Chapter 3 - Blog Posts

HERE IT IS! The fourth drawing in the series! This one is for the third chapter, The celestial resort I hope you like it! more will come👍🏼

Chapter three is up!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/29259549/chapters/72207420

I am so exited that so many people enjoyed my story! If you like TPN and MHA, check my story out!

Featuring The Full Score Trio interactions between some Baku squad members.

Hoppy Hopscoth~

Smilling Critters, art by me~

Sweetie!!~

My new Smilling Critters OC!!~

Catnap 🌙💜🐱

Smilling Critters, draw by me! (I'm author) 🌙💜🐱

Lunatic Parade Azusa Mukami–(Chapter 3)

[O1] [O2] [O3] [O4] [Final] [Care for Vampire]

Place: Grimmer Main Street, Wagon Street 

Yui: (For some reason, I was worrying because his behave was rather suspicious… however...)

Vampire Child B: Excuse me. Is there any bouquet of Gerbera here?

Flower Boy: Yes, there are! These are for presents and you need these kinds of flowers, right?

Yui: (Certainly, I have been depressed lately for everything we went through yesterday...but I think my prediction for him was wrong)

Azusa: Eve, I wonder if he’s hiding his real attitude…

Yui: Who knows...I have noticed that he’s behaving much more cheerful than yesterday...

Azusa: As expected...we better...accompany him...right?

Yui: Yeah, it’s important to search where Butler San is but...we just can’t leave him alone.

(What on the Earth shall we do…?)

Flower Boy: Thank you for your efforts. You can go for the bath right now if you prefer.

Yui: Um...but…

Flower Boy: Please, leave the shop to me! It’s because you were always giving a hand until now...

Today, the stall of Kebab will be released at the plaza and definitely look forward to that!

Azusa: ...

Yui: …kh...

Place: ディアマンテの泉 / Diamante Fountain

Yui: ...Haa…

Azusa: Eve...the kebab we get after a long wait...will get cold...

Yui: Oh, you are right.

Sorry. Even though we are having lunch only two of us together...I was making a gloomy expression.

Azusa: No...it couldn’t be helped…

The boy of that flower-shop...I am also confused about... what to do about him…

Yui: I think we will go crazy making a decision…

(Looks like the people who are having meals and conversations nearby are having fun and enjoying themselves...It’s only us who are not enjoying it at all.)

Yui: Huh…? Come to think...that woman?

(I am not sure whether she is that woman from earlier or not but, I am feeling like I’ve seen this woman before…)

Vampire Woman G: ―So, guess what? That guy was screaming, I think?

(I just want to see your smile. That is the only thing that makes me smile too. Won’t you let me meet you again?)

*Continuing conversations* 

Vampire Woman: Right~? It’s making me to laugh...fufu!~

Vampire Woman C: Then? Did you bring him back after all, huh?

Vampire Woman G: No, I didn’t! I want to spoil him one more time!

He said, “If you follow me around like this, I will sue you like a stalker” ya’ know?

Vampire Woman C: Uwaa―… You also do rigorous things like him, afterall~...

Vampire Woman G: I did the right thing! That nonsense boy, he was playing around from the beginning.

Rather, I want him to think it like he is able to play with such a beautiful woman like me.

Yui: (Those women are having conversations about a man…...how cruel…!)

Azusa: Hey...they are talking about...the boy from the flower shop…?

Yui: Yes...it looks like so.

(Their talking’s already enough to make me hurt… moreover, they are having a conversation about him putting on such a smiling face...unforgivable… )

*Yui stands*

Azusa: Eve...why…? Standing up so suddenly…

Yui: Sorry, Azusa Kun. Me...I can’t tolerate this kind of gossiping about him…

Azusa: You can’t...If you want to tell them something...then I will go….

Yui: No, I will go.

*Yui starts walking*

Yui: Um...Can I say something....

Vampire Woman G: Haah? Who’s it, a lil’ girl. Hey, have we met before?

I don’t think I have met such a tiny woman before.

Yui: Are you talking about the boy from the flower shop?

Vampire Woman C: Fu!...Is this girl talking about your ex-boyfriend? Seriously~!

Yui: You are free to ignore your boyfriend’s feelings if you want to, don’t answer to him.

But, talking bad about him by laughing like that…! I don’t think it's a good thing to do…!

Vampire Woman G: Tch!...Annoying. Suddenly appearing out of nowhere and starting to grumble about this?

Won’t you disappear from our sight already? You are a disturbance.

Yui: Impossible…! Apologize to him!

Vampire G: I can’t apologize! It’s stupid to get easily melted just for receiving a little bit kindness from him.

Yui: ...ugh…

Vampire Woman G: What with those eyes? Do you still have any business?

I strongly hate justice minded women like you, ...ya’ know?

Good lil’ girl or whatever, just disappear from here―― AAH!!

Yui: (― I am gonna get hit?)

Azusa: You can’t...I won’t forgive them who will raise a hand pointing at her…

Yui: …!? Azusa kun…

Azusa: You withdraw and step back...I will manage to do something…

Yui: ―...Yes!

Vampire Woman G: You are planning to be “Knight-like”, huh? If it’s the case, then you are ultra super annoying than her!

Vampire Woman C: Two of us were just having fun chatting and you guys are just being troublesome. Why’s that?

Azusa: Your…way of talking was not fun…

Speaking about his feelings... like mud-painting...will turn out bad. That’s all.

Vampire Woman G: Haa? What are you saying? She’s the one who’s the most disturbance.

Vampire C: We meant we won’t withdraw! Do you know that all the complaints we have is about this little girl!

Azusa: I won't accept that.

Because... Yui san is my precious person…

It’s my responsibility to protect...the person I love...if she is facing with evil people

I think...the people who haven’t loved anyone before...won’t understand this spirit…

Vampire Woman G: What’s now...Every single one of you is just raising the facts about the boy that I have thrown away…!

Could it be...that you are just having objections to me because that guy asked you to do so?

Azusa: You are wrong...We are doing it for our own convenience…

He...used to love you...For this...he won’t want you to get hurt…

Same goes for you...you should also...consider to...accompany him more…

If you just continue to hurt others...someday...you will have to...face a critical situation…

Vampire Woman G: ...ugh…

Tch!...I got it. You don't have to say anything.

Vampire Woman C: Hey?...Are you sure?

Vampire Woman G: It’s ‘cuz, they have come here for bending for their own selfish reason. Plus, I am tired now.

Yui: Ah…!

Thank you so much!

Azusa: Yes...Thank you…

Vampire Woman G: .......

What are ya’ saying..? How stupid!?

Really you guys are stupid to go that far for that boy.

Azusa: That’s because...he is a nice person...as far I know…

Yui: We are showing our gratitude for him…

Vampire Woman G: Haa, let’s go.

I don’t want to breathe in the same air.

Vampire C: Isn’t it? Let’s go to our usual cafe~.

Yui: (Even though they don’t understand anything right now, but someday, they should come to realize his feelings.)

Thank you for helping me, Azusa kun.

Azusa: No, you don’t have to thank me...but…

By doing this...we can’t say that he will become...satisfied…

Yui: (Azusa kun…)

Don’t worry...I am sure that he will understand if you explain everything…

Azusa: I wonder…

Flower Boy: ....uuh..*Crying* I understand...everything!...guh, uuh! *Crying*

Yui: Huh? Why are you here...—

Oh no! Are you okay…!?

(Flower boy...His face full of tears is becoming more crumpled…)

Flower Boy: I am sorry…*still crying* I ended up hearing everything…

Azusa: I am so sorry...I couldn’t do anything for you…

Flower Boy: It’s not something like that! Just with those feelings...ugh!...

And also...I am a clear conception now…

I will forget about that person at once…!

I will start finding a new route!

Yui: Now way...which means that you will not continue the flower shop?

Flower Boy: No, I won’t.

I am a dumb who is good for nothing but, together, we were continuing to handle the flower shop in a artistic way.

I was inspired...I will drag myself to work even more…

More importantly, everything you did until now, I must have to thank you for those efforts…

I don’t know whether I will be useful or not, however, please let me join with you for searching Butler san…!

Yui: Thank you so much! Same here, you are very welcome to join us.

*After a while*

Yui: (Like this, we three of us are searching Butler san, but…)

Azusa: Well...I think the best idea will be...to split ourselves into groups…

Flower Boy: Yeah, but remember that he is thought to appear in unexpected places…

Since, at the same time, you have to look for the places where there are strange things at the same time.

Yui: (Places of strange things…)

Flower Boy: I will also have a look one more time at the Saint Honore park, where I saw him yesterday.

You two don't know much details about this street, so, at first, we will divide it into two.

Yui: Then, we will search on the mountain side….

Azusa: Um...come to think of it...I never went there...not even...once…

Flower Boy: In that place, if you manage to find him, then you can use familiars out there to contact me.

Azusa: Yes, understood…

Flower Boy: See you again!

*They split in groups for searching Butler*

Place: 湖 / Lake

Yui: (This is the famous Tilkeys lake...)

(Certainly, this has become a popular date spot for couples…)

Azusa: Even though this place is...quite...but there’s a...lot of people…

Yui: I am somehow...tired…

(As expected...looks like Butler san is not here…)

*Azusa gets closer*

Azusa: Eve, I think that’s…

Yui: That’s a swan boat.

Looks like there’s a huge number of couples who are riding on that. Once two people will swing the paddle, it will take you directly onto the water.

Azusa: Two people…?

…...

Yui: (Azusa kun’s is staring like he has freezed...Did he get interested in that?)

Do you want to ride?

Azusa: Is that okay…?

Yui: It’s fine. We can search Butler san from the lake.

Azusa: Thank you...Eve...

*Fades into CG*

Azusa: Uh!... ...Is it okay like this?

Yui: Yes, it’s perfect I think.

Azusa: Thank you… …. It’s so fun...

Yui: Fufu! That’s true.

(Looks like Azusa lun liked it. I am glad that we were invited for this.)

Azusa: Hey, Yui san… ... Let’s go to the opposite shore now.

Yui: Yea, I got it… ...Oops.

….!Ah! Azusa kun!

Azusa: What is it?

Yui: There is a man who is drinking tea on the opposite shore, his forehead! There is a red Granate

Azusa: Red Granate on his forehead….Butler san!?

*Changed to CG (2)*

Azusa: Let’s go, Yui san….

Since I will paddle.... with all my might. Follow me.

Yui: Follow you?ーー...Ah!?

AAH!

Much faster than before..! Is Azusa kun paddling?

(His paddle is moving too fast...I can’t keep up with this speed…)

Azusa: Try your best. There is … just a little left...

Yui: (ーー! Yes…!)

*CG Fades*

Yui: (ーkh, Phew...Finally we’ve reached the shore...)

Azusa: Eve, hold on...Before going any further...let’s send a familiar to the flower boy.

Yui: Got it.

*Flying sound of bats*

Azusa: Let’s go now, Eve…

Unlike usual days, we can’t chase after him by RUNNING. Don’t let your guard down…

Yui: (Uuh...this time, I have to approach as smoothly as I can…!)

Azusa: Um...excuse me

Butler: Uh… ...It’s you…?

Azusa: I am apologizing at first...I am sorry for chasing after you…

Yui: M-me too!. I am so sorry for suddenly scaring you like this…!

Butler: Ugh…

Azusa: But, we have a serious request to you…

Yui: Anyhow, please accept us as workers for the castle…!

Even if it is an odd job...we will do anything! But let us work for the castle…!

I am begging you…! 

Butler: ...haa…

I am really apologizing but currently, we have enough manpower.

By the way, I am not the authority for labourers. I want you to give up already.

Yui: Such a…

Azusa: I won’t give up…!

I can’t move from here...until I say it to you...over and over again…!

Butler: Even if you say that…

???: Isn’t it fine, if you hire them?

Yui: You are…!

(So, the familiars have reached our message to him successfully.)

Flower Boy: Never mind for interrupting you so suddenly.

I work at a flower shop in the castle town.

It should be fine if you give a little time to listen to our story, right?

Monologueー

[Afterwards, the flower boy opened his mouth to the Butler san.

He said that he has been working for a flower shop for the past few days, but he’s very grateful for the work.]

[The number of customers has increased several times, and the products in the store had a good reputation. 

[If you try that work even though it’s for only one time, you will be able to understand it’s merit…” We all were complimenting him for saying this.]

End of Monologue

Butler: I see. Umm...how many laborers can be available right now…

Azusa: We want to work for the castle in any condition…

Butler: I want to fulfil your wish, but my priority is not sufficient to do it all by myself…

No...By the chance, my manager may have an interest in accepting something...then you may give it a try..?

Azusa: The thing that Earl has interest…?

Butler: Yeah. He has the treasure that is unique in this world...by some chance…

Yui: (What it could be? We don’t have such a treasure…)

Azusa: I understand. Well then...tomorrow...I will bring that treasure with me…

Yui: Wha!?

(He has declared these words without even hesitating...is that gonna be alright!?)

Azusa: Please...tell Earl that...we will meet with him tomorrow…

Best wishes for you…

Butler: Ho...Seeming like you are well prepared.

I got it. I will pass your words to him.

Place: Rubean Canal / ルビーン 運河

Yui: (The view scenery is so beautiful from the gondola…. ) (boat, esp.in Venice)

Umm...Really thank you so much for earlier…!

Azusa: Thanks to you...I was rescued from trouble…

Flower Boy: Nope...it was just a little thank you that I showed.

More importantly, it’s AZUSA SAN who is wonderful! It’s because you accept the deal without any hesitation.

Azusa: Me…?

Yui: ...Oh that’s...at that time, Azusa kun, you were having so much confidence. Do you really have treasure?

Azusa: No...I don’t

Yui: Huh? Then why did you tell him such a thing…!?

Azusa: I didn’t see any chance but this one... in order to help you…

For this...I didn’t want to miss...even though I had to lie…

Yui: (He was thinking it like that...even though in that kind of situation, he thought about me..)

Flower Boy: That’s really amazing…

I also want to become cool like you…

Azusa: I…

Yui: You were cool, Azusa kun.

Azusa: Oh, yes...thank you…

Place: Hotel • Mortstein Guest Room / ホテル • モーントシュタイン 客室

Yui: (Since we come in the parade, I am seeing Azusa’s showing so many unusual sights, I think.)

(He has become more like a man, much more reliable than before…)

(But, these are still the nice Azusa…)

*Azusa appeared*

My new pair of shoes is already dirty.

and me. 

Azusa: What’s wrong, Eve. You haven’t slept yet.

Yui: Ah, sorry for that. You can sleep before me, Azusa kun.

Azusa: I want us to sleep together...I will be awake…

*Azusa hugged Yui*

Yui: ….uuh…

Azusa: So, if you have any distress...tell me...I want to be a little helpful…

Yui: Umm...Actually, there’s nothing which is bothering me or something…

I am always thinking about you...Azusa kun…

Azusa: About me…?

Yui: Yes...I was thinking that, I am seeing a different Azusa than before…

Ofcourse that Azusa kun was friendly but...the Azusa kun of now is much stronger and reliable, I feel…

Azusa: Say...that means I am cool right…?

Yui: Yes, But I think both Azusa kun are nice…

Azusa: Okay, tell me then, Yui san…

*Azusa get more closer*

Azusa: Which one of you do you like the most…?

Yui: Eeh!?

Azusa: I want to know...what are you thinking about it…

Yui: That’s…

Selectionー

I like the Azusa of before

I like the Azusa of now (+Correct)

Yui: Certainly, I used to like the Azusa before, but…

I also like Azusa Kun now…

Azusa: Thank you Eve...I am happy…

Yui: Uuh! Suddenly thanking me like this…

Azusa: You like any side of me, this is why...I'm thanking you…

Yui: That’s…! Despite these, I am also happy that you said something like these to me…

Azusa: Ne~ Eve, what about “this me right now”?

*Azusa undresses Yui*

*Bed creaking sound*

Yui: …!?

Yui: (I was pushed down by Azusa kun!?)

Azusa: Hehe!...I haven't  done it before...looking at you from the above…

Even if you said earlier...I wonder how do you feel...about my unexpected side…?

*Touch her more*

Azusa: Ne~ I want you more…*kiss*

Yui: …nh!?

Azusa: A kiss is not enough for me...Ne~ I want your blood next...nh…

Yui: (ーKh, this time, he’s digging his fangs around my neck…!)

Azusa: Nh…...nnh ...nh...Haa ...

Your face is...turning red...fufu~ how cute…

Yui: ...!?...

(No! It’s embarrassing…!)

Azusa: Don’t refuse...don’t hide your face...just look at me…

You each and every expression is cute...I like only you…

Yui: I also like you, Azusa kun…

Azusa: Yes...Thank you…!

ー The End of Chapter O 3 

Lunatic Parade Reiji Sakamaki Sub-Scenarios– (Kou)

Place: Reine • Dō • Aji Store / レーヌ• ド•アジの店

Kou: Huh? M-neko chan and Reiji kun! You two are here for shopping?

Yui: Mhm, you too?

Kou: Yeah, but there’s something that I wanted to ask Reiji kun.

Reiji: To me?

Kou: You have many knowledges about tea right? I wanted you to teach me how to make!

Yui: Kou kun, do you like tea?

Kou: It’s not the case, but I want to serve delicious tea for Ruki and others.

Reiji: If so, then I shall cooperate you for that.

Kou: Waa, thank you!

Reiji: Then...let us get started by choosing the tablewares at first.

Kou: Tableware? Isn’t it something which is irrelevant with tea?

Reiji: Tea-leaves are crucial too, but choosing the perfect tablewares are same valued important just as considering tea-leaves.

Stunning tableware stands out the color of tea even more.

Kou: Hmm, tableware huh...

Ah, look M-neko chan! Isn’t it cute?

Yui: Ah, it really is!

Kou: There’s 4 of them, so very precise for our household! Your comment about these, Reiji kun?

Reiji: You can’t choose such types of tablewares!

Kou: Eee~? But why? These are so pretty afterall...

Reiji: These are just ordinary mugs. If you want to choose for tea, then look for the tea-cups.

Kou: But they all look the same anyways.

Reiji: THEY ARE NOT THE SAME! There are so many which are particularly made for tea.

You absolutely can’t use this one!

Kou: Hey, M-neko chan. Do something about it~

Yui: At this rate, it’s no use even for me...

Kou: No way...

Reiji: Excuse me, are you listening what I am saying?

Kou: I want to know how to make delicious tea, not the tablewares or something though?

Reiji: I’ll teach you later. But you have to start from the basics at first.

Kou: Haa? What’re those things...

Yui: (Kou kun is getting irritated...at this point, there’s a possibility that this situation will get difficult to control...)

Err, Reiji san! What should he do to get the recommended tablewares?

Reiji: Oh yeah, those tablewares should be made of special potter’s clay.

Then you need to have cloth particular for holding those cups...there’s a section over there which has these specific products I think.

*Reiji turns his attention more in thinking*

Yui: Kou kun, you can go by this chance!

Kou: M- neko chan...

Yui: If it’s about tea then I can teach you what I’ve learned from Reiji san before!

Kou: Thanks! At first I thought I can’t stand these at all~

I’ll count on ya’!

*Kou goes away*

Reiji: And also, you have to consider the washing materials as well...

Yui: (Reiji san is so immersed in explaining that he isn’t noticing that Kou kun is gone.)

(That’s good...with this, they don’t be to be in arguments.)

(However, I’ll get him mad for sure...haah)

Lunatic Parade Subaru Sakamaki– (Chapter 1)

Yui: (I must have to get back my heart no matter what…!)

Place: Bernstein Castle 一 Castle town Residential area

Subaru: Oi, why are ye’ spacing out?

Yui: Ah...sorry Subaru kun. I was having concerns a bit…

Subaru: Tch...but it’s pointless if we just stand still in a single place. We must go somewhere and start searching.

Yui: That’s right...but right now, we should at least visit the castle town.

But, how can we go there exactly? Do you know any way for that?

Subaru: Well...I know but...that place’s very far away for sure.

Yui: I see now. It seems to take quite a while then.

Subaru: ………

….Come ‘re for a sec.

Yui: Eh...kyaa!?

*Subaru drags Yui closer*

Subaru: ...here it goes.

Yui: Wa- wait, Subaru kun!? What’s wrong!?

(He is hugging me….!?)

Subaru: Nothing...we’re just gonna fly.

Yui: Eeh!?

Subaru: ...If we just keep walking all the way, then we ought to not get back yer’ heart.

Yui: Oh…*Blushing*

(I get it now...he has been worrying for me…)

But, I think I will be a little scared if we fly…

Subaru: If ya’ just just keep complaining then I feel like biting my own tongue.

Be silent and let’s fly 一 kh!

*Fly*

Place: Glimmer Street  Main street / グリンマーストリート 表通り

Yui: (Thanks to Subaru kun that it took only an instant to reach the castle town…)

This town is much livelier that I’ve expected.

Subaru: Aah...it’s so noisy for so many people outta here…

Yui: (Subaru is saying it, but I think the parade in the Demon World is fun…)

(But it would be more fun if we wouldn’t have faced any circumstances…)

Subaru: ………..

Yui: (No, I can’t get excited over it. I have to focus on getting back my heart.)

What shall we do next?

Subaru: That answer is very obvious. I’m gonna enter the caste and feed that Earl a hard blow.

Yui: Eeh!? It’s no good to be so harsh…!

Subaru: Who even cares! On the other side, he had snatched away your important thing!

It’s something that can’t be satisfied even if I knock him out.

Subaru: Anyways, let’s move onto the castle. We’ll continue conversing later on.

Place: Bernstein Castle, Front of Castle Gate / べルンシュタイン城 城門前

Yui: Wah...so big castle…

(So this is….Bernstein castle…?)

(The gate is so precisely closed so we can’t simply enter in…)

*Subaru tries to open*

Subaru: Tch...we can’t enter…

This castle is having….vampire repellent barrier…

Yui: Ba- barrier…!?

Subaru: Fuck! He’s laying’ on such a cheap trick!

Subaru: ...gh!

*Tries to open*

Yui: Listen, Subaru kun…!?

Subaru: If we can’t enter then...I am gonna break through it…! I’ll destroy such a shit thoroughly!

*Hits*

Yui: No, you can’t!

Subaru: A bastard who dared to steal people’s things will of course deserve it….kh!

*breaks*

Yui: (Oh no...the wall is…!)

Subaru: Heh...oh my, that guy is incredibly fragile. At this rate, if I punch him out then he may have a hole through his body. Ptft..heheh…

Yui: (Looks like he’s really aiming to kill him…! What should I say…!?)

???: 一 Please wait for a moment.

Yui: Eh…?

(Someone suddenly appeared...I freaked out…)

Subaru: Huh? Who are you bastard?

Buttler: ….My high apologies for delaying in introducing myself. I am the butler of this house.

Yui: (By this house...he means Earl Walter’s castle…?)

Subaru: What the butler is for. The reason we’re here is for Earl.

Butler: Yes, of course I know this.

一 My master is waiting for you inside. Please this way.

Subaru: Ha?

Yui: (Eh...he’s inviting us to enter that easily…?)

Subaru: Hold on...perhaps it’s a trap…

The guy that put a barrier in this castle, I don’t think he’ll let us meet him that smoothly.

Butler: No way it’s a trap.

Because he said that he’s not indenting to get his walls broken any further.

Yui: Oh…

(We can’t say anything back…)

Butler: ...Alright then, follow me.

Subaru: …….

Subaru: Tch...we’ve no other choice. Let’s go.

Oi, I don’t what’ll be the outcome, but don’t ye’ get separated from me.

Yui: Ye- yeah…

Place: Bernstein Castle, Throne Room / ベルンシュタイン城 玉座の間

Butler: Please have a rest here for a while.

Subaru: ….hmph.

Yui: (Since, he had come to this place by being on his guard, I think he may get disappointed…)

Isn’t that okay even if we aren't so vigilant…?

By the way, shall we have a seat?

Subaru: Tch…

Yui: (Wow...the exterior was splendid but, the inside of the castle is luxurious too…)

Subaru: Oi, don’t stare all around that much.

Yui: Ah, ...so sorry. He’s co-….

Subaru: Jeez….

Butler: I have put some tea.

Yui: Th- thank you so much! I’ll have som一

Subaru: DON’T DRINK!

*Smashed the tea cups*

Yui: Ah…

(Subaru kun is really being so cautious…)

???: ...Oh dear...you’re more than a guard dog I’d expected.

Subaru: 一 Who was it!?

Yui: (The voice is coming from somewhere….)

Earl Walter: My name is Walter. Nice to meet you, Sakamaki Subaru...and the lady from there.

Well...we may not meet face to face…

Yui: (Eh…?)

Subaru: I’m fine with yer tedious speech! Just show up!

Earl Walter: 一 Just cut it out.

Subaru: ...What?

Earl Walter: Just like this guard dog who seems to bite each time I reach out for him, I am also not a fool.

However, let’s pay tribute for your cautiousness.

Subaru: That was very obvious!!

Yui: (Subaru kun…)

Subaru: Just give this girl’s heart back!!

Earl Walter: Unfortunately I can’t.

Subaru: Haa? Why ye’ cann’t!?

Earl Walter: Because I still haven’t reach onto a conclusion.

Yui: You haven’t reached a conclusion….?

Earl Walter: Yeah, you get it right, lady. Weather you’re worthy human to possess such a one and unique treasure such as your heart 一

I haven’t figured that out yet. Unless you can convince me that you're worthy, I can’t give the heart back.

Subaru: HAAA!? What do ye’ mean!

More importantly...it’s unnecessary to make you convince, right!?

*Hits something + breaks*

Yui: Ah!

(The jar got breaked…!?)

Earl Walter: ….gh! That jar was…!

Subaru: Huh? This jar was what?

Earl Walter: Stop it at once! Each and every single thing placed there is very expensive一

Subaru: Heeh, I’ve known somethin’ good. I’m gonna smash all of ‘em from A to Z!

….Take this!

*Exploid sound as things break*

Earl Walter: Aaah!

Subaru: I’ll stop if you give her heart back.

*Breaks*

Yui: Subaru kun, you’re doing too much!

(Earl Walter isn’t saying anything…)

Subaru: ….What’s wrong?

Yui: Eh?

Subaru: ...I’ve done it for your sake, then why…

Tch…

*Breaks*

Say something!

Yui: (We won’t make any progress if we just stay here…)

Umm...subaru kun. Please calm down for a bit. Let’s come here again?

Subaru: Haa? It’s pointless.

After coming this far, shall we hold back!?

Yui: But, look! Earl Walter has gone silent…

I think we won’t be able to have a conversation with him any longer.

So please…? Let’s come back again? Plus we have to manage someplace to spend our days.

*Yui holds Subaru’s hand to get out from there*

Subaru: Oi, Yui…!

Place: Gondola boarding place / ゴンドラ乗り場

Yui: (Somehow, I come here by pulling Subaru kun, but…)

Subaru: ……..

Yui: (He’s in a bad mood…)

Anyways, it looks like we can get back to the town by riding the gondola. Shall we try it out?

Subaru: ……..

Gondolier: 2 people?

Yui: Yes.

*Get on*

Gondolier: Let’s start on then!

Place: ルビーン運河 / Rubean Canal

Yui: (He has been just facing away since then...I want to say something to him.)

Subaru kun, that’s 一

Subaru: ...What?

Yui: Err...you know

I was happy about the fact that you were willing to get back my heart.

Subaru: ...kh *Blushing*

Yui: But I wonder what it would be like if Earl would do the thing that you did…?

Subaru: ...Hah!?

The thing that I did you say….

……….

….gh

You mean... if he would destroy your heart…?

Y- yes...I thought there’s a possibility for him to do that.

Subaru: ………..

….I am sorry.

I was so burned up inside that...my head didn’t think about that…

Sorry…

Yui: (He is making such a sad face...what should I do?)

