Location: Spring Zone - Suburbs


In a deep part of the suburbs, a giant japanese house stood in the middle of a plaza. That was an inn, but also it was the hideout for the Black Moon, an organization composed of trained assassins, working under the shadows against the Four Comets group. Leaded by two assassins, known by its members as Avenger and Vampire, this secret assassin group was fierce in completing missions handled to them.

Roger entered one of the rooms at the second floor. There, a young man was looking throughout a list.


???: The information came late, but it looks like that idiot Pairah was kicked out. Well deserved, she was always a prideful idiot who didn't get that she was weak.

Roger: Master, I've returned with an invitation to you.

???: To me? Made by who?

Roger: Unfortunately, it was given to me by a butler and he didn't give me much info about who sent it.

???: In other words, you were swooning over a butler instead of doing your job, Roger?

Roger: Ehehe... well, maybe...?

???: As always, you're terrible at your work. Give me the letter.

Roger handed the letter to the young man. He read its content and gave a little laugh.

BGM: Advent Beast III/L


???: Really now? What an invitation indeed.

Roger: I might be a little nosy, but who sent it?

???: I don't know. Maybe you should've asked that butler over a cup of tea.

Roger: C'mon, stop with that! I already get it, I was wrong!

???: Good to know. Now let's head out. You're coming with me to this place.
Roger: Y-Yes, sir.

With that, the man got off from his table and left the room alongside Roger. The other members of the Black Moon all stopped and bowed at his presence. However, another person came by and didn't bow. They stood face to face at the main hall.


???: Are you going off somewhere?

???: Someone invited me to a party, you see. Can't refuse it when I'm personally invited.

???: Who was this someone and how did they reach us?

???: Someone who might be interesting to work with. See it yourself.

He gave the letter. As the other young man read it, he couldn't hide his worry.


???: How... how did they found us?

???: I've no idea, but I'm biting this. Something tells me it would be a big waste to just let this opportunity go.

???: Are you sure this is a good idea? They might be after us because of our connection.

???: Either way, I'm game. Trap or not, I'll make my way through it.

???: Then I'm coming with you. Both leaders should be present to hear their proposal.

???: How kind of you, Lass. I thought you wouldn't come too.


Black Moon's Avenger
Lass Isolet


Lass: To be honest, we'll be in big trouble if I leave you to go alone, Astra.


Black Moon's Vampire
Adachi "Astra" Kama


Astra: Aww, you wound me. Now let's go. We can't be rude guests and turn up late.

Roger: Just to be sure, where are we going, exactly?

Astra: Fon Ventorian Mansion. A meeting with the Resistance.

Lass: Let's go then. We don't have time to waste.

The two leaders of the Black Moon and Roger left to the Fon Ventorian Mansion, to answer the "invitation" made by the Resistance. Adachi didn't knew what to expect, but readied himself to react as much as he's able to.

Celest Gold Family Pagoda - Corridors

After finding some bandages to close her wounds, Rayla kept going towards Bernard's Office. After a while, she heard a loud explosion coming from above.


Rayla: (The battle escalated to that level? I have to hurry.)

Then, she reached the top floor. Rayla could only feel a faint magic signature from the office.


Rayla: So...It's over?

She slowly approached the door, taking some deep breaths as she touched the handle, then opened it.

Music: Hamel

What she saw wasn't something she expected, but it was something she hoped it would happen. Bernard was laying near a wall, unconcious, while Drake, stood there, breathing heavily while he was trying to process what had just happened.


Drake: I...did it? This...isn't a dream...is it?

Rayla: Drake!

Drake: Rayla? What are you doing here?

Rayla: Well, after that phone call of yours, how I would NOT be here?

Drake: But...I thought...You wouldn't bother...

Rayla: You thought wrong. I'm here now, believe it or not.

Drake: ...Right...I guess you thought I was going to lose...right?

Rayla: I was worried, sure...but deep down...A part of me wanted to believe you would pull through...or at least hang in there long enough.

Drake: Really?

Rayla: I wouldn't lie about this.

Drake: I see... (Those wounds...I guess she fought against Cousin Seila...And actually won. That's not something I thought was even possible. She went through all that trouble to help me...Wait, if she's actually here...that means.)

