"I'd say we head to the entrance and help out but, I don't either of us are fighters. We might just get in the way. Still, the fight might be over right now actually. You two wanna go and check?"

"Even if we're not fighters, we should still go and provide what support we can," Vivian agreed.

"Let's go then?" Sylvia asked, reaching a vine towards Neil, but it was quickly slapped down by another vine. Vivian was staring daggers at Sylvia, shaking her head. "Ah, I'm sure you can walk on your own. Sorry. I guess it was a little embarrassing, to be carried around like that earlier," Sylvia apologized, looking rather regretful.

"We over-reacted," Vivian said, taking some of the blame off of her sister, "Didn't want one of our friends getting abducted."

The vines started pushing against the ground, allowing the cart that the sisters rode on to gain momentum. They could get pretty fast traveling in this manner, the only caveats being that they needed to build up speed, they couldn't decelerate or change direction quickly, and they didn't have the stamina to do it for prolonged periods of time.

@PaulHaynek@13org@Rezod92@ShwiggityShwah

Yang Bethlehem & Ditzy Stoneclub

Yang continued the pounding on the Kikimora methodically, the two continuously struggling against each other to gain a favorable position. Her experience giving her the larger advantage as she ensured the latter was always under her, it would've ended there and there if she had a long time.

Alas, perhaps desperate or deliberate, the Kikimora managed to strike her right on the temple with the arnis stick hard enough that Yang briefly was stunned. That singular moment gave her opponent to threw her off and disengaged quickly, Yang similarly took distance as she had the disadvantage in terms of range.

Taking a few breaths to steady herself, she took a defensive stance and kept at a distance where she can lunge forward but just far away to avoid her weapon. The multiple bruises slowly formed over the places she was struck, it certainly wasn't vital but it's still painful.

Then she felt and heard some clumsy yet steady footsteps, the urge to turn around came but she dare not take her eyes off the Kikimora and continued her stare down.

The Kikimora, however, turned and seemed panicked in her action. So much so that she was forced to throw her stick towards whatever was approaching.

Yang saw an opportune moment given to her. With a wordless yell, her body sprung forward like a tiger. Dirt trailed behind her foot and an imprint of her feet left behind, the wind whipped past her head and with a twist of her hip. Her legs rocket forward and Yang lashed out with a sidekick right into the Kikimora guts.

Ditzy meanwhile, continued his dash onwards, unaware of the incoming stick towards him.

From afar, Ditzy heard something snapped at the side as he caught something at the corner of his eyes but hearing the familiar sound of Freyr had him continued forward.

Soon, he reached the cart and quickly scrambled to the top before reaching Nero.

"Ditzy will carry!" Ditzy grinned as both of his arm stretched forward, lifted Nero upwards and above Ditzy head like a sack of potato. For Ditzy strength, Nero weight might as well be one as the latter was easily carried by him as Ditzy then jumped off the cart and run straight back to Freyr.

The Things We Do For Love
~@13org (FYR & ADA), @ShwiggityShwah, @Rezod92, @Restalaan (DIT & YNG)~

"Okay...I gotta ask....Why? Why go through so much trouble, huh? At this point, your escape plan is utterly doomed and the town guard is probably on their way here as we speak. Is Nero really worth all of this drama?"

Kira's wind spell gave her distance from the Kikimora who induleged the Beelzebub's question. "Of course." She answered without hesitation. "If you find yourself in love, Beelzebub, you would understand. I will even wager that you will do the same as I did."

The Kikimora facing Kira was ready to strike again, but then she hesitated. A sinking feeling fell over her and she turned to see Ditzy with the bound and gagged Nero, running towards his group and away from her reach. The maid monster promptly ignored the Beelzebub and dashed straight for the male Hobgoblin.

Freyr would see this and fired arrows at the Kikimora that was onto Ditzy. The maid monster narrowly evaded each arrow so far but just when the Viera had a bead on her, he was hit in the arms by an arnis stick. Thrown by the Kikimora who was fighting Ada and Sir Reed, breaking away from the fight to aid the fellow maid monster.

But this gave the knight the opening he needed to lock the Kikimora's arms beind her. "Finish her off, little one!" Sir Reed called to Ada. The Kikimora struggled hard but Reed had her pinned for now. "A solid punch to her gut, or her face. Anything to knock her out! Hurry!"

Meanwhile, Ozzy had caught the Kikimora attacking Margaret by surprise. The maid monster was lifted from the ground and was indisposed for the time being.

"Margaret, you okay?"

"I'm quite fine, Mister Ozzy." The Owl Mage replied as she got up. She aimeda wing at the immobilized Kikimora, ready to finish her off with a spell. The Kikimora struggled but a beam of white light shot out of Margaret's wing that struck her in the head. Suddenly, the Kikimora fell asleep. A sleeping spell was used, it seems.

However, the Kikimora then began to fade away as Ozzy felt his grip on her form disappearing. The maid monster faded until she was a mist that then traveled straight towards the Kikimora heading towards Ditzy.

The same happened with the Kikimora that received a powerful kick to her torso, courtesy of Yang. She was sent to the ground, but she got up. Clutching her body and gritting her teeth in pain, but not out of the fight yet The durability of monsters was truly amazing. However, Talia appeared behind her, turned her around and received a nasty headbutt from the mighty Cyclops. The knocked out Kikimora then faded into mist that then traveled away.

"Ditzy!" Haley yelled.

The Hobgoblin was in trouble. He was kicked away by the Kikimora which released his grip on the captive Nero. He was then brought up and had his hands quickly tied up with rope behind him as well as his feet. The maid monster sure was fast to be able to do all of that in record time.