→Selection

声をかける/ Call him out  (+Correct)

何もしない / Don’t do anything

Yui: B- but...Subaru kun did that because he was thinking about me.

Subaru: Yeah...that’s...of course I was…

Yui: If so then...I am happy about your feelings!

Subaru: ……….

Yui: (Mmm...Isn’t there any good way to cheer him up…)

(...Found one.)

Subaru kun, excuse me...nnh!

*Yui kisses Subaru on his cheek*

Subaru: Wha-...!? What are ya’ doin!?

Yui: (Uuh...it’s very embarrassing to kiss his cheek from myself but…)

...I think it’s a gift...for you because...I know that you did that for the sake of me…

Subaru: ...Tch...damn, don’t do so embarrassing things…

More importantly...I did that just because I got irritated...not really for yer’ sake…

Yui: Fufu…

(It’s good that Subaru kun has calmed down a bit.)

Then...shall we go apologizing to him at first?

Subaru: ...Tch, that’s the only way…(Still blushing)

Place: Bernstein Castle, Front of Castle Gate / べルンシュタイン城 城門前

Yui: (I bet Earl Walter is super angry at us.)

(I hope he will forgive him…)

(But if he doesn't then…)

Subaru: ...Oi.

Yui: ….Hm? What is it, Subaru kun?

Subaru: Hold on a bit.

*Goes away*

Yui: (He just goes away...but why…?)

*After a moment*

Yui: (Oh... he’s back.)

Where did you go?

*Subaru gets closer*

Subaru: ...I’ll give ya’ this.

Yui: Eh…? Flower? But what is that for…!

Subaru: ...These were distributed over there, so thought to get it.

Like I said...don’t you ever put on such a concerning face.

Yui: Ah…*blushing*

(Could it be...he was worrying because I was having anxiety…?)

Thank you, Subaru kun.

Subaru: hm…

*Holds*

Yui: (Ah...he is holding my hand…)

(If he put sincerity in apologizing, then I am sure he will forgive us….!)

Place: タルト • グリンマーストリート店 / Tart • Glimmer Street Shop

Yui: (一I thought that but…)

Subaru: Damn, why did he!?

*Sound*

Yui: (As expected, now I am aware how Subaru kun is feeling…)

Monologue一

一一 After that, we have visited the castle however….

Not only Earl Walter but also his butler hadn’t shown their sign.

When it was pointless to be there, we entered a nearby cafe but Subaru kun is just getting irritated with these…

End of Monologue

Subaru: That man...what’s he up to exactly…

Yui: Err...if that’s the case then the only choice we got is to repair those broken things…

Subaru: Even that’s the only way but...even I can’t remember how many things I smashed out there.

Yui: Th- that’s right…

(He had broken everything in the living room from first to last…)

But, the ones that were particularly broken were...the jar, the sculpture..and the painting.

Subaru: You’ve...really remembered huh…

Yui: (It’s because I was looking at those excitedly at first…)

Nevertheless of repairing them, that artwork is the only one to exist in this world,

And also, many of those things were highly expensive...what should we do.

(More importantly, I have no knowledge about the artworks…)

Subaru: ……….

….I was thinking about my father’s collections.

Yui: Eh?

Subaru: Just like Walter, he also has a hobby about collecting so many unexpected art works.

Yui: Really?

Subaru: Yeah. And also there is a suspicious looking vampire who seemed to give those arts to him.

And I am sure that... the vampire's house is in this town….

Yui: Well, then if we meet with that person…!

Subaru: ...It will be worthwhile to talk with him.

Yui: Yup! Also also by some chance, may be he was the one to hand over that art to Earl Walter.

(That’s great, looks like we’ve found a way…!)

Err...well then, let’s visit him tomorrow?

Subaru: I agree...many things happened today so i’m tired…

Let’s choose a hotel and rest. I think we’ll have a busy day tomorrow as well.

Place: Mornstein Hotel, Entrance/ ホテル •モーントシュタインロビー

Yui: Subaru kun is late…

(He isn’t back since he went to the front desk…)

Subaru: ………

Yui: Oh, Subaru kun! Did you reserve a guest room…?

(His mood looks a bit changed. Could it be that he couldn’t manage rooms…?)

Subaru: One thing after another! Almost every room is filled because of the parade…

Yui: Eh…

Subaru: ….Only one room is available. *blushing*

Yui: Oh...then everything’s okay. I’d have worried if every single room would be filled...

We’re lucky that at least one room is free!

Subaru: What’re ye’ saying such reckless things for!? You should know we’re gonna have a single room?

Yui: Eh, m- mhm...so is there any problem about that….?

Subaru: ….tch…

As I said…! It’s very obvious to have problems since a man and woman are gonna share a single room!!

Yui: ….kh! ...That’s true…

B- but...it’s better than not finding even a single room…

(Plus, it will be pretty dangerous to sleep outdoors in the Demon World, no?)

Subaru: ….Jeez, don’t you have any crisis feeling or something…

Yui: Eh, did you say something?

Subaru: Shut up! I haven’t!

Tch...that’s why you stay here alone. I’ll find a suitable place around here and sleep.

Yui: N- no, you can’t….! If you don’t have a proper rest then you’re gonna feel dizzy tomorrow…

Anyway, we found a room after all,  let’s stay there?

Oh...and I will come up with something...as you’re saying you hate it if we share the same room…

Subaru: B- but, I didn’t really say that I hate someone…!

………..

Dang...I don’t know what to do…

Place: ホテル•モーントシュタイン  客室 / Hotel • Mortstein  Guest room

Yui: (We have entered the room but…)

Subaru kun...what are you doing…?

You’ll understand if you just look. I am gonna make a boundary in the middle of this bed by laying a partition.

Yui: (Where did he get this partition from…)

Subaru: Listen, the space of the other side of this line is your space.

So, don’t ye even dare to enter on the opposite side of the line!

Yui: Y- yes...I get it…

(Uuuh...when I think deeply about that I’m gonna share the same bed with him, it makes me nervous…)

(My heart starts pounding right now…)

*Sound*

Hm? What was that sound?

(Is that from the balcony?)

Place: Hotel • Mortstein  Balcony/ ホテル•モーントシュタイン  バルコニー

Yui: Waah…!

(In the place of the gondolas from the earlier, there’s having a musical performance of the drums and fife corps!)

(Let’s say it to Subaru kun!)

Subaru kun, if it’s okay then can we go there togeth一

*Sound*

(kh...what was that…? I am feeling strange….for this heart...)

*Screen shakes*

Yui: (Ah...my vision is…)

Subaru: Oi, Yui! Are you okay!?

*Subaru holds Yui*

*Fades to CG*

Yui: Oh...Subaru Kun…

Subaru: What’s wrong? I was freaked out when you’re about to fall…

Yui: Sorry...For a moment, I was just having a weird sensation for this heart…

Thank you for supporting me.

Subaru: ...gh…

….If that guy does something to you because I ran riot then,

What can I do…

Yui: My heart was feeling weird just for an instant, and it’s gone so...I'm sure I’ll be fine.

Subaru: ….gh…

You are supposed to be angry at me at this rate!? Then why aren’t you blaming me at all!?

Yui: That’s…

Earl Walter has listened to our conversation today, and he seems to be a person who has a good idea about something’s value…

He isn’t a person who will do whatever he wants to do with the treasure so recklessly, I guess?

Therefore, we can can be on ease一

*Subaru hugs*

(Waah...he just hugged me…!)

Subaru: ...Haah…

You’re really...a hopeful and kind person…

Yui: R-  really….?

Subaru: Yeah, that side of you is...not bad either...I think.

Yui: ….kh…

...Thank you…

(Uu...it’s embarrassing…)

Ah! Su- Subaru kun, look! The performance just got started.

Subaru: ...Tch, who even cares about such things. For now, just focus on me.

Plus...I’m here now, so don’t get interested in other stuff…

Yui: Fufu... sorry….

Subaru: Tch...it's actually an opportunity to see it someway.

Well...if you’re saying that far then...I'll watch it.

Yui: ...Mhm!

(Watching it while being hugged by him is a bit embarrassing but….)

(I am happy that we’re watching it together.)

Somehow, I am getting more excited for the musical performance of the drums and fife corps

(I know that we’re not in the place where the performance is happening but…)

Subaru: ……….

Yui: Ah...sorry for that. You don’t have any interest in it, right…

Subaru: No...it's okay.

Yui: Eh…?

Subaru: ….I’ll absolutely manage myself about it…

So, you can continue smiling like a fool.

Yui: F-fool you say...that’s awful.

Yes...but...thank you.

(How strange...I thought Subaru kun doesn’t have any body temperature or something...but I am feeling a bit warm for his body.)

(He is being so close with me…)

(Just by this, I am being so much reassured 一)

一The END of Chapter O 1

Lunatic Parade Kanato Sakamaki Sub-Scenarios– (Shin)

[Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4]  [Final]

Shin  Carla  Subaru  Yuma

Place: 廃墟 / Abandoned building

Yui: I am glad that we’ve found a place to shelter ourselves from the rain.

Kanato: Seriously.

Yui: (I didn’t even think that it’s gonna rain so suddenly…)

Kanato: Let’s dry our clothes right away.

Yui: You’re right. Let’s see if we find something…

*Footsteps*

Shin: Wait a sec, don’t tell me you’re here for rain-shelter?

Yui: Shin kun?

Kanato: Could it be that you’re here for the same reason too?

Shin: That’s the only obvious reason for me to enter such an abandoned house.

And also, it’s very pathetic to take shelter with you guys.

Kanato: We hate it too.

Shin: What’s why I come here at first, so you two get outta here.

Kanato: No, the bastard in front of us has to get out!

Yui: B- but! There’s no other place out here and…

We won’t bother so we want you to let us stay here.

Shin: What do you mean? You being here is already a bother to me.

Yui: No way…

Shin: If you are not getting out by any means then…

*Hits*

Yui: (Th- the wall just scattered in an instant…)

Shin: I will try out my strength like this if you refuse.

Yui: (What should we do…)

*Kanato starts crying*

Kanato: ...Uuuh, gh….uuh…

Yui: Kanato kun…?

Kanato: How terrible…

Our clothes were soaking wet so why will we have to get out?

Shin: It’s useless to cry.

Kanato: We found this place after….so much searching...uuh...gh…

And making to leave this place that even right after we just entered….kh...uuuh

Yui: Kanato kun, calm down….

Shin: AAH, so loud! Shut this sobbing at once!

*Something falls*

Yui: (This time, he hit the desk…)

Kanato: It’s no use to threaten us like this...I wanna change my clothes at once and get some hot milk to drink.

And bothering us despite this is just….AWFUL!

Shin: You’re the one who’s bothering, no? I was here from the earlier, okay!

Kanato: If you came here earlier then your clothes would already be dry, right?

Isn’t it better to just give it up on us…

Shin: Damn you all….! Just keeping continue that earsore crying is!

Intolerable to me….!

Yui: (I- is he gonna hit us again…!?)

Shin: I can’t stand this noisy voice anymore!!

*Shin goes away*

Yui: (Huh….? He just goes away…)

Kanato: Finally he’s gone huh.

Yui: Kanato!? You were crying  though…

Kanato: I was of course just imitating to cry.

Yui: Eeeh!?

Kanato: It is the best way to shut out those kinds of guys.

We can now comfortably wait here for the rain to stop.

Yui: ...Yes!

(Thanks to Kanato kun that we were gladfully saved from being chased away by him but...I was really scared.)

一 The END

Lunatic Parade Ruki Mukami – (Chapter 4)

[Chapter 1]   [Chapter 2]  [Chapter 3]

Place: Glimmer Street, Aizen Alley / グリンマーストリートアイゼン横丁

Ruki: I hope we will make her drink that antidote as soon as possible…

Yui: Me too.

Place: レーヌ•ド•アジの店 / Reine • Dō • Aji Store

Yui: Sorry for interruption.

Reine • Dō • Aji: kh….You two! Don’t enter!

Yui: Eh…

Ruki: We come to see the antidote but...you're not done…

Reine • Dō • Aji: I am working on an important part! Please don’t bother.

It takes both time and effort at the same time to compound this antidote.

If you understand, then just get out!

Yui: S- so sorry…!

Place: Glimmer Street, Aizen Alley / グリンマーストリートアイゼン横丁

Ruki: Oh my, oh my...it can’t be helped. Let’s go to the shoemaker and explain the situation.

Yui: Yes, let’s go…

Place: Underground Corridor / 地下回廊

Yui: Huh? This sound...

Ruki: Looks like it’s coming from his room.

Shoemaker: Uwah! You guys...came here?

Yui: Yeah, just now…

Ruki: We’d heard the sounds of tools. Were you working on something?

Shoemaker: Eh? Y- yeah... a little bit.

Yui: ….?

Shoemaker: By the way, did something happen? You come here for a reason, no?

Ruki: ...Yeah. Actually…

Shoemaker: ...So, it was all about huh...haah…

Yui: This is why she didn’t really leave you because she hates your or something. 

Ruki: Yeah, exactly.

Shoemaker: ….But if she’d possibly had such circumstances then why didn’t she talk with me...If we’d have a discussion then I'd have found a way to manage that.

Yui: That’s….

I am sure it’s because she deeply cares about you…

Shoemaker: About me…?

Yui: Yes…

Ruki: ……….

Yui: She told us. Err...she was willing to help you in making shoes.

So, it turned out like this….

(That’s why she wanted to get apart from him…)

Shoemaker: ...Haha...How unexpected….

Ruki: Unexpected…?

Shoemaker: Your heart right. Since I stopped making shoes at the end because I lost her.

If this is exactly what she said, then...there shouldn’t have any further complaints about it, right?

Ruki: ……...

Yui: ...But…

Ruki: ….For now, this is what we wanted to say. We’ll come again.

Let’s go, Yui.

Yui: kh….W-wait, Ruki kun?

(May me it’s just my prediction...Ruki kun looks a little….)

*Runs*

Place: Diamante Fountain / ディアマンテ 泉

Ruki: ……..

Yui: ……..

(I wonder how long it has been since we've been sitting like this…)

(Ruki kun is being shut. Looks like he’s thinking something…)

(What can I do…)

→Selection

声をかける / Call him out (+correct)

黙って見守る / Be silent and watch

Yui: (I think I should call him out…?)

(He’s putting on such an expression, could it be he’s dealing with some trouble…)

Yui: Err...That’s Ruki kun?

Ruki: ...hm? What is it?

Yui: Umm...you’re pondering so much, so I was worried….What happened?

Ruki: ...Yeah, I am sorry. You were observing me like that…

That shoemaker...looked like he was piling up with stress.

Yui: Eh…

*Ruki holds Yui’s hand*

Yui: (...He’s just holding my hands…)

Ruki: Like that guy, if the day comes when I lose you…

Then, it won’t be impossible for me to think the same as the shoemaker…

I won’t even feel like doing anything for sure…

There’s no mistake that I will feel just despair as long as I continue living this endless life…

Yui: ngh….

(....His hands are shivering a little I think…)

(Was he thinking these all by himself…?)

(But, being honest I was also thinking…)

*Yui holds his hand back*

Ruki: ...Yui…?

Yui: You know, Ruki kun. I was thinking the same too…

I was thinking that while I heard the shoemaker's woman....

If I stay with you then I will possibly become a burden to you…

Then I’d of course decide the same as she did, I thought…

No matter how much I love you or don’t wanna get apart from you…

Then I’d keep myself away from you…

Ruki: …….

Yui: Sometimes I think so too, for the sake of Ruki kun, I’ll do anything…

Even though you were always helping me...but I wasn’t able to do anything and…

Ruki: gh….such thing is…!

Yui: Even if you don’t allow it like this, but I am worried after all…

Maybe my existence is making you to hold back…

Same goes for right now. You are dragged into troubles for getting back my heart like this…

I am sorry for all of these…

Ruki: Haah….all of these mean you’re acting all by yourself…

You should be punished for saying this….ngh!

*Sound*

Yui: Kyaa

(He just poked my head…)

Ruki: When did you make me hold back? I never thought this, not even for once.

Instead….

Yui: Ruki kun…?

Ruki: Listen Yui. It’s true that I don’t mind passing the days calmly, however

I think spending thrilling days with you is not bad either. On the contrary…

*Ruki hugs Yui*

Yui: gh….

Ruki: The day without you is very unacceptable to me…

Yui: Ruki kun…

Ruki: ...That’s why, I will never allow you to leave me for your own convenience... 

Yui: I get it...I’ll always be with you.

I won’t get away or something like that…

Ruki: Close your eyes...n一

Yui: (His breathings are so close…)

???: Hello, hello! That lovey-dovey couple right there! Excuse me a little.

*Screen vibrates*

Yui: kh….!

(What on the earth is…!?)

Ruki: That’s...clown…?

Clown A: Hurry up now. You’re aware of what day is today, no?

Yui: ...Today?

Clown A: Eeeeee~! Does that mean you don’t know!?

Today is the finale of this parade~!

Clown A: If you just stay in this place then you'll have no fun at all! Come on, this way please!

*Ruki backs off*

Yui: Ah! Wa- wait a sec…!

Ruki: kh...Where are you planning to take us?

Clown A: You asked where...a very fun place, you know~~!

*force them*

Yui: (He’s pulling me so tight…!)

*After a while*

Yui: (....What is could be for. It’s a huge crowd….?)

Clown A: The dance time will start right away. Make sure to join them, okay!

Well then, have fun! Enjoy tonight!!

*Runs away*

Yui: (He’s gone…)

Ruki: Haah...what a bothersome clown.

Yui: ...I know right…

*BGM changes / music of accomplish in LP*

Yui: (Ah, the music started…)

Vampire Woman A: It started! Let’s dance!

Vampire Man: Yeah, let’s do it!

Vampire Woman B: Shall we join too?

Vampire Man: I agree.

Yui: (Somehow, it looks really fun…)

Ruki: …..What are you gonna decide?

Yui: Eh?

Ruki: You want us to join too?

Yui: Can we?

Ruki: ...Yeah, since we won’t get this moment often.

And it’s gonna take a while to get the antidote done anyways.

Yui: ….Then, let’s dance!

*After a moment*

Ruki: By the way, can you dance?

Yui: Uuh...that’s….

To tell the truth, not that much…

Ruki: Haah...I knew it’s gonna happen….I got no choice.

Yui, lend me your hand.

*Holds*

Yui: M- hm….一kyah! *blushes*

*Fades to CG (1)*

(He just pulled me…!)

Ruki: I’ll lead you to the steps of the song, so you don’t have to do anything.

Leave your body to me.

Yui: G- got it…

Ruki: Let’s start then.

*2 steps*

Yui: Ah…

Ruki: Hmph, you get it right. That’s the key for doing it.

Yui: (In- incredible…! I look like an expert dancer…..!)

(He led me and also told me to join the dance and pulled me against him for considering me.)

(Ruki kun really...thank you so much…)

*Clothing sound*

Ruki: Oi, move closer a bit.

Yui: Yes.

Ruki: ...How did it go? Are you enjoying the parade a little?

Yui: It’s not a little bit at all...I was able to enjoy it for a long time.

Ruki: ...I see, then it’s good.

Yui, turn this way.

Yui: Eh…?

*Changes to CG (2) *

Ruki: nh…*kiss*

Yui: n…

*Returns  to CG (1)*

Ruki: ...Let me say back these words too.

Thanks to you, I am also enjoying the parade...thank you.

*Returns to CG (2)*

Yui: nh…

(If he thought it like that…)

(I have never been so happy like this…)

Place: Glimmer Street, Aizen Alley / グリンマーストリートアイゼン横丁

Ruki: I hope she is done now….

Yui: Me too…

(If we get the antidote from Aji, then we can...一)

Suspicious Man: kh...move away!

*Screen shakes*

Yui: Kyaa!

(I got collided…)

Suspicious Man: Tch…!

*Runs*

Yui: (My mouth just got smacked...since I got bumped into it over there…)

Ruki: Are you okay? What’s wrong with that guy….

Yui: It’s okay, thank you…

Reine • Dō • Aji: You two!

*Aji comes by running*

Yui: ….Aji san…?

Ruki: Yeah, perfect timing. We just thought to get the antidote from your shop…

Aji: Th- that’s not the point!

Reine • Dō • Aji: Haven’t you passed by a suspicious guy here!?

Ruki: ...Suspicious guy?

Yui: ...Could it be, the man from before….

Reine • Dō • Aji: kh….You saw him!? ...He was a thief!

When I just finished making the antidote, he stole that from my shop!

Ruki: kh...the antidote…?

Yui: No way…!

Ruki: Let’s chase him right away. I think he is not that far yet.

Yui: Yes!

*After a moment*

Ruki: Find him! Over there!

Suspicious Man: kh…! I was caught huh!

*runs*

Yui: kh…! At this rate….!

(He will escape once again!)

Ruki: nope, it’s alright. Because certainly this way is the dead end of this road.

Yui: (Yeah...that’s right. During this time, I got lost with Ruki kun and…)

*After sometimes*

Ruki: ….Unfortunate but you can’t escape anymore. I shall get back that antidote.

Suspicious Man: Eek….!

Yui: We need that antidote by any means! Please give it back…!

Suspicious Man: I can’t! Because I need this antidote just right now!

Ruki: ...You...are you aware of what this antidote is for…?

Suspicious Man: kh...Absolutely!

If I give this medicine then my father will get cured….! Then my mother can….!

Yui: ….

(Could it be that he also has a sick member in his family…?)

???: I found you! Give the antidote back…!

Yui: ...You are…!

Former G.F of the shoemaker: No matter what circumstances you’re facing, I must have to get back the antidote!

My little sister is waiting!

Ruki: ...Exactly. In short, we cannot tolerate it if you steal.

Now, handover the antidote.

Suspicious Man: Damn!

???: Wait up there!

Former G.F of the shoemaker: kh…! Why you’re….

Yui: ...Mr. shoemaker…!

(What is he doing here…?)

Shoemaker: You can handover the antidote to that guy.

Former G.F of the shoemaker: kh...We can’t allow it!

Why are you saying these after coming out of nowhere!?

Shoemaker: ….Sorry for everything. I should have met you earlier…

*Shoemaker hugs his girlfriend*

Former G.F of the shoemaker: kh….!

Yui: (...He just hugged his girlfriend…?) *blushing*

Shoemaker: ...I’ll manage something about the antidote for your sister.

I’ll search the ingredients and ask Aji...I want to walk over the future with you...

I will definitely satisfy you and your sister too…

So, I want you to accept it…

*Takes it*

Former G.F of the shoemaker: gh...this shoe…

Ruki: ...He is giving that shoe to her…

Yui: (He finished making it for her, right…?)

Former G.F of the shoemaker: …………

….Hey, you from there.

Suspicious Man: Eh…?

Former G.F of the shoemaker: Take this antidote and give it to your father quickly.

Yui: …..

Suspicious Man: ….No kidding?

Former G.F of the shoemaker: Yes.

Suspicious Man: I am grateful! Thanks!

*Runs*

Shoemaker: ...It means, in short…

Former G.F of the shoemaker: Yeah, I’ll trust you.

I’ll look forward to that once again…

Shoemaker: You…!

Ruki: ...Looks like everything got reconciled.

Yui: ...Yeah.

(It turns out really good…)

Shoemaker: You guys!

For you I was able to become determined once again. Really, thank you…

Yui: No...We haven’t done anything...right, Ruki kun?

Ruki: Yeah, it all turned out like this for you actually.

Shoemaker: Fufu, I think so…

But, for making this happen, I want to express thanks for the time being.

I’ll explain things about Earl….

Yui: gh...Really?

Shoemaker: Yeah, but there is a condition for him to give back the stolen thing to the owners...that’s…

The owner will have to prove that they deserve to possess the treasure that Earl has stolen.

Ruki: ...Proof?

Shoemaker: That’s right. If you can prove by your good deeds, then Earl will give back your stolen thing.

Plus I think that…

Earl may give back your treasure unconditionally... 

Yui: It means….

Shoemaker: Earl is a very suspicious person. I believe that he has been observing all of your actions.

I bet you’re gonna be okay. I can guarantee ya!

Ruki: ……

Yui: (But what should we... exactly do then….)

Yui: Ruki kun, what shou一

*Ruki gets closer + holds her hand*

Yui: (gh!)

Ruki: We find out the information. Thank you for all of these.

...Let’s go.

Yui: G- go where…

Ruki: The castle of Earl of course?

We’re gonna fly. Hold me tightly.

Yui: Y- yeah….!

*Fly*

Place: Bernstein Castle, Front of Castle Gate / べルンシュタイン城 城門前

Ruki: Oi, open the gate.

You knew that we would come here, no?

???: Fufu. You’re right. I knew from before.

*Opens*

Yui: (kh...the gate opens on its own…!)

Ruki: ...Let’s enter in.

Place: Bernstein Castle, Throne Room / べルンシュタイン城 玉座の間

Earl Walter: Well, let’s talk then.

Yui: (This person is Earl Walter…)

Ruki: ...Let’s put it in brief. You do know the situation, don’t you?

Earl Walter: Fufu, of course I do.

Yui: (kh...Looks like he knows everything that has happened till now…)

Earl Walter: I have watched every actions of yours…

And I have come to a conclusion as well. I am willing to give the heart of this lady right here.

Yui: Is that true….?!

Earl Walter: Yeah. According to the works you did,

It shows enough evidence that you two are worthy to have this precious treasure.

...This is why, as you wished. You can take it back一

*BG white + comes back*

Ruki: gh….!?

*BG white*

Yui: (kh...it’s dizzy….!)

*Heart beats*

Yui: (...This... feeling is…)

*Heart beats (3x)*

*BG black + Yui collapses*

Ruki: kh...Yui!

*Screen’s back*

Ruki: ...Are you okay?

Yui: Mhm, I am fine. And also my heart is…!

Earl! Really thank you so mu一  huh?

(No one’s here…?)

Ruki: Haah...making us toying with people all these times and now disappearing is a blink of eyes…

But, I don’t mind...Your heart is back, right?

Yui: Yes…!

Ruki: Then, it’s enough for me.

*Ruki hugs Yui*

Yui: (I am really glad…)

一 The end of Chapter O4

Lunatic Parade Ruki Mukami Sub-Scenarios – (Shu)

Happy New Year 2021!

Are you expecting to be 2021 as same as 2020? Me neither ♡ I hope this year will be way brighter and fun, much more this this dark year.  (★^∀^★) Many of you were tagging me for this new year congrats but I didn’t reply as I was super busy. I love everyone, thank you so much!

[Chapter 1]  [Chapter 2]  [Chapter 3]  [Chapter 4]  [Final]

[Carla]  [Kanato]  [Shu]  [Kou]

一

Place: ディアマンテ泉 / Diamante Fountain

Ruki: I thought this place should be quiet but...looks like it’s not.

Yui: There’s so many people out there.

Ruki: We can’t calm down in this place at all.

Yui: I think so...huh?

Shu: Zzz….Zzz…

Yui: Is that Shu san sleeping on that bench there…?

Ruki: Looks like so.

Good grief, that person sleeps no matter what kind of place it is.

Shu: Hm…? So you’re the one to make such noises huh…

Don’t disturb others' sleep. Hurry and go somewhere else.

Yui: So- sorry…

(We made him angry…)

Ruki: We’ve no choice. Oi, let’s move onto somewhere else.

Actually I’m having a little lack of sleep recently. If it goes well, i would like to take a nap.

Shu: Eh, you’re lacking sleep too? How unusual.

Ruki: Hmph, it’s not unusual or something. It’s a common everyday occurrence.

Kou starts playing music late at night saying it’s music and dance practice…

Yui: (Kou kun is an idol right)

Ruki: And Yuma…

He starts making noises from the early morning to drive away the crows coming to his vegetable garden.

