed Nozel’s gaze. First he saw Yami and wondered what the man had said or done to antagonize the royal this time. Then he caught sight of Teris, who he had thought had already left to visit the Crimson Lion and Silver Eagle Vice Captain's. Taking in Teris’ somewhat disheveled state, Jax instantly pieced together what Nozel had walked in on.

Sighing, Jax muttered to himself. He felt annoyed on Yami and Teris’ behalf. Given all of Julius’ rules, meant to keep Yami safe from further attempts by Nathyn Silva, this was the only place the young couple could truly be a couple. And now Nozel had walked in making them, well at least Teris, feel uncomfortable at even that. Granted it wasn’t Nozel’s fault; but it didn’t change how aggravating the situation was.

“Yami. I need your help with this.” Jax called, lifting Teris’ report.

Yami turned to the Captain. It would probably be best for all of them if he left Teris to handle this anyway. He gave Jax a nod. Still facing Teris, back to Nozel, he lowered his head and uttered. “Go ahead and visit the Lion Cub without me. See you later, yeah?”

Teris nodded, mutely. Yami ran his hand down her arm as he took another step back and followed Jax down the hall.

Nozel watched Yami’s fingers trail across Teris’ stomach as the man walked away. Saw Teris’ slight tremble at the contact. He told himself it was because she found Yami’s touch revolting., but knew better.

As badly as he would rather turn away and leave, Nozel stepped fully inside. His hand slapped the front door closed, flinty blue eyes never leaving Teris’.

Teris jumped slightly at the slamming door. She shouldn’t feel guilty; but she did. Frowning at the feeling, her kiss swollen lips pressed together. She wondered if her mouth and neck looked as hot and red they felt, tender from the pressure of Yami’s kisses and scrapped by his stubble.

The awkward discomfort grew turning seconds into minutes.

A small wicked part in Teris heartlessly thought that maybe Nozel would finally believe that she wouldn't obey Fyntch and marry him. She hated herself for the thought. Nozel was her friend. She didn’t want to hurt him. If only he didn’t care about her that way.

“I’m glad to see you’re up and released. We,” she glanced over her shoulder down the hall where Yami had long since disappeared with Jax, “were just going to visit you and Leon.”

Nozel stared at her without word.

Teris cleared her throat. “Are you alright?”

“I wouldn’t have been released if I wasn’t.” Nozel clipped, coolly.

“And Leon?” Teris asked.

“Likely released tomorrow.” Nozel answered, shortly. He began to turn back to the door.

Teris took another step toward him, hand reaching out.

Nozel eyes lowered to her hovering hand. Unlike usual, there was little inclination to bridge the gap and connect with her. He had known, had imagined the things she and Yami did. Having seen the marks Yami once left on her neck, it was all too easy to picture the allowances Teris let the foreigner have. Even so, Nozel had scolded himself. Told himself that his imaginings were so much worse than what actually went on. He had been wrong. So very wrong.

“Are you sure you’re alright? I was so worried.” Teris said. The unwelcome memory of him and Fuegoleon hanging from the tree, blood dripping from them, filled her mind. Nozel’s stifled screams followed by his cry of pain echoed in her ears. She shook the image and remembered sound away, unable to bear it.

“Fine.” Nozel’s voice caught. He coughed lighted and stepped away, turning. “I should go.”

Teris stepped after him. “Nozel. But—you just got here. Don’t you want to--” Want to what, she wondered feeling foolish. Stay here and draw out this clear discomfort between them? She wasn’t going to apologize for what Nozel had walked in on. Sure she and Yami had once again gone too far; but that had nothing to do with Nozel. Guilty as she felt for whatever hurt it may have caused him, she wasn’t ashamed. She wished Nozel didn’t like her. Why did he have to like her?

Nozel stopped but didn’t turn back to face her. He couldn’t bare to look at her anymore. Couldn’t bare the sight of her kiss swollen lips. Couldn't stand the sight of her reddened mouth and neck which had been scratched raw by Yami’s few days growth; because the ill bred peasant foreigner refused to regularly shave like a civilized person.

“I was just released from the healers.” Nozel said, not mentioning that this was the first place he had come. He had needed to see Teris. Needed to know she was alright. Well now he knew, she was more than alright. He swallowed the bitter bile that rose in his throat. “Several Crimson Lions were visiting Fuegoleon when I left. If you’re truly interested seeing him, I’d wait a couple hours for him to rest and recoup some energy.”

Teris fidgeted, plucking at her fingers. “Of course I truly want to see him. I wanted to see the both of you. To see for myself that you were truly okay.”

Nozel’s eyes closed. He hated how her words both soothed and stung. Why did he have to love her? How had he even fallen for her? They were so different. It wasn’t as if she had led him on or given him hope. Was he really that in need of affection that what little she had given him as a friend had sparked an interest that grew into this love that was now his doom? If so, how did he get over it? How did he get over her?

“Nozel. I’m so sorry about what happened. You and Leon being taken by the Agents of Chaos because of--”

“Stop.” Nozel silenced. He couldn’t say what upset him more; the fact that he first thought her apology was for the allowances she afforded Yami, or that she was blaming herself for what those lunatics had done. He turned on his heel, blue eyes piercing her dark ones as he avoid looking anywhere else on her. “What the Agents of Chaos did wasn’t your fault.”

Teris’ mouth clamped shut. She wanted to argue; but her guilt would only make him feel worse, and that was the last thing she wanted.

Nozel’s head lowered in shame. He was the reason Fuegoleon was still at Healer’s Hall recovering. They had tortured the Vermillion until Nozel had broke and answered their questions. His shame built at having broken and answered their questions. But Fuegoleon would have died if he hadn’t. But he had told them things about Teris… It was a spiraling cycle that would bury him and seeing Teris made it that much worse. Why had he come? Why couldn't he have just trusted the reports that said she was alright? Why did he love her so much? Why couldn’t she love him?

As if reading some of his thoughts, Teris told. “It makes no difference what you told them, so long as you and Leon are safe and alive.” Unbidden images from two nights ago flicked through her mind once again. Overcome with relief, she rushed the rest of the way to him and hugged him. “I’m just so thankful that you’re alright. I was so worried.”

Nozel stood there trying to resist the urge to hug her back. He lasted all of a second before his arms lifted and returned her embrace. “You’re not the only one who was concerned. Promise me you’ll never bargain your life and safety like that again.” Though his tone was stern he silently pleaded, even if you never promise me another thing again, promise me that.

Teris exhaled, annoyed and amused. “You sound like Yami.”

Nozel bristled. He pulled away from her, voice rising in temper and volume. “I beg your pardon!”

“No Magic Knight could make such a promise.” Teris said.

Nozel wanted to argue that she wasn’t just a Magic Knight. That she was his Intended. His beloved. His friend. But he held his tongue. “I need to check in with Captain Kess and work on my report. I have a full debriefing tomorrow morning and would like my report ready to hand over by then, if not sent in later today.”

“Please don’t over do it. You were only just released from the healers.” Teris said.

Nozel gave a curt nod but didn’t make any promises.

97.2

Without invitation Yami plopped down in one of the chairs in front of Jax’s desk. Jax closed the office door and made his way around the desk easing into his seat.

“Did you really need me, or were you just trying to get me out of there to spare the Royal Bird?” Yami asked.

“It’s unlike you to sound so petty and jealous.” Jax commented.

Yami scoffed. “What do I have to be jealous about?”

“You tell me.”

“I’m not jealous. Just pent up and aggravated.”

“I noticed.” Jax’s eyes darted down to the bulge in Yami’s pants, quickly lifting back to meet the mans gaze.

Yami growled and crossed his arms. “I just want a moment of undisturbed peace. Is that too much to ask?”

“Until you can better control yourself, I don’t think you and Teris should be spending a sizable length of time alone. That is unless you changed your mind about wanting to wait for certain things.” The Captain’s brows rose in silent query.

“No. I mean, yeah. I was in control of myself.”

Jax sat back sighing. This would be so much easier if Teris wasn’t Julius’ sister. Sure he looked out for every member of his squad no matter their rank or age; but Julius being his closest living friend added a whole other level of responsibility.

“Nozel’s scheduled to be debriefed tomorrow morning. I want you there with me.” Jax told.

Yami sat forward, remembering Alowishus had said he had tortured the Silver Eagle and Crimson Lion into answering his questions. Given the state Fuegoleon and Nozel had been in, Yami figured neither had been all that forthcoming. But Alowishus had said they eventually broke. “What kind of questions were they asked?”

“I don’t know. But considering who was doing the asking, is there any doubt it was about you and Teris?”

Yami’s teeth pressed together. He was tempted to march back out to the great room and demanded answers from Nozel now.

“Ellara will be there. So I need you to do whatever it is you do to relax and calm that temper yours.”

“I’m fine.” Yami rumbled.

“No. You’re not. You’re clearly angry, and rightly so. But on top of that you’ve been more easily annoyed than usual.”

“You’re annoying me.” Yami stared across the desk telling himself that he couldn’t hit the Captain. That Jax had a point, and if he was thinking clearly he wouldn’t even want to hit him.

“That’s exactly what I mean. You have a short enough fuse as it is. But for the passed month or so that fuse has been near nonexistent.” Jax said.

I’ve been struggling with this heightened temper for well more than a month, Yami thought, anger bubbling near the surface. It’s just that he had begun to lose his battle with controlling the shortened temper this passed month.

“Either you get a handle on whatever’s been bugging you by tomorrow morning or I’m not taking you.” Jax went on.

“You’re not taking Teris!” Yami stormed, feeling an overwhelming swell of protective possessiveness that wasn’t like his usual self.

The only reason Jax didn’t say he was the Captain and could do whatever he wanted was because he could see Yami’s inner struggle to control himself. “Of course not. The last thing Teris or Nozel need is for her to be there while he relays what he likely feels is a betrayal.”

“Any answer he gave them was a betrayal.” Yami said.

Jax almost spoke in Nozel’s defense; but realized that in the state Yami was in, it wouldn’t make a difference. Shaking his head, he told. “Just get this extra aggression out of your system and be ready to go before breakfast.”

“Are you ever gonna tell me?” Yami asked.

Jax’s eyebrows furrowed. “Tell you what?”

Yami shrugged. “Don’t know. But there’s something you’ve been hiding for a couple weeks now.”

Jax thought of the journal sitting in his desk drawer that he had found thanks to Iban’s very belated confession about his family’s past. The journal Marx had used his magic to copy; and Julius had asked him not to tell Yami and Teris about just yet. Even Greywright had agreed with the Azure Deers Captain; though the Knights Commander hadn’t ordered him to keep quiet. After the Agent of Chaos, Flic, had turned himself in, Jax had decided he was going to tell his Vice Captain's about the journal. But that was before Fuegoleon and Nozel, and Yami and Teris had been taken. Even with it over and the four Vice Captain's safely returned, Jax had changed his mind and decided to wait for at least a few days.

“That Ki of yours tell you that?” Jax asked.

Yami shrugged a shoulder. “Ki, knowing how things work, and a tiny bit of guessing.”

Jax huffed. Thanks to Yami’s sense of Ki, he was able to read him almost as well as Bronn had. “I’ll tell you--”

“Jax.” Commander Greywright’s voice sounded from the communication orb sitting on the bureau behind him.

“I’m in a meeting with one of my Vice Captain's.” Jax said, so the Knights Commander knew he wasn’t alone should anything be confidential.

“Good. Bring whoever it is too.” Greywright responded.

“Bring where--” Jax’s question died on his lips as Cob stepped through a portal and into his office.

“Hidy ho.” Cob waved.

Yami and Jax shared a look.

Pushing out of his chair, Jax exhaled. “You heard the Commander. Let’s go.”

97.3

Disappointed that Fuegoleon had still been asleep but glad to see he had been resting peacefully, Teris turned the corner and nearly bumped into Mereoleona.

“Leaving Leon’s?” The Crimson Lion Captain asked.

Teris nodded. “He was resting but it was good to see him just the same.”

“Then maybe I should wait before going in. I’d likely tell him to wake up and get to work, and we both know he needs the rest.” Mereoleona took in her cousin’s downcast face. “Hey. You’re not being stupid and thinking this is all your fault are you? I’ll knock some sense into you if you are.”

Even though she was, Teris shook her head. “I just wish Leon and I hadn’t argued at Nebra’s party.”

Mereoleona’s eyes narrowed. “I thought I told you to enjoy things while you could.”

“Yeah, well that’s easier said then done.” Teris snapped.

The Captain arched an eyebrow.

“Sorry.” Teris apologized. Looking down at her feet, she mumbled. “But it is.”

Mereoleona sighed. “I could use a drink. You look like you need one too. Come on.”

“What kind of drink?”

Mereoleona looked at Teris out of the corner of her eye. “I know you’re not that stupid or innocent.”

“There is something I would like to ask you about.” Teris said, more to herself.

Hearing, Mereoleona smirked. “Don’t tell me you’re in trouble, again.”

Teris bristled. “What do you mean, again?”

“I don’t like to repeat myself, but I’ll say it again, you’re not that stupid.” Mereoleona threw her arm around Teris’ shoulder and led her down the hall. “You can ask all you like at the pub. I’ll even let you pay first round.”

97.3.2

Seated in a corner table at the Boiling Brew, Teris looked about in interest. She might not have been a perfect royal lady; but she was upstanding enough to stay away from pubs in Black Magic Alley. Taking the place in she didn’t see the difference. Was it just the pubs location that carried a stigma? Because it looked like any other bar she had been in.

Mereoleona clearly came here quite often as the waitress asked her cousin if she wanted the usual. Even though it was a bit early in the day and there was no occasion for it, Teris ordered a stout thinking the drink would help settle her nerves.

Teris tried to pay for the drinks after they arrived. Mereoleona laughed and waved her off.

“I was joking about you paying first round.” Mereoleona turned to the waitress. “Put it on my tab, Lisbet.” Looking back at Teris, she teased. “Unless you’re wanting to open up a monthly tab of your own.”

Teris’ eyes widened. “No, no.” She gave the waitress a polite smile. “Not at this time. Thank you.”

“You can be so cruel, Leona.” Lisbet chuckled, shaking her head at the Magic Knights Captain. She patted Teris’ forearm. “No worries, lass. We’ll be happy to serve you if you ever come again.”

Back straight, Teris watched the waitress turn and go.

“Ease up. It’s just us. There’s no older brothers, stuffed up royals, or Silva’s here to judge you.” Mereoleona told, sitting back in her seat.

The tension in Teris’ shoulders eased.

“Take a drink and tell me what’s going on.” Mereoleona ordered.

Teris took a small sip. Looking at her cousin over the rim of the mug, she took another, longer draw of alcohol.

Mereoleona chuckled when Teris took a third quaff. Picking up her own mug, the Vermillion took a swig. “Better?”

“A bit.” Teris took one more sip before placing her half empty mug on the table.

Mereoleona sobered. If half a pint of beer wasn’t enough to fully relax the her then what Teris wanted to talk about must really be troubling. “What’s going on?”

“I—I wanted to ask— I want to ask about...” Teris stopped and fidgeted.

“Spit it out.” Mereoleona commanded, impatient nature getting the best of her.

“It’s only—with my mother gone I never learned such things.” Teris said. Sighing, she muttered. “That’s if mother would have told me about them at all.”

Mereoleona frowned. Teris wasn’t looking for sympathy. Even if she were, she had come to the wrong person and they both knew it. “What things?”

Teris lowered her gaze trying to summon her nerve.

“Teris. What things?” Mereoleona asked, impatience growing.

Taking in a breath, Teris lifted her eyes and questioned with more volume than intended.. “What happens when a man and woman are married? What makes them one flesh?”

Caught off guard by the question for a moment, Mereoleona grinned. “Ask the whole pub why don’t you.”

Teris blushed beet red seeing that her unintentionally raised voice had garnered a number of looks.

“I’d be happy to show you, lass!” A patron called to her.

Mereoleona looked over her shoulder ready to tear the man apart. Seeing he was an old man who wore a humored expression that bore no hint lewd intent, she chuckled along with him.

“Leave the ladies alone, Merv.” Lisbet told the man.

Mereoleona looked back at Teris seeing her color. “You sure you should be asking such things if you can barely make yourself voice them, and redden so once you do?”

“I— It—it’s only—just— It’s not like we’re doing anything.” Teris finally managed to get out. “We both want to wait. It’s just--”

Teris might feel like a fool; but she wasn’t completely innocent. She had touched herself. Doing so while thinking about Yami until the coil in her belly snapped and left her floating on a wave of mindless ecstasy. But there was a difference between her creating those sensations and Yami doing so. Wasn’t there? She had to make sure that what she and Yami had been doing wasn’t what was meant for marriage. Yes, it was still more than what they should be doing. But she had to know that she hadn’t been about to give herself and become one with Yami if they hadn’t been interrupted.

Mereoleona sighed when Teris didn’t go on. Thinking about a long ago Captain's meeting, she said. “Well, I already told everyone you and I had this talk so I guess it’s only right we have it in truth.”

Teris stared wide eyed, the color draining from her face. “What do you mean ‘told everyone’? Who did you tell?”

Mereoleona waved her off. “Never mind that. Lisbet!” She yelled, signaling to the waitress for another round.

The waitress gave a nod.

Looking back at Teris, Mereoleona asked. “How much do you know? Our should I just assume you know nothing?” Before Teris could answer the Crimson Lion downed her drink and went on. “Well I guess you know the basics. I saw the marks on your neck the morning after the Lava Springs party last year.”

Mereoleona sighed thinking it fitting that she hadn’t hosted one this year. Since Bronn had been the one who gave her the idea in the first place, it wouldn’t have felt right having it without him. Or maybe it would've been a way to honor the bastard...

“Stop your blushing.” Mereoleona snapped at Teris.

“Leave the girl alone.” Lisbet scolded, setting the drinks on the table. Smiling at Teris kindly, she asked. “Are you aware of the male form, lass?”

Maybe it was a mistake to ask Mereoleona instead of Venice. Teris had thought her cousin would be up front and straight to the point without all the teasing Venice would likely do. But now…

“I—I just don’t want to—you know. Have sex.” Teris mumbled.

“Ever?” Lisbet blinked.

“She and her beau want to wait till they’re wed.” Mereoleona told her friend. Looking at Teris, she thought that it didn’t matter whether Yami and Teris wanted to wait or not, they had to and sure as hell better.

Lisabet huffed and rolled her eyes. “Sure he does.”

“He does.” Teris said.

“Actually, I think he does.” Mereoleona told Lisbet. “At least as much as any young, excitable man is able.”

“Well isn’t that sweet.” Lisbet cooed.

“So you know next to nothing of the way of things and are afraid of unintentionally having sex.” Mereoleona stated, wanting to be sure she understood.

Lisbet sputtered, both at how preposterous such a worry sounded and Mereoleona’s bluntness. Mereoleona gave the waitress a look.

“It might sound silly and completely stupid to you; but yes.” Teris said, a bite to her voice.

Lisbet sobered, sorry she had laughed. “It’s alright, lass. Innocence is nothing to be ashamed of. We all gotta learn sometime.”

“What brought this on?” Mereoleona asked.

“Ah...” Teris drew out unsure how to respond. If she and Yami had truly come as close as she worried they had she wasn’t sure what Mereoleona would say or do.

Mereoleona felt herself becoming truly concerned. “Have you done anything below the waist?”

Teris thought of Yami’s hip pressed against her and how the coil within her would’ve snapped from his rutting if they hadn’t been interrupted.

“Beneath your clothes. Skin on skin. Things going in places.” Mereoleona clarified, growing worry when Teris didn’t answer, making her bluntness turn crass.

Teris’ eyes widened. “Certainly not!”

“Don’t be crude, Leona.” Lisabet chastised.

Teris wiggled in her seat, distressed and uncomfortable. Things going in places? What was that about? Sure she had once taken Yami’s finger into her mouth...

Mereoleona exhaled, relief making her smiled. “You have nothing to worry about.”

Lisbet swallowed a smile. “I’ll leave you ladies to it. Let me know if I can get you anything else.”

“A piece of lead and scrape of paper.” Mereoleona told.

“What?” Lisabet scoffed. “You gonna drawn her a diagram?”

Mereoleona shrugged a shoulder. “Should be the easiest way. Unless you wanna give her the talk.”

Lisabet shook her head. “Even if the lass didn’t want to wait. You’ll probably scare her off sex by the time you’re through. Just… Try to draw things to scale. Wouldn’t want her being too afraid. Or worse, disappointed when the time comes.”