The Kikimora held Ditzy in front of her, intending to use him as a shield against his allies' attacks. "I propose an exchange! Let me go with Nero, and you can have your friend" Her face was of grim determination and desperation. A serious scowl, backed into the corner. The two mists from the fallen Kikimora entered her, but she ignored this development.

---

~@Stern Algorithm~

"We over-reacted. Didn't want one of our friends getting abducted."

"Oh, that's fine. Totally understandable." Neil forgave being suddenly hoisted by up by the Altissima sisters. "Although, I don't think I'm a target. I think she's just after Sir Nero for whatever reason."

Seeing that the Liliraune was pushing the cart, Neil immediately offered his help. And he wasn't taking a 'no'. "Come on, now. No need to do that. Let me push you two." The Altissima sisters might protest but Neil would shoot that down. "Don't worry about me. I've gotten quite used to this." He then sighed. "I'm just worried how this'll affect my surprise for you two."

"Oh crap, me and my big mouth." Neil reprimanded himself as his face flushed. "Uhh, yeah. I was planning a surprise for the two of you. I-I hope you'll like it... Err, you'll probably like it."

"If you find yourself in love, Beelzebub, you would understand. I will even wager that you will do the same as I did."

"I propose an exchange! Let me go with Nero, and you can have your friend"

Margaret's well being was enough to bolster him, but perhaps he should have been paying a bit more attention. The Kikmora had suddenly been released form his grasp and another beat of his wings he found that he was not weighted by anything. "They know magic too!?" He saw the fight seem to descend into chaos as his friends fought off the monster but her form seemed to keep fading in and reforming.

It was quick enough to figure out that the four were actually just one, using some kind of cloning spell, not that he was an expert. She was just a beastman type, and noted for their loyalty and service, how the heck did she become so strong? She even presented a hostage situation as she grabbed Ditzy.

He luckily managed to hear some of the exchange. This was enough to have the owl harpy to kind of groan, a little surprised, a little annoyed. His quiz show, his date, all of this was ruined because this crazy lady was trying to land herself a boyfriend!? He was no expert but this was beyond the pale.

"Whoa whoa whoa!" He landed, holding up his hands/wings as if trying to get her attention. "You're telling me this is all cause you like him!? You're tying him down and kidnapping him, how the heck is that love!? I know that some monsters still capture people but come on! If this festival is any proof, Monsters and humans coexist! You don't really need to do that anymore! Listen, if you were at the quiz show, you managed to almost beat out a lich and owl mage for goodness sake! I don't even know you, and I'm positive you're smarter then this, better than this!

If he doesn't feel the same way, I know it hurts. I can only imagine, but don't you deserve someone who feels the same way about you? Someone whose willing to go through all this nonsense for you? Someone that wants to go with you?" His attempt at some kind of diplomacy. He tried to sound like he was speaking from the heart... but honestly what did he know? Still he knew how to lie, and hopefully it was enough.

^{@PaulHaynek@Rezod92@Restalaan@ShwiggityShwah}

Ada was still trying to do her best to not seriously hurt the maid, as she wasn't sure how her friends would react to that but honestly, it wasn't very easy to do so. The maid did move quite quickly, which was surprising for Ada and she also knew how to fight with those weird sticks. The way she moved them was rather weird and Ada kept trying to go in but was kept at bay due to the sticks. Fortunately, the moment she turned around to throw a stick on Freyr, it gave her and Sir Reed an opening to do something against the maid. Since she had only one stick in her hand now, it was going to be way easier for them.

The moment Sir Reed locked the Kikimora maid's arms behind him, he yelled for her to finish the maid off, which made Ada confused, as she looked at the maid and then to Sir Reed. Fortunately, it seemed like Sir Reed did see the confusion on her expression and gave her clearer instructions, telling Ada to knock the maid out. Now knowing what to do, Ada twisted her body and swung her tail, aiming right to the Kikimora maid's stomach, hitting her with a powerful blow. Hopefully, enough to knock her down.

---

Freyr

Freyr was able to successfully deflect the stick that was thrown towards Ditzy, allowing him to continue towards the cart to take Nero to safety while Freyr continue to provide long range support to the others with his bow. As Ditzy lifted Nero and began carrying him, running back towards Freyr himself, he focused on keeping Ditzy safe form other possible stick throws. Unfortunately for the hobgoblin, he wasn't out of danger just yet. The moment he started running with Nero, the kikimora that was fighting against Kira hesitated and instead of continuing to fight against her, completely ignored Kira, dashing right towards Ditzy to intercept him.

Seeing that, Freyr was ready to fire an arrow at the kikimora's legs in order to prevent from reaching Ditzy. That said, when he was about to let go of the arrow, an arnis stick hit his arms, throwing off his aim and ruining his shot.

"Dammit!" Freyr cursed as he pulled another arrow, nocking it into his bow and aiming at the kikimora maid.

Unfortunately, he was too slow due to the blow on his arms and the second he aimed at her again, she already had Ditzy in her arms. Somehow, she had already tied Nero again with a rope and was using Ditzy as a shield against Freyr's arrows. Maintaining his aim, Freyr awaited for further developments, as it was now a hostage situation. Giving a quick glance around, he would also realize that the other kikimoras had disappeared, apparently turning into mist after being beaten.

As Ozzy began talking with the Kikimora after hearing the reason for all that mess, Freyr kept a cold, piercing gaze as he aimed his bow, ready to fire as soon as he saw any chance to do so without hurting Ditzy. While he could somewhat understand why the Kikimora maid was going to such distances merely because of love, he still couldn't agree with the actions she choose to take. After all, even if Haley didn't want to be with him, that wouldn't be an excuse for him to kidnap her or anything.