And Azusa seems to be doing something night after night by himself…

Yui: (I see...this is why he’s lacking sleep…)

Shu: Hmm….

I thought that household is doing well but there seems to occur a lot of things.

Ruki: Well, it’s obvious to happen since we’re living together.

However, it’s the result of all their hard work as they are.

I can do that too if I rest a bit by closing my eyes.

Shu: Oh, I see.

But it’s still better compared to ours.

It’s because you’re doing as much as you can after all.

Kanato often becomes hysterical, Subaru keeps breaking things…

Other guys are always noisy…

Ruki: Certainly, considering the number of people, Sakamakis are more than Mukamis…

Nevertheless, those men (mukami)...haah...I become sick just by imagining…

Yui: (Ru- Ruki kun, you don’t have to say these directly…)

Shu: Hahh, you’re aware of  the fact don’t you... They're...not annoying…

Ruki: But the eldest son of Sakamaki…

But what’s your reason for still continuing living in that household?

Shu: ….Reason? I don’t have any….

Ruki: Pff...Really you don’t…?

Shu: Shut up...what do you want?

Ruki: Nothing really.

As an eldest son, it looks like you’re also having a hard time as your own style.

Anyways, let’s go.

*Holds her hand*

Yui: Ah, Ruki kun, wait…

*They walks away*

Shu: …….

Haah...what was wrong with that guy….bothersome...

一 END

Lunatic Parade Kanato Sakamaki – (Chapter 4)

[Chapter 1]  [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4]  [Final]

一

Place: 洞窟 / Cave

Yui: (This person is, Earl Walter’s butler…!?)

Kanato: ….What the heck does it mean.

It’s very strange now matter how much truth’s that. We could manage everything.

Yui: Ye- yes…

(Just like Kanato kun said.)

(We come to this place just for a coincidence…)

(But it was the perfect timing to get met with him in reality?)

Kanato: ...If you’re his butler then you should know our circumstances. What’s going on?

Butler: ….Huh? What….

Kanato: Therefore, your suspicious innocent-playing side is not revealed.

There’s a limit of patience...How long making a fool of us will make you finally satisfied!

Yui: Ka- kanato kun...Calm down…!

(Anyways...we must have to talk with Butler san)

Umm, Butler san. Do you know when Earl Walter will be back to his castle?

Butler: ...Manager? Why are you asking?

Yui: We have some business with Earl...this is why we have always been searching for you.

We’ll also explain everything to you...please listen!

*After a while*

Butler: ...I see, so that was the circumstances.

In short, you guys want to get back the thing that was being stolen?

Yui: Yeah, that’s right.

(It’s good that he gets it but…)

Butler: I understood the situation….However, I may not be able to say it to the manager.

Kanato: Haah? Why’s that?

Butler: I have intention to return back your heart but I am a servant of the Manager so…

Yui: ….I see

Butler: But I’m grateful for your help. If giving a hint does something, then I don’t mind telling you.

Yui: Eh, really…!?

Butler: Yeah, repay it if someone helps you is something that the manager always tells me.

*Paper*

...This is the card where the hint of the location of my manager is written.

Please receive it.

Yui: Tha- thank you so much!

(What is written...let’s read it right away)

Kanato:  “The night which will have a full moon. The time when it’ll rise up to a remarkably high peak, I’ll return there.”….

What’s the heck? What does it mean?

Butler: I can’t say anything more than that. Please forgive me…

Kanato: I can’t forgive you. Answer it properly.

*Turns into bat*

Yui: (he just transformed into a bat!?)

Kanato: 一 H- hey! I am not done talking!

Yui: (Fa- fast…! He already flew away…)

Umm...Kanato kun.

Kanato: ...kh enough! What’s going on!! Each and everyone...is taking it as a joke!

Yui: Ca- calm down…!

We managed the hit so it’s alright.

Let’s think about the solution written in this card together?

Kanato: It can’t be helped. Looks like I don't have another way but this.

Yui: Mhm!

Kanto: Let’s move back to the hotel...i am worried about your health, plus I wanna change my clothes.

Yui: Eh, but the exit is…

Kanato: I think the direction that the butler flew away will lead us to the exit.

Come on, let’s go.

Kanato: They had made a fool of us this far. I will absolutely get back the heart from that Earl.

一 Monologue

We’d returned back to the hotel safely, we finished taking baths and changing clothes. Following that, we thought about meaning the text written on the card.

“The night which will have a full moon. The time when it’ll rise up to a remarkably high peak, I’ll return there.”

一一 The night which will have a full moon.

We made the conclusion that maybe it is pointing to the full moon.

However…

一一 Remarkably high peak

We couldn't catch that location.

When we’re constantly looking at the map, we’re thinking about it.

End of Monologue

Place: ホテル•モーントシュタイン  客室 / Hotel • Mortstein  Guest room

Yui: (A high place around this city...we won’t understand just using a map)

(....Haa. Where that place could be)

(And also I am somehow sleepy...haa…)

*Yui leans on Kanato’s shoulder*

Kanato: Hm? Why are you leaning? You have to think about it too 一

Yui: …..

*Lies down*

Kanato: …….

If you’re sleepy then just say it...how hopeless.

...But I have recognized your hard efforts...nh…*kiss*

Good night, Yui san, have a nice dream 一

Place: タルト • グリンマーストリート店 / Tart • Glimmer Street Shop

Yui: Umm...Kanato kun. Sorry for sleeping in the middle of work yesterday.

Kanato: ….Seriously. I was feeling heavy on my shoulder when you leaned onto me.

Yui: uuh...so sorry.

Kanato: ...Fufu, just kidding. I wasn’t feeling heavy like that.

By the way, did you have a nice dream?

Yui: ….Yes. Thanks to you for lending me your shoulder.

Kanato: Fufu, Then I’m glad.

Yui: (Somehow I felt like he gave me a soft kiss, but maybe that was a dream too…?)

Kanato: Let’s finish eating.

Yui: Ah...Let’s eat!

*Starts eating*

Kanato: mn….but the way, the high peak place that we talked about yesterday…

Yui: I was also...thinking about that.

The people of the hotel said though, there's a high tower in this town called “Onyx Tower”.

So maybe it’s that place?

Kanato: Onyx Tower huh….

But, if we think of the word, “peak”, then we can also think about the Smaragd Volcano peak I think.

Yui: Oh, certainly…

Kanato: It may be anyone of those. Well, I still know what will be the correct answer.

And the full moon night around this time.

The night of the Demon world is long, therefore the full moon will also be continuing for a while.

Yui: So, raising up ...will basically mean it will be either tower volcano. And the full moon is approaching.

Kanato: Yeah, I think so.

Yui: But which one it can be. Earl Walter must have some business to go to that place right?

Kanato: We don’t know that since we’re not familiar with him.

Yui: Umm...we have to ask the people of the city…

(Hm….?)

Woman of nearby seat:  一 Right? Placing hand in Zatan's mouth….

Yui: (Kh…! It means!)

Monologue 一

一 一 The talkings of the women from nearby seat.

We unintentionally ended up listening the conversation that we heared by the chance.

Zatan’s Mouth which is situated in the Diamante Fountain.

If you place the hand in that mouth, it will tell you the truth.

Those women were saying that no one places a hand more than once because it’s horrible but,

It will be worth to try it so,

We both looked at each other and nodded.

End of Monologue

Yui: ...Neh, Kanato kun.

Kanato: If that’ll really tell us the truth then, we will easily know which one’s correct, volcano or tower.

Let’s get there quickly. I think we can go there by gondola.

Yui: Yes, let’s hurry!

Place: ザータンの口 / Zatan’s Mouth

Yui: (...So, this place’s is the fountain forum where Zatan’s mouth exists huuh)

(There’s so much crowd as I heard, no one’s placing their hand.)

(Why’s that? Shall I talk to others about it a little…)

Umm...excuse me.

Vampire Woman A: Yes? What is it?

Yui: I’d heard that people don’t place their hand in the Zatan’s mouth.

Do you know the reason? We listened to a conversation about whether we should give it a try but…

Vampire Woman A: Eeeh!? I think you better stop.

It is said that if you place a hand, then a misfortune will come up…

Yui: Disaster…?

Vampire Woman A: Yeah, for example, you may get separated from the person you love or something…

Yui: Eh!?

Vampire Woman A: Anyways, you’ll face just terrible things. That’s why, trying it out will be…

Yui: I- I see...thank you so much.

(The person you love will get separated...it is awful…)

(And also….will I get back my heart before something like that happens?)

(Because if the rumours become true then, I will get separated from Kanato kun…?)

(Since there’s no chance that kleinod will break plus Kanato kun said that he don’t care about that )

(Therefore, we better not cross any risk bridge…)

Kanato: ….You’re hopeless.

Yui: 一 kh, Kanato kun!?

(He just put his hand inside that mouth…!)

*sound*

Yui: (Looks like everyone became astonished. I- is it okay…)

Kanato: ……….

I understood. Earl will appear at the Onyx Tower.

Yui: Eh…!?

Kanato: Why are you so surprised? Let’s get there quickly.

Yui: Ye- yes….

Kanato kun, terrible….even though there’s rumour that there can be misfortune comes but you ended up putting your hand there.

More than that...aren’t you afraid? We may get separated from each other…

Kanato: If that happens, then I can take you back.

You can’t be anyone’s thing except me….and more than that, it can't happen right?

Because you like me and I like you so I can’t stand that.

Yui: 一 Ye- yes...thank you *blushing*

Yui: (He will take me back...I see...Kanato kun thought it like that…)

Kanato: Did you agree?

Then let’s get there. Because the full moon is gonna rise up around this time,

Place: Onyx Tower, Inside Hall / オーニュクスタワー内部ホール

Yui: ………

Kanato: ……

Yui: (It’s the time I think….)

Suspicious Man: ….Looks like you waited for a while.

(一 kh, I can’t see his appearance but I can just hear the voice!? Where’s he…!?)

Kanato: You’re the Earl Walter, aren’t you?

Earl Walter: Yeah, correct.

You two come here means you want to say something to me.

Yui: 一 kh, that’s right!

That’s! Give back my heart that you’d stolen! Please!

Earl Walter: ….I knew you’d say that.

I’ll return it back. 一 However, there’s a requirement.

Kanato: Requirement…? What the heck’s that?

Earl Walter: I’ll give her heart back, so I want her to pay the price for that.

Yui: Price….Me….

Earl Walter: Vow that….you’ll get separated from him forever, the person beside you, Kanato Sakamaki. If you vow, then I’ll return back the heart.

Kanato: 一 kh!? *gasp*

Yui: Why such a thing…! I can’t get separated from him…!

That’s my heart in the first place. It’s very weird...to pay the price for that.

Earl Walter: No, nothing is weird. Because it has already become my thing.

I shall make you get separate from him since I’ll give back my precious thing. I need to get that amount of price right?

Kanato: ...Yui san…

Yui: …….

→ Selection

大丈夫 / It’s fine (+correct)

どうしよう/ What shall we do

Yui: It’s fine, Kanato kun.

Kanato: ...kh…

Yui: ...Earl Walter, you’re mistaking.

Earl Walter: ...What do you mean.

Yui: The thing you’re possessing is not my precious thing.

My precious thing is no one other than Kanato kun.

I just can’t exchange the most important thing in trading for getting back the second important one.

Earl Walter: …………

Yui: (That’s right. Kanato kun’s existence is the most precious thing to me….)

(Kanato kun is more important than...my heart, my life.)

Kanato: ...Fufu, fufufuh, certainly it’s as you said.

You said it perfectly, I am the most precious to you.

*Kanato gets closer*

Yui: 一 kh!

(Kanato kun….!)

Kanato: I am happy to have heard your feelings again.

I’ll reward you for this...nh…*kiss*

Yui: ...nh…

Earl Walter: ...fufu, kukuk….HAHAHA!

Yui: Kh, Wha...what’s so funny!

I am serious...with a serious mind, Kanato kun has 一

*Screen shakes*

Yui: Kyaa!?

Kanato: 一kh, the tower is collapsing…!?

Yui: Wh- why...uwaah!?

*Screen shakes more*

Place: Sky

Yui: ( 一kh NO! Suddenly we’re being thrown out一)

Kanato: Yui san! Don’t get away from me!!

Yui: Ka- kanato kun!

(...just a little 一)

*Yui catches up with Kanato*

Yui: (一 I reached him!)

*Fades to CG*

Kanato: ...kh! Yui san!

Yui: Kanato kun…!

Kanato: Hold more firmly. No matter what happens, don’t get separated.

Yui: ...yes…!

Kanato: Of course I’ll protect you. Right now and also from hereafter!

So, you can be relieved. ...It will be absolutely alright.

Yui: Ye- yes…! I believe in you!

Kanato: I love you...I love you so much.

Yui: I love you too.

(I don’t need anything if kanato kun is always by my side…)

(Even though I am in the bottom of hell, I made up my mind to be alive…)

Place: Bernstein Castle, Throne room / バルンシュタイン城玉座の間

Yui: nh...kh…

Kanato: ...Aah, finally you wake up huh.

Yui: Kanato kun...I am in…

Kanato: I also don’t get it quite. Looks like it’s inside the castle.

Yui: It means, it’s Earl Walter’s castle…?

Earl Walter: Yeah, that’s right.

Kanato: 一 kh! What about exposing your appearance at once…!

Earl Walter: Fufu...isn’t that fine. Plus, before getting interested in me, didn’t you notice any certain changes?

Yui: Change…?

Earl Walter: I gave back your heart. You can check it out.

Yui: Eh!?

Yui: (一 kh, really my heart is back…! But when!?)

Earl Walter: With this, everything is over. Thank you for giving me a fun time.

Kanato: Wa- wait a sec! There’s one more thing I want to ask.

Earl Walter: What?

Kanato: I think you must have a reason to give back the stolen thing that easily.

What kind of plot was that? ...Tell me.

Earl Walter: Kuku...that’s right. Well, it’s true that I wanted her heart.

However, you two are worthy of possessing that treasury heart. Thus, I returned it back.

Kanato: ...as expected, it was that huh.

Yui: (I told Kanato kun that we’re not being tasted but…)

(But we’re put on a trial after all...Everything was Earl Walter’s plan…)

Earl Walter: Well, the outside is still in the middle of the parade...It’s boring if you’re just excited but do nothing for that.

Finale is very close. Hereafter, you can enjoy the parade to your heart's content.

Kanato: ...Then, at the end...I want you to show your appearance.

You’d manipulated us all the way.

Isn’t it a polite manner to show appearance even though a little?

Earl Walter: I decided that I can’t do that. Or I won’t be able to make my move to steal from now.

Farewell then! Kuku...fufu, Hahahaha!

*White screen for a sec*

Yui: 一 kh!?

Kanato: ...he just escaped away huh

Yui: ….Yes. He really swinged us around till the end.

Kanato: Worst feeling...perhaps it’s been a while I have felt so irritated.

Yui: Kanato kun…

Kanato: If it’s the case then we have no other choice but to forget these by enjoying the parade. Let’s go there, Yui san.

Yui: ...Ye- yes! You're right, let’s go!

一 The End of Chapter O 4

Lunatic Parade Kanato Sakamaki – (Chapter 3)

[Chapter 1]  [Chapter 2]  [Chapter 3]  [Chapter 4]  [Final]

ー

Place: ホテル•モーントシュタイン 客室 / Hotel • Mortstein  Guest room

Kanato: Don’t you think...it’s weird?

Yui: Eh, what’s weird…?

Kanato: The people of the street that we came across.

To them, what kind of person we are….

I am feeling like we are being tested by everyone we’ve met.

Yui: (The shopkeeper of the apple pie, Aji san…)

(If you think about it, it feels like they all are more likely to know what kind of conclusion we would make.)

Perhaps you're right…. 

Kanato: I bet, the whole city is becoming judges for testing us.

Yui: But, what are they wanting to do in reality?

Kanato: Somehow, it’s interesting to see us running left and right, no?

Honestly, they all have bad personalities.

Yui: (No, I wonder…?)

Certainly they are judging us but…

But, I don’t think everyone would just want to make fun of us…

Kanato: Noo, I am sure they are.

You’re also aware of father’s personality, aren’t you?

So they just wanna make us mad and take it as an entertainment.

Yui: (Everyone in the city is judging and testing on us...is that really true…?)

I am...Fuaa…

(ーkh, no I can’t yawn yet…!)

Kanato: Fufu, you are sleepy right.

Yui: Yes...sorry.

Kanato: I don’t mind really.

Basically, we returned back here while carving for a rest, so let’s do it.

Yui: Thank you...then, it should be fine to have a sleep...fuwaa…

*Kanato lies down*

Yui: (...Ha, I am tired before I even noticed it.)

(I can’t allow it. I must not make him worry…)

*Kanato gets closer*

Yui: Ka- Kanato kun…!?

(He is cuddling closer with me…!?)

Kanato: Fufu,Are you being shy? Or….you hate it?

Yui: N- no…! I don’t hate it but….

(I am nervous…)

Kanato: Hey….are you having fun now?

Yui: Eh…?

Kanato: Because, isn't this situation difficult…

It’s a special parade, but we have to search around here and there to get your heart…

If we don't do that, I think we can't enjoy ourselves in the parade...

Yui: (...Kanato kun…)

….Don’t worry. We’ll come here again to have fun.

Kanato: ….Yui san…

*Yui forwarded her pinky finger*

Yui: Let’s do a pinky swear. We’ll come here again to have fun that time, promise?

Kanato: ...You’re right.

*Kanato joined his pinky with her*

Yui: Fufu, then it’s a promise.

Kanato: Yes, ofcourse.

Yui: (He wants to visit the parade with me...I also think the same, Kanato kun.)

(I want this wish to come true someday. For that, we must get back the heart…)

Place: ???

Yui: ーkh…

(This is a dream…?)

(This place? I think I came here before…)

(ーOh that’s right. He kept my most precious heart with himself...This is why I came to parade…)

Suspicious Man: …….

Yui: (一Kh!? When did this person…?)

(And also I can’t see his face but...But he was here at that time too…)

U- um...Are you the one who snatched away my heart….?

Suspicious Man: Who knows.

Yui: 一kh, Pl- please say the truth…!

Suspicious Man: You are gonna regret later if you simply doubt me like this.

But isn’t that your wish or fulfillment? 

Yui: Eh…? What do you mean?

Suspicious Man: But you are already having that feeling, don’t you?

A heartless person like you, what kinda treatment you received from those vampires or something like that.

Yui: Ah….!

Suspicious Man: The society which is not entangled is very convenient to pass time here, right?

This is why I said ...“The things you are wishing and coming true” (1)

Yui: …….

(His words are not lie)

(However, it isn’t not what I was wishing…)

….I won’t be able to live if I don’t have my heart.

That’s why I must get back my heart no matter how.

Suspicious Man: Hmph...What are you exactly saying? You can survive if you have kleinod inside you.

Yui: You’re wrong. I heard that the kleinod won’t last long for a long time…

Suspicious Man: No, it’s not true. This kleinod is immortal.

Yui: (Eh…!?)

B- but! Everyone said that…

Suspicious Man: But that was the vampires (boy) who said it?

...Then, those words are facts too.

If this kleinod ended up being a permanent replacement for the heart, they won’t be able to suck delicious blood.

This will be very unfortunate to the boys.

Yui: Yo- you are just taking it wrong!

Kanato kun or everyone! I don’t think they would tell such a lie to me...no way…!

Suspicious Man: Are you really expecting it to be true?

Yui: Of course it is…!

Suspicious Man: Looks like you are very confident about them….no, about him.

Then I’ll properly teach you this lesson. Kleinod is immortal.

Yui: 一 Kh!?

Suspicious Man: If he really loves you, then he should be fine with this fact, am I wrong?

Yui: Th- that’s….一

*BG black*

Yui: (I have faith in Kanato kun…)

(When I met him very first, then all thing he cared about was my blood however)

(...He is different now.)

(He thought about me and decided to be by my side all the way…)

(Right, Kanato kun. It’s true, right…?)

???: ...一 Hey...are you hearing…

Yui: ….kh...hm…

*Screen back*

Place: Mornstein Hotel 一 Bedroom

Kanato: Ah...you finally wake up.

Yui: Kanato kun…

Kanato: Were you having a dream or something? You were making an awful noise.

Yui: Eh? Oh, I am sorry. I saw that dream again…

Kanato: Dream…? Oh that one. What did you see there?

Yui: Ah, um...actually, I haven’t remembered that well.

There was a man and that’s all...I remembered.

Kanato: Is that so?

Yui: Y- yes…

(I- I just lied to him…)

(Why? I thought I really trusted Kanato kun’s words.)

(If we fail in getting back my heart, I wonder if he will love me…)

(I am anxious.)

...kh…

Kanato: ….Did something happen?

Yui: 一kh….nope, it’s nothing.

More than that, we have to go to the Smaragd Volcano to search the butler. Let’s do our best today!

Kanato: ...Yeah, that’s right.

Yui: (I cheated on him)

(I can’t tell him while I am thinking about that…)

Place: Rubean Lake / ルビーン 運河

Kanato: Then, talking about the way to get to the precious Smaragd Volcano...

Yui: Yes...walking will take a long time I guess?

Kanato: No, we don’t have to really but 一

Gondolier B: Hey you there, are you going to the Smaragd Volcano?

Kanato: Yeah, we are.

Gondolier B: Then you may ride in this Gondola, as I am going to Tilkes Waterfall.

The waterfall is just a little bit away from the volcano. It’s fine right?

Yui: Neh, Kanato kun. What do you think…?

Kanato: Walking will take a long time, so reaching there by riding will be preferable.

Yui: Mhm, let’s ride it then.

Gondolier B: Looks like you made a decision. ….C’mon, ride it, let’s ride!

*Drowning sound*

Yui: Wah!?

(I freaked out when it just vibrated…)

Kanato: ...Seriously, people like you are…

I don’t mind if you’re surprised but, please don’t drag me into trouble by falling from the gondola over time.

Yui: Ye- yes...I will watch out.

Gondolier B: Then, let’s start this journey right away.

Place: Tilkes Waterfall / ティルキースの滝

Yui: (This is Tilkeys Waterfall huh….)

Neh, Kanato kun. Incredible scenery right…!

Kanato: Yeah, it is.

Yui: (Even though it’s night, there is a rainbow at the waterfall making it fantastic...I never saw it before.)

Kanato: ...Since it’s so pretty so let’s take a break here.

Yui: Eh...can we?

Konoto: The butler is right away from this place. So taking a break doesn’t hurt.

Also this whole town is not that interesting, plus we won’t get this wonderful moment easily.

Look there! There is a drink stall. Let’s have a drink and relax ourselves.

Yui: ...Yes, thank you!

*After a while*

Kanato: ….Really, beautiful.

Yui: Yes...I can stare at it for a while.

(It would be good if this moment would last long forever…)

(About my heart or that thing about Kanato kun…)

(I am feeling good as I can’t think about those things, and if this time would get stopped here….)

???: ーYou two there. Won't you like to stop by my store?

Yui: ーkh! Umm, you are…?

Fortune Teller: I am the fortune teller of this center. Sometimes, this center has a high reputation for divining love-relations.

Yui: Fortune teller…..

(So, she means, me and Kanato kun as lovers….)

Kanato: Fufu, sounds interesting. So, let’s give it a try.

Yui: Ye- yes…

(I had that dream. She just mentioned “relationship” so I am a little worried…)

(...But it should be fine I believe.)

*Pours tea*

Fortune teller: With this, preparation is done.

Please drink this black-tea. 

Yui: Eh, black-tea…?

Fortune teller: I have speciality in fortune-telling using black-tea.I will divine by observing the remaining tea-leaves of the bottom in the cup.

Drink this just in one breath. If you don’t then I can’t say the exact result.

Yui: Y- yes...I will drink now.

*Yui takes the cup*

Yui: ...mn...mn...haa

Fortune teller: Aight, you are done. Let’s see it then.

Yui: Yes, I am counting on you.

Kanato: ….Will you really understand simply with this?

But to me, it’s just a random remainder of the tea-leaves…

Yui: Ye- yes...certainly.

(Maybe it will be better if I just give up on this…)

Fortune teller: ….Ho, oh my oh my.

Looks like this lady is somehow having doubts in this uncle.

Kanato: Eh…?

Yui: N- no! Never ever…

Fortune teller: It’s useless to cheat. My fortune divines always hit the bull‘s eyes you know?

Kanato: ...Neh, you. What the heck does it mean.

Yui: Th- that’s…ー

*Almost Black screen*

Yui: ーkh!?

(My whole body is hot…! Plus, my consciousness is getting faded little by little...ー)

*Screen is very close to black*

Yui: (No way….I can’t stand!)

Kanato: ーYui san!!

*Screen black 100%*

*Yui is drowning in the water fall*

Yui: ーkh, ugh….

(I- I am falling in the waterfall basin…!?)

(N- no…! I can’t swim at all while having soaked clothes!)

(Don’t tell me….I will die like this without having my heart!?)

Kh, that can’t be...Bu- but...ughu…

(It hurts...Kanato kun….kh!)

Kanato: Yui san!

*Sound*

Yui: (ーEhh!?)

Kanato: ...kh, this way, Yui san!

(Kanato kun is coming here by diving!? Why…!?)

Kanato: Here...eek…! Bring forward those handsー

Yui: Kh! I- I can’t…!

Kanato: ーeek, why are you going away…!?

*Kanato grabs*

Kanato: kh...I grabbed you...I can’t, allow you to...go away...ugh…

Yui: But…! At this point, you will…!

(If he also drowns with me then…!)

Kanato: ーーShut up!

Only I will decide….what’ll happen to your life!

So don’t you dare to pass away that easily! I won’t….allow thaaat!!

Yui: Ka- Kanato kun…

Kanato: If it makes sense, the be quiet and let me ーー

*He lets go of Yui’s hand*

Kanato: ーUAAA!?

Yui: Kyaa!?

(kh...his hand got….!)

Kanato kun….kanato kun…!

(...I can’t see...him…)

(No...I am sinking away…!)

(Why did I think something stupid like this…)

(Suspecting Kanato kun...the person I love)

(He started diving this way to save me…)

(I didn’t know my future fate...yet I …)

(I was….ー)

*Sinks even more*

Place: 洞窟 / Cave

Yui: ー...nh…

(This place...oh...I was...saved.)

(ーThat’s right! Kanato kun…!?)

Ah…!

(He fell down there…!)

Yui: Kanato kun! Kanato kun…!

Kanato: ーnh….

...Ah, Yui san….

Yui: (Kanato kun…!)

*Yui hugs Kanato*

Yui: I am glad…that you are saved! Really glad…

Kanato: ...You are putting so much strength...it hurts, c’mon now…

Yui: ーkh, oh sorry…! That’s, I was so happy and couldn’t…

Kanato: ...You are really a clumsy one.

If I wouldn’t dive and save you, then you would be dead for sure.

Yui: Y- yeah...you‘re right. I am really sorry…

And...there’s one more thing I wanna apologize about.

As the fortune-teller said, I...suspected you.

Kanato: …?

Yui: The dream that I told you after waking up today...It was the same one as before I said but, it’s not true…

In that dream, I was told that the kleinod is immortal…

You and others lied to me...they said.

I knew his words weren’t true but, I still ended up being worried.

If I don’t have the heart, then it can mean that you won’t love me anymore….

(I am really fooling...I now get it...That man was just trying to raise suspicions towards Kanato kun…)

Really sorry for not to...having faith in you all the time.

Kanato: ……..

I thought it was no good sign where it was just this matter.

Yui: Y- yeah…

Kanato: I believed….the kleinod has a limit-time.

So I made up my mind to search out the heart as soon as possible.

Yui: ...yeah…

Kanato: Above all...even if you don’t have the heart, I will always love you.