97.4

It was just happenstance that Jax and Yami came across Julius in the large courtyard that connected the headquarters of the four divisions.

Walking up to the fellow Captain, Jax stormed. “Where the hell have you been? Where’s your communication crystal?”

Julius patted his pockets.

Standing beside him, Jon told his Captain. “You left it in your office saying we’d only be out a moment, Sir.”

“That’s right.” Julius nodded.

“Though it’s been far longer than a moment.” Jon muttered.

“How was I to know I’d get caught up?” Julius asked.

“Cause you always do.” Marx said, though in this case it was partially his fault.

“You look upset. What’s wrong?” Julius asked Jax.

“The Agents of Chaos traitor, Flic.” Jax said.

Julius tensed. “What about him?”

“He’s ill.” Jax said.

“How ill?” Marx asked.

“Deathly.” Yami rumbled.

“The Healers can’t do anything for him. They can’t even say what’s wrong with him.” Jax said.

“Ellara?” Julius questioned, softly.

“Hasn’t been anywhere near him, according to Greywright.” Jax said.

“But if she used her magic to tamper with the guards memories.” Julius pressed.

Marx shook his head. “The day Mister Flic arrived I recommended to Commander Greywright that he only assign guards he knew to have a memory block. Though the number was few, he readily agreed.”

“Could the Agents of Chaos have another follower in place at Headquarters?” Jon wondered.

“Let’s not go there.” Julius told his Vice Captain. Looking back at Jax and Yami, he said. “If Alowishus’ magic truly is death magic, then that combined with the fact that he obviously uses Black Magic would be enough for him to kill Flic from afar if he had some piece of the man on hand.”

“That would explain why the healers can’t figure out what’s wrong or how to help him.” Jax said, finding it as good an explanation as any. He certainly liked it better than the option Jon had put forward.

Yami scowled thinking about the pieces of him and Teris the Agents of Chaos had taken during the first time they were attacked. Voicing the concern, he asked. “What about the bits they took from Teris and me our first year as Magic Knights?”

Jax’s eyes widened. He stared at Julius in silent query.

Julius made a face, considering a moment. “Most, if not all of what they took would’ve been used to make the personalized mana blocked cell they held you in during the Summer Solstice.”

“You said most.” Yami grumbled.

“It’s difficult to say without knowing exactly how much of each piece they took from each of you.” Julius said, not liking it any better than Yami did.

“It’s doubtful they would even bother with such attempts.” Marx said.

“Why? Because they still need Yami and Teris for their plans.” Jax said, finding small comfort in that.

“Also because of the way the pieces were taken and their age.” Marx said. When everyone looked at him expectantly, he explained. “Such spells are not only determinate on the skill of the Mage; but the freshness, as it were, of such items.” He cleared his throat in distaste. “Then there’s the fact that you and Teris didn’t give the pieces of yourself willingly.”

“Damn right we didn’t.” Yami growled.

“Though not impossible, it’s always easier when the item for the spell was freely given. Just like it is with my memory absolute spell. I can force my way in. But it’s far easier and requires less time and mana if the person willingly accepts. Those factors, coupled with what Captain Jax said, and the likely limited ingredients that Julius mentioned make it highly unlikely that such a thing will ever happen to you or Teris. Especially when they have proven on several occasions that they can reach you by far simpler means.”

Though true, Yami and Jax glared at the Investigations Mage.

Trying to draw the two Black Bulls heated attention away from Marx, Julius said. “Suffice it to say, there’s no cause to worry they’ll do such a thing to Teris and Yami.”

Jax turned away from the group. “I need a drink.”

“Same.” Yami turned, following his Captain.

“Yami, wait.” Julius called, walking after him.

Jon trailed behind. Marx turned back and made his way to Magic Investigations. He would see the men tomorrow morning during Nozel Silva’s debriefing, and then later tomorrow night for a planned meeting at the Black Bulls base. Given all that had happened, that secret meeting couldn’t come soon enough.

Julius fell into step beside Yami. “Has Teris talked to Nozel or Fuegoleon? Has she said anything to you about what they said? What questions the Agents of Chaos might've asked?”

“No.” Yami told his mentor, wondering if Teris was still in the great room visiting with Nozel.

“I’m bringing him to Nozel’s debriefing.” Jax said.

“Is--” Julius lengthened his steps to walk beside Jax. He looked over his shoulder at Yami and lowered his voice. “Is that wise?”

Jax looked at Julius out of the corner of his eye. “When has wise ever been an apt description of me?”

“But…” Julius cast another backwards glance at Yami.

“If they haven’t killed each other yet, especially after this afternoon, it’s safe to say they’ll be fine in the same room debriefing room tomorrow.” Jax said, still surprised Nozel hadn’t attacked Yami then and there in the great room. So long as Yami followed his command to get rid of his pent up aggression, Jax figured everything would be fine at tomorrows debriefing.

Julius’ brow furrowed. “Why? What happened this afternoon?”

“What were you doing at Investigations?” Jax asked, dodging the query.

“You’re not taking Teris to Nozel’s debriefing are you?” Julius asked.

“Mana, no.” Jax said.

“Then why are you taking Yami? What are you thinking?” Julius questioned, suspiciously.

“Nothing. You should know me well enough by now. I rarely think.” Jax said.

Julius’ eyes narrowed. “That’s why I’m asking. Cause I do know you well enough. You may pretend not to have schemes and ideas but are full of them.”

“Those bastards killed my Vice Captain nearly six months ago. If they think they can continue messing with my two new ones, they got another thing coming..” Jax said.

It wasn’t an answer; but he clearly wasn’t going to get one, so Julius let it be. The four walked the rest of the way to the Boiling Brew without word.

Upon entering, Yami’s eyes skimmed the pub. Seeing Teris, he blinked in surprise. There was a man standing over her, his hand on the back of her chair, other on the table, boxing her in. Leaving Julius, Jax, and Jon; Yami made his way to the table.

Stopping behind the man, Yami told him. “Walk away.”

“Yami!” Teris looked up at him in surprise and relief.

“Find another woman. I saw this one first.” The man called over his shoulder. He smiled drunkenly at Teris. “Pretty, innocent little thing. What do you say I take you out back and I give you the answers to all those questions of yours with a hands on lesson, eh?”

Yami reached for the mans shoulder to spin him around, fist already primed, when a fiery lion paw gripped the top of his head and pulled him back a pace.

“We’re you really gonna start a fight? The man is clearly drunk.” Mereoleona glared.

“I wasn’t gonna start anything. I was gonna end it.” Yami said, glancing spitefully up at the magical paw that still held him.

Mereoleona didn’t doubt that Yami could knock the man out cold. And she might've liked to see it, if not be a part of it, if it wouldn’t have caused Lisbet any trouble. “You and I both know Teris can fend for herself.”

The man reached out to touched Teris. Both Yami and Mereoleona made for him. Teris grabbed the mans arm before he could touch her.

Twisting his wrist in on itself, Teris told him. “I said, no.”

Though she wasn’t putting much pressure, the man tried to turn his body to lessen the painful wrenching of his wrist.

“You’re drunk. Go home and sleep it off.” Teris told.

The man nodded vigorously.

“Make sure to leave your waitress a good tip.” Teris said, releasing him with a push.

The man took a couple unsteady steps back. Turning he looked for his table, but couldn’t find it with the way everything spun around him. Instead he merely tossed several coins in the air and stumbled to the door.

The fiery paw on Yami’s head disappeared. Smiling proudly at her cousin, Mereoleona told Yami. “See. Told you she could take care of herself.”

“Never said she couldn’t.” Yami said.

Mereoleona plopped back in her seat across from Teris. “I leave you alone for a couple minutes and you get yourself into trouble.”

“I didn’t do anything.” Teris argued.

“You’re right. That was unfair. It isn’t always you who finds trouble. Half the time it’s trouble that finds you.” Mereoleona teased.

Teris was too annoyed at the truth of it to find her cousin’s words amusing.

Stopping behind his sister, Julius demanded. “What are you doing here?”

Teris spun in her seat, eyes wide and anxious. “Julius!”

“Leave the girl alone, Julius. I brought her.” Mereoleona told, leaning back in her seat.

Julius’ eyes leveled on the Crimson Lions Captain. “Have you no care for my sister’s or family’s image? The women that come to bars in Black Magic Ally are--”

“What?” Mereoleona sat forward, forearms on the table. “What kind of woman am I, Julius? You are referring to women like me, aren’t you? Given that I frequent this place.”

Julius swallowed thickly, reevaluating the wisdom of his argument.

“You come here quite often too. Don’t you, Julius?” Mereoleona pressed when he didn’t answer.

“Let it go.” Jax told the fellow Captain's, taking the seat to Teris’ left.

Yami pulled out the chair to Teris’ right, sliding it closer to hers as he did so. Sitting down he gave her an appraising look.

Teris blushed, feeling self conscious after everything Mereoleona had told her.

Yami smirked thinking her blush was from remembering what they had gotten up to earlier today. “How was the Lion Cub?”

“Sleeping when I got there. He looked good though. No lingering sign of outward injury.” Thinking about everything Mereoleona had told her, Teris tentatively touched Yami’s arm, eyes darting over him.

Yami quirked a brow, wondering at the way Teris was looking at him.

Knowing what she now knew, Teris felt silly for her earlier worry. Making love was so much more than she had imagined. Her eyes fell lower. Though rudimentary, Mereoleona’s drawings had given her an idea of what Yami was concealing. The thought of seeing him naked. Of him seeing her naked. Of Yami touching her where no other but she had seen or touched before. It both made her nervous and excited. No wonder it was customary for such an act to be put off until marriage. It was just so personal. So private. So meaningful and intimate. To share such a thing with someone you hadn’t yet promised your life and love to seemed nigh to impossible to her. Not that she judged Venice or anyone else who didn’t wait or had more than one partner in their lifetime; she just couldn’t see herself doing so.

Julius clasped his sister’s shoulder.

Teris jumped, startled out of her thoughts. Her hand jerked back from Yami’s arm, blushing at where her mind had gone. She ducked her head wondering if Julius had been able to tell and that’s why he was frowning at her.

Julius shook his head. He wondered if there was a set number of times he had to tell them before they listened. Though not an excuse, at least Teris didn’t know the full reasoning behind it all. Yami on the other had faced two attempts on his life because of Nathyn Silva, and yet he still tempted fate being close and alone with Teris when out in public.

Looking down at Yami, Julius ordered. “Scoot.”

Yami growled under his breath and moved his chair a couple inches away from Teris’.

“Scoot over a seat.” Julius clipped, irritated. Had Yami forgotten about the two attempts on his life? Or did he just not care?

“Let the man sit next to his girlfriend.” Mereoleona said.

“Not so loud.” Julius hushed, eyes darting to the surrounding patrons.

Teris stood up. “It’s alright. I’m leaving.”

Julius looked after her, expression pained. Why were they making him out to be the bad guy? He was just trying to protect them.

Getting to his feet, Yami told Julius. “There you can have your choice of seats. Happy?”

“Sit down.” Jax ordered.

Yami stared at his Captain. “After what we learned about the crazies traitor. Are you really fine with her going off alone?”

“I’ll see her home. Shall I, sir?” Jon asked his Captain.

“Thank you, Jon.” Julius nodded.

Jon turned and made after his Captain's sister.

Sinking into the chair Teris had vacated, Julius told Yami. “This was your doing. When are you going to learn? Unlike Teris, you are all too aware of the full reasoning for such discretion.”

Mereoleona’s lip twitched, remembering the threat to Yami’s life that she had spoken to her father about. Looking at Yami, she told. “Much as I hate to admit it, Julius has a point. You should have more care; for both of your sake's. If you truly are interested in marrying, you’ll have the rest of your life to be as free as you want after. Well,” she lifted a shoulder and grinned, “as free as Teris will let you be.”

“Is this the fine young man that’s willing to wait?” Lisbet asked Mereoleona, glancing at Yami.

Jax turned to the waitress. “Why would we have to wait? It’s not like you’re full up with patrons.”

Mereoleona smirked and nodded at Lisbet.

Lisbet’s smile widened. “What can I get you gentlemen?”

“Ale.” Jax and Julius ordered.

“Same.” Yami said.

“Yours is on the house.” Lisbet told Yami.

Yami took in the woman’s curious expression. He wondered at her generosity but wasn’t going to question the good luck.

“This one drink.” Mereoleona told before Yami could get any ideas. She had seen the man drink and didn’t want Lisbet’s pay going to cover Yami’s tab.

“How’s Leon?” Julius asked as the waitress went to fill their orders.

“They say he’ll be released tomorrow morning.” Mereoleona said. She looked at Yami giving him a nod of thanks for going along with the Agents of Chaos’ sick game. No doubt they would've killed Nozel and her brother if Yami and Teris hadn’t obeyed.

Yami looked away from the Crimson Lions Captain. He had nothing against being praised and recognized. But in that case he hadn’t even have a choice.

“I’m just glad that the Future of Chaos wasn’t there. Who knows what ill a man like Alowishus could do with such knowledge.” Jax said.

“I’m just glad it’s not cluttering up my or Teris’ grimoire.” Yami said.

Despite the thing likely being a single magical page like the History of Chaos, Jax understood Yami’s meaning. The Black Bulls Captain was also grateful that Teris didn’t have such a thing to focus and fuss over.

Lisbet returned with four ales. Sliding one to Mereoleona, she gave her friend a wink.

“Thank you, Bet.” Julius said as the waitress set a mug in front of him.

Jax noted that Lisbet didn’t give the Azure Deers Captain her usual flirty smile. As soon as she left, he quietly asked. “She still have a thing for Julius, Leona?”

“Who’s that?” Julius questioned.

Jax gave his friend a look. “Don’t play dumb.”

“That ended long ago. Though I’m sure she’d change her mind right back if Julius ever offered.” Mereoleona said.

Julius’ ears heated. “Can you two please stop.”

While Lisbet was good company and certainly attractive enough, she struck Julius as the type that was looking for a relationship. With his work as Captain, all that was going on with Yami and Teris, and his endeavors to become the next Wizard King. Relationships were something Julius didn’t have the time or inclination for. Even if Lisbet wasn’t Mereoleona’s friend, he wouldn’t have wanted to chance hurting the waitress.

“You and Marx come up with any ideas on who, where, and when the Future of Chaos was moved?” Jax asked Julius.

“Too many and none worthy of mentioning.” Julius sighed, aggravated disappointment showing.

Yami set his drink down. “That labyrinth really was two hundred thousand whatever--”

“297,353.” Julius nodded. “Yes. It was.”

“Crazy Happy Killer Voice said the Future of Chaos would be found there.” Yami said, thinking. “So if Crazy Happy Killer Voice was this Yurist guy and Yurist wrote that the ones who found the History of Chaos would find the Future, does that mean he’s wrong? That the chances of Teris and I finding the Future of Chaos are the same as anyone elses? I mean the damned thing could be destroyed for all we know. Right?”

“Such a magical item would be near impossible to destroy.” Julius said.

“Even so, the thing could be anywhere.” Yami pressed. He didn’t know if he believed in Yurist’s prophecies; but he had hoped Julius would tell him that the Future of Chaos missing from the labyrinth meant that he and Teris were off the hook.

Julius shook his head. “I simply can’t say.”

“Well if you and Marx ever do find out where the thing was moved, be sure to tell me so I can keep Yami and Teris well away from it.” Jax said.

97.5

Calen rose from the chair before Alowishus’ desk. Straightening the orders his Master had given him to pass on to the others, Calen took in a fortifying breath.

Alowishus had been murderous since the night of the labyrinth, but the matter was too important to put off any longer. While Flic hadn’t had any pertinent information about their plans and Sanctuary was magically moved by Alowishus on the night of every new moon, meaning Flic could no longer tell the Magic Knights where they were. The man still had to be dealt with. His crimes of betrayal could not go unpunished.

“Master, if I may. We’ve yet to receive word from Lady Ellara about the traitor, Flic.”

“Nor will we.” Alowishus told. His dual colored eyes lifted from the book he’d just open. “Ellara cannot be anywhere near Flic. It would only give those already suspicious of her what they so desperately want.”

“Then--”

“Iam handling it. Have you learned why Flic abandoned us yet?” Alowishus asked.

“It would be easier if we could bring Ellara to search the lesser members memories.” Calen said.

“Ellara will not be of help with this.” Alowishus said, irritation growing.

“Then if you would allow me to question them more openly.” Calen said.

“No.” Alowishus said, shortly.

Calen inclined his head. “As you wish, Master. I will continue my endeavors.”

“Do more than endeavor.” Alowishus told.

“Yes, Master.” Calen bowed.

Alowishus watched the man exit, closing the door behind him. Left alone, he pushed to his feet and turned to the bookshelf behind his desk. Placing a hand on the now quiet skull, he slid it to the side revealing a small saucer-like dish made of obsidian.

He smiled, seeing the fingernail in the dish was almost fully dissolved. Flic would be dead before the night was through. Pushing the skull back in place, he returned to the desk.

After Captain Shadow Banashe had killed his sixth iteration, Everard Spade, Alowishus had taken the first hundred or so years of his seventh life to work alone. When he had finally decided to rejoin the group he had started in his third life, he took his time to win over the members that called Alric Halvor Master before challenging him for the right to be Master of the Agents of Chaos.

After seeing the dead Alric Halvor’s family expelled, graciously allowing them to seek refuge in the Clover Kingdom, Alowishus had made all the existing members go through a ritual of cleansing and loyalty. Though all of those members were now long dead, Alowishus had made the ritual a prerequisite for joining the Agents of Chaos. It wasn’t the pomp that he was interested in; but the right thumb nail that each person willingly gave during the ritual. Such a thing was hardly necessary for a cleansing and promise of loyalty to him, Chaos, and their cause; but it was a simple way to get what he wanted without anyone asking questions.

This was hardly the first time he had needed to use a followers given nail to find, or kill them from afar. At least Flic’s treason had come at a time when their Sanctuary was routinely moved so Alowishus had not needed to expend any excess energy in moving their base should Flic have told the Magic Knights were to look for them.

With a sigh he looked over his grandfathers final journal. Many said Yurist had gone mad well before the journal was written. And given how jumbled and lacking of sense most of the phrases and sentences were, Alowishus would agree. But that didn’t mean the writings didn’t contain helpful truths.

Considering how many times Alowishus had read the journal that was nothing but snippets about Chaos, Death, Light, and Darkness; he doubted he had missed anything. Still, he hoped Yurist had written something in there that would tell him where his father had moved the Future of Chaos. Surely Yurist’s prophecy magic had shown him that the page would be moved from the labyrinth he had placed it in. And if Yurist's magic had shown him that, then surely he had made some note about it.

Alowishus refused to believe he would never find the Future of Chaos again. Not when having it would guarantee the success of his aims.

Unlike the History of Chaos which was a set spelled page that could only show Chaos’ passed; the Future of Chaos was a volatile, changeable page that could answer questions. It wasn’t alive but imbued with some of Yurist's prophecy magic. And since the future of Chaos wasn’t yet set, like Yurist's prophecy magic, the answers given could often be unclear or altered depending on events and how close those events were to fruition.

Alowishus had had the Future of Chaos for all but half a day before his father stole it; and most of that time with the page had been trying to get somewhere secure so his father couldn’t take it back. As such he had only been able to ask the page how to awaken Chaos and end existence. While such an answer wouldn’t or shouldn't change, it would have been extremely helpful to have the page in hand.

As troublesome as the Spade Kingdom Magical Scientist Rayla had been. Her taking Yami and Teris had ultimately been a help. With his having taken a portion of the overflow of Yami’s mana, Alowishus had been able to track him. It meant Ellara hadn’t needed to use her magic to affect Jorah to assign Yami and Teris to a set area to search for the royal princes.

With two Magic Knights Captain's suspicious of Ellara, her not adding to their suspicious by affecting the Wizard King for something that had ended in failure was the one good thing to come out of all this. And it hadn’t been a complete failure either. While the questions he asked the royal Prince’s had been purposefully all over the place, he now knew what type of mage the Black Bulls were sure to want come the next Magic Knights Entrance Exams in three months.

A spatial mage, Alowishus thought with a smile. Was poor dead Vice Captain Bronn that missed yet so easily replaced? Well if giving up one of his spatial mages would make Yami happy, and get one of his Agents of Chaos welcomed into the Black Bulls, Alowishus would gladly do so.