Rayla: I was going to have a long talk with Bernard...but I guess that won't be necessary...

Rayla: Still...Sorry for taking so long...

Drake: ...

Rayla: Right...I don't think that's something that can be forgiven so easily...This whole mess is my fault after all.

Rayla: But now, we're going to fight together, in order to bring back peace to this city.

Drake: I...

Drake grips his wooden sword tighter, looking at Rayla with a fiercer look.


Rayla: W-What?

Drake: Cousin Rayla, does this mean you're going to finally inherit the Family's Holy Sword?

Rayla: Well...

The Holy Sword, a magic weapon that can only be inherited by someone who has the blood of the main family. A powerful sword that can amplify the user's magic ability to great levels. It's the embodiment of the destruction an Ancestor Mage can cause, a bright light that consumes everything. Rayla was supposed to inherit after her father died, but due to her negligence, she never got to use the sword, and thus, her base magic has no element.


Rayla: I'm not sure If I deserve it...After all this time just minding my own business, I don't think I'm worthy to use such power.

Drake: But, if you don't...

Rayla: Yeah...I know this looks like I'm looking away at the issue once more...but...I just can't do it.

Drake: Rayla...

Rayla: Sorry Drake...But I guess I'll just keep fighting as am I now. I think I'm strong enough right now.

Drake: ...I see...It's good to know you're confident in your strenght.

Drake: Too bad the same can't be said for me.

Rayla: Drake?

Music: Innocent Tripper


Drake: Rayla, prepare yourself.

Rayla: E-Excuse me?

Drake: Even though I've beaten my brother, I still can't tell how strong I've become...That's why, I'll test my strenght against you instead!

Rayla: Wait! N-Normally, I wouldn't mind, but, aren't you tired from your fight?

Drake: Same as you, so we're even. I need to be sure if I can overcome anyone, if what I truly have really is enough. That's why, Cousin Rayla, I will defeat you! Then I'll truly know if I'm strong or not.

Rayla: (Urgh...There's no talking out of this one.)

Drake: PREPARE YOURSELF, AND DON'T YOU DARE HOLD BACK!

She jumped over Drake's slash, seeing a small hole from where she last stood. When she landed on the floor, Drake continued his assault, attacking with a flurry of slashes. Rayla managed to parry one of the attacks, but then, Drake immidietaly pushed her away to a wall, the same one Bernard was near to.


Rayla: Argh...

Drake: I've said not to hold back...I won't hesitate to go all out.

Rayla: (This certainly won't be like Seila's battle...)

Rayla this time, ducked under his next attack. Then, she spotted Bernard's wooden sword.


Drake: Come back here!

Rayla: !!!

She quickly picks it up, then blocks Drake's incoming strike, being pushed away a bit.


Drake: Please...don't go soft on me. I really need this. If you don't, then I'll force you to use the Family's Holy Sword.

Rayla: What? Why do I have to agree to that?

Drake: Because we need to be strong Rayla! How are we going to overcome the challenges ahead if we don't get stronger?

Rayla: ...Alright, if you really want to...

Music: Keep Existing

Rayla throws Bernard's sword away and starts powering up. Drake was a bit thrown back by the pressure, but managed to stand firm, powering up as well.


Rayla: I'll defeat you as who I am. This may sound like I'm abandoning our family's power for good...But I don't need to follow traditions or anything if it means protecting the city.

Drake: This isn't about traditions Rayla. This is about what is necessary.

Rayla: Then it won't be a necessity for me, plain and simple. I decided how I want to get stronger. Sorry, but this is how I feel. Now let's get on with this. It's what you want right? So don't come whining when I wipe the floor with you!

Drake: Well said! Let's do this Cousin!

Both: HAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

Both clashed their strikes, creating a violent shockwave that made the nearby papers fly away. Suddenly, Drake saw himself being thrown away by Rayla's punch, colliding with a wall.


Drake: Urgh...Ah!

Rayla: Hya!

Drake almost got hit by Rayla's flying kick. He took this opportunity to start attacking her again. They started trading violent blows, until Drake got punched away once more.


Drake: ARGH!

Rayla: I'm not done yet!

Drake: (She's relentless!)

Drake went for another slash. This one was something Rayla wouldn't be able to avoid, so she parried the attack and started holding the sword.