Yui: Eh…

Kanato: It’s true that I can suck your blood, however the most essential thing that matters to me that you are alive.

Yui: ...kh, yes...thank you.

Kanato: I thought even if I didn't say it word to word, but I still could transmit my thoughts to you….but that concept came out to be wrong.

Yui san, I...love you….nh *kiss*….

Yui: ...nh…

(His kiss is so warm and lovely…)

(You too...to me, you are the most precious one in this world…)

*bats flying*

Kanato: ….kh!?

Yui: (kh!? A lot of bats so suddenly….!)

Ka- kanato kun…! This is…

Kanato: No good. Looks like there were nests of bats around here.

Yui: Eh...kyaa!?

(Are they thinking that we’re invaders who come to attack their nests!?)

Kanato: ...If they are gonna stun us then we have to see a chance and then escape from here.

Yui: kh…!?

Kanato: ...Hold this. You can do it right?

Yui: ...yes, understood!

→ Game 

Words he said during game ー

Are you ready? I will start now.

Fufu~ You got them.

Ugh…! *gasp*

The game is over. You really did your best.

→ If you win 

Yui: (We did it…! We escaped away from that flock!)

Kanato: ...You’re incredible. You came out unexpectedly handy, I because astonished a little.

Yui: Re- really…?

*Fades to CG*

Yui: ーkh!?

(He is patting my head…!?)

Kanato: A gift for doing great. I will give you compliments.

Yui: Ye- yes...thank you.

Kanato: Your face is flushed. Are you that happy?

Yui: ...yes. When I feel you’re stroking my head…

Kanato: Fufu, really? Then I’ll do it one more, okay?

Yui: (What should I do...I can’t watch his face at all.)

*CG fades*

Kanato: ...yes, with this, it’s done.

If I continue doing it, then you may end up freezing here.

Yui: ...ye- yes…

(Certainly it’s as he said but...I am a little sad…)

*he backs off*

Kanato: ...After I observed the surroundings, I think that it’s not possible for anyone to live in this cave.

There’s no chance Butler to be in this place. Therefore, let’s get out from here quickly.

Yui: Yes...haachhu! *sneezes*

(ーkh! I can’t, I am sneezing…!)

Kanato: Do you have...a cold?

Selectionー

Cut it out by saying you’re fine / 平気だとごまかす

Be honest / 正直に話す (+correct)

Yui: Ye- yes...my clothes are soaked wet so I am cold…

Kanato: I knew it.

*Kanato’s close*

Yui: (kh...he puts his hand on my forehead…!)

Kanato: ...You have a fever? It feels a little hot.

Yui: Eh? Ma- May be...But I think I am fine.

Kanato: Really? Then it’s fine though…

*He backs off*

Yui: (It felt hot because he touched me…!)

Kanato: ….Here, give me your hand.

*Closer again*

Yui: Ah…

Kanato: It will be a trouble if you collapse. So I’ll watch after you from now on.

If I do it, then you feel a little better, don’t you?

Yui: Yes...thank you.

(He is...very kind…)

(I’ll also give it my best so that I won’t bring any trouble…!)

*After a while*

Kanato: The exit is really...missing….

Yui: Could it be, that it was this way.

(Where could be the endpoint of this cave….ah!)

Neh, Kanato kun! People are lying over there…! We gotta help…!!

Kanato: ーkh! Don’t go away ignoring me like this!

*They run*

Yui: Umm...are you fine!?

(Not opening eyes at all...they are breathing though…)

Kanato: ...Shall we leave him alone?

He looks kind of suspicious. I think we better not get involved with it.

Yui: N- no…!

Even if he is, we can’t leave him alone like this…

???: ...kh nnh...you guys are…?

Yui: (Ah! He opens his eyes…!)

???: You guys were helping me?

Yui: No, we didn’t. But we were worried because you were laying down here….

???: I see... I got stuck with the moss while I was watching dreams. As a result, I fell down here.

Thank you so much. I was saved because of you.

Kanato: Moss? What do you mean?

???: There are some rare mosses which are only native to the Serenite cave, which is right back from here.

But they are filled with poisonous gasses. It’s even risky for the lives of the vampires.

There, I slept and even ended up having dreams because of the dizziness.

Kanato: ….Heeeh, there’s even such kind of place.

???: Anyways, thank you so much for your kindness.

*He bows down*

Yui: N- no! You don’t have to lower your head like...ah!

(I didn’t notice that it was hiding in his hair...there’s a red gem on his head!?)

???: Hm…? Somethings’ wrong?

Kanato: Neh, that’s hiding this is a granat, right?

???: Yeah, that’s right….

Yui: It means…!

Kanato: Could it be you’re the butler of…

Butler: Yes. I am Lord Earl Walter’s...my manager’s servant and butler.

ーThe END of Chapter O 3ー

Lunatic Parade Yuma Mukami –(Chapter 4)

[Chapter O 1]  [Chapter 2]  [Chapter 3]  [Chapter 4]  [Final] 

一

Place: Tart Tatan , Glimmer Street Restaurants 

Yui: (For now, he told me to get something to eat as I got hungry but…)

Yuma: Ah...how shall we get staaart…

Yui: It was...the one who chased two rabbits didn’t get a single one.

Yuma: Aah...what’d ya mean?

Yui: I meant, it was impossible to get both heart and that giant cake at one shot.

Yuma: Tch...fuck. Don’t just decide the rare things or stuff all for yourself!

Aah, when I feel irritated, it gets on my nerves.

Yui: (I’m aware that I can’t have a gloomy mood but, it’s not impossible to...)

(get back my heart…)

*Running footsteps*

Yuma: Nh? That man is….

The fear store Manager:  Ooh! You’re ‘re after all, I got you!!!

Yui: Good afternoon! Why are you in a hurry?

The fear shop Manager: Details explanation will be later! Anyway, I want you to come with me!

Yuma: Jeez...what’s now?

Place: サントノレパーク通り / Saint Honoré Park Street

Yui: (Shop Manager...he’s running surprisingly fast…!)

Yuma: I knew, the bakers were slow but steady...Yui! Have a look there!

Yui: Eh?

Place: サントノレパーク通り /  Saint Honoré Park Street

Yui: (There’s a curtain in the giant cake’s space…?)

Yuma: Oi, that curtain, what’s that?

Shop Manager: I’ll have you to look at that no matter what. Come on, hold this rope?

Yui: Eh?

*Hold the rope*

Shop Manager: You too! Don’t pull it roughly, okay?

Yuma: Y- yeah…

Shop Manager: Aight, we’ll start counting. Hey, is everyone prepared?

Clown D: Of course!

Shop assistant: Same here, we’re ready!

Shop Manager: Okay then….One, two and ー!!

*Uncovers the cake*

Yui: This is...a new giant cake?

Shop Manager: Yeah, we ended up making one.

Yui: Eeh?

Yuma: However...isn’t it a little different though? It’s huge but the color is also different.

Shop Assistant: Fufu~ there was a lack of ingredients at last. So, we changed it’s usual design, therefore this time is a cheese-cake!

Clown D: For this, the rear car also smelled like cheese~!

Yui: (Wow…!)

Yuma: Heeh~ It means y'all did it.

Manager:  Aah, that was the spirit. Since, it was stolen, so decided to rebake once ‘gain!

You taught us the lesson to never give up. Thanks alot for that.

Yui: No, we didn’t do any…

Manager: Nope, I’m sure, we couldn’t get stirred up all by ourselves like this.

You could face many dangers in order to bring back the cake, am I wrong?

Yuma: Aah? I don’t get it?

Clown D: Ms. Assistant, you can’t hide the truth!

Assistant: Yeah. When you were passing by through the garden shop street...you bought the seedling of the demon-world strawberry, right? 

-> Spoiler! 魔界イチゴ means Demon world’s strawberry literally! 

Yuma: Y- yeah, what’s wrong ‘bout that?

Manager: Demon world’s strawberry has a very complex color plus the taste is very luxurious...but you still wanted to plant it, which is pretty difficult to.

It’s bines completely move like a hitting whips and if the flower blooms, then the pollens are deadly poisoned, in some cases, it is also called devil strawberry.

Despite of these, you still thought you had to grow that...for the giant cake...uuuh *cries out*

Yuma: Tha- that’s right...if it’s me then, it’s a piece of cake...haha…*fake smile*

Yui: (...Does that mean he bought it without knowing anything…)

Manager: Anyways! As you showed up your stubborn side, we also couldn’t give up at all.

Me too, more, more, much more than before! I’ll have pledged to having a warming up passion for making cake!!

Assistant: Thanks to that, we’ve passed a wonderful time...really, thank you.

And also, could you concentrate on finding a rare thing for Earl Walter...for your heart?

Yui: Eh…?

Manager: You told us the time cake was stolen, no?

Clown D: We have been worried~ Could it be that you were putting off your own purposes for us.

Manager: Thank you for all of these feelings...and also you helped us, we were encouraged.

Yui: That’s….same here, thank you.

(The truth’s that….we were the one to break the cake from the very first...but still they cared about us)

Yui: Really, thank you so much.

Manager: It’s aight! You were also in trouble.

Assistant: If everything goes well, then come again for eating the cake. We’ll serve it.

Yui: Ah...yes…

( I see. Everyone’s taking me as a resident of demon-world, not a human)

(It hurts when I feel like I’m deceiving them…)

Selectionー

-> Tell them you are a human /人間だと言う 

 -> Be silent/  黙っておく  (+Correct)

Yui: (I want to say bit, but I’ll end up creating chaos for sure)

(There may be bad people out there and also I don’t want to pour water on this excitement)

*Yuma gets closer suddenly*

Yuma: Yui…

Yui: Eh..?

*Strokes her hair*

Yui: (He’s...stroking my hair…)

(Does he know that I’m being worried)

Yuma: ...You better not say extra words. You gotta lie at this point.

Yui: Yes...got it.

Yuma: Aah--, sorry for making worries! We’ll concentrate on getting heart from here on!

Clown D: Yup, yup, do your best~!!

*Yuma’s BGM*

Yuma: Aight, this time for sure! We’ll protect the cake!

Manager: But...didn’t you hear what we just said? Heart!?

Yuma: Kukuh….unfortunately, I’m not a kind man who’ll just act on protecting the cake, ya’know? Well, I’ll explain my plan.

Earl will be coming to steal this cheese-cake too. Hit it in all newspapers!!

Yui: Ah...I see…!

Clown D: But, will the cake get stolen again?

Yuma: Dumbass, we have no choice but to bring the same topic. This time I ain’t allowed to fall behind!

Protect the cake too and following that, I’ll get the heart back!...make sense?

Yui: yes…!

Assistant: If that’s the deal, then we’ll cooperate too!

We have business in the shop, so it’s impossible to help all the way but...after that, let’s have the vow and help them!

Yuma: Oh! My bad!....This girl looks so overwhelming, so I’ll count on you being super nice!!

Yui: It’s...shameless thing.

Yuma: It’s fine ‘cuz there’ll be our victory from ‘re on.

*After a while*

Yui: (It’s been a long time but…)

Yuma: He’s not showing an appearance. Where’s he, that bastaard Earl!

Yui: (The pedestrian traffic is also less than before)

(I can’t have a guess since the demon world is dark, but to its residents, this time is natural)

Sorry for having all of you gathered here. I’m sleepy for a while, is it okay to get a sleep?

Yuma: No, it’s fine. Same goes for you, are y’ feelin’ cold?

Yui: No, since you gave me a blanket, I’m fine.

Yuma: Noo, that one piece of close won’t work.

Yui: Not really, it’s fi一!

*Hugs her*

Yuma: Stop talking and cling onto me more.

Yui: ...Yes

Yuma: ...kuku, if you think about it deeply, this situation quite looks like a dream.

Yui: About what?

Yuma: Ya’ know...the atmosphere that everyone’s restless, I don’t hate it.

Perhaps it’s been so since I was a lil’ kid.

Yui: Eh? When you were a kid…?

Yuma: In the past...every single day I had to plow the field and that wasn’t fun at all.

The thing I remembered that sloppy circus used to come in the spring festival during the snow thaw time. 

To a brat liked me, it was very interesting show...and I used to watch that like a stupid.

Yui: That’s how it was…

Yuma: It was like a provincial town, so I wouldn’t stay all the time there.

End of the day, that group used to leave, continuing to wave their backs.

“Don’t leave, do it more and more...continue creating this dreamy world…” I wished.

Those circuses always used to come in my dreams...Without even having any realization, I forgot ‘bout them.

For this, when I am in this parade with you, I am having a restless and a strange mood.

Yui: I see, thank you.

Yuma: Haa? Why give me thanks?

Yui: Because you shared an event about your childhood...it’s something to be happy about.

*Yuma blushed*

Yuma: Ha? That...not really, it wasn’t like that.

Yui: Nope, thank you for sharing that.

Yuma: Jeez...well, it’s fine. It’s your turn to share some of your past.

Yui: Yes...I want to share a lot.

Yuma: Kuku, is that so.

Yui, no matter what this place’s, if I am with you then一

Earl Walter: Hahahaha!! Conversations between lovers in one kind of beauty in a parade.

Yui: Kh!!

Yuma: Finally show up!!

Earl Walter: It’s useless if you just stand and watch. This elegant giant cheeze-cake will belong to me!!

Yuma: Wait ‘re!!

*Yuma runs off*

Yui: Yuma kun!?

Look here!! Don’t ya dare to think that you’ll fight the same thing as before!!

Yui: (He is holding a...mop?)

Earl Walter: Kh...don’t tell me this cake…

Yuma: yeah, I’ll make it into a brutal state in no time!

Yui: You...can’t!

Yuma: Shut up! Don’t split out anything!

Yui: ….!

Yuma: Oi, I’ll make you hear me! Give her heart back!

Earl Walter: Haah...that means you want to trade between the heart and the cake?

Yuma: The truth’s that i don’t wanna handle any of those! But...I am sure the guys of the shop will be convinced if I talk to them!

Yui: Yuma kun, but…!

Earl Walter: Pftt...Hahahah!!

Yuma: What’s so funny!!

Earl Walter: I’m apologizing for being soaked in this sentiment, however, there’s no way trade with that heart and just this cake.

Yui: Umm...then, what can we do so you can trade?

Earl Walter: In this area, a valuable thing is…

What about trading with this boy?

Yui: (Eh...?)

Yuma: Ha? Kh...me?

Earl Walter: Someone’s precious person, it has corresponding value right?

To you, he is precious, right?

Yui: …….

(What should I do...if I agree, then Yuma kun will...)

Yuma: Haa...if I go, then she will survive, right?

Yui: Kh...no!

Yuma: But, I’m not valuable at all. Are you targeting correctly?

Earl Walter: Aah, ofcourse. Human plus vampire...very interesting.

Since I haven’t gotten anything like this before...that’s it. I’ll decorate him like a stuffed animal.

Yui: Kh! That’s absolutely NO…!

Earl Walter: Then, will you give up on trading?

Yui: Then fine! I can’t hand over Yuma kun!

Earl Walter: Then, let’s break this conversation here.

Yui: …...Yes.

(It’s good...now)

Yuma: Wait...I get it. I’ll go with you.

Yui: Eh!?

Yuma: ...I can’t give up just for this.

*Yuma knocks out Yui*

Yui: Uuh….!

*Yui falls*

*Screen black*

Yuma: I’m sorry...Yui.

???: O~i! Are you okay!?

Yui: nh...I…

Clown D: What a relief, I was worried.

Yui: Ah...Where is...Yuma kun!?

(Not here...it means he went with Earl)

Clown D: When I rushed into here, I didn’t see him.

Yui: I see….

Clown D: Yes, I don’t know where did big bro go leaving you behind~

Yui: (He told that he will decorate with Yuma...it’s very awful)

(It can’t be…!)

I have to go there. Clown san, where’s the castle of Earl Walter?

Clown D: Bernstein castle? It’s that direction.

Yui: That way...I get it, thank you so much!

Clown D: No not at all~ By the way, *sniffs*...neh, I smell something good.

Yui: Eh?

Vampire Woman A: What is the smell? It’s so delicious…

Vampire Man E:  Aah, I can smell too...hey, is this woman, a human?

Yui: Kh!?

(Smells good, does it mean me?)

(Oh...I get back my heart, by trading with Yuma)

Vampire Woman D: You, it smells so good...can I have a little?

Vampire Man B: No, I’ll be first. Come one, gimme your blood!!

Yui: Kyaa!!

(I gotta run…!)

*Runs off*

Place:ベルンシュタイン城  城門前 / Bernstein Castle  front of castle gate

Yui: Haah...haah…!

(This is bernstein castle…)

*knock*

Yui: Excuse me! Please open the gate!

Give back Yuma kun!!

(I gotta get their attention quickly or…!)

*Running footsteps*

Vampire Man A:  Here she’s!! That woman!!

Vampire Woman A: Hey, lemme suck first!!

Vampire Man D: Nooo, me first! Hey you, come here!

Yui: Kh...No, don’t touch!!

*Knock*

(Please, open…!)

*Soaring*

Vampire Man C: Hm? Something’s flying? A giant bat…

Vampire Woman C: Hey, come here, won’t you!?

*Eagle’s flying*

Yui: (That’s...the egg we wanted to get in the mine, the giant mom eagle?)

Vampire Man A: Kh, this woman is a wild-...wild-animal-tamer!? Run!!

Vampire Woman D: Kyaa-!!

Yui: Why….

I wanted to do a terrible thing with you...but you helped me?

Thank you...kyaa!

(It’s rubbing my back...does she want me to ride?)

Vampire Man B: First of all, we have to deal with that eagle!

Vampire Woman D: Beat that at first!

Yui: Kh...please, fly away!!

(Let’s cling onto her...I’m sure it’s gonna be fine….!)

*Flies*

Yui: (Kh...I could be thrown off)

Vampire Man E: Oi, you can’t escape! Shoot it and make her fall!!

Yui: Fly higher…!

Place : Sky

Yui: ( Wow...she has reached higher in to time)

(It’s fine if she left me inside the castle)

(I don’t know she’ll understand my language, but let’s request)

Would you mind if I get off in that castle?

There’s a person there whom I can’t lose...please!

*Flying to that direction*

Yui: Kyaa!

(Diving down...I'll collide…!)

Place: ベルンシュタイン城  バルコニー / Bernstein Castle Balcony

Yui: (...Huh? It doesn’t hurt?)

Waah, wait, I’ll get off.

*Gets off*

Thank you for helping...you can now go back to your eggs.

(Maybe that cake has already hatched out? It was good that I gave back the egg couragely)

(He forcefully stole my heart but now he simply exchanged it, how weird. So, I can’t give up at all.)

(So two of us can escape together...for now, I have to search him first.)

Place: ベルンシュタイン城 宝物庫 / Treasure Room of Bernstein Castle 

Yui: (Waah...wonderful, all of these are Earl’s collection?)

(Glittering stuffs and also slightly creepy things...there are so many)

(I’m sure each of the owners of these treasures cherished a lot….I can’t forgive him.)

*Foot steps*

Yui: Kh…!

(Looks like someone’s here...I have to hide!)

???: Who’s there?

Yui: (Eh...this voice)

Yuma...Kun?

Yuma: Yui…?

Yui: Yuma kun!

Yuma: Why are y’ ‘re? That’s even alone...it’s dangerous!

Yui: Giant mom eagle protected me all the way and brought me here.

Yuma kun, why’d you go all by yourself? It’s awful!

I couldn’t help it...even if I helped all the way, I won’t be satisfied at all.

Yuma: Haah...Not really, I just paid back everything you did, that was all.

I told you that if you cut out your own purposes and think only ‘bout others, it’s comeout like this!

Yui: Kh…

Yuma: Of course, I didn’t do it just with a single inference.

My real intention was to help you, no matter what happens to me.

I really don’t care about the strangers but if it’s you then I can’t lose.

If it means to help you then I’ll overwhelmingly put myself into a fire...even though you’ll be sad.

Yui: (I can’t say anything back...he was always holding sorrowful feelings for me)

(Despite of then, I... was just acting on my own)

Yuma: Did you understand the feelings of the guys you left behind?

Yui: Kh…

Yuma: I’m asking if you understand their feelings when they were chasing after the person who was risky flying!?

*Yui cries*

Yuma: ….Now, crying out will be a foul game.

Yui: Because….uuh…

Yuma: If you’ve learned by this experience, don’t you ever throw out your life away, got it?

Yui: ….Yes...uuuh….

Yuma: Aah, you’re making an ugly face. Don’t just stand, c’mere.

Yui: Eeh…?

Yuma: You come to steal me from Earl, no? ...Kukuh, what ‘bout catching me then?

*Yui blushed and then laughs*

Yui: ...Yuma kun!

*Runs off*

*Fades to CG*

Yui: I’m sorry…

Yuma: I’m tired of hearing your “Gomennasai” Say something different.

For example “As a punishment for acting on my own, I’ll let you suck blood as much as you can” etc.

Yui: Yes...I’ll let you, no matter what’s the amount.

Yuma: heeh? You say it after all.

Yui: Because I got my heart back, and sure my blood will taste ー

Yuma: Haah...Stoppu! I told you that I don’t care ‘bout the taste. Don’t go against it.

Yui: But...you were the 1st one to say that “I want to suck your blood”

Yuma: Oh, well...I didn’t say for it’s yummy taste...I want it, because it’s your blood.

Don’t misunderstand.

Yui: Yes…!

Yuma: Kukuh...you’re finally making such a happy face just ‘cuz I’ll drink your blood. You can’t escape from these fangs anymore.

Yui: ...I don’t want the fangs, what I want is just to stay by your side.

Yuma: Haah? You also said it before…

Yui: It’s something to give back.

Fufu

Yuma: Well, I’ll forgive today.

Yui...let’s stay together forever.

Yui: (These gentle eyes...put me at ease)

(Stay with me all the time, Yuma kun)

*CG Fades*

*Claps, Claps*

Yuma: You dumbass!

Yui: Earl Walter!?

Earl Walter: Hahahah, you did really wonderful.

Yuma: Haa? What are ya’ saying?

Earl Walter: I thought you guys will be the perfect to possess the treasure.but...I didn’t think you’d do that far.

Yui: What do you mean?

Earl Walter: Sometimes it’s charm confuses humans and leads to misery.

...Vampires are deceived and end up going to a wrong path, the same goes with your heart.

So you and your partner are the appropriate owners of this heart. I was the judge.

But, it was needless to be worried. If your mutual bond continues like this, it’ll be fine.

Yuma: Tch...Without even yer words, it’s obvious to be fine!!

I mean, it’s still fishy. You make everyone unhappy for that cake.

Yui: (Certainly...everyone was having a smiling face…)

Earl Walter: Aah, I ate that cake as much as I could.

Yuma: Haaah!?

Earl Walter: I lost my interest in the cake so I returned it back to the forum. As I thought, a suitable amount is important. 

Yui: (So that was his purpose….I’m somehow disappointed.)

Yuma: I get it but not get it. When I speak with bastards like you, I wanna hit so bad. Anyway...see ya.

Yui: But, how can we get back…

Yuma: We’ll fly from the balcony...I want to have you in my arms for a while.

Ya’ can’t get separated.

Yui: ...Yes!

-> Continue

一 The end of Chapter O 4

Lunatic Parade Reiji Sakamaki Sub-Scenarios – (Shu)

Place: ‘The fear’ confectionery kitchen / ザフィーア菓子店  厨房

Yui: Reiji-san? Why have we come to this kitchen so suddenly?

Reiji: Actually, when you were not here, I met with my familiar pastry chef.

I decided to cooperate with him in making the latest sweets.

Yui: Oh, I see….Hm?

Shu: Zz…..

Yui: Huh! Shu San?!!

Reiji: To sleep in such a place like this…No way! I want him to know the appropriate place for sleeping.

Yui: (No matter what kind of place this is, Shu San sleeps anywhere.)

(I think he stepped on the floor for sleep without realizing anything.)

Reiji: This person is a good for nothing. He is just a trouble.

I must have to train him here.

Shu: ….Do you know? I came here at first.

Reiji: It’s not a place for sleeping.

Shu: ……

*Gets closer to Shu*

Reiji: Hey! Are you listening to me?

Shu: Zz—…..

Reiji: I think he never gets bored of doing such things. I hope it will help at least—

Hm?

Yui: What’s wrong?

Reiji: Nothing at all. I was thinking about something. There is a way that I can use this “Good-For-Nothing.”

Yui: Huh?

*After some times*

Reiji: It’s fine to sleep but please sleep here. If you sleep there, then it will be an obstacle for people.

Shu: …….

Reiji: It can’t be helped. Please, lend me a hand to roll this person.

(Here, roll means by moving a sleeping person by rolling. Click here— roll )

Yui: Oh-Yes!

Reiji: I will start right away—one, two— and go!

*Sounds of Movement*

*Shu moved*

Reiji: Fu~ We were able to move him pretty well.

Shu: Hm?…What did you do? I can sense something weird in my back.

Reiji: This is pickle. Don’t worry because it’s in the bag, so you won’t get dirty.

Shu: Why pickle?

Reiji: My familiar pastry chef of this shop asked me to make it.

Since, I will make sweets using pickled fruits, so I want you to cooperate.

Yui: (So, Reiji San will also cook pickles.)

Shu: These are so disgusting…..

Reiji: It’s inexcusable. Before that, when I served it on the dinner table, you were eating those, which looked like they were so tasty.

Shu: What…..?

Reiji: It was Karin Sugarcane, I think.

I checked the sugar cane and tried to take those out, but…

Shu: Sweet stuff which was thinly sliced?

Reiji: That’s right. You have eaten all of it without letting anyone notice.

Shu: Those were pickles….?

Reiji: If I tell this to the pastry chef, he will definitely ask you to cooperate.

By the way, you there, in exchange for pickles, you helped me, right? I will also manage this “Dead-beat” to cooperate me.

Shu: You are irritated as always.

But…it’s very troublesome to move, so….is it fine like this…

Zz….

Yui: (I didn’t even imagine that we will use Shu san as a pickle stone. [1]

 [1] 漬け物石 is a stone which is placed on the pickle container for making pickles.

Lunatic Parade Reiji Sakamaki Sub-Scenarios – (Ruki)

Place: Cave /  洞窟

Place: 洞窟 / Cave

Reiji: This place is silent and perfect. The parade out there was somewhat noisy.

Yui: You are right. I was also exhausted from that.

Reiji: Anyway, let’s hang in there for a while.

*Ruki appears*

Ruki: Aren’t you...Sakamaki Reiji?

Reiji: Why are you here…?

Ruki: That was my line. If you’re with the livestock, then it’s not a good place to be with.

Reiji: We came here to have a rest, since it is a quiet place.

However, meeting you here means…

I found such a nice place after searching a quiet place but now I lost my interest.

Ruki: It was also my line. Whenever I see you, I feel irritated.

Reiji: What did you say now?

Yui: (What should I do...at this point...)

*A sound/ something falls*

Reiji: Eek!? What’s the sound?

Ruki: That’s...sounds like a volcano eruption…

*Sound*

Ruki: Kuh...the wall just collapsed due to the exploitation.

Reiji: Hah, we’re at trouble. Our exit path has been blocked.

Yui: Such…! What will we do from now?

Ruki: It would be great if someone comes here to rescue...if not then, together…

Yui: Eh…!?

Reiji: Shhー! Be quiet.

Yui: Reiji san…?

Reiji: Shut up please.

*Wind sound*

Reiji: As I thought, it is slightly but I can hear wind sound.

Ruki: Does that mean, there's another way to get out?

Reiji: Seems like it. Let’s escape.

Ruki: That’s right. I don’t have any intention to have wild death here.

Reiji: Let’s go this way.

Yui: (It’s good now...we’re gonna be fine)

*After a while*

Reiji: It’s right ahead, however the wind is not quite and I don’t know whether it is coming from left or right.