97.6

“Commander Greywright?”

Seated at the desk in his office, Greywright looked up and blinked in surprise. “Vice Captain Nozel.”

Standing outside the open office door, Nozel glanced at the empty assistants desk in the anteroom. “Forgive me for disturbing you, Sir, but there’s no one here to check-in with.”

“Unless there’s something going on, I insist Luca calls it a day by six at the latest. I see no sense why at least one of us can’t have a life and rest outside work.” The Knights Commander lowered his quill. “Speaking of getting rest. You were just released from Healer’s Hall this afternoon, you should you be at your home or base recuperating.”

“I will, Sir. But I wanted to hand in my report.” Nozel said, lifting the paper.

Greywright beckoned him in with a wave. “One. This report didn’t have to be done until your debriefing tomorrow. Two. You didn’t have to personally hand it in. You could have sent it through secure magical carrier. But having been a Magic Knight for nearly four years, you know that. Take a seat.”

“Thank you.” Nozel sat in one of the two chairs in front of the Commander’s desk.

Greywright noted Nozel’s stiff movements and slight grimace as he sat. The royal really should be at home or the Silver Eagles base convalescing. So why wasn’t he? “What can I do for you, Vice Captain?”

Nozel noticed the untouched touched dinner, pushed aside on Greywright’s desk and felt a margin of guilt. The Magic Knights Commander was clearly busy if he had ignored his supper. But the matter he wanted to discuss was important, and after he and Fuegoleon had been taken and tortured by the Agents of Chaos, he felt that he had a right to some answers.

A knock sounded before Nozel could speak.

Greywright looked to the door. Without waiting for leave, one of the guards who worked at Magic Knights Headquarters entered.

“Commander.” The stony faced man greeted, handing Greywright a slip of paper.

Greywright read the short note and sighed. “Sir Jorah has been informed?”

“Yes, sir. And someone was sent to inform Advisor Ellara as well.” The Guard said.

Greywright nodded. “Dismissed.”

“Sir.” The Guard saluted and exited the office.

Folding the missive and setting it aside, Greywright told Nozel. “Your time just got considerably shorter, Vice Captain. I’d hurry up and speak if I were you.”

“Sir?” Nozel’s brow furrowed, not understanding.

“Flic has died.” Greywright said.

“The Agents of Chaos traitor!” Nozel blinked.

“Yes. And the Wizard King will likely be sending for me shortly, so speak.” Greywright said.

He would’ve gone to the Wizard King’s office immediately; but Greywright couldn’t see what harm Ellara could do in this instance. Ellara had been strangely uninterested in the traitor Flic after that first day. And they had already known Flic would likely die sometime before tomorrow morning. Greywright couldn’t help a dead man; but he could listen to and hopefully help one of his Magic Knights.

That would be nice, Greywright thought. To be of actual help again, instead of just trying to stave off and mitigate disasters.

Nozel stared, wondering why the Knights Commander wasn’t rushing to the prisoners body or Sir Jorah now.

Seeing his wondering pause, Greywright told. “Flic’s death was sadly expected, Vice Captain. He had grown considerably ill at a rather alarming rate and there was nothing the Healer’s could do for him. But that isn’t why you came, so why have you?”

“I--” Nozel faltered when the Knights Commander held out a hand. Mind still whirling from the news he just heard, it took him a second realize Greywright was asking for the report he still held. He passed it over. “I was hoping for answers, sir.”

“Answers? To what?” Greywright asked, looking over the report.

“The Agents of Chaos.”

Greywright’s eyes lifted, all hope of being of help to someone crumbling to dust. “The Magic Knights Captain’s were told what information they were allowed to give their squads. Seeing as Kess seems like a fairly open Captain and you’re her Vice Captain, I would imagine she told you all she could.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And you were there when Vice Captain's Yami Sukehiro and Teris Nova convinced the now dead Mister Flic to yield to my interrogation.” Greywright said, lowering Nozel’s report.

“Yes, sir.”

“So what else is there for you to know?” Greywright asked, disappointment making his tone stern.

“With all respect. Everything, sir. What did Mister Flic say during your interrogation of him? What has Magic Investigations learned of the Agents of Chaos and how the group plans to go about their aims? What are we doing to find and combat them and those plans? What exactly happened during the Summer Solstice that lit up the sky almost a year ago? Why is Alowishus Spade seemingly fixated on Lady Teris and Yami Sukehiro?”

Greywright didn’t miss the bite to Nozel’s tone when he said Yami’s name, but didn’t comment on it. “Those are a lot of serious questions, Vice Captain.”

“Being taken and tortured is a serious matter, sir.”

“Is that why you think you deserve answers when you have the same information we are willing to allow any other Magic Knights Vice Captain?”

“Lady Teris and… he have more information.” Nozel said, unable to say Yami’s name again when the image of Yami pressing Teris against the wall refused to leave his mind no matter how far back he tried to bury it.

“Sir Jorah has only allowed them more information relatively recently, and that is only because the matter involves them.” Greywright said.

Nozel lifted his chin slightly. “Fuegoleon and I were taken and tortured. It involves us now too.”

Greywright lifted and skimmed Nozel’s report as he spoke. “Yami and Teris’ report stated that Alowishus Spade said you and Fuegoleon were taken as means to force them to do his bidding; and from what I see here, you say pretty much the same.” He lowered the paper and sighed. “I understand you’re upset and want answers. None of us here are happy you and Fuegoleon were abducted and used as pawns.”

Nozel’s eye twitched at being called a pawn. Yes, that’s what he and Fuegoleon had been to Alowishus and the Agents of Chaos; but it didn’t mean he liked it.

“But, upsetting as it is, being taken and tortured does not equate to being involved in this.” Greywright continued, thinking that he would seriously consider quitting, his promise to Sir Jorah be damned, if any more of his Magic Knights became the focus of these crazies.

“Teris is my Intended.” Nozel stated.

Greywright paused briefly at that. “I am aware. But I do not understand what you think you’ll gain by saying that.”

Nozel’s eyes shifted down and away from the Knights Commander. Honestly, he wasn’t sure what he had hoped to gain from saying it either. He knew full well it meant nothing in this instance. It was just that after seeing Yami and Teris this afternoon a part of him had needed to say it. Had needed to hear someone in authority acknowledge it. As if saying and hearing it would somehow fix everything and erase what he had seen.

“I’m sorry, Vice Captain.”

Nozel’s gaze lifted. For a moment he thought the Knights Commander was apologizing for what he had witnessed between Yami and Teris.

“I know this can’t be easy. But until Sir Jorah says otherwise, I cannot tell you any more. You will have to be satisfied with the answers that you have.” Greywright straightened at the sudden appearance of Cob outside his door. “Ah, Cob. I was wondering when you would show.”

“Good evening, Commander. The Wizard King wishing to meet with you immediately.” Cob said, jovially.

“Yes.” Greywright stood, taking up his transportation charm. “Please do me a favor and see Vice Captain Nozel either home or to the Silver Eagles base. He has a long morning ahead, and needs to rest and recuperate.” Greywright looked at Nozel. “If you must. Consider that an order, Vice Captain.”

Nozel’s hand twitched at the twinge of his still tender side as he slowly got to his feet. “Yes, sir.”

“See you tomorrow morning.” Greywright said andactivated the transportation charm.

97.7

Wiping her mouth with a napkin, Teris got to her feet and told Yami. “I’ll meet you out by the picnic table.”

“You barely touched your plate.” Yami commented.

“Can blame her.” Tobin muttered, chewing around the overly dry food.

“Hey.” Gendry scowled, offended on Abril’s behalf.

“Then tell your girl to learn how to cook.” Tobin shot back.

Ignoring the two men, Jax looked between his Vice Captain's. “Where you two going?”

“Taking Pilfer and No Name out for a run.” Yami said. It was actually a date; but that wasn’t anyone’s business.

Jax shook his head. “No.”

Yami glowered. “What do you mean, no?”

“Exactly that.” Jax said.

“You’re the one who told me to get this aggression outta my system.” Yami stormed.

“Find another way to do it. You’re not going out. And if you can’t you’re staying tomorrow.” Jax warned.

Still standing at the table, Teris looked between the two. “Why? What’s going on tomorrow?”

“Nothing.” Jax and Yami said. A sure sign that it was definitely something.

“What’s the harm in taking a ride?” Yami asked. The anger building in him might've been a bit out of proportion for the circumstance, but Jax’s order was just as overdone.

“I. Said. No.” Jax clipped.

Muttering a curse, Yami grabbed and lifted the tables edge, slamming it back down.

Teris stared wide eyed.

Tobin’s drink fell over onto his plate. He cursed then shrugged; it couldn’t have made the meal any worse.

The rest of the Black Bulls sat silently, watching out of the corner of their eye.

“Are you finished?” Jax questioned, calmly.

Though the outburst had helped his growing temper, Yami snarled. “It’s just a damned ride.”

Jax threw his napkin down. “It’s never just anything when it’s the two of you. Damn it, Yami! Why must you tempt fate? I swear, Julius is right. You never learn!”

“If fate has plans for me and Teris, I’ll kill the bastard along with the Agents of Chaos.” Yami growled. He looked at the Captain, sudden temper further diminishing. He needed space to breath. The base and people making him feel as if he’d been caged in for far too long in a too small enclosure. “I just want a moments peace. That’s all. Just an hour out and away. Two at most.”

Jax’s expression softened. He felt for Yami; but that didn’t change the fact that his squads safety was far more important than their wants or needs. Mereoleona had been right when she told Yami he had the rest of his life to be as free with Teris as Teris would allow once the mess of Nozel being her Intended was over with. Then again, the loss of his love Belinda, and Bronn’s death had proved that fate was cruel and laughed at such hope filled plans.

Jax shook his head clear of the depressing thoughts. “With you and Teris being taken only a couple days ago and the Summer Solstice so near--”

“They have no plans for us for the Summer Solstice. Alowishus said so himself.” Yami argued.

“Which could be a lie.” Jax said.

“That sick lunatic has done a lot to us, but he’s yet to lie.” Yami said.

“Yet.” Jax stressed. “He hasn’t lied yet. Come on, Yami. With what’s going on with Flic you should’ve seen this coming.”

“Tch.” Yami turned away, making a face.

Teris looked between the two. “Why? What’s going on with Flic?”

Jax glanced at Teris, then back at Yami. “You didn’t tell her?”

“Tell me what?” Teris questioned.

Jax explained about Flic’s unknown illness and the likelihood he would be dead by morning.

Not sure which Vice Captain he was apologizing to, Jax apologized. “Sorry. I thought Yami would've told you.”

“One would've thought.” Teris frowned down at Yami.

“I was going to.” Yami said.

“Sure you were.” Teris spun on a heel and stormed away, leaving her dirty plate.

“Teris, come on. Teris!” Yami called, watching her disappear through the dining room door. Getting to his feet, he cursed and grabbed the table lifting and slamming it back down.

Jax lifted his hands watching his drink tip over. Maybe taking Yami tomorrow really wasn’t the smartest thing.

97.7.2

Climbing the stairs two at a time Yami caught up to Teris as she reached the second floor landing. He grabbed her arm, stopping her from continuing on up to the third level girls wing.

Pulling her back down the two steps she had climbed, Yami griped. “Will you just wait a dang second and listen.”

Teris tried to pull free, her voice angry and wounded. “Why? So you can explain away why you’re still not telling me stuff? I thought we had moved passed this after— Iban.”

Yami opened his mouth to say that they had, but followed Teris’ gaze to see the Blood Mage watching them from the ground floor. “Go away before I kill you, Creepy.” He turned back to Teris, not waiting to see if Iban complied. “Come here.”

Teris’ eyes widened when Yami tugged her down the hall toward the boys wing. “No. Yami. I can’t go down there!”

Growling, Yami bent and lifted her over his shoulder.

Teris yelped. Squealing, she kicked out. “Yami! It’s not proper!”

Yami gave another rumbling growl, feet staggering slightly from Teris’ squirming and kicks. Shifting the balance of her weight, he continued down the hall, giving her butt a sharp smack. “Settle down.”

He kicked his bedroom door open and stepped inside. Setting Teris down on her feet, he closed the door and leaned against it.

Teris blew her hair out of her face, wide eyes darting around the space.

Yami crossed his arms and smirked. She looked like a trapped hare. As cute as he found it, he didn’t want her to be nervous or afraid. “Calm down. It’s not like I haven’t been in your bedroom before.”

Teris stepped backwards. “That’s different.”

Yami quirked a brow. “How so?”

She bumped something and gasped, spinning around.

Yami chuckled. “That’s my bed. You can have a seat if you want.”

“No. Thank you.” Teris took a sideways step.

Yami’s smile grew. It was cute how the royal politeness of her upbringing so quickly and easily came forward despite her clear ire and nervousness. He pushed away from the door and stepped to the bed. Falling back into the mattress, he pillowed his head with his hands and stretched out with a sigh. “Fine. I’ll take it then.”

Teris watched Yami kick out his legs, crossing his ankles. “Why didn’t you tell me about Flic?”

“I was going to.”

Teris huffed.

Yami lifted his head, looking at her. “You doubt me?”

“Just when were you planning on telling me? After he was dead?”

Yami laid his head back down. “I was gonna tell you after our ride tonight. Didn’t wanna ruin it with the news. Instead, Jax ruined it all anyway.”

“I don’t like it anymore than you do, but he’s just worried about us. Besides, he has a point.”

Yami sighed. The dark, brooding feeling within him that was constantly simmering wanted to bubble up in anger at Teris for agreeing with Jax’s point. But he knew that wasn’t really him. It was the thing inside him. The thing he had been battling since the sun set on the night of the Winter Solstice. He wondered if Teris had struggled with the same when the supposed primordial force inside her was on the rise, but didn’t want to ask. He didn’t want to worry her if it hadn’t been the same. Surely she would've said something if it had been like this for her.

He sat up and pushed back in bed leaning against the headboard. “Sorry. I should've told you sooner.”

“You wanted us to enjoy ourselves without all that mess. I’m sorry I got angry. I never should have doubted you.”

“Jax wants to take me to Nozel’s debriefing tomorrow.” Yami said.

Teris sighed. It was an easy enough thing to figure given the way Yami and Jax had responded to her questioning in the dining hall. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t already known about Nozel’s scheduled debriefing. She wondered if and when Yami had originally planned on telling her that. Possibly after their date this evening too. She’d never know for sure now, she sullenly thought. She was just as frustrated by all the rules and restrictions as Yami was. Would they still have to face house arrest and escorts? They were Vice Captain's for mana sake.

She turned away, her disgust at the situation switching to curiosity as she took in Yami’s bedroom. Yami smirked and watched her look about in interest.

“Is it was you imagine?” He asked.

Teris looked back at him, the slight tint in her cheeks belying the surety of her tone. “I thought it’d be messier.”

Yami smiled crookedly. “Yeah well, I haven’t been spending much time in here and the clothes were just sent out for washing so...”

Teris gestured to a box on top of a chest of drawers. “May I?”

“Look through whatever you want.” Yami said.

Teris tentatively opened the long, thin box. It contained instruments used for detailing his katana.

“Don’t stop there.” Yami told.

She could hear the taunting smile in his voice and took it as a challenge to continue, knowing he thought she wouldn’t.

Yami lazily sat back watching her open and close various drawers and cupboards. “Looking for your bra?”

Teris’ eyes slid to him without amusement.

“You’re nowhere close.” Yami taunted.

She closed a drawer overly hard.

Yami watched her walk around the bed to his desk and smiled. “You’re getting closer.”

“Shut— I’m not looking for it. So just—stop.”

Yami chuckled at her temper. “Fine. Forget I mentioned it.” He swung his legs off the bed closing the nightstand drawer she had just opened. “Not that one.”

“What happened to, look through whatever you want?” Teris teased.

“Whatever you want but this one drawer.”

Teris shook her head. “That’s not what you said. You said--”

“I know what I said.” Yami interrupted, hand lifting off of the drawer as he stood.

“Then?” Teris stared up at him, fingers wrapping around the knob and slowly pulling the drawer open.

The side of Yami’s leg pressed against it, closing the drawer back up. “So I misspoke. What of it? You don’t see me going up to your room looking through everything.”

“No. Just stealing undergarments.” Teris humored brow raised.

Yami smiled proudly at that. “If I remember correctly you threw them at me.”

“And if I remember correctly, I never gave you leave to go looking about my things, where as you gave me permission to look.”

Yami grabbed her wrist, arm wrapping around her to pin it to her back. “You’re a greedy little brat, you know that.”

He looked her over, eyes lingering on the rise and fall of her chest. His other hand skimmed up her free arm to cup her face.

Teris’ teasing smile faltered. “Yami. I—we--”

“Shh.” Yami’s thumb brushed lightly across her lips. “Leave what’s in that drawer alone. You’ll find out was in there soon enough. Think of it like sex.”

Teris’ eyes widened, heart quickening.

Yami smirked at her expression. “Something to wait for.”

“You still do, right?”

“Still do what?” Yami asked.

“Want to wait.”

Yami’s brows furrowed. He had told her as much. Why was she... “Are you asking cause of what we did earlier today?”

Teris became defensive. “I know it wasn’t sex.”

“Who would think that was sex?” Yami chuckled.

Blushing at her naivety, Teris pushed him back. “Shut up.”

Yami laughed louder. When she tried to pull away from him, he grew serious. He stared a moment, confused at how upset she had become. “What’d I say?”

“Nothing.” Teris shook her head, crossing her arms when Yami released her.

“If I don’t know, how am I to not do it again?” Yami asked.

“It’s nothing.” Teris said, temper in her tone lessening.

“You can tell me anything, you know.”

“And you can show me anything.” Teris said, eyes flicking to the nightstand drawer with interest.

“Alright then.” Yami grinned, mischievously.

Teris’ eyes brightened then closed tightly shut when his hands went to his belt buckle. “Yami!”

Yami laughed, looking freely over her.

“Is it safe?” Teris timidly asked.

“Hardly.” Yami’s deep voice rumbled, eyes raking over her form.

Teris’ eyes opened.

“What?” Yami asked, innocently.

“What?” Teris echoed. Her eyes darted down, both glad and slightly disappointed his buckle and pants were still done.

Yami smiled crookedly. “You’re too easy, Princess.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Teris asked, a hint of temper in her tone.

Sitting in bed, Yami gripped her hips and pulled her closer, his legs spread to either side of her. Teris stopped, unable to get any closer without falling into bed with him.

“Don’t worry, Ikigai. I’m far too easy when it comes to you too.”

“Are you ever going to tell me what that means?” Teris asked.

She saw a bit of color peeking out from under Yami’s pillow. With a blink she realized it was her bra. And here she had been certain it had been hidden in the nightstand drawer he wouldn’t let her open. Now she really wanted to know what was in the drawer.

Yami’s eyes lowered to the front of her upper left thigh. “Let me kiss that birthmark of yours and I’ll consider telling you want it means.”

Teris’ eyes shot back to him. “Yami!”

“Alright then, just let me see it.”

“Yami.”

“What? It’s not like I haven’t seen it once before.” And a million other times in my head, Yami thought.

“No.”

“Fine. Then can I touch it?” Yami asked, hand already sliding down from her hip to do so.

“Yami! No.” Teris squeaked and laughed, slapping away his hand.

Yami bent, lowering his head. “You sure I can’t kiss it?”

“Yami!” Teris put her hands on his shoulders holding him at bay.

There was a quick knock followed by the bedroom door opening.

Olsen poked his head in. Seeing Yami sitting on the bed. Teris standing between his legs. Yami’s head bent, face so near Teris. And Teris gripping the mans powerful shoulders. The Water Mage quickly ducked his head back out. “Sorry! Sorry.”

“No. No.” Teris called. She stepped back, Yami’s hands falling to his knees.

Olsen peeked back in, apologizing once more. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“There was nothing to interrupt.” Teris said.

“Says you.” Yami grumbled. Turning to Olsen, he demanded. “What do you want?”

Olsen continued as if neither Vice Captain had spoken. “It’s only Iban said I could find you up here. But, he said nothing about Teris being with you.”

“Of course he didn’t.” Yami muttered and asked again. “What do you want?”

Teris made of the door. “I’ll leave you two to it.”

“Teris, wait.” Yami reached, but she was too quick in her steps.

Olsen inclined his head as Teris passed.

Yami listened to her footfalls as they hurried down the hall and up the stairs. He eyed Olsen murderously. “What have I told you about entering without leave?”