The Things We Do For Love
~@13org (FYR & ADA), @ShwiggityShwah, @Rezod92, @Restalaan (DIT & YNG)~

Ada, with a twist of her body and a swing of her mighty tail right at the gut, knocked the wind out of the restrained Kikimora. The blow immediately put her unconscious and, like the other Kikimora, her form faded into mist which traveled to the Kikimora holding Ditzy hostage. "Good job, little one!" Sir Reed gave her a thumbs up.

Now there was only one Kikimora to deal with.

"If he doesn't feel the same way, I know it hurts. I can only imagine, but don't you deserve someone who feels the same way about you? Someone whose willing to go through all this nonsense for you? Someone that wants to go with you?"

"You've no idea what I've gone through, Harpy boy!" The Kikimora snapped back. "Noble, gallant Sir Nero has saved me from nasty bandits and it was that time that I knew he was my destined. Yet, he refuses all of my advances. Years I have courted him, tried to comfort him from his dark past but he tells me he is not worthy of my love. Well, I care not if he's worthy, it is my love to give!" The Kikimora was pouring her heart out in the impassioned speech.

"And lately, he's been wanting to go and throw his life away fighting Varjans." She cast an accusing glare at Yang. "He had already narrowly escaped death during his last great battle against them. And now, he intends to risk his life again!"

@Rezod92@13org@ShwiggityShwah@PaulHaynek

Yang Bethlehem

"Osu!" Yang cried out in a short burst of air, her legs slamming right into the Kikimora. Her powerful kick, however, proved ineffective as her opponent still stood. She had to change her opinion of the Kikimora frail look and was no different than those challengers coming for her master or temple.

Though that thought went out as the Kikimora was headbutted to submission, turning nothing into mist as it returned to the original owner.

That shocked Yang as she realized what it was, similar to those techniques of Kunoichi or Omnryoji, it was a split maintained power.

She had separated herself and was still this tough? Yang was impressed on that prowess, a tinge of eagerness on testing herself fully against her at full strength came but quickly pushed it off for now.

That's when the unthinkable happens and Ditzy was captured in the blur of a moment. The hobgoblin trussed and bound like a chicken, leaving them on the back foot once more. Yang took a slow breath and once again inched forward but still keeping a distance.

Hearing the exchange between her disciple and the Kikimora, the latter giving her a nasty glare, she opened her mouth in realization.

"Oh." Yang rubbed the back of her head as she looked at Nero then at the Kikimora back and forth.

It was true that she did unintentionally recruited Nero, and she did stoke that fire back into him again. Which was kind of what they need, though the Kikimora also had a point.

"I-uh, I'm sorry?" Yang raised a hand apologetically before looking at Nero. "Do you think you should reciprocate her feelings at least?"

Yang also dearly hoped that the Kikimora didn't see her as a love rival, she just genuinely wanted to fight and test her mettle against Nero. Nothing else between them.

She would know, she had seen enough misunderstanding present at her temple. Yang had no interest in being involved in another one.

"But, Sir Nero. It's up to you. I shall not ask you to repay us by giving your life for a fight that you wish to not participate again, If you refuse then I shan't force or bind you to our agreement." Yang said to Nero before turning to the Kikimora that she meant her words. "The choice is yours."

---

Ditzy Stoneclub

Ditzy continued his trek, fearless and heedless of everything as he poured his full attention in getting Nero to safety.

Then out of now where, he was kicked from the back. Making him drop forward like a sack of potato and Nero alongside it. His slow mind barely comprehended what happened before he was bounded in a blink of an eye and then forced upwards to be in front of the Kikimora, used as a shield against his allies.

It took a moment before Ditzy realized the situation he was in, listening to the conversation, he wondered if this all happened because the Kikimora wanted to get together with Nero.

True enough, hearing her part made Ditzy realized that she wasn't a bad person. She's just doing what was natural for a monster girls.

"Why don't bird lady just get Nero to dinner?" Ditzy asked curiously like a normal child before his next statement came. "Then strip naked, dance on his lap, and get him to bed?"

Isn't that obvious? Most of the hobgoblins usually do that and it works. Showcasing his tribal idea and goblin courting process.

@PaulHaynek

"Oh, that's fine. Totally understandable." Neil forgave being suddenly hoisted by up by the Altissima sisters. "Although, I don't think I'm a target. I think she's just after Sir Nero for whatever reason."

Seeing that the Liliraune was pushing the cart, Neil immediately offered his help. And he wasn't taking a 'no'. "Come on, now. No need to do that. Let me push you two." The Altissima sisters might protest but Neil would shoot that down. "Don't worry about me. I've gotten quite used to this." He then sighed. "I'm just worried how this'll affect my surprise for you two."

"Oh crap, me and my big mouth." Neil reprimanded himself as his face flushed. "Uhh, yeah. I was planning a surprise for the two of you. I-I hope you'll like it... Err, you'll probably like it."

Of course, if Sylvia had stopped to think about it, Neil was right, there was no reason to suspect that he would be a target of the kidnapping, and worried that her attraction to him would be obvious. Of course, it was natural for monster girls to simply take the objects of their affection, and that was possibly what the kikimora was doing, but to coexist with humans and with men was to respect their consent, even more so given that the sisters were raised by humans with human value.

"Thanks for the push," Vivian said gratefully as Neil began to push their cart, since Sylvia was too lost introspection. But then Neil accidentally divulged that he had a surprise in store for them. "A surprise? What is it? Wait, don't tell us if it's not ready yet..."