Yui: But...we come this far...

Ruki: ーCertainly, if we go to the left, there’s another cave, I guess.

According to what I heard, the other cave is not connected to this one, but…

Maybe there’s another place, where we can get our from.

Reiji: I got your point, There is a possibility that wind is coming from the left.

Let's see what happens going there.

*After a while*

Ruki: ーWe find out the exit.

Reiji: It’s because your conclusion was correct.

Ruki: No, thanks to your observation in the wind’s sound.

Reiji: It’s because you didn’t make unnecessary noise at that time.

Ruki: In those times, if there’s someone like you, then I would obviously calm down more than usual.

Reiji: I see. You were a great help.

Ruki: Yeah, you too.

Yui: (I was worrying what will happen but...I am glad that we made it to escape)

(I think... they’re the strongest if they cooperate with each other…)

Lunatic Parade Reiji Sakamaki Sub-Scenarios – (Carla)

Place: Glimmer Street  Main Street / グリンマーストリート  表通り

Reiji: This road around here is so dirty with food scraps.

Yui: Looks like people weren’t aware of it at all.

Reiji: It’s inexcusable. Let’s get the parade staff to clean these up.

Carla: You, what are you doing here by staring at the ground.

Yui: Carla San!

Reiji: There is a lot of trash here, so I thought to get the staff for cleaning.

Carla: Making fuss just for this simple thing means that you are a narrow minded man.

Reiji: Narrow minded? Me? Would you like to walk in a dirty place?

Carla: First of all, I am not a dwarfish who even cares about these trash. Just in case of emergency...I will just burn them using my magic.

Yui: Can you even do that?

Carla: Of course. ….Haah!

*Uses his magic*

Yui: (Wonderful! The trash get erased in an instant)

(Because it was burned, there are some traces in the ground...)

Carla: Such a childish work.

Reiji: It was perfect. Come to think of it, I can make a use of his power.

Yui: Reiji San, what are you thinking about?

Reiji: No. I was just surprised that someone who is a founder also has to sweat for this work.

Carla: What?

Reiji: Here, look carefully. There are still some attached. Founders also failed huh?

Carla: It is not a failure. I didn’t want to waste my power so there was little trash left over there.

However, if you are saying that far, then I will clear everything up this time. Just look.

*Magic*

Yui: (Just now, they all get erased…)

Carla: How was it?

Reiji: Magnificent! As expected from first bloods.

With this, I got rescued from trouble by calling the staff to clean them up…*murmuring*

Yui: Did you say something?

Reiji: Not at all.

*People gathered*

Yui: Huh? For some reason...people are gathering…

Reiji: Why the hell are they gathering?

Yui: Ah! Reiji San, that’s….!

(No way, right! The burned traces that are left over for using his magic...now they are turning into bats!)

Reiji: I see…. So, they all gathered here to watch it.

Haah...if they summon here like this, it’s a problem. At this rate…

Reiji: You guys are smart at distinguishing rare things. Reality is, this person standing here is one of the best performers!

Carla: Oi, I am not something like….

Reiji: (Reiji San just announced to the people that Carla San is a performer…)

Carla: I am saying that, I am not a performer or something…

Yui: (Reiji San’s words make everyone even more surprised about Carla…)

*More crowd noise*

Carla: You absurd, get out of me…!

Reiji: It’s our chance, let’s escape.

Yui: Eh? Y-yes…

(Carla San, are you okay with this…)

Lunatic Parade Reiji Sakamaki Sub-Scenarios – (Shin)

Place: Forest /  山中

Yui: This atmosphere...seems like there is an animal surrounding us.

Reiji: If it's a demon world’s animals, then they will be just ferocious y’know?

Yui: (He’s right...I think it’s a giant snake.)

Reiji: Huh? Footsteps of that animal…?

Yui: Eh!?

Reiji: That animal is coming here.

Yui: W-what it could be?

Reiji: Calm down. At first, we must figure out the identity of that animal…

*A pink wolf appears*

Reiji: Huh? A wolf to be here…

???: Oh, it’s you guys?

Yui: Eh?

Reiji: That voice...don’t tell me it’s Shin.

Shin: I am.

Yui: I see...since the founders can turn into wolves.

Shin: Well, I can change my appearance as I wish!

Reiji: I have been thinking for a while. The fact that it’s quite interesting.

Just a little, let me have a look.

*Shin backs off*

Shin: Haah!? What’s up so suddenly?

Yui: Reiji San, what are you…

Reiji: I will start with this hand.

Oh my, it’s much softer than I predicted.

Shin: Oi! You don’t have any right to touch!

Reiji: It doesn't really have anything to worry about. Anyways, now...around this ear.

Shin: Being touched by Reiji is ー execrable!

Reiji: Me? Think about that situation when your brother will touch you.

Shin: Don’t you say absurd!!

Reiji: What!? This ear is soft too. What about this neck?

Yui: (I think Reiji San likes his wolf form.)

Reiji: Ho...the hair of your neck feels a little different.

Shin: Oi! Lemme go!

Reiji: The tails are also fluffy...and also expected from paws.

*He touched his paws*

Reiji: Fu...It feels so good.

Shin: Fuck ー Why don’t you just get outta here!?

Yui: (The more he is touched, Shin kun is being spoiled. It’s very rare.)

(That reminds me that Reiji San is a person who likes animals.)

(But Shin is opposing it, I wonder if there’s something to do with that.)

Reiji:  That’s right, dogs get happy if you stroke their stomach. Also, you can say by looking at their pose of obedience, if they are hungry or not.

Since Wolves are also part of Canidae, they’ll also do same as dogs…

Shin: I would never do that!!

Reiji: I can explain right now. If you stroke here, on this side then…

*Shin Shaked*

Shin: I absolutely...not giving up...Uuh... 

Yui: Shin Kun is hungry

Reiji: Hm...I knew. Wolves are the creatures who are so close to dogs.

Shin: Ahh, damn!! I will never admit it!

Yui: (Even though he’s saying it...I bet he’s feeling good being touched.)

(While Reiji San is doing it, somehow their relation look like an owner and a big dog)

Lunatic Parade Reiji Sakamaki • (Chapter 4)

レイス -> ‘Reis’ is translated, who controlled Yui’s body. 

[Chapter O1]  [Chapter O2]  [Chapter O 3]  [Chapter O4]  [Final]

Main CG used in this route -

—

Place: ホテル•モーントシュタイン  客室 / Hotel • Mortstein  Guest room

Yui: (He told me to have some rest but...my condition was perfect.)

Thank you for carrying me all the way. I am absolutely fine.

Reiji: Nevertheless, we are running out of time. After going back to that building, we have to finish our —— task *Sneezes*

Yui: Are you okay?

Reiji: I got cold because of the night breeze wet shirt, while flying...it’s no good.

Yui: (That’s because he dived into the lake. He should have changed the clothes.)

Change your clothes quickly. I will check up your back.

Reiji: Honestly, you are...ugh!?

*Screen Shaked*

Yui: Reiji San!? 

Please hang on!

Reiji: ...You are a really simple woman. It makes me happy that you trust me like this, but I also warn you at the same time.

Yui: Eh?

*Reiji gets closer*

Reiji: Just two of us are in this room and saying that you want to take off my clothes...it’s pretty bold of you.

Yui: N-no, I didn’t mean something like…

Reiji: If you’re going that far...then I will let you take my clothes by laying me down.

Yui: You are so mean…

(But if it's about taking off a shirt then...I have to avoid watching as much as I can…!)

Reiji: Kuku~ These red cheeks...is that a proof that you are ashamed of your lewd movements.

Anyways, why do you show such an embarrassed face?

Yui: Eh?

*He backs off*

Reiji: ...Playtime is over. We are heading to the abandoned building.

Once, you will have your original heart. I will make sure to touch each other. 

If we don’t, then it's gonna get loaded and the gem may expire right now.

Yui: Eh!?

Reiji: Kukukh~ Let’s go.

Place: 廃墟 / Abandoned building

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Oh it’s you! So, did you find the limestone?

Reiji: Yes. I am getting ready for formulation.

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Since I am so talkative, I will be for a walk then. I don’t wanna bother you.

*Door opens and closed*

Yui: He just went…

Reiji: ….

Yui: (He’s trying to concentrate. I better don’t disturb him.)

(By the way, let’s put on that clip in my hair that he gave me.)

*Yui attached the clip in her hair*

(I also want to warm up and hem him out.)

*After a while*

Reiji: Wrong...No, it can’t be...why didn’t it come out as it supposed to…?

May be the sequence of the order...it’s a nope right…

Yui: (looks like it’s not going well. That person from Zatan also came to visit this situation, but...he also became exhausted…)

(I laid him a hand where I should, but I didn’t get a proper atmosphere for talking.)

Reiji: This material ... different varieties...?

Yui: (He isn’t in the mood to listen...let’s organize these on the desk…)

(I have to do something other than thinking of how to make these work easier…)

(If I do it then…)

*After a while*

Place: グリンマーストリート  表通り / Glimmer Street  main Street

Yui: (The parade is being so exciting. Maybe because only a few days left for the finale…)

(I feel like the number of the stalls has also increased. What should I give to Reiji San…)

(I thought something handmade but...since it’s special, so I will give something which is related to the parade.)

(It would be so good if we could eat and walk around together…)

(Maybe Reiji San would get mad and start scolding if I tell him...)

(but I am bored if he is not with me…)

*Heart beats*

Yui: Ugh...uu…

(Again this feeling...I am feeling at my worst and...dizzy…)

(My feet are going in the wrong direction...why?)

(but this sense, sensation...don’t tell me it’s Cordelia San!?)

(But, now, my heart is in Earl’s guard, so it’s not Cordelia. As I thought...the gem replaced for my heart is now...being expired…)

….I should take rest on that bench.

Monologue —

With hustle and bustle, I managed to sit on that bench, I just held my breathing slowly.

My head was full of anxiety but every time, I just remember Reiji San’s kind words.

“Trust”

I don’t see any lies in those words.

Imprisoning this anxiety should let it have faith in my lover.

When I made my determination, I headed towards Reiji San again. 

End of Monologue

Place: Abandoned Building / 廃墟

Yui: I am back.

Reiji San…?

(He isn’t here...Did I come in the wrong place...)

He also hasn't written any note...could it be…!?

Reiji: Ugh...You...where did you disappear...I searched…

Yui: Reiji San!!

(Chemicals are boiled down...and he is lying next to that…!)

Yui: I am so sorry...I didn’t want to bother you, so I went outside.

Reiji: I see...I am glad...if you are safe…

Yui: I am not good at all!! Reiji San....why are you…?

I would be here with you then....you wouldn’t have suffered like this...I am sorry…!

Reiji: If you would be here all the time, the result would be the same. It’s not your fault.

Even if I continue prospecting with this stunned head, it’s natural that I won’t get any results….This is my mis-judgement. 

Yui: It’s not something like this...Reiji San is...uuh *starts crying*

(I am helpless...this is why he is doing these for compensating)

(I guess I won’t be able to support Reiji San anymore…!)

Reiji: ...Are you also blaming yourself for these?

Yui: ...Yes…

Reiji: If so then...aren’t you willing to help me more and more.

Yui: Eh?

Reiji: You are stupid, lazy and friendly so...it’s obvious.

However...you believed me without any hesitation so...I can’t lose to it. ((More basically, ‘he needs to be success’ is the literal translation))

Yui: Reiji San…!

Reiji: When you end up crying...my body tells me to take rest.

*He tries to get up*

Yui: Ah, you shouldn’t get up!

Reiji: But…

Yui: I will help you. Maybe I will just fail and end up causing trouble, but ...please let me support you!

So...please Reiji San, even though a little, relax your body.

Reiji: Honestly...okay. So, stop crying.

Yui: Yes…

(I can’t stop shedding tears...is that because I am worrying about how to help? Anyways, let’s begin with that pot —)

Yui: Will I mix it?

Reiji: Yeah, it will be a great help, if you stir properly.

Yui: Yes…

*Boiling Sound*

Yui: (What a color...if it’s a medicine then...i think it has quite effects…)

Ah!

Reiji: What’s wrong?

Yui: That’s…

(A single drop of tear falls in it...but, I can’t hide it from him)

Sorry...my tears fell inside the pot…

I couldn’t stop crying...really sorry…!!

Reiji: Haa...Honestly...you are a hopeless person.

First, forget about that pot and everything, and come here.

Yui: Eh…?

Reiji: Let’s have a little conversation…. Come inside of my arms.

Yui: E-excuse me…

Reiji: Fu~ If I don’t hold you like this, you just disappear...it makes me angry.

Yui: That’s...I was thinking of doing something, so I went to the main street.

SELECTION  —

クレープを渡す / Tell him about the clip (+Correct)

栄養ドリンクを渡す/ Pass him the energy drink

Yui: There were so many clip shops in Wagon street, which is limited for the parade.

Reiji: Looks like you got both sweet food and diet food, right?

Yui: Yes, they were of different varieties. So,  choose the food depending on your taste…

Reiji: Then, I will start with the diet food, and then the sweet one.

After I get back my physical strength, I will take sugars so that I can enjoy it.

Yui: Yes!

(I didn’t take the shortcut, but it was the correct way of giving him these foods!) 

*After a while*

Yui: (He is still sleeping)

Reiji: Zzz...Zzz…

Yui: (I was surprised when he told me to lend my lap...fufu~but it’s somehow cute)

(Maybe it’s the only chance to see him like this…)

Reiji: Me...looks like I have been sleeping for a while…

Yui: Yes. Did you have rest?

Reiji: Yes...a plenty….Ah!?

Yui: Eh?

Reiji: Where is that pot?

Yui: Ah!

Reiji: I was careless. Looks like it completely boiled down.

Yui: Uu...I am sorry

Reiji: No...I didn’t ask you to do it so…

*Reiji backs off*

Reiji: However….Hm? 

This way of reaction  is…

*Boiling*

Reiji: No mistake...this is the reaction I wanted. By this means, my work is done.

Yui: Eeh?

Reiji: It’s because it didn’t get enough time to boil...No, certainly it’s…

Then, let’s compare these processes with each other one more time.

Yui: (Still I am not seeing his satisfied face. Anyway, I should quickly call that person from Zatan’s —)

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Fuwaaaah~ How is it going?

Yui: Ah, look! That medicine is complete!

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Ye-yeaaaa!!! Can I drink it?

Reiji: Wait. If you drink it now, even a single drop, your throat will get burned.

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Oh...that’s right…

Reiji: I am going to freeze it, so wait a little. Okay?

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Ahh!

*After a while*

Yui: (It looks like one can drink it but...while boiling, it’s turning out strange colors.)

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Thank you! If I drink it, then I will become normal ‘gain, right?

Reiji: Be grateful because you will get cured. Come on, drink it up.

Yui: (It’s all going to get normal. I am glad…)

*Screen Shaked / heart beats*

Yui: (Ah...again...this feeling…)

Reiji: What’s wrong…?

Yui: ……..

Reiji: Yui?

Yui: (This time, not only body, but lips too...I can’t move at all...why!?)

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: What’s going on? Oi are you okay?

*Reis took over her body*

[[I will be translating Yui’s words in parentheses.]]

Yui: Fufu~ This medicine looks quite interesting. I also wanna drink it!

(Eh? My body is moving on my own!? NO, the fingers which are grabbing this medicine are not me...it’s out of control!)

Reiji: Who the heck...are you…!

Yui: AHAHAH, looks quite good but, I wonder if it doesn’t fit my taste~

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: What the hell!? Oi, give it back! I have always wanted to drink it!

Yui: (That’s right! Now hurry up and give that to him!)

Fufufu~ Well, then chase me if you want to get it~ Here I start~ now catch me if you can ~♪

(No!... NOO…!!)

*She runs*

((レイス -> ‘Reis’ is translated))

Reiji: It looks like….it’s all Reis’s work… Wait up!!

*They start searching*

Place: 廃墟 / Abandoned Building (Outside)

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Oi, wait up! Where did you go!?

Reiji: Anyways, I think in the underground lake, she came back through her(yui) body.

Reis...is the ghost that was buried in that mining area, right?

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Haaah?

Reiji: Anyway, we must have to catch her.

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: I got it, I will corporate!!

Place: Rubean Lake/ルビーン 運河

Yui: (This body...how did it stop working?)

Reiji: Wait up there!

Yui: (I can’t reply to Reiji San...what should I do?)

*Reis disappeared*

Reiji: Gh, she’s so quick. It’s bad if I can’t catch up with her speed!

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Then my medicine will…

Reiji: If she drops and breaks that antidote bottle, it will be all over.

Yui: Fufufu, this way ~♪

Reiji: Before doing anything, we have to corner her somewhere.

Place: サントノレパーク 通り/ Saint Honore Park  Street

Yui: (Please...stop doing it…!)

Reiji: haaah...Too fast. We have to hurry up and control her feet.

Yui: Ffufu~ Not yet, not yet...I will play until this feet cut into pieces…

(How mean…!)

*After a while*

Place: Diamante Fountain

Yui: Fufuh...I will do it more...I won’t stop….Kyaaa!?

*Reis / Yui falls*

Yui: (uuh...it hurts because my senses haven’t changed…!)

Reiji: Isn’t it difficult to escape with this body right now?

Yui: No, it’s not!

Reiji I will tell you then. This is a human body and...right now, it’s heartless and defective.

So, it’s better to switch to my body, so you can play forever, right?

Yui: (What’s Reiji San is saying? It’s absolutely no good.)

Hm~? Well, you are correct~! Well, I will do as you say.

*Screen flashed for a sec*

*Yui comes back~*

Yui: (I have zero strength left...is that because I ran too much?)

(Anyway, I must be careful so this antidote bottle won’t break…)

*Screen turned white for a sec*

*Reiji falls / Reis switched to him*

Reiji: Guh…

Yui: Reiji San!!

Reiji: Don’t worry...I wanted to act cool...ugh…!

Yui: His eyes are dark! I don’t know who you are but, please get away from Reiji San…!

Reiji: It’s useless. Rather, if she stays inside me, then you’ll be...guh!

*Screen shaked 2 times*

Yui: Kyaa!

Reiji: Please go! I am...fine.

Yui: But!

Reiji: I don’t...want you to die, right…

Yui: Of Course I trust! But I can’t endure that you are suffering…! 

Reiji: Oh my...then as you said...ug!

Yui: (Eh? He's taking out something from his pocket….!)

Reiji: I wonder if it will work...eat this!!

*Spray*

Yui: (It is not herb...neither is it an antidote bottle...what the heck is...ah!)

Reis D: Heee!!...I hate it...hate it! NOOOOOO!!

I can’t be here anymore...I will leave.

*Screen white for a sec*

Yui: (Ah...she escaped)

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Ah, there you are! And...why are y’all so surprised?

Reiji: Nothing really. By the way, please hand over this antidote to him, quickly.

Yui: Y-yes! here you go!

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Alright! This time for sure...nh..*drinks*

Yui: How is it?

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: The taste isn’t bad i thought but...it’s bitter! Bitter!!

Reiji: Really?

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Yes, it is! Eww…

Reiji: Well, it was written that the taste will be bitten, in the books. So...it’s true.

And never ever eat such a food which you are not familiar with.

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Of course, I won’t. Thank you so much.

Yui: It’s good right! You will be able to get along with others.

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: That’s right. I can go back to my hometown once again.

Really, thanks once again. I will never lie, no more, y’know.

Yui: Nice…

Reiji: Yeah, above all, we were able to clear our tasks.

Yui: Seems like it….

Reiji: Fu~ Well, it’s a good thing that everything is settled now.

Yui: Everything was possible for you...Reiji San...thank you so much!

Reiji: Not really, I couldn’t make that medicine all by myself. Half of the credit goes to you.

Yui: Eh?

Reiji: All I did was search the last page of that book.

As a result, I overlooked it and it was the correct answer.

Yui: How…?

Reiji: There was written that...there’s one ingredient which is far more rare and impossible to find, much rarer from the limestone.

“Tears which falls for the person you love’’

I couldn’t think, I will be able to collect that.

Yui: Don’t tell me that…

Reiji: Your tears were the reason for this success. You cried as you were disappointed for me...but it came to be useful.

Yui: I wasn’t disappointed or something like that...I couldn’t do anything other than laying you a hand…

Reiji: Really...That’s why I’m saying that you are wrong.

*Fades to CG*

Reiji: I couldn’t solve anything without you...Thank you so much.

Yui: Reiji San…

*Fire Works*/ Screen turned orange*

Yui: Waa...Look! Fire works…!

Reiji: Looks like it’s also the finale of Parade...It makes me happy that we will be able to enjoy it together.

Yui: I am happy but...somehow it’s lonely.

Reiji: Fufu~There will be an end for that, so, that’s also something to enjoy.

Yui: Maybe…

Reiji: Yui...bring your face…

Yui: W-what?

Reiji: I will reward you for having faith into me...come on.

Yui: (His lips are coming closer...what should I do, I am so nervous that my heart is about to exploit...hm?)

Re-Reiji San!

Reiji: What?...Do you have any idea about this presence?

Yui: My h-heart just came back!

Reiji: Yeah, that’s right...Your heart was being stupidly loud, so it’s obvious that you will notice.

Yui: How did you even know that…?

Reiji: You also didn’t realize when your heart was stolen...It’s unperceptive and a problem.

Yui: Then, where’s Earl now?

Reiji: I don’t know that far but...there’s a possibility.

Therefore, shall I show you?

*CG as they kissed*

Reiji: Nh…*Kiss*

I see that fireworks are reflecting in your eyes...such sort of things are also romantic.

Yui: Fufu, I also want to see it.

Reiji: Then, while placing lips on the top of each other, close your eyes.

Yui: But it’s...embarrassing and…

Reiji: Then it’s useless...I will be like this, until you get used to it.

Nh *Kiss* Forever...like this...let’s be close to each other.

*Fireworks sound* (Red, Orange, Blue respectively)

@diafan4eversakakmaki​

— The END of Chapter O 4 —

Lunatic Parade Reiji Sakamaki • (Chapter 3)

For @diafan4eversakakmaki​​ and others who requested.  ♡  

-> 悪魔  was translated ‘devil’s pear.’

[Chapter O1]  [Chapter O2]  [Chapter O 3]  [Chapter O4]  [Final] 

[Azusa]  [Shin]  [Carla]  [Subaru]  [Ruki]  [Shu]  [Yuma]  [Laito] [Kanato] [Ayato] 

—

Place: ホテル•モーントシュタイン  客室 / Hotel • Mortstein  Guest room

*Clothing Sound*

Yui: (Nh...?)

(What is...shaking…)

*Clothing sound*

Yui: Nh…?

Reiji: Good grief! Wake up already!

Yui: This voice….Reiji San?

Reiji: Even though I am shouting for a while, it pretty bold of you to make such a idotic face like a stupid has.

Good grief, are you listening!?

Yui: Fwaa..*just gets up*

Reiji: Did you just yawn and reply?

Yui: It wasn’t my intention but, my head is still dull…

Reiji: Okay. Then, I will make you wake up in a special way.

Yui: Eh?

*Fades to CG*

Reiji: You are still sleepy, right? I will fix it right now, in this bed.

Yui: S-such…

Reiji: Just like this, I will expose your neck to the tip of my eyes and nose...this is because you didn’t behave appropriately while sleeping.

I thought I had properly disciplined you but...there were still many ways to go.

*Sucking blood* Nh…

Yui: Aah!...

(Uu...his fangs are….!)

Reiji: What’s up with twisting your body like this? Aren’t you sleeping anymore?

Or are you happy to get pierced by my fangs instead of getting up? Kuku~...nh...haa...nh…

Yui: You’re ….wro-...

Reiji: You said wrong? Kuku~...haven’t you noticed anything?

Yui: Wha…

Reiji: It’s not my fangs. It’s because I am leaning on your neck.

...nh...Darn it. You’re being obedient to this pleasure at the same time, it’s no good.

However...you can’t escape anymore...you are aware of that aren’t you? Yui…

Shedding tears....It’s good that my fangs are making you so happy that you cry.

Yui: U…

Reiji: …….

Yui: (Reiji, San...?)

*CG as Reiji kissed*

Reiji: Oh my, oh my. Are you really planning not to get up from this bad?

Yui: It’s not like that…

Reiji: Blushing your cheeks like that. Could it be that you were just imitating to get my fangs?

Yui: No, not that all! That’s Reiji San was…

Reiji: I? What?

Yui: (Reiji San was sucking such a way that...pain was paralyzed…)

Reiji: Fufu~...this is a seductive face. You are a really simple and idiot person.

But...beloved.

Yui: Eh?

Reiji: Listen carefully. Have you opened your eyes?

Wash your face. We have to go there in time, so we’re leaving immediately.

Yui: G-got it…!

*Clothing Sound*

Yui: …!?

(I am pinned down by him! I can’t get up at all...!?)

Umm...Reiji San?

Reiji: I am out of control...it’s all your fault.

Nh…*Kiss*

Yui: Hn…

*CG Fades*

Reiji: We are leaving in 5 minutes. In between these few minutes, clear up this sloppy face of yours.

Yui: Y-yes…!

(I don’t know what kind of face I was making…)

Place: ザータンの口 / Zatan’s mouth

Yui: (The time has come, but that evil guy is not here)

I will put my hand there immediately...but what question should I have?

Reiji: Just in case...what about asking a different question than yesterday?

Yui: Speaking of what I am most worried about currently…?)

……..This gem which replaced my heart….how long it will last?

Zatan’s mouth: …….

Reiji: Haah...what kind of question was that?

Yui: I am sorry...let me think about it…

Reiji: I will answer this question in particular.

*Reiji gets closer*

Reiji: It's going to be fine. But...I can’t say correctly, how long this gem can keep you alive.

But I will absolutely not let you die.

I will make sure to do it, before the end time comes, definitely…!

Yui: (Hm? This Zatan stone statue is shaking?)

Reiji: Wha—?

Yui: No way — The mouth just opened! Eh...Someone is coming out!?)

Reiji: Hey, can you listen to us for a sec?

*Screen shaked*

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Uwaaa!! Wh—What!?  Wh-Who are you??

Reiji: You just came out from Zatan’s mouth, right?

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: No, you’re wrong. I just came here for my breakfast, that’s all!

Yui: But, we just saw you coming from inside that mouth.

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Eh? Oh that...um then I was sleeping in that bench. And then I went riding the Gondola.

Yui: But….

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Ah, no no — Actually, I was acting like I am a clown! Uhm!

Reiji: I am disgusted.

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: So, I am not doing it — !

*Screen shaked, and Yui was pushed*

Yui: Kyaa!

(What — I am being pushed)

Reiji: It’s dangerous!

*Reiji protects Yui*

Yui: Thank you…

*Reiji catched that person*

Reiji: You are really an expert one to make me pissed off.

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Heeeh!

Reiji: Come one, I will listen to each and every words of you right there.

Place: グリンマーストリート  アイゼン横丁 / Glimmer Street Aizen Alley

Yui: (Looks like they’re having conversations but...they're just having arguments.)

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Anyway, i hadn’t done something like that!!

Yui: Umm...maybe I can help with something?

Reiji: Don’t waste time, and acknowledge what you did!

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Hee!? No- I am being honest. That was...Devil Pear’s fault.

K: ->悪魔  means devil’s pear.

Yui: Devil’s pear...?

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: I was being seduced and ate that pear. As a result, I have become like this.

Reiji: You mean, you lied to others because you ate that pear?

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Apparanty, the effect of the devil’s pear  is different and varies in each person. That’s why, it’s interesting and extraordinary.

I don’t know it’s causality, but for eating that fruit...my whole body has turned out in such a state that telling lies has become my regular goal.

I can tolerate it, but after a specific time, I reach my limit and start lying like hunger.