Rayla: So, is this good enough for you?

Drake: I'm glad...that you didn't let yourself get weaker.

Rayla: You think so? I think I was stronger back when Mom was alive.

Drake: Really?

Rayla: I guess...Never really tried to know...But that's enough of that.

Drake: Wah!

Rayla managed to throw Drake away to a wall once more, however, he kicked it as he got closer, then launched himself back at her. She ducked under the attack and fired a blast of energy at him. He deflected it once he landed. Then, they started trading blows once again. It was clear that none of them would back down at this point.

Location: World Crossers Guild - Main Hall


Lilina: I see. I want to understand it too. Its full function, who made it... and why me.

5T: ... Perhaps it was a sign of protection. Luckily, you and some of the other victims had this luck of having people to protect you.

Lilina: Huh? What do you mean, Quill?

5T: I mean that we doubled our attention to the Psychics because we lost one of you.

BGM: Reverie


Lilina: Y-You mean... one of us was fully captured?!


5T nodded at Lilina's question. His Pod floated right next to him, opened his hatch and shown an holografic image of a young man, around Lilina's age or even younger.


Lilina: T-That is...

5T: Willard Moonshine. Resident of Unitia, living at the Winter District. Possible candidate for being a Psychic, like you. Captured by DUST.

Heather: No... then he's with them now...

5T: Unfortunately, yes. We don't know where they took him. Our searches in that account, by far, led us to nowhere. He's been gone for at least three months.

Lilina: Willard... he must be suffering so much right now... if only we had a clue...

5T: We haven't found one yet. Worse thing is that his entire family died.

Heather: D-Died?!

5T: The perpetrators didn't leave a single one of them alive. He was an only son, living alone with his mother, Maribella Moonshine. Her injuries, however, were fatal and she didn't survive.

5T: Both the Guild and the Holy Order are trying the best they can to find him. Neither side did stumble upon a clue, though.

Heather: That's so cruel. They took the boy away and killed the only family he had...!

Lilina: ... Willard...

The thought of Willard being tortured by their experiments reminded Lilina of her nightmare. Could she have possibly see him there? Was he also suffering like she was? It didn't matter


Lilina: I won't let this stay as it is.

Heather: Lilina?

Lilina: I will find Willard and bring him back. He deserves to be free of them, just like most of us are today. Whatever pain he has, whatever sorrow he holds, I'll shed the light on him. I'll give him hope again!

Lilina: And I won't let it happen with someone else. No more victims will fall into their hands. I won't let this repeat over and over anymore. I swear it!

Celest Family Pagoda - Bernard's Office

**Keep Existing still playing**

The battle went on for a while, Rayla was slowly gaining advantage over Drake, getting used to his movements and patterns. Suddenly, she gets hit in the face.


Rayla: Urgh...

Drake: AAAAAAAAH!!!!

Only to counter Drake with a kick that sent him flying once more. He fell on his feet this time, but was clutching his stomach in pain.


Drake: Kah...

Rayla: Not bad. That was really something Drake. You're pretty good!

Drake: Flattery...won't get you to...stop this fight.

Rayla: (Not really my intention but...)

Drake: (Still...It seems that she mostly got used to my moves now. That hit on her was certainly the last...But this is just according to plan.)

Rayla: Well, if you still can go then, bring it on!

Drake: (Alright Rayla, victory will be mine.)

Drake takes a deep breath, takes stance, glares fiercily at his cousin, then dashes foward. Rayla braces herself for the next wave of attacks.


Drake: HAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

His last step was a fierce stomp, Drake swung his wooden sword at Rayla.

**Music Stops**

But then, he quickly got punched in the face. As he was being sent away once more, he let go of his sword. The weapon in question being super-charged with magic, as it had spread what was stored in it once it hit the ground.


Drake: ARGH!

Rayla: Had a feeling you would use that. I was finding it weird that I was slowly gaining advantage...And this is why. You were saving a trump card for such moment.

Drake: Urgh...How did you...

Rayla: I felt the power of an explosion when I was heading to this floor, thinking it was Bernard's doing. But it was you all along.

Drake: ...

Rayla: Not a bad plan. Had you used such move sooner, maybe you would've caught me by surprise.