Olsen held up his hands in a placating surrender. “You’re right. I’m sorry. But whatever was going on would've come to a halt whether I waited for a response or not.”

“Nothing was going on.” Yami said.

Looking back over his shoulder, Tobin pushed his way passed Olsen and entered Yami’s room. “Was that Teris I saw rushing from this way?”

“Shut up.” Yami snapped.

Olsen gave Tobin a nod.

“What happened to wanting to wait?” Bran asked from the doorway.

Tobin smirked lewdly. “I knew you couldn’t wait. You--”

“If you want to keep your tongue, stop using.” Yami growled. He got to his feet and frog-stepped Tobin and Olsen out of his room. “Bran! Go feed the wolves.”

“Gendry took them out for a run.” Bran said.

“Then go do something else useful.” Yami said.

“Like stepping in here and stopping what you and Teris were up to?” Olsen asked.

Yami glowered. “I told you, nothing was going on.”

“You should take more care.” Olsen said. “That is if you truly wish to wait. A year and a half may not seem like much. But it can be a very long time indeed.”

Tell me about it, Yami thought.

“A word of advice. Holding out for such a time would greatly be aided if you didn’t enter each others bedrooms.” Olsen went on.

“What he said.” Tobin said, backing into Bran as he was backed out of Yami’s room.

“Didn’t ask for your advice.” Yami told the two men, slamming the door in their faces.

Exhaling, Yami ran a hand through his hair. He turned around and leaned back against the door. He saw Teris in every area she had been, and several places she hadn’t. Namely his bed. Closing his eyes, his head banged back against the door.

Unwanted advice or not, Olsen was right about one thing. A year and a half seemed like a very long time indeed.

***Important question***

So I have what would be some longer chapters like this one. Currently, they have been cut in half to cut down on length and give me a buffer between what I’m writing and posting. The question I have for you all is, do you like these weekly updates, which would mean those longer chapters would stay cut in half? Our would you prefer longer chapters like this one, which would mean switching from weekly to every other week updates?

Also I got a couple asks this past week that might interest some readers. One is a reader theory and the other is about the fic length and how I section it. There's links on ao3, or you can just go to my tumblr's honepage.

Comments are VERY MUCH appreciated and really make my day. Thank you to those who have left hearts. And a special THANK YOU to those who have recently commented or re-blogged. It really means a lot.

Next chapter snippet:

“If all the History of Chaos covered was strictly just the history of Chaos why would it even make an attempt at showing you the image of Alowishus Spade or the Master of Master's? No matter how old Alowishus Spade is, I seriously doubt he’s old enough to have been alive and around during the time of Chaos’ reign and defeat which brought about Order.”

Teris frowned, having never thought of that. Her eyes lifted to Marx realization dawning. “You think the portrait is of Yurist.”

[blackcloverdatabase]

English Translation of Novel 3: Chapter 3 – The Sun Doesn’t Set For Troubled Women (Part 1 of 2)

Here’s the rom-com chapter from Book of Yuno! Apparently, there’s a holiday called Three Leaf Day in Clover Kingdom. Because of this, Bell, Noelle, and Charlotte are looking for a gift for their special someones. Get ready for a wild a ride. This is one disastrous trio.  

--- The Sun Doesn’t Set For Troubled Women: Part 1 ---

Three-Leaf Day.

Each leaf of the three-leaf clover has meaning attached to it: good faith, hope, and love. Three-Leaf Day is a special day which comes only once a year, where you a give a gift to someone in return for giving you at least one of these three things. That day is today. Thus, all the townspeople of every town were talking excitedly about to whom and what they were planning to give, and shopkeepers have been inviting customers to their stores with more enthusiasm than ever. It was a day which livened up the whole town…… no, the whole country.

However, among all this,

“Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm~~~~~~~~~~~”

Just before noon, in a corner of the shopping district of the royal capital, Bell let out a groan. She couldn’t decide on a present for Yuno.  She had wanted to prepare a gift for him earlier, but she and Yuno had been taking care of Gram (Julius’s pet pig) until just the other day, and then Mereoleona took them on a tour to that power spot (which was not a tour at all; they were coerced into capturing a dungeon). Anytime they had outside of Mereoleona’s unlawful abduction or being forced along with someone else’s schemes was spent training for the Royal Knights Selection Exam, so Bell didn’t have the time to go out into the city before today.

Finally finding the time to go, Bell came to the shopping district with the pocket money she had been saving up for a very long time now, but…… she couldn’t quite decide what to buy.

“……Huh? Aren’t you that wind spirit who’s always with Yuno? Bell, was it……?”

While she was looking in distress at the clothing showcased at the front of the store, Bell heard a voice call out to her from the side. When she turned to see who it was, she saw a girl with beautifully long, straight silver hair wearing big, black-rimmed glasses.

‘I feel like I’ve seen her somewhere before……,’ Bell thought to herself. Then, looking as if she had just remembered something, the silver-haired girl gasped and suddenly turned around.

“S-sorry. I mistook you for someone else!”

“No, you’re not wrong, and how would you mistake someone my size for someone else, anyway? ……AH!”

Realizing where she had seen her face before, Bell circled around toward the front of the silver-haired girl and yanked her glasses from her face.

“Ah, hey! Return those at onc-

“…I knew it! You were at Mereoleona’s hot spring camp, right?

Generally speaking, Bell had no interest in anyone other than Yuno and herself, so she wasn’t very good at remembering the names and faces of other people. However, this girl left a bit of an impression on Bell since she often saw her with her detestable rival…… Asta.

‘If I recall, this girl’s name is…...’

“Your name was…… Noelle, right? Your hairstyle looks different today, but you’re Noelle, aren’t you?”

“!!”

Upon hearing her name called by Bell, the silver-haired girl, AKA Noelle, became visibly agitated as she opened and closed her mouth again, until finally, with a face so red that it reached her ears, she screamed,

“Y-y-you’re mistaken! It’s not like I…… came here to buy a present for Asta or anything!!”

“I haven’t said anything, though?”

“I-I was just shopping for myself, and…… I thought that, while I was here, maybe I should look around a bit for a gift, but I didn’t come here with that intention!! So don’t say anything weird!!

“Like I said, I never said anything!”

“……Huh!?”

There, Noelle came to her senses and looked around at her surroundings. The people around them had stopped in their tracks, staring at her in surprise. It was only natural. After all, she screamed so loudly in the middle of town. Bell scratched her cheek awkwardly as she said,

“…...Umm, a-anyway, how about we get out of here?”

Unusually for her, she actually read the mood of this place.

 “I-I’m telling the truth! I’m just giving him a gift out of courtesy, like during Valentine’s Day**!”

“Jeez~, I get it, okay? You’re so stubborn!”

After their escape, Bell and Noelle talked as they walked through the city. Her full name was Noelle Silva, member of the Black Bulls. She was cursing her blunder from earlier. Today, she was planning to buy a gift for Asta incognito. She even bothered putting on a light disguise, and she has been wandering about through town since early this morning. However, she was surprised when she saw that Bell was also there, and so she talked to her without thinking. Having exposed her own identity and ever her purpose for coming here, she was just about ready to blow a fuse.

“Also, don’t tell anyone about today……”

And now, she was walking with Bell, trying to convince her to keep her secret…… or rather, she was just trying to correct her misunderstanding. That’s all.

“Sure, whatever.”

Bell sighed before continuing,

“…...You know, I don’t think there’s any reason for you to be embarrassed about giving something to someone important to you. If anything, I think that’s a very lovely thing to do.”

“H-he’s not that important to me!”

“You’re more trouble than I thought…… Then, I’ll rephrase. Imagine that the person you were planning to buy a gift for bought a gift for you.”

Upon being told this, the movie reel of Noelle’s imagination began to play. She imagined that Asta worked with all his might to choose a present for her. And, as he handed it to her, he had his usual innocent smile as he said,

“Thanks for everything, Noelle!”

Then, he grabs her shoulders, and……

Suddenly, Noelle was filled with so much happiness that she melted, a smile spontaneously forming on her face.

“See? You’re ridiculously happy about this!”

“……A-am n-eh heh heh. I’m not happy at all!”

“You’re angry, but you’re still smiling…… Anyhow,”

Bell zipped right in front of Noelle’s nose as she said with furrowed brows,

“A gift is something you choose while thinking about that person, trying your very hardest to make that person happy! A gift implies that the other person spent that time thinking about you! That’s why receiving a gift is such a happy thing! It’s rude to the person you’re buying a gift for if you buy it all sneaky like that!”

“Y-you talk too much! It makes it hard for me to talk back to you!”

“What’s with you trying to get the last words in! We’re ending this argument here and now!”

While the two argued with each other, at that moment,

THUD

They heard a sound from behind them, causing the townspeople to clamor about. Bell and Noelle turned around, where they saw beautiful woman with hazelnut-blonde hair had collapsed to the floor.

“H-hey, are you alright!?”

Without a moment’s delay, Noelle rushed over to the woman, lifting her body in her arms.

“……Huh?”

The woman spoke. She wore a beret, as well as a scarf which covered her mouth. Thus, it took a moment for Noelle to notice, but this beautiful woman was……

“……Captain Charlotte?”

 “I-is it really alright for you to be walking so soon?”

“…..Yes. You needn’t worry. I just got a little dizzy while shopping. My apologies.”

“Jeez~ be careful, okay? We thought something happened.”

After that, Noelle, Charlotte, and Bell all walked together through the town as they talked. The Captain of the Blue Roses, Charlotte Roselei, was cursing her blunder from earlier. Today, Charlotte had put on a light disguise to buy a gift for Yami incognito, but then she saw Bell and Noelle walking through town. They looked like they were looking to buy a gift, so she decided to follow behind them to use them as a reference for what she should buy.

But…… she messed up. She had overheard their conversation, when Bell told Noelle to imagine being given a gift from the person she was planning to buy a gift for. This caused Charlotte to begin imagining the same. She imagined that Yami worked with all his might to choose a present for her. She imagined him saying something to the effect of,

“I like strong women, but that cute side of you ain’t bad either.”

As he wrapped something like a necklace around her neck, and…...

Suddenly, her blood rushed to her face, and, before she knew it, she fell to the ground.

“……Knowing of this would only cause my squad members to worry, so could you please keep the fact I fainted a secret……? A-also, if you could not tell anyone that I was here…”

Charlotte walked with them, frantically trying to convince them to keep her secret… or rather, she was just trying to convince them not to worry about her. That’s all.

Bell completely rethought her earlier stance and clapped her hands together as she said cheerily,

“Well, this is perfect! The three of us can go shopping together!”

“……Huh?”

The two said this simultaneously with eyes wide in shock at Bell’s sudden proposal. Well, perhaps it was not so abrupt after all. It was only natural to do this after meeting fellow acquaintances in town. Also, being able to consult with someone else as they shopped for a gift sounded great. However, Noelle and Charlotte also thought,

‘If I do as she suggested, isn’t it going to look like I’m really enthusiastic about buying a gift for him……!?’

‘I want to be like “Well, I guess it can’t be helped,” but……’

These girls were truly troublesome. However, Bell said the magical words they needed.

“I’m looking for a gift for Yuno, but I’ve been having a lot of trouble deciding what to buy him. If we discuss it with one another, then we can all decide on what to buy, right?”

“!!”

With those words, the two were grinning ear to ear internally, but they tried not to show that on the outside. Noelle responded first.

“Hmph…… Well, I guess it can’t be helped~ If you’re going to be that insistent about it, then I guess I can shop with you.”

“If you put it like that, then I cannot refuse you…… Ah! Aah, that’s right! A few days ago, during the Star Festival, I ended up owing a small debt to Yami! I’d hate to leave it unpaid, so maybe I should buy him something…... Ha ha, this is a good opportunity, after all. Let’s do it.”

After Noelle, Charlotte responded with a tone of voice that would suggest that she found all this to be a bit of a bother, but her inner enthusiasm was so great that it showed in her gait. An acquaintance of hers was buying a gift, so of course she would “help” and accompany her.

‘If I can approach from this angle, then it’s not so bad……!’

These girls were truly troublesome. Not knowing of such troublesome considerations, or rather, not being interested in the troubles of others, Bell quipped, “Well then, it’s decided!” and sat on Noelle’s shoulder.

“Ah, I’m so glad! I’m beat after flying around for so long. Plus, I stand out more when I’m by myself.”

“…I bet that was your goal this whole time.”

‘She’s annoyingly cute……,’ Noelle thought. Noelle then asked Charlotte,

“Well, whatever…… Anyway, where should we go first?”

“Central avenue should be fine, right? Most things can be found there.”

Charlotte answered as she walked beside Noelle. At that moment,

“……Huh? Big Sis? You’re Big Sis, right?”

“!!”

Hearing a voice she knew all too well call out to her from behind, Charlotte stopped dead in her tracks. She turned her head in an unnatural fashion, much like a robot, only to see…

“It is Big Sis! And you’re wearing civilian clothes…… You look so good in civilian clothes! What a treat!”

Sol Marron, squad member of the Blue Roses and Charlotte’s close aide. Standing behind her were several more members of the Blue Roses.

“Oh, hello…… Sol…… Fancy meeting you here.”

For the time being, she was able to return Sol’s greeting with dignity and grace, but, internally, Charlotte was thinking,

‘……T-this is bad. If they find out I was planning to give a gift to a man, they’ll……!’

The Blue Roses was a squad who hated men, and Charlotte ruled this squad at the top. She had no clue what they would tell her if they found out she was going to give a gift to a man.

‘I mustn’t allow them to find out……’

Charlotte thought to herself vehemently. In contrast to Charlotte, Sol indifferently came closer to them.

“Oh, on Noelle…… it’s the wind spirit! What a rare honor~”

“……So. what. are you all. doing here?”

Charlotte unintentionally butchered the coherence of her words as she asked. Sol…... and the rest of the Blue Roses shouldn’t have had any missions that would require them to be here, so why…...?

“We heard that the Original Sin was sighted around here. We came to ask around about that.”

‘That Original Sin! To think that it would show itself even here! As one would expect from such a dangerous magic tool!’

While Charlotte thought this angerly, Sol tilted her head to the side with a grin.

“So, why were you here, Big S-

Before Sol could finish, Noelle interjected as if she were about to blow a fuse,

“To-today, we’re helping Bell shop!”

In response, Charlotte nodded her head so vigorously that she looked like she was headbanging. That’s right. In her agitation, Charlotte had not realized this, but there was no need for her to be so worried. Right now, they had a convenient excuse.

However, those feelings of safety lasted only for a second. The reason being that Noelle, caught up in her own temper, declared,

“C-Captain Charlotte and I also, um, p-plan to buy a gift, but only…… only because this is a good chance to do so!”

‘HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!’

While screaming internally, Charlotte glared at Noelle with all her might, but it was already too late.

“……Present……?”

The second they heard Noelle, Sol, as well as all the Blue Roses members behind her, narrowed their eyes sharply. Then, to make things worse, Bell, in her inability to read the mood, dropped this bombshell.

“That’s right. We’re all going to buy a gift for the person precious to us. Eh heh heh, isn’t that great~?”

‘HOW ABOUT I DO SOMETHING “GREAT” TO YOU, HUUUH!!?’

Charlotte thought to herself as she glared at Bell, but to no avail. Her squad members’ narrowed eyes were so sharp that they shone like daggers.

“……The person…… precious to you…...?”

“Y-you’re mistaken…… before drawing any conclusions, you should listen to a person’s whole story……”

While trying to calm down her squad members, Charlotte was racking her brain, trying to think up a good excuse.

“……I’m listening. I’m listening, all right. If it’s Big Sis, I’ll listen to whatever you have to say……”

However, before Charlotte could think of an idea, Sol stepped forward with a sway, drawing nearer toward Charlotte. She opened her eyes, revealing that the light had completely disappeared from them, and sloppily tilted her head to the side as she hoarsely said,  

“……So, tell me…… the person you plan to give a gift to…… your precious person…... who is it?”

She sounded like an evil spirit as she spoke. She spoke with such vigor that Charlotte felt like if she answers this spirit incorrectly, she’ll haunt her for the rest of her life…… no, she’ll haunt her even into the next world while groaning, “Big Sis…… we’ll be together forever… forever……,” or something. Even so, Charlotte couldn’t think of a good reply. What should she tell her to escape such a difficult situation……?

“……A ‘precious person’…… I know!”

Though Charlotte felt cornered, she found a clue in those words and said,

“……Good grief. I guess it can’t be helped that you would find out.”

She sighed, then, one by one, she looked at Sol and all the other members of the Blue Roses straight in the eyes before quietly saying with a smile,

“My precious person…… that’s all of you, the members of the Blue Roses.”

“………!!”

The sound of falling in love echoed inside every single member of the Blue Roses, and a vision of a flower garden spread across the background. Charlotte continued,

“Our rank in this year’s Star Festival went up by one compared to last year, remember? That was all thanks to the strenuous effort you put forth every day. That’s why I planned on secretly preparing gifts for all of you, but…… it seems that I’ve been found out.”

“Aah……. Ah……. Aah! B-Big Sis……. Big Sis Big Sis Big Sis!!”

A stream of tears flooded from Sol’s eyes as she staggered before sinking to the floor.

“Even if it was only for a second, I can’t believe I doubted such a wonderful person who’s so thoughtful about her squad! I’m such a fool!!”

Sol began bashing her forehead against the stone pavement. The surrounding pedestrians were shocked by the sight, and mothers with small children quietly covered their children’s eyes before walking away.

“That’s enough, Sol. I should be the one apologizing for confusing you, so please stop that.”

‘Because that’s honestly terrifying to watch……,’ Charlotte thought. This snapped Sol out of it. Charlotte then declared,

“The Blue Roses is an honorable squad composed of only the purest of women! From here on, let us complete our duties with zeal so that we do not fall behind those other squads led by such vulgar, vile men! Do I make myself clear!?”

“Yes ma’am!”

Charlotte sent them off with those words, and the members of her squad walked away with 70% more fighting spirit than before. Charlotte waited until they slipped into the crowd before gripping her chest. Although she somehow managed to avoid a crisis, it still hurt her heart that she had to trick them like that. Moreover, buying presents for ten people is going to be quite painful as well… for her wallet, that is. While Charlotte was thinking this, Noelle and Bell said in surprise,

“You’re amazing, Captain Charlotte…… you’re giving a gift to Captain Yami AND all the members of your squad?”

“You sure are generous~ But are you really going to be okay? Aren’t you going to run out of money that way?”

‘This is your fault!’

Of course, as much as she wanted to, Charlotte didn’t say this. Instead, she replied with,

“If it’s just every once and a while, it’s fine.”

A suitable reply. In truth, the one keeping secrets is her. It’s not those girls’ fault. They’re airheads, but it’s not their fault.

……At any rate, just meeting a few acquaintances caused this much of a fuss. She had the feeling that that there were other traps lying in wait as well. She could tell that this shopping trip was not going to be a smooth one.

“……Anyway, shall we go? Our time is limited.”

Although this incident marked only the beginning of their troubles, the girls’ quest to choose a gift had begun. With the curtain rising on their quest, the three of them came to a large street which cut through the shopping district. A variety of stores, both large and small, lined both sides of the street, where a wide variety of goods were on display. The three of them decided that they would start at the beginning and walk down this street, thinking that they would surely find something worth buying here. As they walked, Bell became completely stumped for the second time that day as she said to Noelle,  

“I know I’m repeating myself, but having so many choices makes it even harder to choose.”

“You’ll just have to start by narrowing down your choices, like by picking out things that would look good on Yuno.”

“Hmmm, but……”

Bell glanced at all the people walking through the street before looking straight into Noelle’s eyes.

“My Yuno is so handsome that he can’t possibly be compared with any of those other guys! He’s so stylish that he looks good in absolutely anything, and every accessory you could possibly find looks like it was made for him!”

“You don’t have to say it so bluntly.”

Noelle wondered if the concept of “humility” existed in the spirit world.

“If you can’t decide on what would look good on him, why not buy something he can use?”

Charlotte said as they walked toward a nearby clothing store. While rummaging through the clothes that were piled at the front of the store, her face flushed a bit red as she continued,

“For example…... Yami wears the same kind of tank top every day, right? If I buy him something like that, no matter how many he already has, he’s sure to use it, I think.”

Hearing Charlotte’s opinion, Bell said with a displeased look on her face,

“That doesn’t sound fun at all. That’s no different than if he bought it himself.”