Yui: Such a…

Person inside Zatan’s mouth:  Every single person gets away from me. ….Well, that was obvious.

But the truth is that...I don’t want to do something like this!

Reiji: But, I can’t trust you right away.

Yui: Reiji San!

Reiji: I am assuming that, there can be another plan you are hatching in the corner of your head…

Yui: (I am not clear with confusion but...he’s making such a sad face. I can’t say I don’t trust him.)

Reiji: Then, why did you enter inside the Zatan’s mouth?

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: I was always lonely. But lonely means just being alone right?

I visit many places but...when people realize that I always lie, they just drive me out.

It just continued...and then...I met that stone statue.

Reiji: The stone mouth that knows the truth. It is some sort of fortune-teller, so it’s okay even if that tells something bullshit…You thought it like that way, huh?

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: There was a person who got extremely discouraged from my lying words. But...the person next to him, was encouraged and smiled.

As I continued watching that repetition, I realized that that’s the only place I belong to.

Yui: Were you lonely all the time…?

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: I don’t want to talk to hundreds and hurt them anymore.

Reiji: Certainly, if you stay inside that Zatan’s mouth, you are not hurting others that much, but…

Yui: (I don’t think it’s good if you stay there forever.)

That devil’s pear...do you know anything about that, Reiji San?

Reiji: There was a rumor that devil's pear is just a nuisance.

The research result, and also some literature books show that the solution devil's pear’s effect was able to be dissolved.

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Haa!? Is that true?

Reiji: Yeah, the amount of materials is up to bottle neck, but it’s not impossible to make it.

Yui: So, can we make it immediately?

Reiji: I thought it won’t be impossible, however, there’s only one very rare ingredient that I need for compounding.

Yui: Is that something which is possible to manage?

Reiji: Yes, but…

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: I am begging you!!

Reiji: What now? Stop being so loud without any reason.

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Please make that antidote, no matter how! I am not lying, it’s not a lie! Please do it…!

Reiji: But, this requires a rare material that can’t be obtained with shallow efforts!

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: No! Please do it anyway! I am really not lying, I want you to make it…!

I can’t prove to make you trust me...But all I can say is that I am telling the truth...Please make it!

Yui: (So pitiful...he must have suffered every single day…)

Reiji San, I don’t mind leaving Earl’s tasks for later...but I can’t delay helping this person anymore.

Reiji: Haah...are you sure?

Yui: I will also help you as much as I can...this is why, please make it.

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: I am begging you...please!!

Reiji: Understood. Then, let’s hurry up and get prepared.

Yui: (Reiji San is writing something...could it be that…)

Reiji: Phew, 1st, to find this material, we have to search around in the demon world.

Yui: You just wrote in 3 whole papers full of ingredients...Do we need that much?

Reiji: It’s my 1st time I am challenging something like this. So, I want to make that antidote with much more flexibility than usual.

Yui: I got your point.

Reiji: And also I need an appropriate place. That place should be out of anyone’s notices and a very dry place.

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: I know a secret abandoned building which is just nearby.

Reiji: Sounds good. After I am done with arranging the materials, we’ll head over there.

Yui: Yes…!

Place: レーヌ•ド•アジの店 / Reine • Do • Aji Store

Yui: (I thought we have to run around to find that ingredient but…)

Reine •Do• Aji: You need more? At this rate, I am gonna run out of all ingredients in my store.

Reiji: It’s Saba’s younger sister, Aji’s store. I don’t expect this store to have such a poor collection…..Ah, that one over there, please!

Reine • Do • Aji: Darn it. You are savage as always...here you go.

Yui: (These familiars are just carrying so many materials. …. I am sure that abandoned building is going to be filled very soon.)

(Even more, it’s hard to measure these materials correctly…)

(Oh that’s right! I should look for some tools that can come handy.)

Reiji: Hm? What are you searching for?

Yui: I am looking for some tools that can be useful in making antidotes.

Reiji: Oh my oh my. I have interest in them, but these are unnecessary. I have all the top tools I always use.

Yui: Oh I see...sorry.

(Uuh, I was doing too much)

Reiji: Anyway, we have gathered so many from this shop. Let’s go to that abandoned building.

Yui: Yes.

Reine • Do • Aji: Aahh! Too early! You are leaving something.

Reiji: Aah, I am sorry.

Yui: Huh? Didn’t you carry all of your luggages.?

Reiji: Yeah, I picked up all of the ingredients. There was only one luggage that I left during coming back.

Yui: Was that very sensitive?

Reiji: No. I wanted to give you a stupid carriage job.

Yui: M-Me?

Reiji: Why you ask? You are having such an unpleasant attitude for not doing any work…

Yui: No, I don't. But...I was just being confident…

Reiji: To accomplish your work, your confidence doesn’t matter.

Yui: Uuh...I am so sorry…

Reiji: If it makes sense then hurry up and come here, I will attach it with you...

Yui: Eh?

*Reiji gets closer*

Yui: (He’s putting his hand in my hair...huh? This hair clip…)

Reiji: If a single hair falls in the middle of my chemical process, it’s outcome will be a failure.

If you want to be my assistance, then make sure to have a proper appearance.

Yui: Is that okay to get this hair clip…?

Reiji: Do you have hace complaints about this shape?

Yui: No, it’s so pretty...I am so happy to get it!

Reiji: Oh my oh my, it’s time to go. Don’t make that face, please.

Yui: Yes…!

Reiji: No reply and action at the same time.

Yui: (I am damn excited to receive this present from him)

(I have made up my mind, I’ll do my best!)

Place: 廃墟 / Abandoned building

Yui: (Woa...It’s unexpectedly wide…)

(That person from Zatan’s mouth...he’s working)

Reiji: Looks like you are diligently working. Are done with measuring these?

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: I am not done yet! It will take time!

Yui: But, the exact measure is written in the note… ((That Reiji wrote earlier!))

Reiji: Haah...it’s a hassle to deal when you’re lying.

Turning something’s presence into absence...it’s that kind of lie, right? It’s puzzling.

Yui: (It’s very confusing…)

Reiji: But...these tools are specifically arranged. You did well.

Yui: Yes. The classification is perfect and they’re lined up according to the procedure…

Reiji: Way better than you. He has become my strength.

Yui: Uuh...I think so...

Reiji: By the way, that rare ingredient can be found in — “Limestone sinking in the deep fresh water” only…

Yui: Deep fresh water…?

Reiji: According to Aji, there’s a possibility that we can find that deep in the underground lake, the place for mining.

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Then, are you going there to get that?

Reiji: Oh...it’s easy to say it, but it is very rare to find….it will get my nerves.

Yui: But we have to deal with it, if we don’t then…!

Reiji: Yeah, going to that place is the only way to help him.

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Alright then! I will help you out!!

Reiji: No, you’ll say here. I want you to guard these ingredients. We’ll try our best to get that.

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Eh? Is that okay?

Yui: Leave it to us!

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Ah-Thank you!

This body...which can do nothing but lying, it can’t be useful.

Yui: No, we didn’t —

Reiji: Yes, you are right.

Yui: Reiji San? Why did you say something…!

Reiji: But, it’s a fact. We don’t have to take such a risk, which can cause failure.

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Uuh —

Reiji: And also, if something happens to you, then it will be meaningless to get that antidote.

Yui: Eh…

Reiji: I can’t guarantee the safety of my test subjects, I don’t want to take the risk. Okay?

Yui: (Reiji San…)

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Fufu~ Since Reiji San is also saying it, so leave it to us?

Person inside Zatan’s mouth: Ah...got it!

Reiji: Then, we are going to depart a little….I will do some research and you, please go back to the hotel.

Yui: Yes.

Reiji: I’ll see you. Let’s get going.

Place: ホテル•モーントシュタイン  客室 / Hotel • Mortstein  Guest room

Yui: (He didn’t get up...he was just researching until late yesterday...don’t be late.)

The preparation for going to the underground lake is ready but...is there any other thing I should do...Oh, that’s right!)

Selection —

カルボナーラ弁当を作る / Make Carbonara for launch

サンドイッチ弁当を作る / Make sandwich for launch (+ Correct)

Yui: (Let’s make lunch! As I thought, the most easy to cook will be sandwich)

(Let’s use different contents inside the freeze and make those colorful…!)

*After a while*

Reiji: Nh...Good morning.

Yui: Good morning! I made these sandwiches for lunch…

Reiji: Ho...you have a sharp mind. Wrapped sandwiches will be easier to eat.

...If you can enjoy our journey to a mysterious place, then you may lighten your mind a little.

Yui: Yes…!

(That’s good, he praised me…!)

Place: 山中/ Mountain

Yui: (There aren't a bunch of people like the parade, but...there seem to be few people walking here…)

Vampire Woman D: Owaa! Something came out!

Yui: Eh!? Wh-what happened?

Vampire Woman D: When I tried to pick this edible wild plant, creepy bats came out...Kyaa! Don’t come!

*Bats flying sound*

Yui: A-are you okay!?

(For these situations, Reiji San gave me a medicine for these bats...here!)

*Sprays the medicine*

Vampire Woman D: Phew...you saved me, thank you.

Yui: No, my pleasure…!

Reiji: Haah...using this medicine so early...that’s even for an unknown person. Are you aware of regretting later on?

Yui: uh...Sorry

Reiji: You don’t have to apologize. We're not facing that yet.

More importantly, I will be with you, so it’s fine. ((My boy ;w;))

Yui: (He’s reliable. I should not be reckless.)

Place: 鉱山跡地 / Mining area

Reiji: It said that this minecart will take you to the underground lake.

*Sound*

Yui: Ah Reiji San, did you hear something?

Reiji: Ah….Watch out! Lie down!

*Screen Shaked*

Yui: Kyaa!

*Sound of an animal*

Yui: (Something just flew over my head...is that a giant eagle?)

Reiji: Gh!...That beast got me. We have to let it exceed and get into the minecart.

Sit down in such a way that it can’t notice you…..You go at first.

Yui: Ehh?

Reiji: It’s fine, now...hurry up!

Yui: (I am scared, but it can’t be helped. All—right, I have to step carefully…)

*Eagle sounds*

Yui: Kyaa!

(Looks like it was noticed...Oh no!)

Reiji: Yui! Run!

Yui: Yes!!

*After a while*

Reiji: Tch, if it continues, we will get caught….At first, we have to do something, so that eagle will notice here.

*Eagle screams*

Reiji: Look at this way!

*Eagle Screams*

Reiji: Now, come here, until my special herb reacts on you…!

*Flying Sound*

Reiji: Eat this…!!

Yui: (He’s spraying something, what is it…)

(Huh? The eagle just collapsed…)

Reiji San...what the heck is that…?

Reiji: In the Aji’s store, I have heard that we may face these eagles, so I got refined herbs to make them senseless.

At first I was confused whether I should feed it or not, but...it came out to be collapsed, so...that was the right choice.

Yui: Y-yes…

Reiji: But I didn’t expect that it would get shut like this.

Yui: (Fufu~Reiji San is rubbing his cheek with its beak...the eagle got spoiled.)

Reiji: I see. So, if you touch here, then it feels so fluffy.

Yui: Really?

Reiji: Yeah, touch it then.

Yui: Yeah…

*touches*

Yui: Waa….it feels so good...so adorable….!

(looks like this eagle is also feeling good…)

Reiji: Then, does that mean that we have finished our 3rd mission of Earl?

((k: Win over an animal))

Yui: Win over animals...Looks like we did!

Reiji: Finishing that task in such a place was really unexpected.

Yui: ….thanks to you, Reiji San.

Reiji: I had handled it, so that was obvious. Anyways, let’s finish our last mission.

Monologue —

Afterwards, we rode on the minecart and it took us to the underground lake.

Reiji San sinked into the deep lake quickly in order to look for the limestones...with such a speed that can’t be expressed in words.

Leaving me alone, who was useless…

END of the Monologue  —

Place: Underground Lake

Yui: (Vampires don’t have any problems even deep under the water...cool.)

(And if you compare me on the other side…)

*Screen Shaked*

Yui: What? My body is feeling heavy so suddenly...I am feeling dizzy…)

*Closes are eyes / screen turns black*

Yui: (What’s going on... —with me?)

Reiji: Yui...Yui…!

Yui: Reiji - San…

Reiji: What’s wrong so suddenly...You are sweating a lot.

Yui: I am fine now...Sorry for making you worry. More importantly, how did you do?

Reiji: It’s fine if you are good. There was an outcome.

Not so cold, not so hot...it was a strange temperature of water. And also, the bottom of the lake was unexpectedly shallow.

Yui: (Huh...the thing in his hand...the limestone…?

Reiji: Now it’s your turn to answer my questions. What the heck actually happened when I wasn’t here?

Yui: I don’t know. Suddenly, my condition came out like ——

Reiji: If I want to guess correctly, then the gem, buried in your chest is expiring…

Yui: Such…!

*Reiji gets closer*

Reiji: We have to be fast. Now, stay close to me as much as you can.

Yui: Huh? Why’s that…!

Reiji: You may hate it as I am soaked wet, but please be silent and hold onto me.

Flying for a short time may require some efforts, so, please be careful.

We will go…!

Monologue —

I supported Reiji San who was flying while hugging me. At the same time, the gravity was gone.

Faster than walking speed, then faster than running speed. With such a speed, we went back to the rails of the minecart.

While I was holding onto his reliable arms, I didn’t want to die.

End pf Monologue —

*After a while*

*Parade finale song*

Place: 夜空 / Night Sky

Yui: (Woa...the stars are…)

Reiji: Just a little, and we will reach the hotel. Then, in the bed — opps…

Yui: gh!

Reiji: Sorry...Today, my brain plus my mind are exhausted…

Yui: I am sorry...instead of helpig, I was just a burden all the time.

Reiji: It’s very usual, right?...However, I forgot the work, that you are the one who can do it.

Yui: Eh?

Reiji: It’s pathetic just to have someone do everything. But what do you always do when you have to do that?

Yui: (I don’t think I could be honest about my feelings...I would do it.)

Thank you so much. That’s...you are always by my side, it’s the reason I am...safe. I have faith in you. *blushing*

Reiji: That’s right. To keep that faith alive, I will do my best.

So, you can relax. I will end up protecting you.

Yui: Yes…!

— The END of Chapter O 3 —

Mafia

A Court of Shackles and Glass

Chapter Three

Word Count : 7k

Warning(s) : Descriptions of corpses, blood, and possible gore/violence.

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter (coming soon..)

Lyphon

There was something to be admired about my siblings and their strength. I could sense them from a mile or miles away when we were all at our height of power, though none of us really knew it. I’m sure even now if they entered the Court there would be some slight change, some shift and a little more silence from the wildlife.

Achlys and Gyn truly were ‘The Knight’s Children’. I’d barely been a child when there had been a massive war between several Courts and some far off kingdom. It was a mix of who was against who and the alliances are a little foggy in my mind, but there was one thing that truly stuck out.

One of the Courts managed to form an alliances with our Court and rather than sending out large armies to crush our enemies like usual, Great Great Grandfather had appeared to personally order Achlys and Gyn out into the heart of the battle. He had some sick sort of humour and aura when he arrived. I nearly threw up and passed out, I was terrified for both of them. But our Great Great Grandfather only laughed at my reaction and winnowed us to watch from above. He wasn’t surprised by what happen, but everyone else was. Achlys crushed opponents using their own armour, killed them using their own weapons. He turned every metal thing they had on them against them. And when he seemed to get bored, he either buried soldiers alive or crushed them with boulders made of crystal. Meanwhile Gyn flooded the field with our enemies blood and turned the rest into trees and flowers. That battle had finished within 10 minutes, maybe less. It was horrific.

And then we all went home like nothing happened. Well, Great Great Grandfather challenge me to become as powerful as them, to become their equal. I never fully reached their power, but I came close enough that I was rewarded for my efforts.

For ages and ages I practiced and trained out of pure terror and drive. I didn’t want to disappoint my Great Great Grandfather who clearly saw something in me. But I also wanted respect from my older siblings. So for centuries I perfected my skills and powers, pushing myself to the limit until I couldn’t anymore. And then, when another war came and we were summond by our allies, I was thrust into the fighting too. I never disappointed any of them that day, Gyn and Achlys almost seemed to see me a little differently too, but they kept their looks subtle and their thoughts silent.

And now..I’ll have to restart the entire process. I’m stuck in the Spring Court until I’m strong enough to winnow home again, until I can at least make myself somewhat useful to my family again. I can’t go home completely weak and useless, Great Great Grandfather wouldn’t allow it. He might have a sliver of sympathy or empathy for us, but if we’re too weak in his eyes, we’re not family. We’re something to either dispose of or forget.

Sighing I try to focus on something else, anything else. All these thoughts of home and our Great Great Grandfather are making me anxious, dreading something that isn’t even set in stone. Hissing slightly I will the thoughts from my head, eagerly breathing in the smell of the unditsturbed earth around me.

I frown slightly at the sight of breaking headstones, all barely readable with moss covering many they’ve been so forgotten. I’m aware that this cemetary is abandoned, I asked for one that was abandoned specifically, but it doesn’t stop the disgust and disappointment from seeping into my mouth like a foul poison. Was no one truly here to take care of this graveyard?

Enough, enough. I roll my neck, wincing when loud pops fill the air as I cloes my eyes. Now is not the time to be nitpicky. I have to concentrate and focus purely on my task. I’d love to rush ahead and attempt to resurrect everyone here, but that would leave me so exhausted I wouldn’t be able to move, leaving an entire field of half living creatures to wander and terrorize everything. And High Lord Tamlin wouldn’t be pleased. So I focus on one single soul, one deceased. The grave before me.

Knowledge of names and personal history can be helpful, but it’s not really that neccessary. Truly, all you ever need to do is find their soul, follow that invisible, string from corpse to soul. It’s fascinating, following the string. Some have many strings attached to them from all their different lives, some only have the one. Mates will always have a tether between them, connecting both souls for all eternity. If left for enough time, the string will be weathered, a little harder to follow, but still connected. There have been multiple times though where I attempted to resurecct someone, only to have their new body appear before me, questioning why I summoned them while they were alive and living. Strings always look the same, they never tell you if someone has moved onto their next life or not, so I’ve learned to be cautious, look for any signs of life outside the soul.

Stretching a hand out and pressing it to the ground, I search for the string, reaching subconciously for that small, invisible line tying bones to soul. It’s closer than I realize. The body must be in a shallow grave of some sort, not buried six feet below, maybe half of that. Carefully I follow the string, tugging and pulling softly until I can feel the soft ground below shift. Dirt is moved and pushed away until the pale, stained ivory bones and rotted flesh of a hand and arm push past into the open air.

More dirt is pushed away until the torso of the living corpse can sit upright. An annoyed scowl is present on the man’s face, though the skin around his face is missing a few chunks, showing off dirt stained and holey parts of his skull. His hair is on the longer and more light brown side while his eyes are a dark brown. He’s quick to glare at me, though I ignore the look completely, too focused on my victory to care.

I resurrected a whole human, fully. Quietly I stand up, moving to the next grave beside him, earning me a scoff. I move some dirt away, digging a little with my hands until I’ve dug around two feet. Shutting my eyes again and pressing a hand to the cool dirt, searching and finding the string practically immediately. This time the corpse of a woman sits up, looking around confused and grimacing at the sight of the decomposing man beside her. She avoids looking down though, refusing to see the state of her own body.

I almost giggle giddily as I repeat the process another two times. Two men and two women watching me with mixed emotions as I pant quietly. I’m reaching my limits, but four is a good number. Shakily I reach for a fifth grave. I’m becoming out of breath and the smell of death and dirt and insects and rot and mold will not leave my nose. It probably won’t for several hours. Coughing I snatch at the string, yanking it with a little too much eagerness. Unsurprisingly a hand shoots out, gripping my neck with a surprising amount of strength for a dead man. My lungs instantly loose access to air, though the smell still preasent and nearly heavy in my lungs. My limbs feel like lead, slack at my sides, though still warm from bloodflow. A slow, thumping headache creeps in after a moment. My head feeling as if burning hammers are playing drums in my head. The other bodies watch nervously, as though wondering if my death would free them or trap them eternally. Clicking my tongue I stare right back, managing to open my mouth and rasp out a quiet, ‘help me’.

One of the woman stands, wobbling over on weak, half eaten legs. Her hands prying open the wretched hand around my throat. I cough as air fills my lungs again, I nearly double over. Most of the headache recedes and I watch the arm flail around, swatting and clawing at the air. The woman retreated back to her grave, content to lie down and avoid looking over here. It would seem the only thing alive for this grave is the arm, everything else is still dead. So then 4 corpses and an arm. A good start.

With a grunt I wave my hand, silently commanding them to bury themselves again. I smile softly when the command is successful. I still had enough to do a mental command as well then. Leaning back and resting my head on a headstone, I snap my fingers, all the strings being pulled taught again as the souls rejoined the afterlife, whatever it is.

Gyn

The uniqueness of my family and our abilities has never been lost on me. I’ve always been aware of how different we are compared to everyone else. It’s not necessarily bad, but it’s noticable and not many perceive it as good.

I’ve been told before that none of us felt..like regular High Fae, and to be fair, we’re not. Our lineage and family tree is more mixed than most and in the way that I suspect some were convinced into making deals for power sakes. The goals of my Great Great Grandfather always speak for themselves, clear through the silence.

While there are plenty of differences for others to focus on, many have stuck to prescense and powers. From all my years of being alive I’ve yet to meet another creature with our powers. The first word ever used to describe our powers has always been ‘gorey’. It’s a fair assessment, especially for me. I’m the third in my family to specialize in the manipulation of cells. Not just blood or bones specifically, but cells, the very thing keep so many of us alive and moving and thinking. The complexity of cells is fascinating to me, so at least I wasn’t really bored when studying biology. And as helpful as it can be, being used to create new life or healing many, many people, the fact that it can be so terrifyingly deadly is always what’s focused on.

I’m not sure if it’s my natural expression, or my prescense even, that makes people think, convinces people, that I fully wish to kill and harm everything around me, and I will if I want to. I never really had the intention or the wish to slaughter everyone, even if the chance presents itself. Even in wars I was hesitant, and whenever I was given the opportunity I would ask my enemies if they truly wanted to fight me and die or live a more peaceful, quiet life. Everyone around me disapproved of what I was doing, they scoffed and would mock me. Achlys would demand what the hell I was doing, he never too far and mocked me or called me horrible names since he knew that I wouldn’t be able to handle it coming from him. But I could see it in his eyes, the ugly envy that made him silently demand why he couldn’t be given such a destructive gift, why I was ‘wasting’ it. And I never fully answered his questions, until he snapped and yelled at me. I was stuck staring at the floor, wishing I would just cry like a normal person. And I could say was :

“Why can’t I try to save just a sliver of people? Why can’t I try to give some happiness and peace to souls who never wanted their lives thrown away like the garbage their treated as? Did you even bother pause and look at the world around you, in the heat of everything?

”You never notice their fear, how their hearts pound and their breathing quickens as we approach. For fuck’s sakes Achlys, we’re living death to them! We embody reapers coming to tear out their souls and laugh as we break their bodies. Is it really so bad that I stop and give a choice to some. How many in my garden are actually miserable, how many want to leave. Tell me that. And tell me when have I ever trapped anyone in my garden, refused to let them leave. Believe it or not, I hate their fear.”

Achlys never asked after that..he must have really listened since during any war or battle he always brought me a small group of soldiers afterwards, all brave enough to have some faith in us. I’m definitely glad that my brother is so understanding, I’d probably be hopeless without him.

Anyways. Lyphon’s powers aren’t what I would call ‘gorey’. Yes, he raises the dead, but what do expect from a corpse? Unless they’ve died yesterday, it’s not going to be a pretty sight. Achlys’s powers aren’t gorey either, he works with metals, earth, and stone. It’s more how we all choose to use these powers. Course if we’re fighting someone or an army a lot of blood with spill. The blood will stain our hands red over and over again until our skin matches the colour of the blood beneath. But that’s the way it’s always been, and I doubt it will change.

Sighing through my nose I roll my neck and open my eyes. My room is a very comfortable, wonderful room and a place I’d love to practice in. However, I don’t want to scare any servant checking in on me. Nor do I want Tarquin to watch me practice in case he becomes worried or looses some trust in me to paranoia. Not that I think he would ever loose trust in me because of this power, it’s more I want to be better prepared for when I do tell him. I can’t try to demonstrate something and let it go horribly wrong, unable to fix the problem I made. Plus I don’t need the immediate pressure of eyes on me right now. There’s too many things that can go wrong.

So, with that being said, I’d gone exploring for the past week, hunting for any place that would work for privacy and calmness. And I found the perfect beach yesterday. It’s a good distance from Adriata with white sands and soft, gentle waves that could lull me to sleep if I let it. And at night the waves and sand glow with any movement or weight put on them. Unfortunately I told Tarquin I would return by dinner, which is normally at 6, so I can’t really stay late today. And sunlight is better for reading. I want to master a few things before attempting to change my eyes in any way.

I brought a few anatomy books and one about meditating and keeping calm. The anatomy books are for reminders, I already know everything, but I’d like a bit of a recap just in case. And the mediatation book is just so I don’t freak out or have a meltdown. Having a panic attack when something goes wrong won’t help me, so learning breathing exercises and routines to keep calm is a good aid.

Humming softly I close my eyes again, letting myself search through my body, refamiliarizing the feel of each type of cell when they’re healthy, checking for anything concerning. I only open my eyes once I’ve made sure that everything is in fact healthy and functioning correctly. As tempting as it is to close my eyes again, I focus on watching my hands. In the past I always used my hands as practice do to their simplicity, other times I was just having fun, making the ends of my fingers and nails turn into claws or talons instead.

For old times sake I decide to do that, slowly having my nails grow until they’re long and pointed but slighty curved and thicker. I let the nails grow around my fingertips until it looks like the ends of my fingers are sharp, white talons. Humming I reverse the process, which goes smoothly, to my relief.

It seems quick, rushing to try this next thing, but I’ve already practiced enough and from what I remember this shouldn’t exhaust me too quickly. I could be wrong since when I tried doing this for the first time in my life I had already built up plenty of stamina beforehand. I suppose I’ll be using this moment as a comparison for later.

There was one other thing that I brought with me, a small, miniscule really, jar of a few teeth. Disgusting sounding I’m sure, but they’re my own and it was an easy process, pain free. I just had these ones fall out and then some grow in their place. Simple and easy.

Grabbing the small jar, I take out a tooth, placing it in the center of my palm. I sigh, closely my eyes to take a few deep breaths. This always required more focus, even if I’d done it a thousand times before.

I start small, changing the shape of the tooth into a ribcage, letting it grown into a full skeleton of a bird with the muscles and ligaments following soon after. The body grew as exhaustion slowly crept up on me. Before I could realize everything was finished the now living bird in my hand hopped two or three times, chirping a little and singing a few notes. My eyes fly open, widening at the image of a beautiful, living swallow. It’s head, back, and wings were all a stunning blue that faded into a silver going into it’s tail. It’s underbelly was white and soft looking. It’s eyes were so dark but fixed on me as it watched curiously.

I was successful. I made a small bird, grew it from a tooth. Soon I could make something bigger, maybe a dog or a bear. Or even a horse. But start small, I’m already getting tired, which is what I get for only going on walks for a week and neglecting to practice. Giggling I pet the small bird, it’s feather were soft and smooth. It chirps a few times, flying to stand on my shoulder. What a day, I’ll need to start practicing on the way here. Based on the sun it’s around an hour till dinner, so now is a good time to leave.

I pick up my books and jar, humming softly and then grunting as I stand, brushing off any sand on my legs. The swallow sings along to the humming, much to my delight. Turning I head back to a path that leads up a sort of steap hill. The beach is only accessible through the path since there’s sort of a cliff or wall of dirt blocking it off. That or you jump down, but I wouldn’t recommend it since it’s at least a 10 foot drop.