Rayla: That was your last move. Now that your trump card turned out to be useless, victory is mine Drake!

Drake: Dang...DAMMIT!

Drake summoned his sword back to him, then, started charging that attack once more.


Drake: Even with all that trainning, I had to rely on a trick to win...and now even that doesn't work! I'm a failure as an Ancestor Mage.

Rayla: That's not true Drake. You were just unlucky that strategy was...

Drake: A complete mistake...If I can't win with my strenght alone, then how the hell am I going to help this city?

Rayla: ...

Music: The Original Restored World


Af first, Rayla was only planning to interrupt his attack once more, but then, she started charging Fenriswolf.


Rayla: Are you seriously saying crap like that?

Drake: Huh?

Rayla: What do you think this is? You shouldn't feel ashamed at using such tricks. The fights ahead are going to be to the death, not some honorable duels! I thought you learned that with your trainning, but I guess I was wrong. I guess there's only so much to learn when you're by locked in your house, trainning by yourself.

Drake: But...

Rayla: Time to show you that you can't achieve anything with such a weak resolve...And to truly free you from this prison!

Drake: Guh...RAYLAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

Rayla: FENRISWOLF!!!


Both fire their attacks, a beam and a unstable blast. As Rayla had said, as soon as both attacks collided, her move was overcoming his. In a few seconds, Drake would be hit for sure if he doesn't start focusing for real.


Rayla: HAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

Drake: (I'm being pushed back...)

Rayla: ...

Drake: (The attack is too close now...Even if I recover my focus now...)

However, Drake didn't feel like loosening the grip of his sword. He still kept pouring his magic reserves into the attack, even if he knew it was no use. He hasn't given up yet, and still, part of him accepted that Rayla was right.


Drake: (That's right...I was being an idiot all this time. I might not be as strong as Rayla or my brother...but that doesn't mean I should be being so hard on myself like this. I mean, I'm going to fight alongside other people right? We can always help each other against whatever challenge is ahead of us.)

Rayla's Fenriswolf was just a few inches from blasting Drake. Suddenly, he closed his eyes and corrected his stance.


Drake: Still...I don't know why, but I just can't let myself lose this fight!

Rayla: Huh?

Music: Flash! Aerial Fair Spark!


Drake: I still need to know how strong I truly am...That's really something I can't drive away. That's why...I'm not done yet! HAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

Drake was now solely focusing on his attack. Rayla could feel a slight push, but knew it wouldn't be enough. However, she started feeling a change in Drake's aura.


Rayla: Huh? (What's with this surge?


From her point of view, she could see his magic aura growing in size and changing color. It was a bright yellow, an aura she knows very well.


Rayla: (No way...but I thought...)

Drake: Grrrrrr....

Drake hasn't noticed yet, but the weapon he was holding at the moment was none other than the Celest Family's Holy Sword. Against all
expectations, Drake managed to awake to it moments before his aparent defeat. The increase in power was enough to push Fenriswolf back.


Rayla: (He's not going to stop until he's exausted...Then...)

Rayla then, cancels her attack since it was still far away from her, then dodges the attack, being blown away by the sudden gust of wind that was created thanks to the sheer force of the attack, sending her to wall. The golden beam of light destroyed everything in its path, managing to easily reach the outside. The guards were astonished by the sudden blast. Some of the older ones reconized the technique.

Guard: To think we would finally see its power once more.

Meanwhile, back at the office, Rayla approached Drake and tried to make him stop.


Rayla: Hey Mr.Shining Knight!

Drake: HAHN?

Surprised, he suddenly lost focus and cancelled the attack, falling on the ground due to the scare. It took him a while to notice what he was holding.


Drake: WHAT IN THE GAAAAAAAACK?

Rayla: Yeah...I felt like screaming too.

Drake: B-But...I thought...

Rayla: I'm confused about it as well.

Bernard: You see...because the rule is actually a restriction.

Drake: Huh?

Bernard woke up, though he couldn't get up yet, since he body was still in pain due to Drake's cheap shot at him earlier.


Bernard: Back when the Celest Gold Family was forging the blade, it was decided that only one branch of the family would allowed to use the Holy Sword. A test was made after they finished the weapon, and Rayla's family was chosen to use the blade for generations, while the other branches were deemed unworthy and would serve the main family as result. There was another reason as well. It was to actually control how much power an Ancestor Family should have.