“That’s why you choose a different design than what he normally would, or you choose something made with higher-grade materials. Then, when he needs to wear something more formal or if he just feels like wearing something a little different, he can wear what you bought him.”

“I see……”

Noelle nodded in agreement. As one would expect from her senior, not to mention a captain of the Magic Knights. Perhaps what she said wasn’t all that special, but Noelle was impressed that Charlotte could come up with such an idea so quickly and put it into action. Her taste in clothing must be superb as well.

Before long, Charlotte picked out a shirt from the pile and turned around toward Noelle and Bell.

“Something that he wouldn’t normally choose himself, as well as something a little more expensive than what he usually buys…… In other words, something like this.”  

Saying this, the shirt she presented to them was…...

“………”

A tank top with black skulls plastered all over it, one of incredibly poor taste.  Red studs lined its sleeves and collar, and there were gold chains strewn across here and there.

“I was thinking something on the lines of this, but…… what do you two think?”

For some reason, Charlotte had a smug look on her face as she held the tank top(?) in front of her and asked for their thoughts. Noelle and Bell were brutally honest with their answers.

“It’s so lame, I could vomit.”

“If I had a boyfriend who wore that, I’d break up with him.”

“I see. Well, I must say, I really outdid myself this…… HUH!? Wai- what!? I-It’s no good!?”

Charlotte couldn’t believe what they just said. As if to shock her even further, Bell ridiculed,

“Of course it’s no good! That’s not something expensive that he wouldn’t buy for himself, that’s something pointlessly expensive that nobody would ever buy for themselves.”

“Wha-, but…… i-isn’t this cool!? It even has chains!”

“So what!? Actually, that’s exactly why it sucks! Both fashionably speaking and functionally speaking!”

“No, but…… it has skulls……”

“You can’t just buy something just because it has skulls! Just how much appeal do you think skulls have, huh!?”

Charlotte Roselei: 27 years old. Before now, she has never bought a man a gift. She remembers giving her father a gift when she was very young, but giving gifts to blood relatives isn’t really comparable to giving gifts to a member of the opposite sex. Moreover, the last time she gave a gift to him was when she was 10 years old. In other words, her sense of gift giving hasn’t matured since then. This serious accident was the result of her trying to join two words she heard boys around her at that age describe as “cool”, such as “skulls” or “chains”.

Not knowing of Charlotte’s circumstances, Bell let out a sigh and said,

“Get yourself together. Let me just say this in advance, I’ve already prepared my main gift for Yuno. I’m just looking for something a little extra to buy for him today!”

“……Wait, Bell. You say you already bought your main gift for Yuno?”

Noelle said in surprise.

“Of course I have!”

As she said this, Bell puffed out her chest with pride. Charlotte somewhat sadly returned the tank top to where she found it and sighed,

“……. Please tell us these things sooner. Didn’t we agree that we would use each other’s gifts as a reference to help us choose our own?”

“So, what did you buy?”

After Noelle asked her this, Bell self-importantly paused to add a moment of suspense before saying with a smug look on her face,

“I didn’t buy it! I wrote it……. I wrote a poem about forty cantos** long, all for Yuno!”

‘…………Eww’

Not noticing that the two had backed away from her, Bell started a longwinded speech while gesturing grandiosely with her arms, much like an actor would on stage.

“How much I think about Yuno every day, how much I love Yuno, what it is I love about Yuno…… even forty cantos wasn’t enough to fit it all in, but I composed it using the love I have for him every day. Fu fu, I’m sorry! My gift is far too amazing to be usable as a reference for the two of you!”

Charlotte and Noelle interjected before Bell could get any further.

“You have a lot of nerve making fun of my sense of gift giving when you yourself are in possession of such hazardous material.”

“You’d be better off throwing it away as soon as you can.”

“HUUH!?”

Bell yelled, absolutely livid, but Noelle tilted her head like a delinquent and returned fire.

“Don’t you “HUUH!?” me! A letter might be okay, but a poem…… if I received something like that, I wouldn’t know what to do with it! I’d just be plain terrified!”

“How rude! Every time he reads it, he would feel my love for him, wouldn’t he!?”

“That’s why it’s so terrifying! It’s almost stalker-like…… No, even a stalker would say “No, I’d never do that!”!”

“But I even have it all bound into a book! The book even has a ribbon!”

“No buts! All that just adds to the creepiness! I mean, what’s up with you!? I have no doubts anymore. You’re nuts!”

The wind spirit, Bell: age unknown. She loves Yuno, and she also loves herself. She loves hearing herself talk, she loves what she does, and she loves what she writes. In short, she thinks that anything she creates must be good, which means that the poetry she wrote must, of course, be good. Anybody would be happy to receive it. She would later testify that it was this distorted love that led to such a crime.

“G-grrrr!! If you’re gonna go that far, then let’s hear what you plan on buying!”

Bell retaliated in tears. In response, Noelle pushed up her glasses and said,

“I’ve known what I was going to buy him since the moment we came here…… it’s over there.”

Full of confidence, she pointed her finger at a store where a cat plush holding a grimoire was displayed. It was a specialty store, dedicated to selling book pouches.

‘……That’s a good idea, actually,’ Bell and Charlotte thought.

Book pouches are made of sturdy materials, but they can break, especially if they get damaged by a foe’s attack, so many Magic Knights like to have spares on hand. On the other hand, there are many slovenly men who don’t bother to buy another book pouch until their old one has completely fallen apart. In other words, just as Charlotte was saying earlier, it was something that the other person won’t be troubled by having more than one of, while also being something he wouldn’t buy for himself. In addition, book pouches often feature rather tame designs, so something like the tank top incident they had earlier is unlikely to occur if you buy a book pouch.

“I see…… not bad, Noelle.”

Charlotte said without thinking. Bell, too, couldn’t deny that Noelle’s choice was a good one once she saw where Noelle was pointing, begrudgingly admitting,

“W-well, that’s not a bad choice……”

Noelle flipped her silver hair over her shoulder with a swish.

“Of course. It’s one of a kind, so I’m sure he’ll be happy with it.”

She walked toward the specialty shop as she talked…… but, for some reason, she stopped before entering the shop. She then started cuddling the two-meter cat plush that was displayed at the front of the store to attract customers and boasted,

“But, this is the gift I’m giving to Asta! You two should find your own gifts!”

“I’m pretty sure that’s not for sale! And wait a second, you were talking about the cat!?”

Charlotte retorted without a moment’s delay, causing Noelle to look around restlessly.

“Huh?...... Yes, but……? What else would I be talking about?”

“Plenty! In fact, of all the things you could have chosen here, why would you choose that! No matter how I look at it, wouldn’t that just be in the way!? It’s too big!”

“But that’s what makes it so cute!”

Noelle Silva: 15 years old. Her tastes are rather simple, but they can also be a bit odd at times.

“You’ve lost me! All I can say to you is that you have completely lost me!”

Completely unaware of this aspect of Noelle, Charlotte retorted with all her might, completely out of her usual character…… and then, at that moment, the three of them realized –

They all suck at this.

All three of them were somewhat aware of the fact that their tastes were a bit “off”. They decided to go on this shopping trip together in an attempt to remedy that, but…… they never thought they’d all be this far gone. All they’ve been doing is roasting each other and getting roasted. This hasn’t gotten them any closer to choosing the right gift, and, at this rate, they’re never going to get to the right choice. They’ll only continue to wander eternally through an endless corridor filled with bad choices. Recognizing the danger of their current predicament, they silently exchanged glances with each other.

“……U-um, excuse me? Did you w-want something…… from my store?”

A woman came out from the store which sold book pouches and fearfully spoke to the three of them.

“……….!!”

All three of them turned toward the woman in an instant before turning back toward each other and nodding. Then, after wordlessly hatching up a plot together, they all stepped toward the shopkeeper. Now that things have come to this, they’ll have to rely on their last resort,

“……I want to buy a present, but what would you recommend?”

Consulting the shop owner.

— To be continued in Part 2 —

This isn’t quite “half” of the chapter since this was the best break-point I could find and I had to study for exams, but I promise part 2 is longer than this one. The below are some supplementary notes about this chapter:

** In Japan, there are two types of chocolate a woman can buy for a man on Valentine’s Day. Giri chocolate is “obligatory chocolate"  and is given to male coworkers or colleagues in expression of friendship, gratitude, etc. In contrast, Honmei chocolate is inspired by romantic interest and given to husbands, boyfriends, or a potential love interest if confessing on Valentine’s Day is your thing. The idea is that, when Noelle gives Asta a gift, she’s going to insist it’s like giri chocolate. It’s not honmei or anything, b-baka!

** A Canto is a subdivision or part in a narrative or epic poem, consisting of five or more lines

** The original title is Kojirase Joshi wa Tasogarenai. Kojirase Joshi doesn’t translate well into English, and is a term that required a ton of research (well, in the sense that you can’t find it in a dictionary so you just look it up on Yahoo Japan instead). Apparently, it’s a slang term coined in 2011 from Amamiya Mami’s book, Joshi wo Kojirasete. It refers to young women who "just can't get it right”, hapless in love and lacking self-confidence in their own femininity. It can even describe women who have an inferiority complex about their own femininity, which causes them to have difficulties in their social life. In short, they’re troubled women, hence my decision for the title of this chapter.

[sparklyjojos]

CARNIVAL DAY recaps [12/13]

Today’s recap: Explanations and more explanations, or: confronting Tsukumo Jaki, the tale of two brothers (ft. very important underwear), Seiryoin’s true identity, and wordplay upon wordplay upon wordplay.

--

Time passes in the Sanctuary. After Ajiro recovers, he and Hyouma talk a lot about their relations. [Basically they throw compliments at each other and it’s heartwarming.]

Now that Ajiro turned out to be okay, Hyouma wonders if they can save other people considered dead or missing. He makes a list of every important person [which I’m pretty sure is just Seiryoin’s way of reminding us what happened to all these characters].

The dead: Matsuo Tenmei (a JDC employee), Fuyuu Kasumi, Mito Muramasa, John Morse, Suzukaze Unomaru, Drexel Uryakov, Hazuma Kuroo, Sado Kutou, Ryuuguu Jounosuke, Fuumonji Jouka, Tierra, Silva (the old woman), Tsukumo Juku, Desert Colosseum, Ronely Queen, Ushiwaka Gigolo, Firannu Meirunesia, Somedaring Amagoi (probably?), the Dot who looked like Yuu.

The missing: Tousen Yomiko, Yakuma Suzume (the real one), Kirika Mai, Yuiga Dokuson, Sarutobi Shinobu, Manji Tawawa.

The living: Ajiro Souji, Yaiba Somahito, Tsukumo Nemu, Hikimiya Yuuya, Amagi Hyouma, Christmas Mizuno, Kakuusan Kanke, Ryuuguu Otohime, Diana Hosey, Zerofini Roi, Inugami Yasha, BOKU, Hanto Maimu & Kuraimu, Tanna Sazen, Endou Naoto (White), Ryuuou (Black), Joyeeta, Fabian, Pacha Palermo, Theodore Hosey, Aleksandr Uryakov, Lemuria Sullivan, Rudolf Strauss, the Dot that looks like Unomaru.

A pretty depressing list to look at. Maybe they can find someone who’s missing? Real Yakuma was probably made unfindable by Jaki. Experts have been searching for Yomiko and other detectives from the Robo-Ship for months now and found nothing. Dokuson disappeared of his own volition, and as Hyouma knew well, there was no stopping this guy once he set his mind to something. Probably they wouldn’t find Sarutobi either, or that Tawawa lady Hyouma doesn’t know a lot about. As for Kirika, it looks to Hyouma like she had an important reason to temporarily withdraw, and that “suicide letter” was a trick to allow her to disappear for now.

If they can’t find the missing people, maybe they can check if someone considered dead isn’t actually alive?—and with that thought, Hyouma sets his eyes on “Saburou”, the Dot who looks like Unomaru. Sure, RISE told them that entire story about Unomaru escaping the Sanctuary and dying in riots in Jakarta, but maybe it was actually the imposter who died?

To test his theory, Hyouma plays Uno with “Saburou” for a good three days. (It’s weird that you can order Uno cards through the Sanctuary's conveyor belt system, but hey, not complaining). He introduces a household rule that instead of “uno”, they have to yell “ooo-one!” [a part of Unomaru’s pre-asskicking catchphrase that we last heard like a thousand and a half pages ago, in the Cape of Good Hope chapter].

While they’re playing, Hyouma explains that Unomaru (if it is him) has nothing to fear, because this whole thing about “Ra” punishing the Dots has to be a lie. Instead, every Dot has a bomb in their head that automatically detonates if they get too flustered—but Hyouma has good reasons to believe this doesn’t apply to Unomaru.

After three days of playing, “Saburou” says their usual “...ooo-one!” and puts his next-to-last card down. Then he slowly recalls the other lines— “...people live to solve mysteries…”—and by the time he finishes his badass catchphrase, JDC detective Suzukaze Unomaru finally remembers who he truly is.

Hyouma explains why he thought Black’s statement about Unomaru dying was suspicious. First of all, Black claimed Unomaru had been snatched from the ship, brainwashed for a full month (two weeks of failure and two weeks of “let’s do this instead”), then sent with other Dots to the Loch Ness case. However, the cases by the Cape of Good Hope (September 14th) and Loch Ness (October 12th) didn’t have a full month between them. Small, but still a contradiction.

Unomaru admits he was very lucky the first brainwashing failed; had it succeeded, he would probably have been manipulated into dying in Jakarta instead of the imposter.

How did Hyouma know Unomaru didn’t have a bomb planted inside him? First, he didn’t explode like the rest of the Dots in the Earth House. Second, it was in RISE’s interest that neither him nor the imposter should have bombs; RISE wanted to use specifically one of them in the Borobudur case, which would be hard if they accidentally blew themselves up beforehand.

The bombs explode when detecting signs of high stress, which is why the Dots are brainwashed to keep their cool at all times… except for when they’re speaking against RISE. The explosions can probably also be triggered at the time of Billion Killer cases if there’s a need for three bodies.

Now that Hyouma proved Unomaru was Unomaru, he hopes Black Rook is actually their good old friend Ryuuguu Jounosuke. Black already did things that seemed like he was subconsciously trying to give the detectives hints—like making that mistake about time, or putting Uno cards into the computer order line-up…

...and as Hyouma is talking about it with Unomaru, he realizes that Black and White have sneaked into the room behind him. Black says that actually, he himself is no longer so sure about who he is, and his memories still refuse to come back. White says they should all get to the meeting room for yet another round of explanations.

--

Everyone is already waiting for them at the table [Ajiro too], except for Nemu. She shows up a bit later with two new people: a person in a bull mask and silver clothes, and a hunched old woman with a hood over her face.

Nemu says she discovered another way out of the Moonbow Palace. Its tower leads all the way up to the surface—and to the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. When Nemu went there, this masked person had been already waiting for her, and then they were both led back to the Sanctuary by the old lady, who Nemu recognized as the “soul of Pytia” she had talked with once. (So that’s where “Pytia” was disappearing to—a secret passage under the temple floor.)

The old woman points to the masked person and says that even though that man wears the mask, he’s not RS. The masked person says that there’s no further need for this masquerade.

The old woman takes the hood off—and reveals himself as Lemuria Sullivan.

The bull mask person also unmasks themselves, and—everyone’s greeted by the devilish smile of Yuiga Dokuson.

Then Dokuson says that White should remove his mask too, because how else will everyone be able to see that he’s Endou Masato, or “Yakuma Suzume”, or “Endou Naoto”, or “Lord Enma”, or “Tsukumo Jaki”, or whichever other name he prefers?

White pulls down his mask, and though he still looks like Endou Naoto, glasses and all, he admits he is the man they once knew as “Yakuma Suzume”.

Dokuson explains that this man, Endou Masato, just loves killing people and disguising himself as them with the help of plastic surgery. He had thirty-nine different identities until now, including “Yakuma Suzume” and “Amagi Hyouma”.

Endou Masato corrects him that it’s forty-two identities, thank you, then says that hey, all people need some variation in their lives and he has yet to find anything as fun as disguises, can you blame him? And he doesn’t always kill the person he impersonates, sometimes he just locks them up, commits a bunch of crimes in their name, and then releases them back to vengeful society. Now that the human race is about to be destroyed, he chose the face of his older brother Naoto, the real White Rook, to end with. You know how when Hyouma arrived in the Sanctuary, he saw both “Yakuma” and White Rook together? That was the last time anyone saw the real White / Naoto, as right afterwards Masato murdered him and took his place.

Dokuson comments that there sure were a lot of imposters in the Crime Olympics, and the mastermind behind it all was this here Endou Masato / Tsukumo Jaki, for whom this entire chaos was more than welcome. The more everyone was confused about who’s real and who’s not, the more they wouldn’t focus on White. If not for Dokuson, the detectives would never guess the truth. Dokuson states very dramatically that his mission is to stop Jaki’s actions.

Jaki admits that the Billion Killer cases have been technically stopped thanks to Dokuson, but they no longer need them this close to the great finale, as no one can possibly stop the destruction of humanity, and what is Dokuson even going to do with Jaki, kill him?

Dokuson will not kill him, because he can see that Jaki clearly isn’t afraid of death, and it’d be hard to pull out information from a corpse. Jaki’s actually fine with telling Dokuson everything—but it looks like they both need to give the others a whole lot of explanations first.

--

First of all: Tsukumo Jaki, Lemuria Sullivan, and Yuiga Dokuson are all in the first group of Akuren, their numbers being respectively 664, 665 and 666. Jaki got into the first group quickly because of his “splendid achievements”, while Sullivan and Dokuson graduated from lower groups.

We should stress once more that Akuren is not quite an organization, but a dark information network that a chosen list of people can access to find pretty much any secret data possible (except for anything about the top guys from the first group, of course). Dokuson learned a lot about the Pure Ultimate Evil guys’ plans from there.

The evil guys have been trying to kill everyone on Earth including themselves for a very long time now, which often went down in history as major wars, including the two World Wars / the first two Crime Olympics. Finally, they planned a third one that was supposed to last for seven months starting July 1999.

Akuren’s partner in crime was supposed to be an organization called R CURE, but in reality they attempted to keep the world in harmony (according to their own sense of “justice according to the majority”, which called for the human race surviving). RISE was created to follow in R CURE’s footsteps and make sure humanity isn’t destroyed.

RISE managed to hurry the planned 1999 Crime Olympics to start in 1996 instead—which also meant the event would last longer, so the daily death toll would be lower and there would be more time to act. Akuren saw through their plans, but pretended not to notice for now, because RISE were the ones with the Billion Killer, Alive, and the Cosmic Bomb. And so RISE pretended they wanted to kill everyone while actually trying to find a way to let humanity continue.

Trying to gain advantage over RISE, Akuren sent out Tsukumo Jaki to breathe down their necks. It was actually a sort of a tradition; since about three centuries ago, R CURE was always supervised by someone from Akuren’s first group, who they called Ten no Jaki (天の邪鬼). Incidentally, that name became the origin of an identically written term amanojaku (a kind of a demon). That “Ten no” part was later omitted, with the successive supervisors called simply “the second Jaki”, “the third Jaki”, and so on, up to the current “ninety-ninth Jaki”. The current Jaki knew that RISE’s plan would include a detective called Tsukumo Juku, so just for the sake of symbolism he slightly changed his own title so it would be read “Tsukumo Jaki”.

Akuren and Jaki have so much power over RISE that RS is honestly nothing more than a political puppet manipulated as they please. RS is quite deluded as to his own superiority, believes that Jaki is fully loyal to him, and no one would be able to convince him otherwise.

While Jaki was busy supervising RISE, Dokuson managed to get his name into the first group of Akuren, simultaneously working with DOLL and JDC to save humanity (out of his own self-interest, of course) and aiming to confront Jaki. He gathered a lot of information thanks to Akuren’s network, though still didn’t know as much as Jaki or Sullivan. (Then again, Jaki and Sullivan didn’t know everything about RISE either.)

Jaki has deftly manipulated both RISE and Akuren into a situation where the destruction of humanity can no longer be stopped. Jaki doesn’t really care that he’s going to die too; it’s enough for him to see humanity in despair. He’s the sort of guy who just loves to torture and kill someone’s family in front of them, to take away everything they love before finishing them off, and this cruelty is how he made it to the first group of Akuren so fast. Not that he would ever pay attention to some uninteresting small fries instead of strong, worthy opponents. He believes the strongest people are the ones willing to endanger their lives, who don’t have anything to lose. And since Jaki considers Dokuson to be one such formidable foe, he’s willing to tell him a bit about a method to save humanity.