"I can't wait though," Sylvia added, "But for me, it's not the act of being surprised, but the anticipation of knowing that a surprise is coming that makes it exciting. Oh, b-but we should probably deal with the matter at hand first." Sylvia added finally to re-center herself on the immediate problem. Still, she had to wonder what prompted this from Neil. Did he have feelings for her too? Or, more painfully, did he have eyes for Vivian? It was a potential reality that the sisters knew that they might have to deal with if either of them found a romantic partner.

"You've no idea what I've gone through, Harpy boy! Noble, gallant Sir Nero has saved me from nasty bandits and it was that time that I knew he was my destined. Yet, he refuses all of my advances. Years I have courted him, tried to comfort him from his dark past but he tells me he is not worthy of my love. Well, I care not if he's worthy, it is my love to give!"

"And lately, he's been wanting to go and throw his life away fighting Varjans. He had already narrowly escaped death during his last great battle against them. And now, he intends to risk his life again!"

"So you're going to deny him the virtue that you fell for!? I know exactly what that's like! I friggin fought the Varjans!" He stamped his foot. "I did it to protect my friends! And maybe he's doing it for you!" Ozzy was screaming right back, finding the whole thing absurd and ridiculous.

His sensei seemingly looking at the whole ordeal and apologizing kind of confused Ozzy, was there something going on between them.

And then Ditzy spoke up, and what he said made the harpy blush. He raised his wings in defense. "HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT!?" The insinuation was that somehow Ditzy managed to get himself into a romantic correspondence. It made him feel even worse that it seemed the universe was conspiring against this.

Ozzy crossed his arms, and seemed to fidget. "Well whatever. Sir Nero, you see how much this girl is willing to go for you. Either accept those feelings or not. Put an end to it once and for all." Matters of the heart weren't matters of the brain, but considering how dancing around the issue led to kidnapping, this was the only way.

The Things We Do For Love
~@13org (FYR & ADA), @ShwiggityShwah, @Rezod92, @Restalaan (DIT & YNG), @Stern Algorithm~

"Why don't bird lady just get Nero to dinner? Then strip naked, dance on his lap, and get him to bed?"

"You don't think I already tried to do that?" The Kikimora retorted to Ditzy's suggestion. "It didn't work! He's stubborn!"

"But, Sir Nero. It's up to you. I shall not ask you to repay us by giving your life for a fight that you wish to not participate again, If you refuse then I shan't force or bind you to our agreement. The choice is yours."

"Well whatever. Sir Nero, you see how much this girl is willing to go for you. Either accept those feelings or not. Put an end to it once and for all."

Nero, still bound and gagged, managed to remove the cloth on his mouth and gave his answer while still tied up on the ground. "Look, I am flattered that she likes me but... I'm a warrior that has taken an oath to serve justice and protect the innocent. My life is forfeit ever since I took that oath with the Black Wolves, even if they have turned to evil and madness. For me to take a lover will only distract me from my duty."

He turned his head as best he could to the Kikimora. "Rayya, it's not that I don't like you. Perhaps in another life we can be together, but not in this one. I'm already a dead man, Rayya. Sooner or later, I will die fighting the enemy, whoever that may be. It would be best for both of us that you look for someone else. Someone better than me. You deserve that much, Rayya."

Rayya, the Kikimora, had tears rolling down her red cheeks. She was fuming in abject anger. "Don't you people have anything to say about that?!"

Meanwhile, Neil arrived with the Altissima sisters just in time to hear everything.

@PaulHaynek

"Of course." She answered without hesitation. "If you find yourself in love, Beelzebub, you would understand. I will even wager that you will do the same as I did."

....Oh.

The words of the maid mamono reverberated within Kira's mind, rendering her silent to everything happened around her as she contemplated the Kikimora's plight. As the standoff between the two opposing parties played out, she came to her conclusion: Yes.

She would do the same thing.

If she were in love, she would cause typhoons and hurricanes to get to her love.

To that end, Kira was sympathetic to the maid. And as Nero spoke, her sympathy for her grew.....as well as her fury for him.

Nero, still bound and gagged, managed to remove the cloth on his mouth and gave his answer while still tied up on the ground. "Look, I am flattered that she likes me but... I'm a warrior that has taken an oath to serve justice and protect the innocent. My life is forfeit ever since I took that oath with the Black Wolves, even if they have turned to evil and madness. For me to take a lover will only distract me from my duty."

"Rayya, it's not that I don't like you. Perhaps in another life we can be together, but not in this one. I'm already a dead man, Rayya. Sooner or later, I will die fighting the enemy, whoever that may be. It would be best for both of us that you look for someone else. Someone better than me. You deserve that much, Rayya."

Unbeknownst to everyone, Nero's response struck a nerve within Kira, unearthing a long-since-buried scar and wounding it again. A shadow fell over her eyes as her chitin claws balled into trembling fists, her teeth grinding so hard against each other that one would think sparks would start flying from her mouth. To anyone who would notice, it looked like the Beelzebub was going to explode....but then her fists stopped trembling and uncurled themselves. She stopped her violent teeth grinding and when she looked up, she appeared...calm? Before anyone could say anything, the flygirl stepped in between Nero and Rayya, facing the now crying Kikimora.

"I understand, Rayya. I really do.", Kira began, her voice and tone filled with understanding and sympathy. "Though I have yet to fall in love myself, I've seen more than enough of this type of scenario to know what you're feeling. It's painful, isn't it? Chasing after a man who captured your heart and wanting to give all the love you have in your soul, only for him to reject you at every turn, every time. It's why you're now so desperate and ready to take him by force. So yeah, I get it. But, even as you are right now, you know this is wrong. As painful as it is, you know this is not the right way. It's his decision and you have no right to take that away from him. I know it, everyone knows it and even you know it. If you really love him, don't claim him at your worst....claim him at your best.