Rayla: ...You don't mean.

Bernard: Let's talk elsewhere, if possible, with some tea as well.

Rayla: R-Right.

Drake: ...

He walks towards what remained of the exit. He could see the buldings from the hole Drake opened with his attack. Rayla and Drake silently followed him, with Drake still holding the sword.

Celest Family Pagoda - Living Room at 1st Floor

Music: What's the Strategy?

The group had arrived there by elevator. Rayla was quite upset she didn't find it before, as she still to show Bernard a piece of her mind. But, since Drake had already defeated him, there wasn't need for that anymore. Suddenly, some bandages went flying in her direction.


Rayla: Eh?

Seila: You all look like a mess.

Bernard: You look way worse. I gotta say, this isn't how I imagined a family reunion would be like after all these years.

Rayla: You should thank your brother for that...anyway, can't we choose another place?

Seila: ..I'm still in no condition to fight, so I'll stay quiet.

Rayla: Feel free to try, but next time, I won't be alone, and Drake won't either.

Drake: *nods* Don't think that it will be easy to stop us.

They take a seat, Drake and Bernard treat their injuries while Rayla fixes some bandages that were damaged during her fight against Drake. Once one of the servants arrive to serve food, Bernard continues his explanation.


Bernard: I'm sure Rayla already figured it out what I meant about controlling power...It is to avoid a situation that sadly, ended up happening in another family. The very culprits behind the start of the Civil War all those years ago, the Kresnik Family.

Seila: ...

Bernard: All of the members from the Kresnik Family had developed an ability to increase their strenght to insane levels, by equiping a full body armor that also removed their sensation of pain. Now, combine that with the durability of an Ancestor Mage, and we would have a fearsome foe.

Drake: I see...but that still doesn't explain why I've inherited the sword.

Bernard: ...My guess is that, since Rayla refuses to inherit it, the sword decided to search someone from the family that had a heart like Rayla's predecessors, and it saw that you were the perfect candidate.

Rayla: It can do that?

Bernard: I'm not sure how it really works. The sword was made to be compatible only with a member of the main family, like a soul link of sorts. Never I would've imagined that the sword would willingly break ties with you like that.

Rayla: Maybe...because I'm just like how the branching family was all those years ago...and Drake now represent what the Main Family is supposed to be.

Drake: Eh? But I'm still...

Rayla: I was a coward...only really snaping out of it until recently, and even still, I didn't think I was worth of wielding it. Even if Drake had doubts about his strenght, he wanted, probably more than anyone, to fight for peace. The Holy Sword understood that, and decided that it would be the weapon of Drake's Heart.

Drake: ...

Rayla: I'm okay with that. I believe that he'll do great and will be a worthy protector of Unitia City.

Drake closed his eyes for a moment. Feeling that he was ready to accept the fact that he was now a wielder of the Holy Sword, he finally smiles.


Drake: Got it. I won't let anyone down. I promise I'll fight until the end.

Bernard: ...Guess I'll have to accept that.

Seila: ...

Rayla: Don't you have something to say as well, Cousin Seila?

Seila: ...Congratulations.

Drake: Thanks! That means a lot coming from you.

Seila: Seriously...Don't come crying to me when you all end up dead by that mysterious force I mentioned earlier. I don't know why it didn't kill you yet.

Rayla: Maybe, it can't right now.

Bernard: Mysterious force? What is she talking about?

Rayla: It is about how my father was killed. Just think about it. If said "force" really wanted us dead, it would've already done so. Even before I've decided to fight, there are some people who are still fighting to bring peace to the city.

Seila: I'm guessing "they" don't consider these people a threat...seeing that they couldn't do much.

Rayla: You could be right, but I'll stick with what I've said.

Seila: Hmph...Do whatever you want...

Seila just focuses on her tea and doesn't speak another word, visibly upset at both her cousins. Rayla gets up from her chair, ready to leave.


Rayla: Well, since that everything has been done with, time to go to school.

Drake: Wait, I'm coming too. I don't have school because of that incident yesterday...but, I really can't wait any longer to enjoy my freedom.