On August 10th, a strong explosive will be used on the Moon to push it slightly out of orbit, and the Earth’s gravity will do the rest. The explosive in question is actually in the Sanctuary right now, installed in that giant column in the middle, which is set to automatically shoot out like a rocket to the Moon when the time comes.

There’s only one person who can possibly stop it, and they’re right there—as he says this, Jaki points to Black Rook.

But is that man actually Black Rook, or is he the detective Ryuuguu Jounosuke? Black himself is extremely confused and repeats that he thinks he remembers being Black Rook, but any details are escaping him.

Jaki states that neither him nor the previous White brainwashed Black, so this confusion must just be an aftereffect of Alive. He claims he’s telling the truth when he says that the man right there is Ryuuou / Black Rook and not the original Ryuuguu Jounosuke. Sorry, everyone, but no convenient plot twist is going to happen here.

But Otohime thinks Jaki’s lying, as she has a logical basis to think Black is Jounosuke. The only reason she hasn’t said anything until now was because she believed he would snap out of it on his own.

Jaki seems surprised and says that oh dear, perhaps he should have expected that Otohime would meddle into his plans, considering he had already heard about her, the eighth S-detective—well, so far only a candidate for the eighth S-detective, the one who surpassed even her detective brother in reasoning skills.

Otohime denies her talent, but her friends rush in with reassurance. (Except for Dokuson, who of course states they should make HIM the eighth S-detective instead, which makes everyone else laugh and leads to Hyouma and Dokuson bickering, and Jaki kind of lost control over the room at this point, honestly).

But back to the point. Otohime warns that it’s a little embarrassing, but her definite proof is—underwear. One time when she was alone with Black in the Dragon’s Center, she asked him if he was wearing black briefs. Black answered that no, he had gray boxers on, what of it? Pressed for more explanations, he said that although he woke up from Alive wearing white trunks—which was also the only kind of underwear he found in his room later—he ordered gray boxers through the computer system.

The point of this story might not be obvious, but as Jounosuke’s older sister, Otohime knows that after a certain point in his childhood he would insist on wearing only a very specific kind of underwear—black briefs.

Then why the gray boxers? Perhaps someone who’s subconsciously a mixture of Jounosuke and Black wouldn’t choose something that only one of these men is supposed to like (black briefs or white trunks), but take a third option in-between (gray boxers). Or maybe Jounosuke subconsciously wanted black briefs, but Sanctuary didn’t have any available, so he settled on the next best thing.

Jaki admits that it’s an interesting theory. While Otohime isn’t exactly wrong, she’s not completely right either. See, Jaki had already told them the truth: the man standing there is Ryuuou / Black Rook, and not the original Ryuuguu Jounosuke.

Let’s repeat that statement in a way they can understand. The man over there is Ryuuou and Black Rook. He is also the JDC detective known as Ryuuguu Jounosuke. However, he isn’t the original Ryuuguu Jounosuke.

The detective they know is the clone.

Jaki starts a long tale about the two brothers.

--

For simplicity’s sake, let’s call the original man born in 1968 (the one who’s dead) “Ryuuguu”, and the clone born in 1971 (the JDC detective) “Jounosuke”.

Ryuuguu spent the first three years of life travelling with his parents all over the world in order to naturally pick up foreign accents, which was necessary for his future role of Black Rook. However, he suffered from childhood claustrophobia, and if it persisted into adulthood, it would make life in the Sanctuary impossible for him.

That flaw was fixed with his clone Jounosuke, who was brought up in the Sanctuary from the start. This prevented the development of claustrophobia, but limited the time he spent with foreigners and the outside world in general, so he ended up a little worse with languages than Ryuuguu. Still, he was enough of a language genius that he would fit the role of Black Rook.

However, there was a… problem with Jounosuke. No one knew whether it was a side-effect of cloning, or the influence of his environment, or what, but Jounosuke had never once cried, not even as a baby. It’s like he was always instinctually showing just happiness; even when hungry or in pain, he would keep smiling to the point everyone else found it eerie. It’s not that being happy and hopeful was a flaw, but RISE wasn’t sure whether Jounosuke would fit the serious role of Black Rook responsible for the fate of humanity. All attempts at “correcting” the boy’s personality failed. Preschool age Jounosuke still seemed free of any negative thoughts, as if some vital human part was missing from him.

In the end, RISE decided to take the gamble and switch the two boys around. Ryuuguu was taken back into the Sanctuary, while Jounosuke started a new life with his family in the outside world. The switch happened in 1977, when Otohime was twelve, Ryuuguu was nine, and Jounosuke was six. Since Jounosuke was still so young, it was easy to brainwash him into believing he’d been living in his family’s house since birth, with fake memories seeming perfectly real and all the knowledge of the Sanctuary repressed. Otohime didn’t notice the switch, as it happened while her parents and brother were on yet another long trip.

Ryuuguu had at this point in life grown out of his childhood fears, and without any brainwashing accepted his role in the Sanctuary with no complaint. He inherited the name “Ryuuou” from his brother and worked hard as Black Rook.

Meanwhile, Jounosuke had to integrate into the outside society full of new, surprising things. His overly positive thinking slowly evened out into a full spectrum of emotions, and in the end he grew up to be a sensitive young man and a wonderful JDC detective.

But even though the switch had been successful, it didn’t mean the two brothers changed completely. Ryuuguu was still yearning for wide open spaces of the outside world, and perhaps the choice of white underwear was a subconscious act of quiet rebellion against the black uniform that symbolized his confinement. Jounosuke went into the opposite direction, subconscious nostalgia for his childhood in the Sanctuary making him love closed spaces and black clothes to the point he would feel upset unless he wore all black.

Jounosuke was also left with a whole plethora of other eccentricities.

As a child he had lived mainly among the Dots, who weren’t allowed to have any personal identifying traits, so he didn’t really understand the concept of dividing people into genders. But then the outside world turned out to be quite preoccupied with acting like people of different genders were completely different beings. Perplexed Jounosuke had to get used to this social rule somehow, and so he on purpose started adding gendered suffixes to everyone’s name.

Though Jounosouke had his memories blocked, he still instinctively understood that there were two of him, and to subconsciously affirm that he was now “the real one”, he would always talk about himself in third person, “Ryuuguu”.

His love for languages obviously came from his childhood, and so did his personality that seemed always cheerful and full of love.

His talent for breaking machines came from the fact that he was trained to control various machinery of the Sanctuary. It might sound counterintuitive, but when you really think about it, breaking any device instantly requires a whole lot of mechanical knowledge and skill. Brainwashed Jounosuke was subconsciously trying to protect the Sanctuary’s secrets and avoid being found out as ex-Master, so he broke everything he touched as if to say “look how awful I am with machines, I can’t possibly be that guy”.

--

Let’s talk about the Master’s role a bit. As we know, all the Sanctuary’s Machines are robots, who are programmed to only react to the voice of “Ryuuguu Jounosuke” (either brother would do).

When the Sanctuary was completed in 1971, the next twenty seven years worth of cruise plans had already been programmed into the system. Even if something happened to the Master, the Sanctuary would keep moving along with the Crime Olympics plan, including automatically shooting out the Cosmic Bomb explosive on August 10th 1997. Only the Master would be able to abort this program in some secret way. Unfortunately, only the older brother Ryuuguu knew how to do it, and he’s gone now.

When he was still alive, Ryuuguu was told by RS (but actually by Jaki pulling the strings behind the scenes) that he was destined to die in a certain number of days. Trying to avoid his fate, Ryuuguu decided to perform yet another switch with his brother.

Preparations required Ryuuguu to infect Jounosuke with the Alive virus at the right time. This could be done with use of the virus vector, white powder known as Godust—from “God Dust”, as in “will degrade even a god into dust”.

Incidentally, Tamei Madoka’s last words were a hint about Alive; when she said “Godust… Alive… sh…”, she was trying to say “sugar”. RISE spread Alive so fast by putting Godust into commercially sold sugar, and the miraculous disappearance of the disease was achieved by spreading the vaccine the same way.

Jounosuke was infected when he was in the Parisian cafe with Nemu and Hikimiya (that waiter who died was one of RISE, by the way).

When Jounosuke later went to Peru and finally developed serious symptoms, Ryuuguu sneaked into the hospital and performed a switch with some help from White Rook (who was back then the actual Doctor / Naoto, not disguised Jaki / Masato). Jounosuke was taken to the Sanctuary and given the vaccine, but was still kept asleep.

With that out of the way, Ryuuguu was free to impersonate his brother, keeping distance from Christmas so he wouldn’t notice anything. Ryuuguu made a pretty bold move by taking advantage of Jouka’s feelings for Jounosuke and proposing to her. It seemed awful to trick someone like that, but when he continued to drop hints that he wasn’t the Jounosuke she knew, Jouka seemed to still love him for who he was, and he ended up developing feelings for her. Ryuuguu became trapped between the hope of love and the despair of possible death.

In a tragic irony, Ryuuguu ended up dying in the plane crash on the destined day specifically because of his efforts to avoid fate. Just like Jounosuke, he subconsciously developed an anti-talent for machines to avoid being found out as the Master. But unlike experienced Jounosouke, Ryuuguu didn’t pay enough attention and unwittingly broke the plane engine during the checkup. When the plane was about to crash later, he realized he wouldn’t be able to use a parachute either, as he would just break the activation device. No matter how much he tried to run, his fate was to die. (“So this is fate…” he said. “Nothing can save you from it… Ryuuguu Jounosuke dies here…”)

Now for the reason why Jounosuke acted like Black Rook when he woke up… Back when the brothers switched in the hospital in Peru, Ryuuguu only had to say a few right words to convince Jounosuke to “return” to being the Master. Feverish Jounosuke was so vulnerable to suggestion that his mind pulled his hidden memories back to the forefront of consciousness. He still had all those memories of being a JDC detective, but became convinced that those events actually happened to his brother, and he had just been observing them through cameras.

Jounosuke didn’t notice anything wrong until he realized he didn’t remember the way to stop the Cosmic Bomb. He tried to ask White about his identity, but White (who was already Jaki) wouldn’t give him a straightforward answer.

...at least not until now. As Jaki’s finishing the story, Black Rook slowly remembers who he is and takes off the mask.

“I am…” he starts. “I see… I am—no, Ryuuguu is the JDC detective Ryuuguu Jounosuke!”

All the detectives are overwhelmed with joy at the return of their friend, but Jaki isn’t done explaining things quite yet.

--

Fuumonji Jouka was certain that “Ryuuguu Jounosuke” was two people and wanted to investigate the matter in full. She was also intrigued by the mystery of the two Ryuusuis (Dakushoin and Seiryoin), and thought that maybe the two “Ryuuguu Jounosukes” had something to do with them.

Before the JDC explosion, Jouka opened the sealed envelope from Dakushoin she’d been holding onto since right after Geneijo, and found Another Joker inside. This title seemed like it predicted her detective nickname; Another Joker sounded like anata Jouka (“you’re Jouka”). The D-name Fuumonji Jouka was given to her by Jounosuke. Thinking about this, she noticed that Dakushoin’s handwriting was quite similar to Jounosuke’s, and she recalled the two understanding each other well back in Genejio. Was there a deeper connection between the two men? Despite Dokuson’s warnings, Jouka kept investigating, got too close to the truth, and ended up murdered.

Let’s finally explain the very confusing pen names and writers. We came to the conclusion that the pen name “Dakushoin Ryuusui” was used by Tamei Madoka, while “Minase Nagisa” was her brother Tamei Hidetaka—except that Hidetaka wasn’t actually a writer. Everything he “wrote” (including works published under the name “Minase Nagisa”) was actually the work of a third person, who would later write Cosmic and Joker as “Seiryoin Ryuusui”.

That mysterious third writer was the original Ryuuguu.

Ryuuguu would send a manuscript to Hidetaka, who would send it to Madoka, who would publish it under the name “Minase Nagisa” (so the publishing company thought Nagisa was Madoka). Madoka’s own works would be sent to her brother Hidetaka, who would publish them as “Dakushoin Ryuusui”.

Tamei Hidetaka had been chosen as the one pretending to be the writer specifically because his sensibilities were similar to Ryuuguu’s. This incidentally meant that Hidetaka would quickly become genuine friends with Jounosuke, who as a clone had a lot in common with Ryuuguu.

That other person in Geneijo who resembled Tamei Hidetaka a lot, Employee D / Kanai Hidetaka, was RISE’s Dog. His similarity to Tamei in both looks and name caused the detectives to easily remember him. This was important to RISE, as later on they would send Employee D to China with a message that would force Inugami Yasha to return to Japan.

Maybe the old legend about seeing your doppelganger and dying held some merit; Ryuuguu died soon after switching with Jounosuke, Employee D after meeting Tamei Hidetaka.

RISE had to orchestrate a lot of things for their plan to work. Ajiro’s trusted mentor Shiranui Zenzou was a Dog, and it was due to his strong encouragement that Ajiro created Nihon Tantei Club after the Ajiro Family Murder Case. That case and the Saimon Family Murder Case guaranteed that the “main cast” all met each other: Ajiro, Shiranui, Hyouma, Juku, Nemu, Jounosuke, Otohime… RISE paid particular attention to developing Tsukumo Juku. Solving the Geneijo Murder Case let him become an S-detective, and the Locked Room Lord case gave him international trust and fame.

As it was said multiple times, RISE pretended to follow the plan of destroying humanity, but they actually wanted the Crime Olympics to be solved in the middle in order to save the human race. They didn’t think the other six S-detectives would be able to solve it, though. The only ray of hope was Tsukumo Juku, but then Jaki saw through RISE’s secret plan and had Juku assassinated.

(Jaki says that Geneijo and Locked Room Lord cases had a whole lot of other meanings too, but that’d be too long to explain in detail, so let’s just go back to Ryuuguu and the writers.)

We explained that Ryuuguu effectively used a chain of two writers to hide behind. At the same time, he also prepared to become “Seiryoin Ryuusui”. As a RISE executive, he had knowledge of what the big cases would look like and could describe them in Cosmic and Joker. He even planned on writing an entry about the Crime Olympics, Carnival, but untimely death put a stop to his plans.

Aside from his writings, Ryuuguu left two other things behind with help of White (the real one).

The first thing was someone who would continue his work in chronicling all the events as “Seiryoin”. They chose a suitable man called Nakamoto Hiroya, brainwashed him, and delivered him to JDC’s doorstep as a perfect candidate for the next “Seiryoin Ryuusui”. Even if both Ryuuguu and White died (which they did), Nakamoto would continue writing.

The other thing Ryuuguu left was his and Jouka’s child.

Aware that he might not be able to avoid death, Ryuuguu wanted to at least pass on life. A few days before his fate would be decided, he told Jouka that he had left his semen with a trusted doctor, and that in case of his death he’d like her to use it to have their child, or at least find someone who would carry the child instead. The doctor in question was of course White Rook / Endou Naoto, who at that time pretended to be Hanto Maimu’s doctor “Shindou Masato”.

After Ryuuguu’s death, Jouka talked to “doctor Shindou Masato”, but still hesitated on whether she wanted to carry the child herself. In the end, she had her eggs retrieved and said she’d decide later, but before she could make up her mind, she was murdered.

White decided to use Ryuuguu’s and Jouka’s cells for in vitro fertilization anyway. The surrogate mother would be Ryuuguu’s own mother Kaguya.

By the way, Kaguya is right now waiting for them all in Heaven / El Dorado. (And it would take really long to explain El Dorado, so let’s leave the topic for later.)

--

That would be it for the explanations for now.

Ajiro thanks Dokuson for taking care of JDC in his absence. Dokuson answers that no thanks are needed, because he was doing it out of his own interest anyway. Also, a man as great as Ajiro doesn’t have to address Dokuson per -san. And also, Dokuson has simply borrowed the JDC representative’s chair for a moment, but its rightful owner has always been Ajiro.

Ajiro doesn’t want to relegate the responsibility over ending the Crime Olympics to anyone else, but Dokuson tells him he shouldn’t feel responsible for something he can’t stop. He can’t help much with the Cosmic Bomb, and the Billion Killer is more of an unstoppable force of nature than a tangible enemy you could fight.

Ajiro announces he’s going to suspend JDC activities for now, then spend possibly the last month he has somewhere. Dokuson offers his help, but Ajiro firmly says that he has to go back to JDC by himself and doesn’t want to risk the lives of anyone else.

--

A few days later, the Sanctuary approaches Japan to both let Ajiro leave and to pick up the last few guests: Yasha, BOKU, Nakamoto Hiroya, and Strong J Outa. (They will get Kanke when they get to Easter Island later.). Ajiro entrusts the fate of humanity to Jounosuke and leaves.

Now that Jounosuke is back to his machine-breaking self, Jaki warns him against touching anything in Dragon’s Center. Jounosuke can still command the Machines with his voice, and RISE even has advanced voice-changers that would allow others to also give directions. However, major orders like diverting the Sanctuary from its pre-programmed path would have to be confirmed by a hand scan, which would involve a lot of touching.

The entire Sanctuary is full of hand-scan panels and other devices, so Jounosuke gets Jaki to work as his hands and (just in case) voice to command everything. (Jaki doesn’t fear death, but agrees it’d be pretty stupid to accidentally drown on the way to El Dorado). They register two rooms as belonging to Christmas, so that Jounosuke can live in one with Christmas opening the door and ordering food for him.

Jounosuke tries to simply order the Machines to stop the Cosmic Bomb, but they just shake their heads. He asks one of them questions and learns that if he hypothetically did touch and mess up the computers, the system would notice something was wrong, and the explosive would be automatically shot to the Moon. (Cue everyone looking at Jounosuke like he’s a mad bomber and telling him to PLEASE not touch anything.)

--

The Billion Killer cases have stopped, but the detectives keep hearing about strange incidents in the world outside. Tasmania smashes into mainland Australia. Hong Kong is out of power and on fire. On July 5th—the day they drop off Ajiro in Japan—the legendary continent Mu shows up and causes the Carnival Wave. On July 12th, a dragon shows up around the Marianas, flies to Easter Island, topples the Moai statues, and disappears underwater. (This dragon’s existence is likely easy to explain, considering RISE’s various weird vehicles.)

After the dragon case, RISE has now gathered everyone they wanted in the Sanctuary, in order of appearance: Unomaru, Jounosuke, Otohime, Nemu, Christmas, Hyouma, Diana, Maimu & Kuraimu, Yaiba, Yasha, BOKU, Strong J Outa, Nakamoto, and Kanke. The fourteen people not counting the baby all fit perfectly at the round table (there’s thirteen chairs, but Otohime has her wheelchair). It feels like this “new” guest list had been planned from the start.

Once everyone shared their experiences with others, new theories were made.

Kanke told them about how nine skulls of the Billion Killer were left on the beach during the dragon case. Counting from the very beginning of the Crime Olympics, we had forty-three skulls (from JDC explosion to Mount Roraima), then a break, and then these nine. Together it made fifty-two, the number of weeks in a year.

Christmas remembered the dying message a tourist left on the Easter Island beach in the first Moai case [from the very beginning of Carnival]: a crude drawing of a bird and the letters NAS. This could refer to the Nazca condor, but perhaps it was also a message that the dragon would attack the island much later?

Jounosuke deciphers NAS as possibly meaning “New Attack Submarine”, which could be tied to the Robo-Ship… but more likely to the Sanctuary—perhaps the victim was trying to say they saw it at the moment of the attack? This made sense, considering that Christmas got to the scene incredibly quickly, but still didn’t run into any Dots. They had to have already retreated back to the Sanctuary, so it had to be nearby during the case. Perhaps when the Dots were dropping off the skull, they said something about the future case with a flying dragon, and the one tourist who was still clinging to life overheard it and drew a picture to warn people.

Back to the nine skulls, they were found all facing the same direction. That’s not all, the original skull left on the beach after the first Moai case was also turned the same way. Jounosuke (very carefully) uses the computers in Dragon’s Center to gather data on how all the other skulls were positioned—at least those that weren’t moved by people, washed off by water etc., which leaves him twenty-six to work with, half of the total. Some like the Mount Everest one seem to point out not only a flat direction, but also altitude / depth.

It quickly turns out that rather than finding a single point on Earth that all these skulls were looking at, they need to find what they were looking away from: the bottom of the Mariana Trench.