"Now....with that being said..."



It happened so fast. Anyone who blinked would've missed it.

To those that didn't, they would be left shocked and stupefied as they witnessed Kira quickly whirling around and striking Nero's cheek with a open chitin-covered palm, slapping him so hard that he could've swore that he almost got whiplash.

"You are a cruel and selfish idiot!", spat Kira at the bounded man, her glare vicious and her tone furious. "Look at her, Nero! Look at what your rejections and cowardice had forced her to do! She had thrown herself at you for years and had resorted to disturbing the peace and kidnapping you to prove her love for you! All because you were too chickenshit to accept the fact that there was someone out there who actually gave a fuck about you and didn't want you dying in a ditch somewhere! Don't deserve her!? Unworthy of her!? Have you forgotten what she is!? If a mamono says you're the one, it's not your call to tell her to look for another! For her, there is no other! And distracting you from your 'duty'!? Are you fucking kidding me!? She is the best thing that's ever happened in your life! The only thing 'duty' is good for is causing good men to die early.......AND TAKING FAMILY WITH THEM, TOO!"

By the time she finished her tirade, Kira realized she was breathing hard, visibly shaking and on the verge of having tears stream down her face, as well as possibly revealing something about herself that was deeply personal. Wiping her eyes to hold off the waterworks, Kira turned her attention back to Rayya.

"You're right. He really is stubborn. It begs the question: If he's still blind to how much he is hurting you, then was he ever worth your love at all?"

With those somber words, Kira took to the skies once more, most likely heading back to the Guild. Not noticing if anyone was following her as her tears finally began to flow.

@PaulHaynek

Yang Bethlehem & Ditzy Stoneclub

Yang only winced at Nero reply, wondering how best to proceed. Problems like this was the worse kind since she was never one to handle tact or diplomacy.

"Sir Nero, you don't fulfill your vows by throwing it all away. If anything, you need to live. Spurning it all away is equally as bad."

Though whatever she wanted to say, was completely interrupted by Kira. Who proceeded to give it far even straighter than she would've. By the time she was done, Yang was flabbergasted at the smack and then flying off into the distance.

"Hey, wait! Kira!" Yang reached out to her but she was already flying away, leaving her torn between the two. Letting out an annoyed sigh, she turned towards Nero.

This time, she just decided to just give it straight.

"I don't mean to pressure you, but think about it. Your duties as the few last proper Black Wolves aren't just in upholding the ideals but also to ensure their continuation and most importantly, their legacy."

"Do you ever not wish to one day give rise and uphold their name again? To rebuild that organization and remaining true to what they used to be rather than what they are now?"

Yang knows that this was hitting below the belt but it reminded her a lot of sometimes the duties that she and her master was saddled with. Or the few unfortunate times that some of the lords failed hard that they're...forced to take extreme measures to redeemed themselves via ritual suicide.

"And to do so, perhaps taking a wife would be necessary and having a family. It's a shame if one as honorable, dutiful and dedicated as someone like you were to perish."

"After all, death is light as a feather but duty is heavy as a mountain." Yang prayed that if emotions cannot sway Nero, then perhaps, a different angle of duty will.

Hopefully, it works.

Meanwhile Ditzy, still held by the Kikimora, only tilted his head. "But you didn't take the last step?"

Seeing Kira flying away, prompted him to unintentionally to move, even being held, his strength half-dragged the Kikimora for a few steps before she quickly reasserted her hold.

"Nero is so stubborn and weak." Ditzy bluntly stated. "Everyone knows people get stronger if they got love."

^{@PaulHaynek@Rezod92@Restalaan@ShwiggityShwah}

Ada turned to Sir Reed, smiling at him as he praised her. The moment she looked at the bird maid that they had beaten though, it suddenly turned into smoke and flew away, which made Ada look around, confusedly before turning to Sir Reed. She had no idea of what had just happened but the fact that they did get rid of one was still true so she was still satisfied. That said, the trouble wasn't over yet, as it seemed that one of the bird maids, now the only one remaining, had gotten Ditzy, asking for them to give Nero back in trade for Ditzy. Unable to attack her due to Ditzy being in front of her, Ada and the rest could only watch as Ozzy began talking with the maid. Even though the situation was a bit complicated, it didn't prevent Ada from hissing at the maid though.

She didn't understand that much of what they were talking about, but the bird maid did seem to be rather distressed about it. She did say something about liking Nero, but if she did like him, why she did try to kidnap him? Did Nero did not like her back? Strangely enough though, Nero said himself that he didn't dislike her but for some reason he couldn't be with her? Thinking about the conversation that they were having was making Ada's head hurt. Lots of things that they said didn't make much sense to her and no matter how much she tried to hear them and understand, it didn't seem it would change. In her opinion, if the bird maid liked Nero, then she wouldn't want to kidnap him and if Nero liked her too, there wasn't any reason for them to not be together... right?

Looking back and forth as each one of them spoke, confusion was clear in Ada's expression. Having stopped hissing, she was just curious and confused, trying to understand the reasoning behind both of their actions. It was then that, interrupting her thinking, Kira suddenly went towards Nero and slapped him. The noise it made was loud enough to make Ada gave a little jump, surprised as she looked at both of them. While she still didn't understand everything that well, it was clear that Kira was mad at Nero for making the bird lady feel like that. That said, Ada wasn't really in a position to advice both of them nor she knew what she could to to make things better so she simply approached the bird maid, using her tail to get up to the bird maid's height and gently patted her head with a smile. Ada felt happy when people praised and patted her so if the bird maid was acting like that just because she was sad, maybe that could help her feel a bit better...