Rayla: Well said.

Bernard: Make sure to not get homesick.

Drake: W-What's that supposed to mean?

Bernard: Heh.

Drake: C-Can you stop making that face?

Bernard: Have fun out there, but be careful.

Drake: I know that.

Both cousins head out. Rayla, glad that her family had finally made peace, and Drake, who had finally earned his freedom.

Location: ??? - Necrox's Chambers

After everything was set, Dio met with Necrox in his chambers. They spoke in private, in order to fully explain what was he going to do in Unitia.


Dio: So, what am I supposed to be doing there?

Necrox: Like I said, you'll be meeting with Elizabeth Bathory. From there, you'll be on your own. The only thing I can tell you is that we're aiding Lumino with his children.

Dio: Children? Did Lumino end up-

Necrox: Don't raise the possibility. I'm seriously going to puke if you do.

Dio: Alright, I won't. So that's what I'll be doing.

Necrox: You'll be meeting some familiar faces over there. Here's hoping you're good with reminiscing.

Dio: ...

Necrox: Also, there's something else I'm doing with you.

Necrox snapped his fingers and Dio felt a dark fog enveloping him. He wasn't able to see it much until the fog dispersed. When it did, his whole attire changed to something he forgotten.


Dio: W-What? Is this...?

Necrox: Missed your old look from the times you were at Gensokyo?

Dio: This form... never thought I'd ever use it again. It's truly how I used to look back at the Sanzu River, carrying those souls with that lazy as hell Komachi.

Necrox: Good. This is how you'll go to Unitia.

Dio: Fine. So as long as I'm aiding you and not in that jail...

Necrox: Alright then. You can go now. I'm almost sure you'll reach Liz in an instant.

Dio nodded and went through the portal. Necrox looked as it closed, smiling a little.


Necrox: Heh. Who would've thought this guy would remain the loyal bastard...

Location: Summer Area - Streets Near the Inn

BGM: The Blood Countess (8-Bit/Chiptune)

After eating breakfast and paying for the night spent, Lizzy left the inn in order to search whatever she had to search. Soon, as she walked a portal appeared out of nowhere, with Dio coming out of it.


Lizzy: Gaaah!! W-Who the hell are you?!

Dio: ... So you're Elizabeth Bathory... or at least the Heroic Spirit that represents her.

Lizzy: H-How do you know me? Oh, don't tell me!

Dio: I'm Dio. Necrox sent me after you, Elizabeth.

Lizzy: Dio? I don't remember seeing you in my shows. How did you-

Lizzy: Wait... you're THAT Dio?!

Dio: I don't know what you mean by "that Dio", neither I want to know. Anyway, what you've been doing so far?

Lizzy: Uhh... walking aimlessly at the town... I guess.

Dio: ... Good, it seems I know now that you're pathetic.

Lizzy: Wha... Rude!! Excuse me if Necrox didn't tell me a goddamn thing about what the hell I'm supposed to be doing!

Dio: Enough talk. We're going to the Hakurei Shrine.

Lizzy: Hakurei... Shrine? I think I heard somethings about it. It's in another area of the town. Spring Zone, I think...

Dio: So you do know stuff. Lead the way then.

Lizzy: But I don't know which way it is! How am I supposed to know where I should be headed?! People aren't helping me much and there's nowhere telling me which way should I go!

Dio: ... That's called a map and there's one over there.

As Dio pointed it out, there was a small stall giving away free maps. He went there and took one for them.


Lizzy: Ahaha... I didn't notice that there were free maps of the town...

Dio: *sigh* This is going to be great...

Lizzy: So, which way are we supposed to go then?

Dio: *opens map* Let's see... this way.

Dio went towards one direction and Lizzy followed him. Their task was to join with the others and fulfill the team composed to aid the royalties of Lacrima in their journey;

Spring Zone - Streets


Drake: So, any idea on where are we going?

Rayla: Well, I'm heading back home to change to my student uniform, then head to the Guild.

Drake: Why there?

Rayla: They made me an offer...Which I refused at first. But now, I believe it's about time to change my mind.

Drake: Is that so? Huh?

Drake saw someone familiar leaving a convenience store.


Drake: Ah, it's Nicholas! HEY!