Jounosuke still can’t think of a way to stop the Cosmic Bomb. He tries to pull more information from the computers, but it looks like Jaki had erased a lot of data. Having run out of easy solutions, Jounosuke finally turns to his own reasoning—searching for clues in words.

--

Jounosuke gathers everyone to tell them what he found in the oldest clue of the Crime Olympics: Another Joker and the bonanzagram within it. As we remember, Jounosuke had already solved the bonanzagram and realized an anagram of the twenty-eight letters he got would create the phrase Hanzai gorin sugu koko de kaimaku, “the Crime Olympics will start here soon”.

But now Jounosuke realized it wasn’t the only perfect anagram that could be made using the provided letters. In fact, he found fifty, all of them clues about things that already happened or that would happen. Whether or not the original Ryuuguu who wrote Another Joker intended to put in all these anagrams, they certainly made sense to his clone.

Most the anagrams were vague, symbolic and convoluted, so even though Jounosuke thought they all had their meaning, he picked “the best ten” to explain. [He still encourages others to hunt for clues by picking keywords like a person’s name or a place and trying to make the other letters fit around it in an anagram. It feels like the author is challenging the reader, too. Note that a specific romanization is used, so Ji = Zi, Shi = Si, Fu = Hu etc., and long vowels are most often ignored.]

--

Jounosuke’s Ten Anagrams:

--

1. KORI NO ZIMEN HA KUDO GAU GA SIKAKU

[氷の地面は空洞・ギャウが死角]

— “[At] the ground of ice, a cave / gjá is a blindspot”

The “ground of ice” is Iceland. Gjá is an Icelandic term meaning giant fissures created by earthquakes, much like the one that hosted Shangri-La.

--

2. KODAI MOZI R GENGO KAKUSANAI KUHU

[古代文字R言語、隠さない工夫]

— “Ancient letters R language, not-hidden scheme [or figuring out something]”

Jounosuke isn’t sure why R language would be ancient, considering it’s so similar to modern Japanese, but the second part must refer to how it allows for figuring out secrets hidden in Japanese.

--

3. KAKU DE ZINRUI SAIGO HAKKAGU MOON

[核で人類最後、発火具・MOON]

— “With nuclear [weapons] the last of humanity, firing tool [weapon]: Moon”

This one’s obvious: a nuclear explosion will cause the Moon to fall and destroy humanity.

--

4. AEGI NOMU ZINKO DRUG HAKAIKOSAKU

[喘ぎ、飲む人工ドラッグ破壊工作]

— “[Inhalable?], drink[able] man-made drug[-related] subversive activities”

The “man-made drug” is Godust, which RISE was secretly mixing into sugar.

--

5. AKUREN HA DAIZIN KOKKA MO SUGU GOI

[悪連は大臣・国家もすぐ合意]

— “Akuren [has] agreement [with] ministers, countries”

Akuren has frightening influence behind the scenes to the point they can control countries.

--

6. AKU NO DR KOHAI KAONAKI SUZUME GIG

[悪のドクター後輩、顔なき雀ギグ]

— “Evil Dr kouhai [junior employee], the faceless Suzume[’s] gig”

“Faceless Suzume” is of course Endou Masato, who right now is the “evil doctor-kouhai” (as he killed the older “senpai”, his brother Naoto). A “gig” refers to the impersonation.

--

7. HIGAN MU UKI DOKURO SIKAKE GA NAZO

[悲願（彼岸？）、ムー浮き髑髏、仕掛けが謎]

— “Higan (?), Mu floating skull, the trick is a mystery”

Higan can have many meanings (“nirvana”? “One’s dearest wish”? “Budda’s vow to save humanity?”), but Jounosuke can’t figure out what it would mean in this context. “Mu floating” means the mysterious continent showing up, and the trick behind it is still unknown. The mention of the skull hints there’s a connection between the Billion Killer and the Mu case (was it actually a Billion Killer case?).

--

8. IKAKU USA HIKOKI GENZO DRAGON UMA

[威嚇USA飛行機、幻像ドラゴンUMA]

— “A threatening USA plane, phantom dragon UMA”

“UMA” can mean a horse in Japanese (possibly connected to Another Joker?), but it’s also the abbreviation for Unidentified Mysterious Animal. What that “threatening USA plane” is isn’t that clear. The “phantom dragon UMA” must be referring to what was spotted by the Marianas and Easter Island, so it probably was just a plane or another vehicle shaped like a dragon.

--

9. GOD NG MARIANA KAIKOU HE SUZUKI OK

[探偵神NG、マリアナ海溝へ鈴木OK]

— “GOD NG, to Mariana Trench Suzuki OK”

GOD NG doesn’t exactly tell them a lot, but Jounosuke was able to pull some meaning out of it. “GOD” might refer to Tsukumo Juku, the God of Detectives. NG is a colloquial Japanese abbreviation for “NO GOOD” (not allowed, unacceptable), so perhaps “GOD NO GOOD” refers to Juku having been murdered. “Suzuki” is probably the editor detective Cappuccino Knob Suzuki (who apparently loves to say OK a lot), and the Mariana Trench is the location of El Dorado.

--

10. GUZO SAIMON GA DNA KEIKAKU HURIKO

[偶像・彩紋がDNA計画不履行]

— “Saimon the [religious] idol [has?] not fulfilled the DNA plan” [or his plan was not fulfilled???]

Jounosuke has no idea what on earth this could mean. (Another of the fifty anagrams said “the past of the Saimon Family [Murder Case?] is a mystery”, but that’s not very helpful.) The one thing he can decipher is that “Saimon the idol” doesn’t mean Juku (whose birth family name was Saimon), but his father Ryuusui. The magician’s name showing up here probably hints at his Miraculous Illusions having been stolen and used for the Billion Killer cases. But what on earth would the “DNA plan” refer to?… Here’s hoping this and many other mysteries will be explained very soon.

--

And so our detectives head to El Dorado, and the battle for humanity’s survival is slowly nearing its end.

--

[>>>NEXT PART>>>]

[brycetaylorblog]

“You Speak to Me With Respect”

Dissecting privilege, for the sake of productive discourse 

Pictured: Revolutionary of the Black Panthers Movement Stokely Carmichael. 

Background: This post has been inspired by Stokely, and my friend Nadine Silva. Nadine is passionate and works hard in addressing the current position of privilege people unknowingly take when engaging in dialogues with people about their community, and the way certain dynamics effect their community this will be the premise for the analysis that follows. She is a journalist and a model striving to represent her community in a positive light, and serve as a role model for young South Asian girls globally.   

Stokely’s relevance is through his influence. Ironically Stokely’s importance and presence in today’s time is that the most intimidating thing about this man is how well spoken he was and how he articulated the thoughts and feelings of his community. He didn’t gain notoriety through wielding shotguns and AK-47s, whilst tailing police. He gained his notoriety, by making it known that America is on notice and his community refuses to be scared anymore, and will no longer take the back seat. I respect him immensely, and try to emulate the characteristics of him as an individual and as a movement.

“Our grandfathers had to run, run, run. Our generation is out of breath. We aint runnin’ no more.”

- Stokely Carmichael. 

So lets begin .....

First and foremost let it be clear that no race nor creed or colour has the authority to take the moral high ground on any issue that effects everybody. That means no race or people is more or less entitled to control any one narrative that involves all. However, that in itself is indicative of what the issue is I am about to discuss. 

Now I could sit here and explain through several paradigms how privilege operates and has transcended since that first boat left Britain, to the way our politicians engage in dialogue about issues that effect communities that are not their own. Most evidently of late, how majority of our government on both sides of politics have backpedaled in light of the recent atrocity committed in Christchurch. But that would be pointless .... Because the reason as all diverse people are aware, is that privilege and accountability to rhetoric is not about knowledge or discourse. It is about the retention of power, and hegemony. 

What is discussed, and how it is discussed comes second to the position of the conversation. But i’ll stop there......

Rather what i’m going to do, is include in an interaction I had with an individual from the US to exemplify what POC mean when they refer to privilege. Typically I don’t engage with people online who are inclined to be argumentative, but on this occasion I thought I could document this interaction, and turn it into an example of something that can be used for productive purposes.

The interactions and my commentary are as follows:

*The original post was referring to someone I follow regarding how the Christchurch attack is indicative of ‘hate winning’ *

My initial comment was long winded so I’ll keep it punchy to the part that triggered this individual: 

Myself - “They’re resorting to desperate measures, because they’re realizing that just by the virtue of being white doesn’t count for anything anymore.” 

Lets call him Fred, initiated as follows:

Fred: “Virtue of being white? Your jumbled sentence with racist tones seems to have the desired effect of the gunman’s motive.”

| Note how he included the word ‘virtue’ whilst quoting me, but his response neglected the context that word provides? Never mind that a supremacist just murdered 50 innocent people, i’m racist because I addressed White virtue signalling and the unfounded fear that these people frequently share. So therefore i’m part of the problem. Deflection is a tactic that is commonly employed, this is a fine example. | (Lets continue) ....

Me: “This is a fair point (it wasn’t) one I am happy to discuss. As an Indigenous person of Australia in particular one that has spent a large part of my childhood growing up in the same community as the gunmen many people in rural NSW have only typically been there for 3 or 4 generations. They killed a lot of people in that time. Given that it was only someone’s grand father or great grandfather who were doing the killing. It is not unreasonable to claim that someone of today’s generation such as Tarrant grew up with a similar disdain for brown people. Given the contempt these people hold for people who were already here. It is not difficult to comprehend the psychological effect that would have on someone with the disposition that ‘foreign’ people are coming to take what is ‘his’ with the supposed threats of sharia law threatening this mans status as a white man in the West. 

So to answer your comment do I think that by the virtue of being white you are inherently bad? Of course not! But given the very recent history where this man comes from, in context with today political climate it is hardly unreasonable to suggest that perhaps this man was defending his “whiteness” despite none of these people having actually threatened it.” 

Me: And if you won’t accept any of that. You can read it in his manifesto because he has literally admitted to everything I have outlined himself.

Fred: Why would I read the manifesto of a nutter?

| Note the deflection again, no attempt whatsoever to address my response to an unfounded claim that I am a racist. But if you throw around words I will hold you accountable for them. |  

 Me: Well initially your comment stated that what I said had undertones of racist sentiment based on the “virtue of being white”? This tells me you received this as me saying this is generally how how white people think and feel when it was merely a reflection of this particular individual and many like him. So from an objective standpoint despite him being a ‘nutter’ it would give you an insight as to his views, and where my original comment derived from.

Fred: Lot of words finally getting to the point. People focusing on colour do not have the ability to see things clearly. When we stop giving people little ethnic terms people will actually co-exist. You’re definitely overthinking my comment with all that unneeded info.

| Quick summary: I wouldn’t need to write a paragraph breaking it down for Fred if he took the initiative to understand what the single word ‘virtue’ meant but that is how privilege works. “I’m right I don’t need to consider anything.” 

Secondly, for anyone reading this for good intentions. This is a prime example of trying to control narratives. Because never mind hundred of years of colonial destruction and minimization. Fred has all the answers ... All we have to do is stop seeing colour! THEN the world will finally coexist. Fred knows this! Fred knows everything. Thanks Fred. | 

Me: Is it unneeded because its irrelevant? Or because you personally don’t care? I feel as though you’re trying to oversimplify a complex conversation to give yourself the higher moral ground. Which ironically plays into the whole “virtue of being white” thing that you initially disputed. I didn’t originally place you in that category, but am now starting to see why my original comment may have caused a reaction from you. 

These “little ethnic terms” you down play is quite condescending. Because to many ethnic people they represent a great deal of importance. So for you to suggest that i’m ‘overthinking it’ when 40 (now 50) people have been murdered. That is pretty arrogant of you. “A lot of words finally getting to the point” that’s condescending and exactly the type of attitude i’m talking about. You can disagree with me, but you will speak to me with respect! 

| Note* I demanded respect in this manner for two reasons. Number one is that I deserve it. Number 2 is that for the purpose of this experiment I know that when you address people of privilege accustomed to dominating discourse the fight or flight response is triggered. Typically they will either get quite defensive and resort to aggression, or they will flee. The response that comes next is telling. | 

Fred: You’re clearly disgruntled, i’ll just let you hit your keyboard. 

|Note: For someone who initiated this interaction he was pretty quick to want out as soon as he realized that though emotionally driven, I am not emotionally operating. I am more than willing to hold him accountable for not only his comments but his motives, through reasonable dialogue. He is not.

Some will say he’s just a troll others may believe he holds white supremacist views himself. Perhaps a combination of both. The lesson for us no matter who we are though is that we maintain composure and refrain from giving these people the reaction they want. But also ensure that we hold them to account for their views. Whether it be an internet troll or a politician. 

As a side note, whats also very indicative of privilege in this interaction. Is how quickly he removed himself from the conversation as it suited. People of colour don’t get to do this. Muslim women have their clothing debated in public domains, Aboriginal people have their blood percentage and pigment debated in public domains, African people have the morals of their children and their parenting debated in public domains. If you reserve the right to opt out of a conversation, my suggestion would be don’t enter one. Unless you’re willing to learn. Because sometimes, only sometimes, certain conversations aren’t about you. Unless you feel like the shoe fits. | 

My final response: I’m definitely disgruntled 40 (50) innocent people were just murdered.....

[v-e-l-v-e-t-g-o-l-d-m-i-n-e]

Given the fact that you're an actual brazilian lol I gotta ask: Did anyone believe two years ago that someone like Bolsonaro could win? Because I'm not an expert in brazilian politics but I'm really shocked, like we have a right wing president but he is like... a normal right wing asshole? As in he doesn't defend torture and so on. I guess I'm scared bc I see our countries as quite similar, I think Brasil is a little more conservative and you guys have more issues with crime but still similar.

This is really, really big, but I wanted to give you the full picture of what happened in my country. I hope it doesn’t happen on yours or any other country from Latin America (or anywhere, no one deserves it).

Honestly… it depends who you ask. His fans/electors have been yelling that Bolsonaro would be president for the good part of two, three years, but big part of the population didn’t take him seriously because he honestly sounds like a caricature. It’s hard to believe a person can be like this, and therefore people did not take him serious.

Big mistake, that was.

To give you a little context: during most of our democratic history (that isn’t very long), Brazil was ruled by right wing parties. We have several political parties in here, but the biggest one from the right wing side was PSDB (Partido da Social Democracia Brasileira). The biggest political party on the left wing side is PT (Partido dos Trabalhadores).

Brazil was a military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985. This was a horrible, bloody piece of our history, and we only started to have a democratic state after 1985. During the years that followed, in most of the elections the main dispute was between PT and PSDB, PT always losing until 2002, when Lula aka Luís Inácio Lula da Silva won for elections.

Lula ruled from 2002 to 2010; a presidential term on Brazil lasts for four years, but we have reelections and Lula won a second term in 2006.

His time as a president was marked for several things. There was several social projects for poor people, projects to fight famine, to give finantial help to people who received too low income, projects to help poor people get into universities. They were not perfect projects by any means but I can assure you that it made a HUGE difference for millions of people in this country.

Another thing that marked Lula’s time as a president was the corruption scandals.

You see, it’s not that Brazil didn’t have corruption before, because corruption is in this country’s bones. But it was during Lula’s time as a president that we came to know how big the proportions of this corruption was. This was called the ‘mensalão’; Lula claimed that he did not know about it (which I doubt very much), but people from all political parties were implicated, including from PT.

Lula was still very popular and loved by many people, but this was the first seeds of the so called anti-petismo, that would take much bigger proportions later.

After Lula, we had Dilma Rousseff, also from PT, supported by Lula; her first term was from 2010 and 2014.

Dilma had little experience for this charge, and her time as president showed it. Her term was very mediocre, and popular insatisfaction began to rise, especially because of the World Cup that happened here on 2014 - a LOT of money was spent on it, and often the planning was really bad.

More popular insatisfaction rising; the elites were never happy to have a left wing party on power, but now middle class people started to being deluded that they were elite and anti-petismo started to get bigger. Dilma still won reelections in 2014, but it was a close call with her oponent.

Now we have a very divided country. And during the World Cup there was plenty of jobs everywhere, but after it there was a huge wave of unemployment all over the nation, the economy was a shambles. Even MORE popular insatisfaction. Things getting ugly and uglier by minute.

I won’t give you all details because this is already getting ridiculous long and it is a very long story, but Dilma suffered an impeachment. She was not very competent, but that was bullshit and clearly a coup, because we have recorded audios of the right wing opposition plotting to get her out so they could put in power her vice, Michel Temer, a right wing politic.

So now that’s still our president, Michel Temer. Just two years on power, but boy, the man did so much of damage all around, and no one, not people sympathetic to the left nor people sympathetic to the right like the man.

More popular insatisfaction, all around now. No one is happy in this country; everyone wants a change.

Now, take Bolsonaro, this dumb piece of shit we just elected. The man have been a congressist for 27 years. In this time he aproved like, two projects. In several opportunities he voted against the rights of poor people. You may remember the video of him talking with Ellen Page or Stephen Fry and how horrible that was. No one would want a horrible AND incompetent man like that as a president, right?

Right?

Well. Brazil have a wide variation of people in our nation and most people have black relatives, but we’re still a very racist, misogynistic, homophobic country. This people started to enjoy Bolsonaro’s speeches because they identify with him. Their mentality was something like… we need to stop the corruption in this country, and Bolsonaro will do it! Never mind he says that gay people should be beaten. That his white son would never marry a black woman because he received good education. That police should straight up invade favelas and kill poor people. That he said to a woman that the only reason he wouldn’t rape her was because she was not worth raping. They don’t care if women and queer people, and black and poor people get hurt or killed in this process; our lives are a small price to pay for them.

Now I do believe that even if this planet is loaded with horrible awful people, there’s still more good than bad. There’s still more good people than not, and how could good people vote for this man?

The means they used to get these votes was mass manipulation. Very similar tactics that Trump used in this campaign; dozen, hundreds of fake news all around. While in US they used mainly Facebook for this means, in Brazil they used an app called WhatsApp, because not everyone has facebook on Brazil but everyone has a cellphone and uses this app for easy communication.

In these groups they exalted that Bolsonaro would end corruption, would be a ‘correct christian man’, would stop the ‘LGBT doutrination of children on schools’. He would save this country. Mito (mith) is how his fans call him, or Messias (his middle name), and they absoluted demonized the opposition.

Now Bolsonaro is extreme right wing; the centrists and the normal right wing assholes are another story. PSDB tried to launch a candidate with no sucess, and PT was planning to launch Lula again as a candidate… but Lula was arrested in april (another bullshit). If he was not, he might have won; at least all the surveys showed Lula was more popular than even Bolsonaro. Because of that, PT tried to launch Lula as candidate even from inside prison, and of course, it didn’t work out, so there was a huge delay in PT choosing a candidate.

Eventually, Fernando Haddad was chosen. He’s a professor, a good man; was mayor of São Paulo. Was a ministry in Lula’s term, helped to create several education projects. But he was also not very known - I didn’t even know him until like four months ago.

The fact that he was not very well known helped a lot the pro-Bolsonaro groups to demonize the man and his vice. Many fake news were made up about him, stuff like him trying to legalize paedophilia, that he he was going to give a ‘gay kit’ for kids in school and therefore incentive the erotization of children, that he was a rapist. That he was against traditional family, but Bolsonaro would save the Brazilian Family. All of this being spread in those WhatsApp groups with little to no fiscalization, being spread out by hateful people and by people who don’t have a good grasp in politics and believe everything they read.

There was also a great demonization of PT as a party - oh no, you can’t let PT back on power again, right? PT is corrupt! They stole us! Don’t you remember mensalão? They DESTROYED the country, they’re gonna do it AGAIN, they BROKE this country and tore it apart (anyone would thing we lived in some sort of paradise before), PT is gonna transform this country in a COMMUNIST DICTATORSHIP we’re gonna be the next Venezuela.

(I kid you not. I heard this last part from my father’s mouth last time I saw him. People really believed this)

Nevermind that PT was on power for 14 years and we didn’t become communists and if anything they appllied a more centrist line of ruling the leftist; we can’t let PT win. Bolsonaro will save this country.

Now another thing you need to understand is that Bolsonaro is DUMB. He’s dumb as fuck. In the first part of the elections he showed up to a few presidential debates and said horrible things like “Portugueses (our collonizers) never even set foot on Africa, Black people slavered themselves” that caused some popular outtrage. For that reason, in the second part of the elections he didn’t showed up in any debate, least he opened his mouth and people realize the kind of person they were trying to elect to represent them. Bolsonaro also suffered an attack in September (was stabbed in the belly), which helped to incentivate his popularity (after all, the man is a martyr now).