---

Freyr

Despite the... sensitive conversation that was going on, Freyr still maintained his composure, keeping an arrow nocked in his bow and aiming at the kikimora maid. That said, he still understood and could sympathize with the maid. He knew how much love could change someone. how complicated it was, filling one's head with all sorts of thoughts and emotions, making them overreact when things happened and how much it hurt to be rejected. Such feelings and part of his thoughts could be seen through his stare if one paid enough attention, despite his unchanging expression.

As the kikimora continued talking though, Freyr couldn't keep his bow aimed at her and ended up lowering it after a bit with a heavy sigh. It was indeed a complicated matter, one that was not really easy to solve. The only ones that could make a choice and do something were Rayya, as Nero called the Kikimora maid, and Nero himself. That said, Freyr couldn't agree with how Nero thought. He seemed, for some reason, determined in giving his life fighting against the Varjans... Enough to make him forget about everything else. It was a prison, shackles that were made by Nero himself.

When Kira suddenly slapped Nero, Freyr didn't react nor was as surprised as the rest of the group seemed to be. It was an understandable reaction after hearing Nero's reasoning...

"Nero, Kira is right. I don't think Rayya is the only one wrong in all this." he said with a sigh.

"I won't tell a warrior to stop fighting and give up on their ideals, but you act like you are fighting not against the Varjans but against yourself. It seems like the true motive for you to fight is solely to seek for your own death. Ask yourself, what is the true reason for your fight? What do you fight for?" Freyr continued.

"There is more to this life than hate and anger. Sure, we all will fight if we need to. To protect our ideals, our home and our loved ones but no one should think or live their lives the way you do, Nero. Look ad Rayya, don't you see in her, the reason for you to come back alive?" he finished, looking at Nero.

The scene before him really did give the owl harpy pause... This was way heavier then just a stalker girlfriend and someone not interested. This was a guy with problems with a girl going to greater lengths to try to save them. Logically, it didn't make sense, but it was more then logic. He meant to come up with something, but had to hesitate... his mind scrambling as to some kind of resolution. He hoped the man would reject her but there were more things at stake. He didn't have a clue. He found alot of girls cute but never loved... He never got that far.

Then Kira... Kira spoke with a surety and understanding that could bring the attention of the room. He had talked most of his life, could feel the empathy, the anger that lead to a kind of profound sorrow. He saw her face go red. Her voice crack. Her hands shake into fists as she poured her heart out, and an emphasis made him realize. Did she lose someone? Was she here before? She took off before it could be elaborated upon. Ozzy's eyes followed her disappearing form.

Yang stepped up, a deeper wisdom as always then Ozzy's meager understanding. Ada attempted to add some charm, some levity which even he had to admit would probably be more effective then anything Ozzy could say. Freyr also gave his sense, his perspective. They were better at this then he was. They could handle and resolve this. But concern came for Kira. For a split moment, he felt such anguish with her words. He flexed his wings, knowing, feeling like it would be right to follow her. It was supposed to be a day of joy and this tiff was splitting them apart.

He looked to Margaret. For a brief shining moment, events conspired to have them meet, and before this strange story of unrequited love, he had a day planned of enjoying the festival, talking the world, its people, its beauties. He would have wanted nothing more then to share a funnel cake with someone so brilliant, so beautiful. The universe had conspired against it, and his own martyrdom wouldn't allow one of his friends to be alone. "I know I promised you a day, but the Guild's family." He stood up straight and bowed his head. "I'm so sorry, Margaret. Hope to see you again." He then turned, his wings unfurling as he flapped his wings, going after Kira. It's true they never had more then a passing conversation, maybe saying only a few sentences to eachother outside of the pleasantries of a previous night. "Counting on you Ada! Sensei!"

But it spoke for how much he cared about the Guild. How much it and the small hand full of people meant to him. She seemed to fly off in anguish, in disgust. She might want some peace, a moment to be vulnerable, but he knew that in his moment of need he'd want someone there. Even if its just someone to listen to. He thought how Sensei Yang had been his rock after the battle. How Ada had been a moment of innocent joy. How he poured himself to Ditzy and Haley which encouraged him to be more bold and brave. Could he be that for someone else?

@Rezod92

Ozzy wasn't exactly stealthy, but as Kira flew, he'd keep his distance behind her, flapping his feathery wings with a concerned look on his face. His intention, follow her, be nearby if she needs it. He hoped he wasn't completely off base. He felt a droplet on his cheek like a stray drop of rain. He opened his mouth a few times, wanting to call out- but words failed him, for the first time in his life. He wasn't going to tell her to come back, to not worry about it. Those emotions, were pure, were real. It wasn't really sympathy, it was more concern... and strangely, respect.

The sisters arrived with Neil, and were surprised to see that the 'chase for the kidnapper' had turned into an emotional argument. The guild members alternated in offering their advice, and though Vivian felt that they should stay out of it, Sylvia wanted to give Nero a piece of her mind. "Sir Nero, the uncomfortable truth is that death comes for us all, whether you are a soldier or a farmer. Should a man deny a woman his love just because he knows he is going to die? And as painful as it might seem, the loss of a loved one does not outweigh the precious time spent together. If you did not love her back, then that is something Miss Kikimora will have to come to terms with. But if you do love her back, and you've warned her to not love you because you worry for your own life, yet she continues to pledge her love to you anyways, then you have no reason not to reciprocate, because the pain you fear that your death will cause her is something she has already determined that she is willing to endure."