Nicholas: Hm?

Drake: What's up!

Nicholas: Hi Drake. Almost didn't recognize you without that hat.

Nicholas: Wait, I thought your brother was going to keep you locked forever. Did you escape or something?

Drake: Well, alot happened today. Rayla's with me.

Rayla: Hello. Been a while, hasn't it?

Nicholas: Indeed it was. Nice seeing you again Rayla.

Rayla: I would love to do some catch up, but I'm busy at the moment.

Nicholas: Wait, don't leave just yet.

Rayla: Hm?

Nicholas heads back inside the store. A minute later, he comes out with someone.


Rayla: !!!

Drake: No Way!




Karina: Huh? Are those...

Nicholas: Yep. Rayla and Drake, in the flesh.

Karina: I...didn't expect on meeting them now...

Karina: W-well...nice seeing-

Rayla: You moron!

Music: Walhall

Before she could say more, Rayla hugged Karina. Feeling a very cold sensation from her friends's body, as if winter had arrived early.


Rayla: What are you doing out here? You should be at home.

Nicholas: (Had a feeling she would be on the verge of tears.)

Karina: Well...This is the first time my powers had stabilized in years so...I decided to take this opportunity to see the sun again.

Rayla: Are you really sure about this?

Karina: Absolutely. Anyway, you shouldn't hug me for too long or you'll catch a cold.

Rayla: *sniff* Right...

Rayla released Karina and started wiping off her own tears. Karina had a strange condition for an Ancestor Mage. Her magic was highly unstable, herself and others are always at risk. If her powers went completely out of control, It would freeze everything around her, including herself. Ice generated by her powers wouldn't dissapear if she stopped focusing on it, so in the event of her powers going berserk, it was certain that she wouldn't be able to free herself from her own prison. Her condition started a little bit after the Civil War ended, being forced to stay isolated while struggling to control herself. Being one of her closest friends, Rayla always worried about Karina everyday, not forgeting the days they've spent together.


Karina: Seems like you've been using that jacket I gave you.

Rayla: For quite while, yes...

Karina: It indeed has seen better days. Maybe it's about time I give you another one.

Rayla: T-There's no need to. This one is fine. (This jacket was originally going to be hers, but she sent it to me as a gift...Even though it's supposed to keep her warmed up.)

Karina: Don't be shy. I'll even make sure it matches your skirt, I'm sure you're going to love it. Oh, and I almost didn't recognize you without that hat Drake.

Drake: I have a feeling I'll be getting this a lot.

Karina: Yeah, going to take a while to get used to it.

Drake: The times are changing...just like we are.

Karina: I can tell by your faces that you're going through a rough path...And also that you're planning to tackle it at full force.

Rayla: That's right. We're going to bring back peace to this city, no matter how hard it seems.

Drake: You'll be able to live without having to worry about using your powers.

Karina: I've been hearing stuff about how Rayla wouldn't help protect the city, but I'm relived that this isn't the case anymore. Of course, I wish I could help...But obviously, I can't do that without risking my powers from going out of control so...All I can do is to wish you a succesful journey.

The Platinum Brothers then, starts walking away. Karina says one last thing before she's far away.


Karina: Tell Auror I said hi, and that the unluckiest day of his life is coming.

Rayla: Huh? (Why him?)

Karina: I'm sure you know the answer to that.

Rayla: ...

Drake: Bye Nicholas! Bye Karin! It was nice seeing you two again.

Rayla: (Indeed it was...)

But then, Karina says one more thing.


Karina: Oh, and you're not a kid anymore, so you get rid of those twin tails.

Rayla: Shut it! I'm not doing that.

Karina: One day for sure. **walks away**

Rayla's mind was at peace, seeing that her old friend was doing well after all these years of worrying about her.


Rayla: The last time I've got some news from her was when I received this jacket. Her condition was really bad at the time. She couldn't write the letter so she had someone do it instead.

Drake: Oh, so you got a letter too?

Rayla: That's right. I'm sure she sent a bunch of those for almost everyone she knew...After all, we were worrying for her for a while now.

Drake: Rayla, we'll definitively save this city. There'll be no turning back on this one.

Rayla nods as they resume their walk towards Rayla's home. Walking at a faster pace to make up for lost time.