I’m almost panting when I reach the top. I huff, feeling shame build up at the realization that I’m probably not as fit as I’d like to think. That or I was using too much air to hum. I’d rather the latter honestly.

At the top I look back down at the beach, at the cool blue waves. It really is a haven in the Summer Court sometimes. I sometimes wished I could stop time and just enjoy where I was a little longer, I definitely wish I could recreate a place like this, visit whenever I like and just rest. Though maybe later in the day, midday is way too hot. Cloudless sky with a hot ball of fire just glaring down at you, not great. And I’m moon pale, one of these days I’ll be lobster red and wincing at every muscle movement as I apply aloe verra to my burned, tight skin. Honestly I’m not even sure if Tarquin burns, I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t. I wouldn’t be surprised if no Summer Court citizen had ever burned in their lives.

The swallow chirps, hopping a few times and drawing my attention. Curious I look at it, watching as it flies off my shoulder and onto a familiar one. With a start I realize the little bird landed on Tarquin’s shoulder. Tarquin was here. What was he doing here? Did he see anything?

The High Lord chuckles quietly, petting the bird a few times before turning to me.

“Afternoon, Gyn. How was your practice? I’m hoping you thought it went well.”

His smile is gentle, something akin to a soft breeze or a quiet sunrise. I almost feel stupidly tense, like why am I so tense about him knowing anything? But another small part of me is restless and anxious, demanding to know how much he’s seen and knows. Still, I don’t want to make it seem like I don’t trust him, that could hurt or insult him and he’s been nothing but kind and understanding. Really this fear is probably for nothing. But it’s not quick to go away and I only barely make myself look less upset.

“It went well..I’m making progress. I-” I pause slightly, swallowing my words and briefly looking away at the grass. “I don’t want to sound rude, or defensive..but what are you doing here? I thought you would be busy in Adriata till dinner.”

There’s another quiet chuckle.

“You don’t, you’re being reasonable. I wasn’t as busy as expected today, and I had some free time. So I decided to try and find you, and wouldn’t you know it, you found the glowing beach.”

“The glowing beach?”

“Yes, me and my cousins would come down here at night sometimes to swim or have some fun. Usually we had to sneak out, but it was fun and beautiful. It was like our own secret place that only we knew about. And here you are, practicing here. You picked an excellent spot. If I was anyone else I probably wouldn’t have found you.”

My eyes widen a little, drifting to look at the beach again. I can almost imagine a teen version of himself, Cresseida, and Varian just running down the path towards the waters, diving in and later dancing and singing around in the sand, probably bringing bottles of alcohol and getting drunk. The thought makes me hum, I almost smile.

“Yeah…I don’t want to..ruin any good moods, but how much did you see? It’s not that I don’t trust you, it’s more that I just- I…I don’t want you to be afraid of me or concerned everytime I try to use my abilities.”

He’s silent for a moment, timid breezes attempt to fill in the emptyness. The swallow chirps occasionally, Tarquin petting it he while thinks, considering something. My gut tightens, my fingers curling into my hands to create tight fists that turn my knuckles white. My eyes flick from sand, to grass, to sky. Why do I feel like a child caught breaking a rule, about to be scolded by a too calm parent?

“I..saw everything, or at least what I think is most of what you were doing. The claws, this cute little bird.” Somehow, I’m sure my heart has plummeted into my stomach. Tarquin seems to notice, my face must really love to tattle my emotions. But he moves closer, a little bit like he doesn’t want to startle me, or make me uncomfortable. He stops a foot away, maybe closer.

“But I’m not scared of you. I’m not sure I could be. Concerned..a bit yes. I don’t want you hurting yourself just to try and perfect what you could do in the past again. And whose teeth were those?”

My gut loosens, some burning following, but it’s better than a tight coil and a wish to disappear to avoid a possible negative reaction. My fingers uncurl and stretch or flex a few times, my nails leaving little moons in my palm, none bleeding thankfully.

“Mine. It didn’t hurt, I just had them fall out and replaced with new teeth. None of what I was doing was painful, it was just a little tiring to make the swallow..I’m sorry I was defensive before. I wanted to master a few things before showing you, that way you’d worry less.”

“It’s fine, Gyn. I should apologize too, I knew you wanted privacy, but I still came here and watched, unbeknownst to you. But I’m not afraid, and I can trust that you won’t..permanently hurt yourself.”

I’m the one that stays quiet this time. I don’t really believe it’s necessary for me to see if he’s lying, but I scan his face anyways, eyes darting around for any tells that weren’t there. I sigh a little, nodding. I’m relieved about his obvious honesty, but still a little tense about being found and observed without my knowledge. I’m going to have to focus on sight next time, sensing any life nearby. There are plenty of silent or illusive creatures at home, I used to almost constantly make sure that every sense was heightened enough to sense each and every living thing, yet make sure I wasn’t overwhelmed by it.

With a sigh I turn, starting to walk. “We should head back to Adriata. Can’t have everyone worrying over a lost High Lord, can we?”

Tarquin smiles, a bit tightly, jogging to catch up, but keeping a steady pace once he was beside me. We both fall into a comfortable silence as we head towards the golden city.

Achlys

The Forest House may be mostly underground, but it’s beautiful. Inside it’s warm and decorated in reds, oranges, and golds. Portraits and paintings hang neatly on the walls, serious and cruel faces staring down at any passer by. I almost smile.

Servants work away in hallways and rooms, cleaning and keeping their heads down. Sentries silently stand at doorways or move to their next station, staring me down as if they’re ready to kill me if I give them any reason.

Sighing softly I look ahead, Fenix is leading me to the throne room, presumably. He seemed rather annoyed that his brother found out about me and took interest. So much so that he’s asked that I meet him, tell him a little bit about why I was found in his lands.

Naturally I don’t believe for a second that he really sees me as anything more than a potential pawn or a threat that he needs to get rid of, and considering that no Court but Winter would know about us, he wouldn’t need to worry about being discreet.

Everything about Autumn is about cunning and power. Even centuries back, I can still remember Regus Vanserra. Quite intelligent that one. He was the fourth son, it was unlikely in the first place that he would become the High Lord. But he waited patiently for years pretending to be nothing but a social prince with no interest in becoming anything more. Behind his parents and brothers backs he plotted though, forming alliances with Gyn, Boreas, Esord, and Nytarur. The heirs he knew would be the next generation of High Sovereigns, and ones he did not want to make enemies of. Regus played the long game, slowly poisoning his eldest brother and Father, training to kill the rest of his brothers when the time came. And he was successful. He made his eldest brother and Father’s deaths look like heart problems, and the other two brothers died in hunting ‘accidents’. He took the title and became quite the High Lord. Part of me was glad he decided to ally with Gyn, because then we weren’t his enemies.

I’m sure that any descendant of Regus is cunning and especially good at tricking others, weaving them a web of lies that they get trapped in but leaves him unharmed. I’ll bet Gyn would agree, she was in Prythian a lot longer than me, she got to see the generation after us. And apples don’t really fall far from the trees.

Fenix and his four guards stop at a pair of well carved oak doors with golden handles and a depiction of the Autumn forest and five of the past High Lords, Regus, his father and grandfather, and who I am guessing are his son and grandson. Everyone waits for a moment, quietly standing a foot from the doors. Then they open, groaning a little as they move. Our little group moves inside, my senses are assaulted by the smell of cinnamon and something smokey. At the head of the room, sitting on the cushioned stone throne, is a male with Autumn’s infamous red hair and eyes coloured amber. He doesn’t smile or sneer when we enter, merely keeping a cool, calm face as he watches us. Around his head sits a gold crown crafted to appear like flames resting on his head. So this is today’s High Lord. He’s dressed well with colours that compliment him and jewels that match, but not too much of anything, a perfect balance that doesn’t feel obnoxious.

Our little group moves until we’ve made it just past halfway in the room. The guards salute and Fenix offers the High Lord a bow, though it’s more mockery than an actual sign of respect or acknowledgement of power. I wait for after everyone’s finished to bow myself, smiling a little. The High Lord raises a brow.

“So this is the male you found..what is your name and why were you found in my Court?”

He’s good at his acting, I’ll give him that. His tone is careful, a planned boredom. His eyes hold a steely ice that was carefully crafted probably over a matter of years. I know for a fact that the entire Court buys every look, every word. It’s just a pity that I was surrounded masks for so long it became easy to learn when one was using it, unless someone was an exceptional liar. I’ve only met few who were able to fool me. Gyn, Cosmas, and a mortal King that ruled while I was in my 200s. No one ever knew when Cosmas was being truthful, it felt like a gamble every time I talked to him. And Gyn is as careful as I am, picking up on others emotions and anything we can learn about others and then using that information to our advantage. I just didn’t expect her to use the information against me, it was fine since I got her back a century later.

I grin at the High Lord. This could be fun.

“Achlys. I had a jealous coward for a cousin who used an ancient prison to contain me, throwing me into a cave in this Court. Don’t worry, High Lord, I’m only a temporary guest.”

He’s quiet for a moment, digesting the information and deciding what to do. It’s not every day something like this happens afterall.

“Which Court are you from? I’m sure your High Lord would have no issue collecting you.”

I can’t help the chuckle that escapes me at the question. Fenix doesn’t really react, just a bit of tensing around the shoulders. The guards keep still, but a few glance nervously at me. Either they’re nervous because of my chuckle, or they think I just tried to ensure my death.

“I don’t you’d be able to. Besides, those of my Court are incredibly picky about which apples they like to keep on the tree. I’m sure I’ll only be here another month and I’ll be out of your hair.”

The High Lord narrows his eyes, hiding the curiosity and covering it with annoyance.

“And why won’t I be able to contact this Court of yours, hm?”

“Well Prythian has forgotten about my home. My Court is mere legend in your history books, if we haven’t been erased entirely. It is not found in Prythian, nor any other continent. We call it the End Court.”

There’s a glimmer in his eyes, something like…recognition. My own mask slips on, keeping the amused face and uncaring attitude. But why does he seem familiar with the name? The Court hasn’t been in contact with Prythian in centuries, but he knows of it. It would appear that I rang a bell and I didn’t know he could hear it. I’m curious about how much he actually knows.

“Achlys of the End Court..an interesting claim. And how am I to trust that you aren’t insane or attempting to deceive my Court?”

“I’m sure you can find records. We made deals and alliances with this Court multiple times. Though, I suppose I wouldn’t be surprised if those records were burned a long time ago. You have to admit though. My prison is nothing like what you’ve seen in Prythian.”

“And how would you know that?”

“Because I’m well traveled. Not even the Night Court has the metal needed to create such a thing. And most of the prisons here aren’t just enchanted large cubes that act as a power numbing cell, they’re made of stone and have multiple cells, multiple inmates, less chains, and usually more light.”

He hums, leaning back slightly on his throne.

“What else is there to tell me? Are there more prisons like this around Prythian?”

Should I tell him? With them outside Autumn they aren’t within his reach. However, that if they’ve already been found by now, he could already know about them. Every Court has their spies, keeping their High Lord well informed of everything. Instead of answering I stay quiet, raising a brow and keeping an amused face. I’m sure you already know, High Lord.

He grunts, practically confirming my theory. They’ve been found, and he knows exactly where they are. I’m sure he sent out spies the second I was found, I don’t doubt he knew of me then and got Fenix to confess of my existence, thus giving him a chance to get a closer look and attempt to give me a role.

“I’ll let you stay, however you’re under my rule here until you return home.Till the day you leave, your loyalty is to me.”

It’s a fair deal, and I wouldn’t want to cause issues for my family by causing nothing but chaos here. Naturally there a few things that I won’t do if asked and I’ll always put my family first, but for now I can play along. My siblings wouldn’t be too impressed if I started a war the moment I was freed.

“Very well..”

“Expect to summoned during the week and that you’ll join every meal while having at least two sentries watching you at all times. I don’t think I want to let a wild hound loose in the Court.”

I almost snort, I’m being compared to a dog now. Wonderful. But I’d expect nothing less of a Vanserra. First Fenix with his condescending eyes, always trying to sneer at me as if I was mud on his new boots. Now a High Lord yet to see me as anything other than a mosquito. Patience is a virtue and I can exorcise it.

If he’s expecting a response I don’t give him one. My face has gone to a neutral, just watching him. He stares back, subtly studying me. Once he’s satisified, he returns to the bored mask.

“You’re dismissed. Leave.”

He waves a hand and we all turn, this time with me at the head. Fenix lets out a low growl, not happy with the meeting or me being ahead of him. The doors open again, letting us leave and walk back into the hallway. Subconciously I lead the way, heading straight to my room at my regular pace, which the guards and Fenix scramble to keep up with. Fenix hisses, grabbing my arm and yanking. I don’t stop, but I look over my shoulder at the angry male.

“You walk behind me. Don’t think for a second that you have any power in this Court. You are nothing but a tool for me to use, do not think otherwise.”

I almost scoff, raising a brow at him before shrugging him off.

“I don’t like slow walkers. And I’m heading to my room anyways, calm down.”

The Autumn prince snarls a curse and snaps his fingers, two guards grabbing onto my arms and yanking me backwards. Hissing, I almost go to kick one of them. Fenix walks in front now, motioning for them to follow. Both guards kick my legs, forcing me to my knees, before walking, dragging me with them. A little rude of them. Clicking my tongue I stand again, matching the pace of the guards, who glare and attempt to kick my legs out again. It fails when I move quick enough to dodge and then on at a time.

The one on my right snarls, punching me in the gut. I cough a little, but stay standing. Fenix stops at a door, pulling it open and walking outside into a courtyard..of sorts. Sentries off duty train with wooden and metal swords, sparring or beating a punching bag like it killed their spouse and owes them money. In the center though, is a post. One with several metals loops attached, like something you would tie a rope through or hook something to. Fenix tosses a pair of cuffs to the guards, the left one catching it and snapping one around one of my wrists.

Ah..I see where this is going. Either way at least some of my blood is spilled. I’m either going to be flogged or I’ll be mobbed. Of the two, I would prefer the former. Less broken bones, typically only one area is targeted. Not like Fenix really cares, he’s just trying to teach me a lesson, make me fear or respect him to any degree.

The training sentries go quiet and stop whatever they’re doing to watch as I’m pulled towards the post. I don’t bother fighting much, there’s over a dozen men here, all with weapons on them. Normally I would use this against them. However, I don’t need to piss of a High Lord that controls fire by killing everyone here. Nor do I want to exhaust myself by using my powers that much right now. The guards are quick to loop the remaining cuff through a large loop and snap it around my remaining wrist, forcing me down on my knees and tearing the back of my shirt afterwards. Both snicker as they back away. Glancing quickly behind me I can see Fenix choosing a whip and calling a large male over, handing him the whip. I think it’s leather with some sort of dust on it. The Autumn prince looks at me, almost smug but burying it in time.

“A mutt like you needs to learn quickly that you’re nothing here and will remain that way. No disrepect will ever be tolerated. 50 lashes.”

I almost roll my eyes but I brace myself anyways. Gyn isn’t here to act as my healer, this is going to hurt since I still feel pain. I can hear the whip unravel, some anxiety builds. This isn’t the first time this has happened, it’s not the first time I’ve been punished using whips or tools specially made to counter High Fae’s instant healing. Doesn’t mean I enjoyed any of it though.

There’s a quiet swish before the whip strikes my bare back, a fiery sting following quickly after. Fenix knows what he’s doing, he makes the whipper wait a moment before another strike. I wonder if this will scar permanently or if Gyn can return my skin to normal, even when healed. I wonder briefly if either of my siblings have to face something like this, and I pray to the Cauldron they don’t have to. I keep still as they continue to strike my back, thankfully not hitting the same spot twice, but I can feel warm blood trickling down my back and sticking to what remains of my shirt, gluing it to my skin. My abilities numbed a while ago, around lash number 10. They must coat the whips in faebane for maximum pain and scarring then.

At 40 lashes my punishment is interrupted by the arrival of another Vanserra, one of Fenix’s brothers. At least I think that’s who he is. His hair is long and red, eyes brown with a cunning, almost morbidly curious look in them. He watches me for a moment before moving to stand next to Fenix, who looks rather annoyed by the interruption.

“What do you want? I’m busy at the moment.”

“I heard something was going on in the Sentry Courtyard, so I decided I would come and see what all the commotion was about. What is this exactly? A misbehaving servant?”

Fenix is quiet for a moment, glaring down at me.

“Yes..that’s exactly what this is.”

“Really? I thought he was Eris’s guest. I don’t think he’d be impressed to find out you’ve taken a whip to his back. He might take one to your back.”

Fenix’s scowl deepens, disgust grows like a mold in his eyes. He snatches the whip from the sentry’s hands, pulling his arm back and swinging it forward with most if not all his strength. The whip strikes my back swiftly, leaving a fresh, wretched pain and trail of blood in its wake. I hiss at the feeling, fire spreading once again with a ferocious sting.

“He’s not a guest.”

His words are filled with venom, enough that I’m gritting my teeth and leaning my head on my arms. Mother save me, this isn’t going to end that quickly. Mentally I sigh, of all places I get sent to Autumn. I’m really feeling like I’m fucked.

~~~

Thanks for reading, feel free to give feedback. Enjoy your day/night.

~~~

You can find this fanfiction on Quotev and AO3. On Quotev I go by Ciar, on AO3 I go by Gyra (they're different because some names are already taken).

Guys I made it to chapter 3 in rdr2!! were these my last peaceful moments…

Paper, Scissors, Rank (Ch: 3)

CHARACTER/PAIRING: Modern!Carrillo x Army!OC (eventually) 

WARNINGS: maybe some swearing, military slang, spelling and grammatical errors. Could be very OOC/AU for some. Carrillo might not be cannon accurate for some as this is an AU. Flippy, floppy point of views (if it can be called that?), some oc x Army!oc 

AUTHORS NOTE:  hopefully y'all enjoy this chapter, sorry for the high amount of OC on OC content in this chapter, also i was writing this late at night so its probably a lil disjointed, but ah, yeah you’ll see why soon. More of the Colonel is this chapter, finally, but yeah. enjoy!

WORD COUNT: 2.8k

CHAPTER: 3 OF ?

TAG LIST (OPEN) : @girlpornparadise @1zashreena1 @xxidontwikeitxx @nicke0115 @allalngthewtchtower @lettherebrelight

It seemed wishful thinking really did not pay off for Cadet Greyson, the next two days of training went by without so much of a sighting of the Colonel, who at this point, was still nameless to her and her fellow cadets. Maybe he hadn't seen someone worth his while within the current platoon and had instead decided to leave for the main base to find a more adequate soldier. Greyson dismissed that thought as quickly as it came. Surely he would want a fresh little soldier to mold into his perfect team member, why else would he be sniffing round the training grounds if not for that reason. But as it seemed, no one other than herself had seen the Colonel around. So maybe he was really just a figment of her imagination then.

Pffft, as if, you can’t make THAT man up. He is pure sin of the utmost devine kind  Greyson giggled quietly to herself. She had definitely gone mad from the deathly amount of exhaustion they had faced since the assessment day.  That or maybe I hit my head when I fell from that stupid wall.  Again she giggled to herself. Nope , definitely gone mad.

Another thing that struck her as odd was that she hadn’t seen  LT. Colonel Sinclair since their less than professional interactions two days ago. Hopefully he finally came to his senses and decided she wasn't worth the effort and that her rank was far below anything worthy of his attention. For some reason though, that thought struck a cord inside of her, one that frightened her. She was in over her head with this guy, way over her head and rank. Even if he was drop dead gorgeous.  Definitely not as attractive as a certain handsome Colonel.  A little inside voice reminded her. God, that was the last thing she needed, falling for a guy with an even higher rank, if she wasn’t frowned upon already she definitely would be then.

Shaking the idea from her mind, she stood up and continued packing up her kit. The company was to head back to the training base today. A welcome thought for all the recruits within the area. The thought of sleeping on a bed that wasn’t below zero temperature to the touch and fully functioning warm showers seemed to be pushing them to move faster and more fluidly as a team than ever before. There is never a more motivated team than a team that has a single goal in common . Sometimes she hated her father but she never knew that saying to be more true than it was now.

It took the recruits approximately thirty minutes to have the campsite return to the pristine state it was before they laid camp only four days earlier, despite the fact said week had felt like a month long mission.  Despite all the recruits being overworked and their patience stretched thin with each other, all of the thirty recruits had passed their final assessment week, which would mean all of them would graduate together. An accomplishment for all and a first for a company of this size.  Yet, it was obvious from an outsider looking in, that this company was definitely not a team of thirty like they should be. The distinct scores between the top three recruits and the rest had seemingly made the company into two teams. The twenty seven cadets who had done enough to pass, and the three cadets who had excelled beyond all expectations in every single area of the training. The elite cadets of the company some might say.

The next few hours flew by for the cadets, a long bus ride back to base, stowing away their kit and polishing boots to get their rig from exercise standard back  to office standard. Rumors' had been passed around that tonight there was to be a big meeting for the cadets to attend. There was a palpable excitement coursing through the mess as everyone tried to guess what the meeting was about, many speculated that they would be introduced to the Colonel, while others thought it was a congratulations for completing their assessment week. Although, it was safe to say, that many of the recruits were hoping for the former of the two, and maybe if that happened one of them would be formally offered a spot on the Colonel’s intel squad.

Without even knowing the name of the Colonel there was already a bet running between the female cadets about the attractiveness of the foreign officer. Some girls bet that he was going old and undesirable due to his rank,  while others bet he was a “young stud”. Greyson had kept her thoughts to herself but would often scoff at the descriptions the girls came up with, not one of them was even getting close to what the Colonel looked like, which instilled a strange sense of pride within the cadet. But also a high level of confusion as not a single recruit in the platoon had ever mentioned seeing an unknown officer with the instructors a mere two days ago.

As the evening progressed the recruits waited for an announcement to be made over the speakers for them to move to the scran hall or into the common area for the meeting. By eight o’clock the recruits finally heard the speakers crack to live, waking most of them from an evening of well deserved rest. The recruits followed the instructions given to them and made haste towards the common area a short march away from their barracks. Upon arriving, dismissing and gathering in the space many recruits seemed to deflate at the lack of an unfamiliar face.

“Good evening cadets, as you know there is a Columbian Colonel on base observing the ins and outs of some squadrons so he can choose a select few members from different corps so join his intelligence team. Over the past week he was in and out of the training grounds observing most of you knowing. By the end of your longest day he had made a tough decision between two of the cadets sitting in this room, along with choosing your squadron leader, Lieutenant O’Connor here to be a part of his squad. In saying that, the colonel is yet to inform us of which cadet sitting in this room is the lucky new member of his squad. I shall take it upon myself, as the commander of the unit, to inform you as soon as I know” LT. Colonel Sinclair’s speech seemed to drone on for most of the cadets in the room. They were tired, beyond so, and were just wishing he would allow them to leave as soon as possible, but as it seemed, he wasn’t finished yet.

“I will be taking time this coming week to pull each of you into my office to discuss your future in the force and what corps you are now eligible to join due to your overall scores gained from the past twenty weeks of your training. Once you have all been assigned to a core you shall receive your patches and berets and be formally welcomed into your chosen field before you graduate. The last week of training will consist of core introductions and briefs and finalization of drill before your graduation day. I will offer you all a very big congratulations for making it through training and wish you all the best for your futures in the force. You are dismissed”

At the dismissal most of the cadets all but jumped from their chairs, having been given no more orders for the night it was to be a peaceful night ahead. And many of them would be heading straight to the barracks for sleep.  Greyson began to make her way from the room following slightly behind her fellow classmates only to be stopped by the LT. Colonel calling out to her. Stopping abruptly at the order she turned around and walked back towards him, the whole time wondering if this was gonna be another one of his ‘teasing moments’.

“Sir, not to overstep but I would like to get back to the barracks and back to my pit before I drop on my feet” Greyson said kindly to make it very clear to the LT. Colonel in front of her that she was suggesting and definitely not ordering him around, that was the last thing she wanted to do.

“This will only take a moment Greyson, I assure you that...” the LT Colonel trailed off, waiting for his subordinate to acknowledge, before continuing on, “I wanted to congratulate you personally on you achievements over the cadets course, you have set multiple records with the scores you have obtained and I wanted to let you know that you are the top recruit from your intake”

Shifting on her feet awkwardly Greyson nodded in thanks, silently acknowledging her own achievements and also trying to stay awake for the conversation. The LT. Colonel took a step closer to her, again entirely to close from a professional standpoint, and placed his hand on her shoulder, steady and firm, making her whole body tense up at the initial contact before she subtly, or so she thought, relaxed far too much under his touch. She had, after all, had no contact from anyone since joining the army, as was protocol, but it had left her touch starved, and in her tired state, far too ready to throw rank out the window and do something that broke far too many rules.

The LT. Colonel noticed the way she relaxed under his touch and decided to push the boundary a little further bringing the cadet in front of him into a tight hug, to which she returned all too eagerly. While absorbed in each other's embrace they failed to notice one of the other cadets, Cadet Lewis, watching from the door. Lewis was Greyson’s roommate and had stayed behind when she noticed she wasn’t behind her like she should have been.

Greyson sank into the embrace, although knowing that this was highly against almost all rules put in place she couldn’t bring herself to care. Yes he was her commanding officer, and yes she was but a lowly cadet, but in that moment wrapped within his strong arms and snuggled closely into her chest, she had never felt more relaxed. She let out one long shaky breath, one that he definitely felt, and pulled away from him. She needed to keep the relationship professional till she graduated, and probably even after then, god knows her father wouldn't want her to disgrace his name.

As she pulled away from his warm embrace she dared a glance up, there was a look of what almost seemed like longing and affection in the eyes of the man before her, and a look of want, the emotions she found in his intense brown eyes made her shiver. She watched as his eyes glanced down towards her lips, then slowly back up to her eyes as his tongue darted out to lick his lips. Shamefully her own eyes were then transfixed on his mouth, and for a small moment, she pushed the thoughts of rank out the window as his head dipped down and his lips captured hers in a bruising kiss. The shock that came from the kiss had her gasping into his mouth, giving him the perfect opportunity to tangle his tongue with hers, she felt his hands start to wander down her back, and further still to her ass. The shock of this seemed to finally bring her to her sense, cause not a second later she was pushing him away and taking a few steps back for good measure.

Standing there staring at the LT Colonel, chest heaving in time with his, sheer horror overcame her sense. What had she just done? Wiping a hand down her face to clear her thoughts she knew she needed to end this before it started, even if the kiss was better than nay she had had.

“Sir, I..” Greyson trailed off, she was struggling to find the right words for the situation, she didn’t want to reject him in a harsh way, or reject him at all if she was being totally honest with herself, but she knew this was the only thing that would save her career from being a shit-fight. “I’m sorry Sir, I can’t do this, I’m sorry” and with those final words she dismissed herself and promptly left the room for the safety of her barracks. In her rush to get away from an awkward moment, she failed to notice the  LT. Colonel’s face fell and the way he had to refrain himself from reaching out to touch her.

Breathing heavily and overcome with emotion, Cadet Greyson finally made it back to her barracks, a room she shared with but one other cadet, the luxury of being an officer in training. To her shock her roommate, Cadet Lewis, was still awake, and by the looks of it, she had been waiting for her to get back.

“So, you're fucking the LT Colonel right? That's how you've made it to the top of the points board” Cadet Lewis hissed at her

“I... what the fuck are you talking about Lewis, I earnt my place on that board by beating the rest of you lazy fucks in the events fair and square. And what the fuck do you mean, fucking the LT. Colonel, what gives you that idea?!” In her already distressed state Greyson was finding it hard to process the accusation thrown at her by the cadet in front of her.