She tried to speak gently, but logically. Despite the inevitability of death, not all mortals were prepared for their own mortality, nor that of their loved ones. If anything, by already considering it, Nero and Rayya were ahead of the curve. But just because you weren't a soldier didn't mean that you couldn't die one day after getting married leaving your spouse a widow or widower.

The Things We Do For Love
~@13org (FYR & ADA), @Restalaan (DIT & YNG), @Stern Algorithm~

Kira's outburst somehow defused the tense situation, like an explosion halting an encroaching wildfire. Everyone listened intently on the Beelzebub's words, even Nero who paid little attention to the pain of his slapped cheek. Rayya slowly lowered her hold on Ditzy as Kira continued and when others spoke their pieces, the Kikimora was silent and had completely released her captive. Her will swayed from continuing any further, even allowing Ada to pat her on the head.

Moments after Kira and Ozzy left, a cadre of the town's guards consisting of mixed races arrived alongside a worried Bart. "What's going on here? Are you guys okay?" The guild leader asked with concern.

"Dude, let me tell you..."

A stressed Neil gave a summary of the events to Bart and the Boreal Port guards. Rayya made no attempts to resist or escape and allowed a pair of guards to apprehend her and take her away. The situation was now resolved and the guild members, and Margaret, convened for a debriefing.

"Woooo, boy! That was a doozy!" Haley whined, leaning her body onto Freyr's. "That was more drama than I expected for a kidnapping. That took a lot out of me even if I didn't do much."

"Indeed, that was exhausting." Talia sighed. "I wish we could spend the rest of the day in the festival to recuperate. Alas, Kira and Ozzy have already gone and I feel it wouldn't be right for us to partake in the festivities without them."

"...Then, should we head back and wait for them at the guild?" Neil asked. He did not seem to be happy at that suggestion, though, since he still had business in Boreal Port.

Before anyone could respond, a familiar figure approached. A contemplative Nero spoke to the group. "Hey everyone. Uhh, I guess I should thank you all for rescuing me from Rayya. If you must know, Rayya was someone I saved from a band of marauders when she had business down south. She had been chasing me ever since." He had a wistful smile as he recalled. "That said, Rayya's hardly the only monster who has fallen for me. She just had been the most proactive since she drank that Doppelganger potion, a drink that splits you into multiple people. It... releases inhibitions so that's probably why she was brave enough to attempt a kidnapping."

"And I think you ought to know too. I said I was a Black Wolf, right? The oaths and everything?" Nero continued. "It's a long story that I'm not gonna get into detail. Just know that I basically grew up with the Black Wolves. Ever since I took that oath, they had been my brothers, my family. Training, fighting, that had been my whole life up to the point where they betrayed me and several others." He paused to collect his thoughts before resuming. "Everything we've built, shattered so easily... Well, hopefully you now understand why it's difficult for me to let this go."

"But... I suppose I should reconsider that like what you all said." Nero finished. "I doubt I should reform the Black Wolves into what they were before. Best they burn alongside Varjo and the Order."

---

~@ShwiggityShwah, @Rezod92~

(I'll let you do your own thing.)

@Stern Algorithm@PaulHaynek@13org

Yang Bethlehem

Yang attention was taken when the newer presence of the city guards and their Guildmaster Bart arrived, Neil giving a quick summary had filled in the details for him.

With the situation being controlled, Yang still can't help as she looked at the maid being led away. Sure, she wasn't innocent but it was still disheartening to see her being taken away simply for love.

Then again, she could've done it in a much discreet way. She rubbed the back of her head, this whole entire day was nothing but one thing after another.

Still, it was fun.

"They'll be fine, Ozzy is looking after her but I can head back to the guild and wait for them," Yang said in response to Neil and Talia. "You can enjoy yourself or finish your business here."

Before leaving, Yang talked to sir Nero one last time.

"True but the point stand, create a long-lasting legacy that one can proudly look behind and for the future generations." She bashfully brush away the detail about the black wolves, more so since she actually heard about the story but misremembered parts of it. "Give Rayya a chance, and I think you two will go well together. Just try not to get caught by another monster girl in the process, haha!"

With that, Yang waved goodbye and decide to head back to the Guild first.

---

Ditzy Stoneclub

After the outburst and slackening of hold by Rayva, Ditzy was free but remained contemplative as he slowly processed everything from Rayva being taken away, Kira and Ozzy leaving, then explaining everything to Bart.

A doppelganger potion? Oh, is that how they managed to split into so many person? Ditzy eyes light up in understanding, he had thought it was magic or just her tribe working together. It fascinated Ditzy as he committed his brain to memorize that potion name, maybe he'll be able to get it one day.

Looking at Nero, Ditzy passing a glance over Margaret before stopping to rest on her. Wondering for a moment why is Ozzy there but took a moment to realize it was the friend of Ozzy instead.

Tapping his lips before he smiled and slapped his hands together.

"Marggy! You wanted to play with Ozzy right?" Ditzy approached her with a smile before pointing to the general direction of the guild. "Want Ditzy to take you there? Ditzy knows the way back."

After all, the two were playing with one another before he came. So it's only fair that Ditzy get them to play again, who knows, maybe he can join in!

"Or I can you there, and I know the way better." Yang interrupted, making Ditzy turned to her with a smile.

"Monk lady! Ditzy showed that Ditzy is the strongest today!"