These were the main ingredients that elected Bolsonaro. Anti-petismo, misguided and ignorant people being led on in a flood of fake news, fascists that knew exactly who they were electing, a refusal to hear good arguments, since his supporters think that every piece of evidence we have of Bolsonaro being a piece of garbage was edited or taken out of context (it was not).

They also had a little help from their American friends; in this picture you can see Eduardo Bolsonaro (the son of the piece of shit, also a piece of shit himself) cozying up with Steve Bannon, the white supremacist from Trump’s presidential campaign, and give yesterday’s results, his tips sure seem to have worked here too.

Edit: this article can also help you to understand a little the reasons of why he won:

Bolsonaro business backers accused of illegal Whatsapp fake news campaign

[olko71]

New Post has been published on All about business online

New Post has been published on http://yaroreviews.info/2021/05/nike-split-with-neymar-amid-sex-assault-probe

Nike Split With Neymar Amid Sex-Assault Probe

Nike Inc. NKE -0.24% and soccer superstar Neymar split ways last year after the company started investigating an allegation by a Nike employee that the Brazilian athlete had sexually assaulted her, according to people familiar with the matter and documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.

In August 2020, Nike didn’t publicly give a reason for the early end to its endorsement deal with one of the world’s most recognizable athletes. Nike’s marketing contract with Neymar had another eight years remaining, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The Nike employee had told friends as well as Nike colleagues in 2016 that Neymar tried to force her to perform oral sex in his hotel room while in New York City where she was helping to coordinate events and logistics for Neymar and his entourage, according to the people, including former and current Nike employees, and the documents.

Neymar denies the allegation, his spokeswoman said. “Neymar Jr. will vigorously defend himself against these baseless attacks in case any claim is presented, which did not happen so far,” she said in a statement. She said Nike and Neymar split for commercial reasons.

The Nike employee filed a complaint to Nike in 2018 and described the incident to the company’s head of human resources and general counsel, according to the people and documents. Nike hired lawyers at Cooley LLP to conduct an investigation starting in 2019 and decided to stop featuring Neymar in marketing amid the probe, according to the people and documents.

Neymar visited New York in June 2016 to drum up excitement for a shoe collaboration with Nike’s Jordan brand.

Photo: Michael Stewart/Getty Images

Nike ended its relationship with Neymar in 2020 after the athlete wouldn’t cooperate with the Cooley investigation, some of the people said. They said the probe wasn’t completed when the business relationship ended.

“Nike ended its relationship with the athlete because he refused to cooperate in a good faith investigation of credible allegations of wrongdoing by an employee,” said Hilary Krane, Nike’s general counsel, in response to questions from the Journal.

Ms. Krane said Nike didn’t previously discuss the matter publicly because “no single set of facts emerged that would enable us to speak substantively on the matter. It would be inappropriate for Nike to make an accusatory statement without being able to provide supporting facts.”

Neymar’s spokeswoman said the two sides had been in discussions since 2019. “It is very strange a case that was supposed to have happened in 2016, with allegations by a Nike employee, come to light only at that moment,” the spokeswoman said.

Representatives for Neymar disputed the woman’s account during the Cooley probe but the athlete himself refused to be interviewed by Nike’s investigators, some of the people said.

An attorney for the Nike employee didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Neymar da Silva Santos Jr., 29 years old, signed with Nike at age 13, before he became a professional player in Brazil and then a star in Europe. He became the most expensive player in the history of soccer when Paris Saint-Germain paid FC Barcelona a transfer fee of about $260 million for him in 2017. The flashy goal scorer is a leader on the Brazilian national team and recently signed a contract extension with PSG, a top French club, through 2025.

Neymar signed with Nike at age 13, before he became a professional player in Brazil and then a star in Europe.

Photo: Christopher Pillitz/Getty Images

Neymar was the face of the Nike brand in South America with signature shoes and apparel collections and was among Nike’s highest-paid athletes when the relationship ended. “Neymar Jr. will no longer be a Nike player as of August 31, 2020,” a Nike spokesman said that month.

About two weeks later, on Sept. 12, Puma SE PUM -0.64% announced it had an endorsement deal with Neymar. “Welcome to the fam @neymarjr #KingIsBack,” the official Puma account tweeted. Puma has since released signature Neymar shoes and the athlete has appeared in marketing for the German company, a smaller rival to Nike and Adidas AG. ADDYY 0.36%

A spokeswoman for Puma declined to comment.

Neymar discussed his move to Puma in a message last September. “I grew up watching videos of great football legends such as Pelé, Cruyff, Matthäus, Eusébio and Maradona,” he wrote. “I wish to bring back the legacy that those athletes created on the pitch. They each played in Puma, and each of them created their magic in the King.”

Neymar has more than 150 million followers on Instagram. Along with Puma, he has marketing partnerships with Red Bull, Qatar Airways and PokerStars, according to his website. In recent months, Neymar unveiled marketing deals with apparel brand SuperDry and Epic Games Inc., maker of the popular “Fortnite” videogame.

Neymar traveled to New York City in late May and early June 2016 on a Nike publicity campaign where he visited Citi Field and met with basketball great Michael Jordan to drum up excitement for a shoe collaboration between Nike’s Jordan brand and the soccer star.

The woman, a longtime Nike employee who is still employed at the sneaker giant, was working with other Nike employees to coordinate logistics for Neymar and his entourage for the Jordan event in Manhattan, the people said. The group celebrated that evening at the Up & Down nightclub, the people said.

After midnight, in the early hours of June 2, hotel staff asked the woman along with another Nike employee to help Neymar, who appeared to be intoxicated, into his room at the hotel, the woman told friends and Nike colleagues that night and in subsequent days. She told these people that when she was briefly left alone in the room with Neymar, he took off his underwear and tried to force her to perform oral sex. She said Neymar tried to block her from leaving the room and then chased her down the hotel hallway while he was still undressed.

The employee shared the incident with several friends, family members and Nike employees that night and in the following days and weeks, the people said.

The employee made a complaint in 2018 when other women at Nike were stepping forward to share experiences of harassment and discrimination as part of a survey about the treatment of women at the company, according to the people and documents.

At the time, the employee shared details about the alleged incident with Monique Matheson, the head of Nike’s human resources department, and Ms. Krane, Nike’s general counsel, according to the people and documents.

Neymar continued to appear in marketing for Nike the following year. Around the time of the women’s World Cup in France, Neymar appeared in a June 2019 Nike commercial about female athletes and their dreams.

Also in June 2019, another woman accused Neymar of rape at a Paris hotel a month earlier. Neymar said the encounter with the woman, a Brazilian model, was consensual and he accused her of attempting to extort him. The Brazilian authorities dropped the investigation of Neymar, citing a lack of evidence.

Authorities in Brazil later charged the model with slander, extortion and procedural fraud. The slander and extortion charges were dismissed in 2019 and she was acquitted of the fraud charge in 2020. A spokeswoman for the model said she stands by her original account of what happened.

In June 2019 after the Brazilian model made her public allegation, the Nike employee approached Ms. Krane and Ms. Matheson to ask the status of the complaint she made about Neymar a year earlier, according to the people and documents. Nike executives told the employee they hadn’t taken any action because they had been under the impression she didn’t want them to, the people said.

Puma announced it had an endorsement deal with Neymar in September 2020.

Photo: John Berry/Getty Images

Ms. Krane said that when the employee first relayed her allegations to Nike’s leadership in 2018, she did so on the condition of confidentiality. “As her employer, we had a responsibility to respect her privacy and did not believe it was appropriate to share that information with law enforcement or any third party without the employee’s consent,” Ms. Krane said.

“In 2019, when the employee later expressed interest in pursuing the matter, we acted immediately,” Ms. Krane said. “From the very beginning, we have treated the employee’s allegations and her experience with great seriousness.”

In 2019, Nike ramped up its investigation into the 2016 incident, and lawyers from Cooley conducted interviews with witnesses, including Nike employees, the people said and documents show. Nike helped the employee retain counsel, and Nike agreed to pay her legal fees, the people said and documents show.

Cooley lawyer Amanda Main said her firm “conducted an extensive and thorough investigation, both within the company and through external sources.”

Neymar’s spokeswoman said, “Similar to the sexual assault allegations made against him in 2019—allegations which the Brazilian authorities found Neymar Jr. innocent—these allegations are false.”

Nike is the jersey sponsor for Neymar’s club Paris Saint-Germain.

Photo: paul ellis/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images

In meetings with Nike executives, the woman requested that Nike tell the public that Neymar’s behavior didn’t align with its values, start enforcing morality clauses in athlete contracts and adopt a code of conduct for endorsement deals, the people said.

On Aug. 30, Nike confirmed that Neymar was no longer with the brand. It made no mention of the reasons for his departure.

Nike continues to be the jersey sponsor for both Neymar’s club Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazilian national team, meaning its swoosh logo still appears on uniforms with Neymar’s name and his number, 10.

Write to Khadeeja Safdar at khadeeja.safdar@wsj.com

Copyright ©2020 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

[flickdirect]

It's a simple matter of "by the books" numbers. Option one…diplomacy. Option two…military. Option three…Overwatch. What, do you ask, is Overwatch? They are the non-government sanctioned tactical team sent in to do the dirty work when all else fails. They are the ones who use any means necessary (a.k.a. not always legal) to find the stolen goods, get the bad guys, etc. - you get the idea. They are deadly and cunning and are one of the reasons we all sleep a little easier at night. Make no mistake they are one of the government's best weapons against spies, dictators, and terrorists and in Mile 22 we get to watch from the sidelines as they do what they do best.

The story begins sixteen months earlier on a quiet suburban street in America where the Overwatch team orchestrates a raid on a Russian cell and kills everyone in the house including an 18-year-old boy. Fast-forward a year and a half to South East Asia where the team is trying to find some high-powered, radioactive explosive. After some bad intel and a botched retrieval attempt, the informant shows up at the US embassy requesting asylum. He has a disc with him that supposedly gives the five locations of the explosive but the disc is locked and he refuses to give the code to open it until he is on a plane out of the country.

It is Overwatch's job to take the informant, Li Noor (Iko Uwais. The Raid: Redemption) 22 miles from the embassy to the landing strip where a plane is waiting to fly him to Germany. As they move him they are met with resistance and roadblocks at every turn. Little do they know that there are darker forces at play here and there is a deeper plot in action than simply trying to stop a traitor from leaving the country. They find they are fighting for their lives in an attempt to deliver the package safely.

Emmy award nominee Peter Berg (Deep Water Horizon) directs this fast-paced, heart-pounding action film and he once again teams with Mark Wahlberg (Patriots Day) who stars as deeply disturbed team leader, James Silva. Bergs editing style is that of quick cuts and short snippets, which I find frustrating. Perhaps my brain doesn't process visuals at a fast pace but I feel I miss quite a bit as the film jumps quickly from one camera angle to another. His technique does keep the film moving through and doesn't give the audience a moment to rest or get bored. I also give him credit for making a car inoperable once it gets sideswiped in a chase scene. It is a refreshing change from the unrealistic version often used in films where a car is incredibly damaged but still manages to be drivable.

Wahlberg is very good in his role as an almost egomaniacal genius that berates his team and everyone else on a regular basis. He is joined by John Malkovich (Dangerous Liaisons) who oversees the technical team supporting Overwatch. Lauren Cohan (The Walking Dead), Ronda Rousey (Furious 7) and Carlo Alban (21 Grams) round out Silva's team of mercenaries. They have great chemistry and seem to move as a well-oiled machine that has worked together on many missions over several years.

At ninety minutes long Mile 22 movies quickly through the action and a somewhat thin on details plot. The fight and chase scenes are heart pounding and the twist keeps the whole thing interesting. The choreographed hand-to-hand combat is unique and fresh and makes you wonder what else can be used as a weapon and how many ways can the human body break and bleed. While a little graphic it is sure to entertain those that love the action genre while it keeps the rest of us amused and engaged to the very end.

Grade: B+

About Allison Hazlett-Rose Allison Hazlett-Rose has always had a passion for the arts and uses her organization skills to help keep FlickDirect prosperous. Mrs. Hazlett-Rose oversees and supervises the correspondents and critics that are part of the FlickDirect team. Mrs. Hazlett-Rose attended Hofstra University where she earned her bachelors degree in communications and is Vice Chair of the Florida Film Critics Circle.

Read more reviews and content by Allison Hazlett-Rose.

via FlickDirect Entertainment News, Exlclusive Interviews, and Film Reviews

[praisethelourd24-blog]

Scarlet Magazine exclusive

Aurora Lourd, by Janet Mock.

The white hot London sunshine is burning through the windows of Prestige Studios...

Aurora Lourd, the oldest of the Lourd dynasty has just arrived with manager Elizabeth Christiana.

Both arrive punctually (a Lourd trademark), Aurora dressed down in a black hoodie and grey sweatpants. After having her hair and make-up done, the starlet curls up on a brown leather sofa in the corner of the studio — Christiana shuffles her notes, poised as they wait for the Scarlet Magazine exclusive interview.

At the tender age of 23, it has been quite the year for Aurora. She has been named one of the most promising power players in the fashion industry — Forbes estimated her net worth at $41m (£29.8m) in April 2018 — with her own fashion line, which had sales last week estimated at $330m (£237m). And earlier this month she took the job as reality star Brielle Silva's personal stylist.

There’s a vulnerability to Aurora — she’s disarmingly pretty in the flesh and seemingly anxious — but protective Christiana sets her at ease. Phone down and fully focused, the interview begins....

MOCK: I was going to start by asking you what you were doing this morning, but I saw on your Snapchat that you were just with Ella Jameson, and she basically renamed the cat. She was like, “No, his name is Dobby.”

LOURD: She changes that poor cat’s name all the time. We had to pick one and stick with it, so I said, “His name is Gianni. We’re going with that.”

MOCK: [laughs] Have you gotten used to the fact that someone like me, a stranger, has this immediate relationship with you and your personal life?

LOURD: I have. I mean there’s social media, on which I’ve always been really open. When we're out getting ice cream or something and people call out Ella’s name, that’s when it’s weird for me. She lives such a normal life, believe it or not, at home with Auggie and I and with her mother.

MOCK: When you’re not working, what do your days look like? Or are you kind of always working?

LOURD: On a typical day, without working, I wake up early, like six in the morning. I try to work out before everyone gets up, and then I have breakfast with them. I try to make sure we have set meals at home, to keep everything as normal as possible. And then I get to work. If you saw my office—I have mood boards of so many different things; maybe 15 sketches sitting on my desk. I have maybe 200 samples of fabrics that I have to go through. I’ll usually have wardrobe fittings for myself or Brielle. Then I might have—and I’m not joking—300 different emails to respond to.

MOCK: I’ve been watching your career from the very beginning, and while there’s obviously the beauty component—the eye candy of how you look—what I’m most attracted to is the connection between you and your fans. You have become more famous than ever—and following the traumatic event of the miscarriage��have you shifted the boundaries of what you will and will not share with them?

LOURD: You really do learn about boundaries over time. I look back at some of the things I've done or said on social media and think, “I can’t believe I did that”—dates with random people when I was single, things like that. But I also think that going through the motions of something like the aftermath of the miscarriage, or situations that most people might not understand, there are some people who might really have gone through that. I think about them. I feel like I came out of that a better person. That said, we all have boundaries so I would rather not get into that.

MOCK: I’ve written two memoirs, and as a writer, I’m able to pick and choose what parts of my life I want to share for public consumption, and what I don’t.  I feel as if the fact that you get to somewhat choose must also be an empowering piece.

LOURD: Oh definitely, though it would be a lot less stressful without the paparazzi leaking personal things. I mean I hadn't even gotten to tell August or anyone, for that matter, about the pregnancy and they leaked the miscarriage. He was completely floored. Everyone was.

MOCK: I got to have a conversation with your mom for my podcast just a couple months ago. She was telling me that one of the first things she realized was that you have this really great opportunity to communicate and engage your social media followers and fans as kind of a focus group. How much have your fans, and their opinions, influenced the way you work as a businesswoman?

LOURD: Take, for example, my new clothing line. There were a couple of opinions that other people might not have loved to hear, but they were really important for me as learning tools. I’m truly listening to these people and watching everyone’s social media. I’m like, “Okay, we gotta fix that, guys. That’s something I really did not think about.” I take their advice to heart. I want to do better always. I never want to sit stagnant.

MOCK: You were talking about being open to critique. What are the conversations like between not just you and your staff, but also you and your family around random controversies and critiques that flare up? Is there a group text? Is it FaceTime?

LOURD: It’s usually me starting a group chat. I’m really aware of what’s going on. If there’s something being said about one of my siblings, I’ll be the first to jump in a group. We have family chats that happen all day, every day. Ana is usually traveling, so she will inevitably wake up at four in the morning to 30 messages. I’ll be the first to jump in and say, “Ana, I’m seeing this. This is not cool. Tell me what’s going on.” I’m usually the ringleader for stuff like that, and I’ll say, “You’re wrong. You need to apologize.” Or, “This needs to be fixed. Everyone just lay low, chill out, don’t say anything. It doesn’t matter if it’s all lies. I know it’s frustrating. I know you want to speak up.” We always have to remind ourselves of stuff like that. We don’t do everything perfectly, but there really are so many lies, so many rumors.

MOCK: I heard you just describe yourself as the ringleader. Watching you on MTV 's the Journey: Celebrities, I saw you as very strategic in that sense. But I feel you’re the one who pulls everything together. I think about how your brother's story of autism leaked and how you stepped forward as the public supportive face, but who do you turn to when you need advice?

LOURD: I usually go to August for advice about my brand, my life, my image. But if it’s other drama, I go to one of my best friends, Lennox Reynolds. She and I  worked together, I met her about three years ago. She’s just a really smart girl, so I always get her opinion on everything. If I wasn’t doing what I’m doing now, or if this doesn’t work out one day, I could so be a publicist. I feel like that’s my job for my friends sometimes, at least the crisis part of it.

MOCK: You’re basically your group’s Olivia Pope. [laughs]

LOURD: That’s the perfect description!

MOCK: When you were coming to prominence, what was the best piece of advice that you got about the “fame monster,” as Lady Gaga would call it?

LOURD: Gosh, I don’t know if I ever really got advice. I just knew what I wanted and I refused to stop until I got it. Hard work and dedication.

MOCK: What was the early vision that you had for your career? What were you looking for?

LOURD: At the time, there was nothing specific. Dad was getting calls to do this and that. Our thinking was that maybe there’s power in saying yes to things. I look back on certain business ventures and say, “Well, I wouldn’t do that today.” I had so many great experiences along the way, and so many times I thought, “Well, this has got to end soon.” My initial reasoning for wanting to do acting was to get out of my dad's shadow.

MOCK: But there has to have been something that you really wanted.

LOURD: Stupid little things. I would look in a magazine—there was this page in Us Weekly that I remember vividly. It’s just a spread, and it has one person and all the fashion moments that they love. I remember looking at it, being like, “It would be my dream to be this person.” I was so excited when I got it. I still don’t take anything for granted. I am genuinely still so excited about my career. I feel like now is when someone would turn off and think, “Okay, I’ve done this for a few years. I’ve done pretty well for myself. I can chill for a bit.” But instead I’m like, “No, let me turn it up.”

MOCK: Someone who mentors me has said that one of the greatest gifts you can ever have as a public person, and a businessperson, is the gift of being underestimated. That sound bite continues to follow you—the sense of, “She's just famous for being famous musician's kid.”

LOURD: I used to say, “I love being underestimated.” But now when I hear, “She's so not talented,”—ten years into it—I’m kind of like, “Okay, give a girl a little respect.” If I’m so not talented, if I do nothing, then how is my career my reality? And I poke fun at it, like when I was on the cover of Forbes I posted the hashtag #NotBadForAGirlWithNoTalent. I don’t mind being underestimated because it does fuel me. But after a while, I do feel like, “C’mon, you can recognize a little bit.”

MOCK: Well, no one makes something like $14 million in mere hours, like you did during the launch of Girl Gang. That doesn’t just happen. That takes a lot of thought and planning and work.

LOURD: You can say a lot of things about me, but you cannot say I don’t work hard. I can sing. I can dance. I can act. And I'm about to show the world that I can be successful in the fashion industry as well.