“Oh fuck off Greyson, don’t play dumb with me. All the cadets see the way he looks at you and how he treats you differently from the rest of us! And don't act like you weren’t just smooching up to him in the common room, I saw it all”

Greyson felt sick to her stomach, if Lewis had seen it all she could have just lost the right to be here if she decided to run her mouth. She forced herself to turn around before muttering, “I don’t know what you’re talking about Lewis”

Lewis just scoffed, “yeah right, what you think you are exempt from the rules because your daddy was in the force too? Fuck right off Greyson, you’ve got another thing coming if you think you’re gonna get away with this”

Greyson felt her stomach flip, god, the stupid cadet behind her really just pulled that card. She knew she came from an army background but she definitely was not sleeping her way to the top, no matter what the other cadets thought. But at the mention of her father, the sickness turned to anger and she rounded on Cadet Lewis, giving her the harshest glare she could muster, lips curled up in a snarl and a finger pointed in the direction of the other recruit she growled out, “You bring my fucking father into the mess that you’ve made up in that thick skull of yours and I’ll use my name to my advantage. I’m sure your family would love you to return home with Dishonorable discharge plastered all over your report, wouldn’t they?”

Greyson had to to hold back her smirk when she noticed the way the other cadet clammed up and how her face fell. Yeah that's right, bring my father into this and I’ll use it to my advantage you useless trash. And without so much as another word Greyson walked out of the room, slamming the door to their room for emphasis. She was sure almost all the recruits in the block had heard what had just transpired but she honestly couldn’t care less. She made her way out of the barracks building and towards the gym, she needed to get the tension out of her muscles and a workout would be the easiest outlet.

In her haste and far too deep within her own thoughts, Greyson failed to lift her head to see where she was going, and as she rounded the final corner that led to the gym she came to an abrupt halt, slamming into a wall, or at least that's what it felt like. It wasn't until a pair of strong hands moved to steady her did she realize she hadn’t in fact run into a wall at all, just the widest chest she’d ever felt the pleasure of being this close too. She presumed it was one of the infantry boys, they were usually in the gym this late so it would make sense. Except, as far as she knew, none of the boys had the last name  Carrillo.

So I was Playing Choices new game Foreign Affairs.

And I feel attacked.

That’s just on my phone, I once had over 70 tabs open.

That’s my computer at the moment, and that’s how it usually looks.

My design for “Mike” chapter 3 boss

I can’t really show it by image but Mike can also Stop, Rewind and Fast-forward it’s attack. It’s a tricky boss !

In Denial // A Theo Raeken story

Chapter 3

I'm taking my normal morning jog in the woods, something I haven't done in weeks because of the ghost riders. The air is cool and feels wonderful on my newly sweaty skin. The branches on the trees sway gently in the wind, leaves occasionally swirling to the ground. A beautiful fall morning. I smile. I slow my pace to a fast walk instead of a jog, catching my breath. For breakfast this morning I had some chocolate chip muffins I made the night before. The chocolate taste still lingers in my mouth, making me hungry for more.

Behind me, I hear a twig snap. I immediately turn to the noise, seeing a tall man in a hat. I couldn't see his features, because the sun hadn't fully come up. His hand rested on his hip, like there was something there.

"What do you want." I slowly ask to the figure. I know exactly who he is.

"Failure." Behind him comes three dread doctors, who I could now see in result of the quickly rising sun. I could also see the face of the ghost rider. The doctors seemed to materlize out of the rider. More and more stepped out from behind the ghost rider and three dread doctors turned into hundreds. I ran as fast as I could in the opposite direction. I've never run faster in my life.

"Uby. Ruby. RUBY!" A familiar voice rang in my head as I ran faster and faster, the doctors right behing me. Then, I realized I wasn't moving. I was running in place.

"RUBY!"

I snapped awake, screaming bloody murder. I felt hands on my arms but they weren't the dread doctors or the ghost rider.

"Hey, hey, you're okay. Ruby, you're okay. Breathe." I look to my right hearing the familiar voice again. Theo is kneeling on the floor next to my bed. I slow my breathing to a normal pace.

"How did you know?" I ask.

He replies, "I heard your heartbeat. It woke me up from my beauty sleep."

"Beauty sleep?"

"Yeah," he says. "You aren't the only one who cares about how they look." And with that, typical Theo Raeken is back. I turn to look at my wooden nightstand to the right of my bed. The digital clock flashes twelve o'clock. The power must've gone out considering the sun shining through my transparent white curtains.

"What time is it?" I rub my eyes, removing the crust and leftover mascara. I forgot to take off my makeup. I probably look like a shipwreck.

Theo grabs my phone on my dresser, clicks it on, and reads out the time on the lock screen. He smiles. Probably a result of the lock screen picture, Stiles and I sitting on a dock next to Lydia's lake house.

"8:45." Good, my dad already left for work. School is supposed to start in three weeks, so I've been sleeping in. No morning jogs. Now I really won't be able to go on a jog. That dream shook me up.

"Do you have any plans for today?" Theo asks.

"Not until one. Lydia and I are picking up Stiles and going to Applebee's."

"Applebee's? Of all places, Stiles chose Applebee's for his 18th birthday?" I guess he read the note I must've dropped in the hallway. I don't see it on my dresser.

"Well, he hasn't really experienced a fancy lunch or dinner except Applebee's. If you couldn't tell by my house, my family's not the richest." I take my phone out of his hands. "Anyways, since I'm not busey this morning, do you want to do something?" Why did I just ask that? I'm not even supposed to have him in my spare room. Why did my brain think it would be okay to ask him to do something with me?

"We could go to the lake." He stands up and walks past my closet on the opposite wall of my bed. He stops at my dresser. Looking through the dresser.

"What the hell are you doing?" He doesn't reply. When he finds what he is looking for, he pulls out my favourite bathing suit. A plain, red, high-waisted one-piece.

"Put it on," he says, throwing it to me. I catch it while my eyes stay glued to his.

"What gives you the righ-"

He cuts me off. "Let's go to the lake." I roll my eyes eternally. I think for a few minutes, looking at Theo, then the swim suit, then Theo again.

"Fine." I grunt. "But we have to be back by ten so I can pack an extra outfit for the party."

"Party?" He asks, intrigued. No no no.

"Yes, and you are most definitely not invited." He frowns.

"Why not princess?" I stand up from my bed and I walk over to my closet.

"Scott's gonna be there. Also it's my brother's birthday, and I'm not letting you ruin it." I grab a long, baggy shirt from one of my hangers and walk out of my room.

After changing into my bathing suit and putting on the shirt and some shorts that I found on the bathroom floor, I walk out of the bathroom. Theo makes me jump a little by standing right in front of the door.

"Can we also stop by and get my truck from the tow yard?" I walk downstairs as he follows. I shouldn't of let him stay the night. Now he thinks he can do whatever he wants.

"No. I'm not letting you drive and I'm not paying the tow man an unreasonable amout of cash to get your piece of crap truck out." I can practically smell his dissatisfaction. "Sorry, but I'm doing enough for you already."

He mumbles something that I shouldn't be able to hear without my supernatural hearing.

"My truck isn't crap."

When I start the car I realize Theo isn't wearing swim trunks. As if he could hear inside my mind, he says, "My trunks are in my truck b-t-w." I grunt. Here's a challenge, take a shot evertime Theo makes me mad. There's your one way trip to alcohol poisoning.

I turn off the car and turn to Theo.

"If you move even an inch, I will slit your troat and take it OUT of your body." I smile sarcastically. "Okay?" The preppy-ness in my voice seems to annoy him. "Be right back." And with that I grab a pair of old swim trunks from Stiles' drawer.

Why am I doing this?

Yo yo yooo. Okay hi. Did you like the 3rd chapter. It was kinda kyute in my opinion. Still not getting a lot of reads but thats okay. As long as I make one person smile. Anyways I'm proud of this chapter. I wrote it in under 30 mins with little errors. Sorry if I didn't catch some mistakes, I'm working on getting better. I edited it more in Tumblr so my wonderful Tumblr readers get some extra oomf. Xoxo -em

Wc: 1131♡

Life Changes (ch 3)

Peter wakes up around eleven to a text from Tony.

Received Tony: Make sure to hydrate today when you practice. I’d hate to see you in the ER due to collapsing.

Peter smiles softly before getting up and snapping a picture of his water bottle and sending.

Sent Tony: We still on for tonight?

He gets up and gets dressed, finding a pair of soft pants and a button down. He decided to go to the studio to work on some the dances he was given as the dancing part of the audition. The dance was fairly simple but that means he had to be perfect and no less. Of course, with his standards, anything less than perfect wasn’t good enough.

Peter was making a sandwich when his phone pinged. He sets the knife down and unlocked it.

Received Tony: Of course. I’m looking forward to it. Did you sleep well?

Sent Tony: I did. Did you?

Peter puts the phone in his pocket and slides his shoes on, grabbing his sandwich and his keys. He takes a bite and walks out, locking the door before going to to his car. His phone buzzed as he was unlocking his car.

Received Tony: I’m a doctor. There’s no such thing as a good night sleep anymore.

Sent Tony: Oh. I’m sorry :(

Peter slides into the car and sets his phone into the passenger seat, finishing his sandwich and taking off to the studio. This was the studio where he learned to dance and it was his safe haven. He greets the lady at the desk, Sherri.

“How are you doing today Peter?”

“I’m doing great. How’s the kids?” Peter smiles.

“Growing like weeds. So, Something Rotten, huh? Which character?”

“William Shakespeare.” Peter laughs a little.

Sherri raises an eyebrow. “Wanting a reason to take your shirt off on stage?” She teases.

“Are you complaining?”

“Not at all. I just need to know when I can clear my calendar to come watch.” She wiggles her eyebrows. Peter chuckles.

“Behave Sherri.” He scolds.

“Or what? You’ll spank me?”

Peter rolls his eyes with a smile. Sherri was a flirt but was harmless. She drops off a muffin on her desk before making his way into the studio. He sits his bag down and kneels next to the stereo and connected his phone. He sits with his legs out and stretches, before picking himself up and beginning to dance around the room. He lets himself get caught up in the music and the moments just come naturally.

-----.-----

Tony smiles as he finishes his rounds, making his way to the break room for coffee. He nearly runs into Stephen Strange on his way though. Stephen was the head of neurosurgery.

“Woah!” Stephen stumbles back a little. “Earth to Stark.”

Tony shakes his head. “Sorry sorry.”

“What’s got you so distracted?” Stephen moves aside so Tony could get to the coffee pot.

“I’m tired mostly.”

“But you’re in a good mood. You’re an asshole when you’re tired. Did you have sex?” Stephen asked with an amused smile.

“No.” Tony takes a deep drink from his mug. He hums at the strength. It tasted amazing.

“I don’t believe you.”

Tony sits the mug down on the counter.

“I did not have sex. But I met a guy.”

Stephen makes an ‘ah’ sound. “That makes sense. Tell me about him?”

“His name is Peter Parker-”

“Peter Parker? Like the one on Broadway?”

Tony shot him an annoyed look. He hated being interrupted. Stephen didn’t even bother to look sorry.

“Yes, the one from Broadway. He’s pretty and seems very sweet. We’re meeting for dinner when I get off.”

“You better be careful Tony.”

Tony raises an eyebrow.

“And what does that mean?”

“You are both well known public figures. If this ends bad it could ruin your career. Plus, even with as annoying as you are, I don’t want to see you hurt.”

“I honestly don’t see this going bad. At least I really hope it doesn’t. He seems like a really good person. He sang me to sleep last night.” Tony mentions, raising an eyebrow at Stephen’s last remark. “Oh Stephen! You do care!” He says with a laugh.

Stephen rolls his eyes. “You’re needed in the ER. Boss’ orders.”

Tony sighs and puts his mug in the sink. “I have an operation at three.”

“He knows. But there’s a guy who said he has had a headache for a week and a half. Rogers says to check it out.”

“Alright. Fine.” He turns and leaves the room, making his way down to the ER.

 “Good morning, I’m Dr. Tony Stark. I see you’ve been having headaches for a week and a half?” Tony asked, going over the chart. He looks up at the man. He looked young, maybe a sophomore in high school.

“No sir, not headaches. Just one non stop headache.” He winces and closes his eyes against the bright lights of the hospital.

Well that was not good.

“Okay…” Tony glances at the chart. “Aaron, we’re gonna get you up to MRI and see if we can find the cause of these pains okay?”

Aaron just nods.

-----.-----

Peter lays flat on his back in the middle of the studio, with his eyes closed and just let the music wash over him. He kept his mind blank, unsure what to even expect that evening. He honestly did try to keep his mind on his audition, and he was able to for a while but his mind kept slipping back to Tony’s invite. Was it a date? Was it just casual? What do you wear to a dinner with a famous brain surgeon? He sits up and rubs his face. He needed help. He called Ned.

“Hello hello. How may I be of service Dancing Queen?”

Peter rolls his eyes at the nickname.

“I need help. I can’t figure out what to wear tonight.”

“Is it a date?”

“Well I’m getting dinner with Tony-”

“You’re getting dinner with Tony Stark?!?”

Peter had to hold the phone away from his ear at Ned’s loud tone.

“Yes and I need your help.”

“I’m on my way.”

Peter hangs up and laughs to himself. He picks himself up and turns the stereo off before telling Sherri goodbye and heading home.

-----.-----

“Hey Strange. Come here.” Tony calls, sticking his head out of the lab door. Stephen looks over with a tilted head.

“What?” He asked, coming in and sitting his coffee down.

“Look at this.”

Tony puts up Aaron’s scans on the display.

“My god.” Stephen leans forward. “That thing is the size of my fist!”

“Yeah. We have to operate. Toady. That thing is going to kill him if we don’t.”

“What about your date?”

Tony bites his lip. Was it a date? He would love for it to be a date, but he wasn’t sure Peter would be up for it. Stephen snaps his fingers.

“Earth to Stark. Hello!”

Tony shakes his head.

“Sorry sorry. No I’m sure he’ll understand. He’s a good person.”

“Alright. If you say so. I’ll get an intern started on pre ops.”

“Yeah and I’ll go tell him what’s happening-” Tony stopped when his pager went off. He checks it and swears loudly. “Damnit! He’s coding. We are operating now!” He bolts out the door.

-----.-----

Peter stands outside the hospital for a moment, smoothing his shirt and taking a deep breath. He and Ned ended up settling on a red button down and black slacks.He shifts from one foot to the other. It was about half an hour before he wonders if he should have gone inside. He sighs and squared his shoulders before going in. He looks around for a moment before the nurse at the desk calls him over.

“Sir? May I help you?”

Peter clears his throat, suddenly nervous.

“Um...Yes. Can you tell me where Dr. Stark is?”

“He’s in surgery.”

Relief floods over Peter like a tidal wave. Tony was in surgery. He hadn’t been stood up.

“Okay thank you.”

He looks around and finds a seat, sitting down to wait. He pulls out his phone and starts to run through lines. To any other person, he probably looked insane, but Peter didn’t really care. He managed to get through a good chunk of the first act of Sweeney Todd before the nurse clears her throat.

“Sir, here he comes.”

Peter jumps up as Tony comes through the double doors. He looks tired but happy. He brightens instantly when he sees Peter.

“Peter! I’m so sorry about being late. I had a surgery and I’m going to change now-”

Peter smiles.

“Don’t apologize. I don’t mind waiting. Go, a few more minutes won’t kill me.”

Tony gives him a grateful smile.

“I’ll make this up to you.”

‘Don’t worry about it. Go.” Peter shoos him.

  Tony quickly changes into the suit he had brought from home during his lunch break. He forwent the tie, settling on the button up and jacket, in which he only buttoned the middle. He runs a brush through his hair but it wasn’t wanting to corruprate.

“Well don’t you look dashing?” Stephen says behind him.

Tony turns, smirking a little. “I always look dashing, what are you talking about?”

Stephen rolls his eyes. “Ever heard of a hairbrush?”

“Hey maybe Peter likes the messy look.”

“Well maybe. He is going out with you.” Stephen teases and laughs. “Have fun tonight and try not corrupt him too much.”

“Who me?” Tony asked innocently. “I’m a good egg.”

“We will see. Now go on. He’s waiting for you.”

“Alright. See you tomorrow and let me know if something happens with Aaron?”

“I will. Now go.”

Tony smirks and winks before pushing out of the locker room. The look on Peter’s face was priceless. His honey eyes widen and his mouth drops open. Tony laughs a little.

“See something you like?”

“I see a lot of what I like.”Peter blurts then blushes deeply.

 Oh god. Oh god. Oh god. What the hell did he have to open his big mouth? Peter wanted to crawl into a hole and die.

“So do I.” Tony smiles offers his hand. “Shall we?”

“Oh. I..I drove.”

“That’s okay. I’ll bring you back here after dinner.”

Peter feels his ears go pink and he takes Tony’s outstretched hand. Tony takes him out to a deep red convertible. It probably cost more than Peter’s car and wardrobe together. He was pulled from his thoughts by Tony opening the door.

“It doesn’t bite. I promise.”

Peter laughs despite himself and gets in. “Sorry. It’s just...really nice.”

“Don’t let that intimidate or or make you feel like you have to try and impress me. Just be yourself.” Tony looks over with an unreadable expression. “For tonight I’m just a guy and so are you. No internationally known brain surgeon or famous Broadway performer. Tonight we can just be Tony and Peter.”

Peter felt himself relax and let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding.

“Yes. That sounds amazing. I’d love that.”

Dinner was amazing. They went to an Italian place where Tony knew the chef. The conversation wasn’t forced, it felt natural and Peter loved it. But all to soon it came to an end.

“Can we take the long way back?” Peter asked before he could stop himself. “I just...don’t want tonight to be over yet.”

Tony looks over and smiled. The lights of the city made the older man’s eyes shine and made his skin glow. He looked almost angelic. Peter felt entranced.

“Sure thing. I happen to enjoy being in your company.”

They drove around for about a half an hour before they ended up back at the hospital. Peter felt like he was floating. He looks up as his door was opened and Tony offered his hand again. Peter takes it and stands. Their chests were almost touching now. Peter closes his eyes and closes the gap, on a whim. Then he jerked back, hitting his head on the edge of the windshield. Tony tried-and failed- to hide the smile on his face.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to and-”

“You didn’t mean to kiss me?” Tony was still smiling.

“Well, no. Unless...You liked it?”

Tony just chuckles and kisses him, likely to stop his babbling.

“Call me tomorrow after your audition and we can go celebrate.”

“You don’t even know if I’ll get the part.”

“But I do have a feeling.”

“Alright, I’ll have to trust you then. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Good night Peter.”

“Good night Tony.”

One Fresh, No Fresh (Chapter 3)

Hey guys! Here is chapter 3! I don’t have anything to say about this story without any spoilers (sadly) But without any delay, lets get into the story.

Fresh, Geno, and Error belong to @loverofpiggies

MommaCQ and herself belong to @alainaprana

Other characters and story belong to me, @leiselpizzatale

__________________________________________________________________________

“F-fresh?”

Fresh looked up, seeing Geno lying on the couch. The T.V. across them was on, but Fresh couldn’t see or hear the show that was on, somehow.

“Yea brah? Whatcha need?”

Geno coughed a bit, before saying, “I t-think it’s time f-for my medicine. Can you g-get it for *cough* me?”

Fresh smiled, saying, “Sure brah! One bottle of pills, coming right up!”

Geno giggled. “Maybe not a w-whole bottle, hehe. Maybe just two, w-with some water?”

“Sure brah! Let me get dem pills and water. I’ll be right back!”

After a bit of struggle, he finally got the pills and a glass of water, and went to the living room. “Here Geno, I got… your…” Fresh said, dropping the pills and water.

In front of him was Geno, but he looked different. For one, he looked like an adult, not a ten-almost-eleven year old. Secondly, he had a red streak that ran across his chest, and it only took a couple seconds for Fresh to find out that it was a cut, and the red of it was blood. Looking up, he saw that the scarf he was wearing had a bit of dust. Monster dust, Fresh realizes. Geno also saw that there was a bit of blood in his teeth too.

“Why did you hit me Fresh?!” Adult-Geno yelled. His voice was different too, more baritone than Geno’s high pitched voice. “Why did you hurt me?! Why don’t you kill me while your at it!”

Fresh couldn’t speak, couldn’t move. He was too frightened of seeing Adult-Geno to do anything.

Adult-Geno started chuckling, closing his eye sockets, before opening them again. In the eye socket was a blue and red Iris, and with an angry tone, Adult-Geno finale words were,

“Well, why don’t I just return the favor?”

And with that, a demon skull appeared in front of Adult-Geno, before blasting a beam of white light at Fresh, before Fresh’s sight blacked out. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“NO!” Fresh yelled, sitting up on his bed. He looked around. He wasn’t in his old house. Instead, he was in Alaina’s, in the guest-turned-into-his bedroom. Fresh pressed his knees to his rib cage, a sob escaping him as he placed his skull onto his kneecaps.

For a while, Fresh did nothing but cry. A couple times, Fresh would even whisper, “I’m sorry Geno,”. Soon enough, Fresh’s sobs became small whimpers, and he found out that he was surrounded by a bunch of arms, belonging to Alaina and her parents.

Softly, Alaina’s mother said to Fresh, “Let’s get you some hot chocolate, shall we?”

Fresh nodded. He really wanted something to drink, so why not hot chocolate? They headed down the Living Room, where Fresh sat down on the couch, a blanket covering his shoulders. Alaina sat next to him, rubbing his back as he looked down.

Soon enough, Alaina’s mom walked in, carrying a mug full of hot chocolate. With a small, “Thank You,“ Fresh took the cup, taking small sips. It was quiet for a while. The only noises there were was the ticking of the clock, which when Fresh looked up, read 3:51, everyone’s breathing, and Fresh drinking his hot chocolate.

Finally, Alaina, in a small voice, asked, “So Fresh, can you tell me what your nightmare was about?”

Fresh flinched, which Alaina quickly replied, “I’m sorry! You don’t have to answer if you do-“ “No”.

Everyone looked at Fresh, who had a serious look toward Alaina. He put down his hot chocolate, took Alaina’s hands, saying, “When someone proposes, and the person getting proposed agrees, that means that they trust each other, and that they want to be together for the rest of eternity. And you can’t trust someone if they lie or don’t tell you something repeatedly, “.

Fresh looked away, saying, "And for the entire time we’ve known each other, you knew NOTHING about me, except simple things like my favorite food or movie. Well, “Fresh looked back, a determined look on his face, "I’m going to tell you everything about my life before meeting you,”.

“Now you hold on a second there, “Alaina’s mom said, "It’s very late, and I know that we are all exhausted. So why don’t we all head to bed, and get to hear Fresh’s life story tomorrow, once everyone is out of work,”.

Fresh and Alaina looked at each other. It was true that they were all tired, and they could all wait until tomorrow. So after saying goodnight to everyone, Fresh took his hot chocolate, drank the rest of it, and put it in the sink, before heading to bed. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fresh was nervous. He was on the bus, heading home, and he couldn’t stop shaking. He’s never been this nervous. Not even when he proposed to Alaina almost three weeks ago. He was about to tell everyone about where he came from. A shiver ran through his body just thinking of it. Finally, Fresh though as he pulled the rope.

When he got home, he saw Alaina and her parents on the couch. They turned to him, small but supporting smiles on their faces. Fresh gave a small smile as well, before sitting on the chair across them.

“Are ya ready?” Fresh asked.

Alaina’s mother answered, “We should be asking you that!”

Fresh shook his head, “Nah. I’ve been ready since early this morning. Just a bit nervous as all,“. Fresh breathed in, held his breath, before breathing out. “Alright, let’s get this over with, “.

And with that, Fresh talked about his family. He talked about CQ, how she was the best artist he’s ever seen, and how amazing her drawings were. He talked about Error, who apparently cried the first time he got to see Fresh, because of how scary Fresh’s eyes were. He told about how he was emotionless for quite a while, the answer to why was unknown.

Then, with a heavy heart, he talked about Geno. He talked about how he had such a big heart to anyone and everyone. He talked about how Geno was always going in between their house and the hospital, due to his illness that was probably impossible to cure. He told them that no matter how hard Geno bounced into the hospital, he would always keep on smiling.

Finally, he told of the incident. Fresh tried, he really did, but every time he’d start telling them, he would burst out crying. It took him about half an hour to get through the entire story.

And through the entire thing, Alaina and her parents were supportive, holding him whenever he started crying again. ‘I’m so happy that I proposed to the right woman’ Fresh thought.

After they calmed down, Alaina’s mom asked quietly, "You know what you should do now?”. Confused, Fresh shook his head. Alaina’s mom suddenly bursting with joy, saying, “You should go home! You could take a big trip, going all the way to… uh, where did you say you lived?”

After getting over the shock of Alaina’s mom’s outburst, he replied, “New Mexico.”

“Wow! That’s so far away! Anyway, you could get some time off from the lab, pack up, bring Alaina, and meet your family after so many years!”

While Alaina’s mom kept talking, Fresh felt a deep burning inside him. Before he could recognize it, he yelled, “IT’S NOT THAT FUNKING EASY!”

Fresh looked around, teeth clenched tightly. Both Alaina and her parents were in shock. Through the entire time they’ve known Fresh, he’s never swore. Fresh gave a big huff, before stomping up to his room, slamming the door.

WLC 3.A: A Fishy Ending

Outside of the tower, Ling begins praying, "I humbly call upon ya, OH GREAT DAGEXTAN!" The others chant the name behind her. "Bless this land to feed this world, guard this land from those beyond death, and," Ling points at the wormsworn, "Accept this offering!"

The ground rumbles, harder and faster than the worms and spells had made it prior. It bursts open under the what remains of the undead pests. The massive fish-headed avatar of the agricultural god devours the monsters in one sucking bite.

"Return to Samsara, ya wiggly b*****ds," yells Ling.

The avatar leaps out of the ground, flailing his elven-looking limbs as he dives back into the ground. His splash is a healing wave across the battle-scarred land.

"We are so lucky that worked," says Oighrig, finally landing, "Your divine connections have saved us all."

"No worries," says Ling, "'Sides, ya'll did most of the work."

"I would never have thought to use the corpses themselves as the runes, Your Darkness," says Oighrig, "A most impressive display."

"Thank you," Melandria says with a bow.

"That's nice," says Ling walking into the tower, "But I got to check on my kid. Gash, you're still responsible."

Before Ling can get to far, Melandria's shadow hand stops her. "I know a faster way," she says. She pulls the group into the shadows and to just outside Gank's room.

Gash opens the door without knocking. Inside the room, Jevoi lies asleep on Gank's bed, with the charda sitting on the floor reading her tome. She shushes the adults as they enter.

"See, nothing to worry about," whispers Gash.

"Ya're lucky," whispers Ling, "Ya got a responsy kid here." She walks up to the bed. "Good on'ya, kid," she says to Gank, before picking up Jevoi, "And time to get ya back to bed."

L: I'd take it back, but... G: It's funny, now.

"Can I hold her?" asks Melandria, "No, I'm sorry. Ignore me."

"Go ahead, Mel," says Ling holding Jevoi up for the Shadow Queen to grab, "Sorry, I was... acting like that down there."

Melandria gently scoops Jevoi from her mother's arms and rocks her slowly. "You've nothing to apologize for Ling. The circumstances were... difficult."

"Struth, that was a stressful five minutes," says Ling, "Just glad she's okay. I was ready to end one of ya."

J: You did not say that. L: Yeah, I did. G: Was there, can confirm: she did. J: Your memory's wrong. G: Ghosts have perfect memory; I can't forget even if I try. L: I'm a wizard; I don't forget anything I don't want to.

"Mom, stop," says Gank, swatting one claw at Gish who is rubbing her head.

"Gank, was it?" asks Ling, "How'd you like a little job?"

G: One of the worst decisions of your life, right? L: Not even top ten.