"Yes, yes you did." She patted his head much to his glee before turning to Margaret. "Offer stands, you seem like you're interested in my disciple after all."

@PaulHaynek

In what felt like hours but actually a few minutes, Kira had arrived back at the Guild. However, instead of entering, she dragged her feet to the front door, pressed her back against it and slid down to ground, resting her arms atop her knees with her head down as she curled into a ball and continued crying. Strange, how quickly a day can turn out. She was all smiles and sunshine when this day started, but now....

"Idiot...why did you do that? You should've been over this by now. It's been years since.....s-since......Damn it...", Kira whispered, chastising herself over her dramatic outburst earlier. Sure, Nero may have needed and deserved that, but then she went a potentially showed the others some her.....issues. Speaking of others, she heard something land in front of her and slowly approach before stopping. From what she can recall, there were only two other guildmates that could've gotten here that quickly and Haley was most likely still with Freyr so that only left...

@ShwiggityShwah

"Heh...shit. I just realized something...", the flygirl began, tilting her head up to give Ozzy a sad, teary-eyed smile. "I ruined your day with Margaret, didn't I?"

@Rezod92

He immediately blamed himself for not stopping her earlier. He realized halfway that she was going all the way back to the Guild. But the celebration. Ozzy groaned about the mess that happened. He hoped the drama was over, and he hoped he could convince Kira to come back. It was only the afternoon. Still time.

By the time he landed, it was plain to see that she was not alright. That outburst really hit home and deep. He could only guess it was grief. Grief of a loss loved one, family, maybe something deeper. He hoped he could help, he hadn't needed to deal with such tragedy himself, but he's seen it time and time again. It was a cruel world he was trying to understand.

He landed softly, wondering whether he should announce himself but she heard him before he had a chance. She tried to force a smile, but the red under her eyes and tear streaked face gave her away. Despite what she said, he smiled back. "You didn't ruin anything. I flew after you." It was his choice after all. He sat next to her on the door frame. "Day's not completely ruined yet anyway." He leaned on the frame, leg kicking out for comfort.

He let a moment go by, the wind blowing serenely. "Sorry if you wanted to be alone." He began. "But it was equally likely you might want someone to vent at, a shoulder to lean on, or just someone to be there. After all, you saved the day. I saw Rayya and Nero's face after you left. I think what you said hit home." He turned his head towards her. "Kind of hit me too. So whatever you need Kira. I wanted to get to know you anyway."

^{@PaulHaynek@Restalaan@Stern Algorithm}

Ada was still a bit confused by all that, but she was happy to notice that the bird maid seemed to have calmed down a bit, releasing Ditzy as she gently patted her head. While the bird maid still seemed to be a bit shaken after everything, the fact that despite her silence she was letting Ada pat her did mean that she liked it, right? It was a good thing that Ada had that idea then. Ada stood there patting Rayya for a few moments more before giving her another smile and walking back to where the group was.
At that moment, Ada heard Ozzy's voice just as he began to fly, noticing only now that Kira was already flying away in the distance. Understanding that he was going after Kira, Ada waved towards Ozzy, letting him know it was everything fine.

Despite the strange mood in the air, the situation seemed to be mostly solved with the bird maid already calmer and no one in immediate danger. Although both Rayya and Nero seemed to still be thinking about troublesome stuff, judging by the bird maid's silence, her eyes and how Nero was talking, it didn't seem like Ada or anyone in their group could do anything to solve those type of problems. That said, Nero did seem to be feeling bad too and maybe the same thing she did to Rayya could also help him to feel a bit better. With the idea that a smile and head pats would certainly make anyone feel better, Ada unceremoniously walked towards Nero while he was still talking and did the exact same thing as she did to the bird maid, before leaving him with a gentle smile and returning to the group, looking at them almost as if asking what they would do now.

---

Freyr

Freyr was relieved to see that Rayya seemed to have calmed down, as she released Ditzy and the situation was defused. He didn't know if his words had any impact on the outcome or if it was all thank to Kira's outburst or maybe the words the others said but he was glad it was all over. Truth be told, for someone who wasn't that good with his own emotions, having to deal with other's emotions and such types of problems was really exhausting. Due to that, he was rather thankful that Ozzy was the one who went after Kira to talk after she flew away. Not only Freyr didn't know if he would be of much help but he felt like having to deal with Rayya and Nero was enough regarding emotional problems for him.

"A doozy indeed." Freyr said with a chuckle, agreeing with Haley as he gently hugged her as she leaned her body onto his.

"I'm... not exactly the best person to solve these kind of problems so... Yeah, it was exhausting." He said as he found comfort embracing her.

"What is important is knowing that you're fine and nothing happened to you." he said, hugging her a little bit tighter.

Still, as Nero began to talk, explaining about Rayya, how he was a Black Wolf and other things, it was clear for them that his situation was more complicated than just a small misunderstanding with Rayya. That said, there was one thing about what Nero was talking about that Freyr himself could relate to. The part about his Oaths to the Black Wolves.

"... Oaths can be dangerous, Nero. No matter how you look at them, they are but shackles to bind us to something. If you don't let go of your own past, of the oaths you made, they will make you a prisoner of your own past." he said with a rather distant tone.

"I speak this from experience. I too, had to make a choice regarding an Oath I took. Unlike you though, I made the choice to break it. Even though I lost many things by breaking this oath, I do not regret my decision for I gained much more than I lost and more importantly... I now live according to my own will. With no oaths nor my past to trap me or slow me down." he said with a discreet smile.

"While I can't be of much help regarding these matters, I hope my previous experiences might help you to make a decision. One that you will not regret in the future." he finished with a smile.