*BEFORE*

"Cole, How was school?

"Ah, it was okay."

"What'd you learn?"

"Hmm, some stuff about the Constitution in history. Something I could barely comprehend in Calc. So the usual I guess."

"Are you going to hang out with your friends today."

"Uhm… No, they are… busy I guess."

"I see."

"Don't give me that look mom I'm fine. They are annoying anyway. I'm going to go do some reading. Let me know when dinner is ready."

"Alright. But listen, Cole, it will get better. I promise."

"Mhm, I know mom. But really I'm fine."

"Dad will be home late again so how about we go out for dinner tonight?"

"…Are you really ok with that?"

"Of course, we will get burgers at 'The Chuck Wagon'."

"That's… that's not what I mean."

"Oh… Well, there's no helping it I suppose."

"You could say something, you could tell him that both you and I know."

"It's not that simple, Cole."

*Box Seats*

"Woah, what kinda magic is that?!"

"Oh, it's cool right Mirna? It's called Shadow manipulation. It's kinda scary right?"

"They are moving?! It's not scary!"

"Ah, well I suppose it's just the people who use it that are scary."

"Could Captain use it? It wouldn't be scary at all then. And he could make pictures!"

"Well, Captain is amazing but he doesn't seem too skilled with magic. Although he did pick up my wood treatment technique in half an hour."

"If it's Captain he can do it!"

"Right, right. Well if you ask him to learn it I'm sure he would."

"Of course. He loves Mirna dearly after all."

"Mhm, that's right."

"But he also loves Aqua, Alice, and El too!"

"How could he not? I'm an elf princess after all. I am the image of humans fantasy."

"Image of fantasy?"

"I suppose Mirna is too… but for degenerated humans."

"Yay! Mirna is an object of fantasy!"

"You shouldn't cheer for that. El, what are you teaching her?"

~

"Hey Alice, you have been a little quiet today is everything ok?"

"Oh, Aqua. Yeah. Fine, just fine."

"Really? You don't seem fine."

"You…You don't need to check my temperature. It's perfectly fine."

"Hmm, you're right. But you still seem odd."

"That's because she's fantasizing."

"Your majesty?"

"Dad!?"

"Ah, it was something that happened while all of you were doing your bouts. Cole commanded her to do something, so now I'm sure she can't get it out of her head."

"What?!?! What did he tell you to do? Was…was it naughty? No, wait don't say it, Mirna is here. But tell me!"

"It was nothing like that. He just told me to watch the tournament but… The tone of voice and the strict command it just…"

"Alice you are… odd."

"I am?"

"""Mhm."""

"That may be the case, but Cole care for you, so don't change yourself just because of their words."

"Ah, your majesty. I… I won't change. I will fulfill my role faithfully!"

"Good, you remind me of a young Queen."

"Dear! You said you wouldn't ever mention that!"

"Mom, dad?"

~

"They were stronger than I expected. I really now realize my foolishness even more. Walking into the match I couldn't help but think 'there's no way a girl could beat me.' but I was very wrong."

"What about Clove? Is your sister not a girl?"

"No, sister is a monster. Or, that was my opinion. Now, I don't even know. My mind is still blank from getting knocked out so quickly."

"So bringing the kid here was indeed a good idea then."

"You knew this would happen?"

"Well, I knew he would defeat you, but I didn't know he would do it without even using his own strength."

"If I can't even keep up with them I would be hopeless against the demon king. No, I would be of no use to the hero at all. I will train, and I will become strong enough to stand beside Cole and strike down the Demon spawn."

"Mhm, I believe in you son. With your ways changed I can finally support your quest for strength."

"Thank you, father. I won't let you down."

~

"Princess you seem nervous? Is my fight with you really so startling?"

"You misunderstand Roya, you should know full well we aren't opponents. It's the next battle that I fear."

"So he's as terrifying as they say?"

"No, he's lovely. The kindest person I've ever known. That's why I'm scared."

"Ah, those are the hardest fights I suppose. Well, should we finish this already? You must be anxious."

"Yes, thank you. Let's begin."

"But I must say, now I'm tempted to try to win just to try my hand on him."

"If you did the whole royal army would be after you."

"So the other rumor about him was true then?"

"Mm, if it weren't you I wouldn't say but, it should be announced after the final."

~

"Your holiness is everything ok?"

"Yes, yes sorry I thought I saw something for a moment but I was just mistaken."

"Ah, I see. But that one is going to be the new hero?"

"Yes, he's handsome isn't he?"

"Yes your holiness, he is very… Ah, what are you making me say?"

"Ah, Iurha you are so fun."

"Please don't make fun of me your holiness."

"My apologies. Ah, it's already over, huh?"

"What he beat the… She surrendered?"

"It's no surprise. She had the upperhand before but he dwarfed her abilities in a moment, he really is creative."

"You seem interested in him."

"Yes, you might say he reminds me of an old lover."

"Lov…Lover??"

"Of course, why? Did you think I was loveless?"

"No, i just… You've never spoken about such a thing before so I…"

"It's not an easy memory to bring back. But now watching him the feelings feel warm once again. The salt I used to taste is now gone."

"…"

"But from the rumors I've heard, he prefers woman with your shape, so you should do your best when you meet him!"

"Wha…"

*Midnight snack*

~Warning Incoming Risky Alice Fanservice~

"Ah, Master? What are you doing awake?"

"I could ask you the same thing. I was getting water but I noticed your form was missing. Everything ok?"

"Yeah. I was just… Nothing."

"Oh? Now I'm curious."

"It was really nothing."

"But you are clearly blushing. I would be remiss if I let this go. Should I make it a command?"

"If you wish."

"Hmm, no. I have a better one. Alice, I command you to be honest."

"Ye…yes master."

"So what were you bothered by?"

"No, I wasn't bothered. Well, I was but not in the normal fashion. I came up here because I didn't want to wake the others. I was playi…"

"Ah, I see, I see. Sorry I didn't mean to pry."

"No, not at all. You were the cause so it's only natural you should know. And maybe see…"

"Alice you don't have to…"

"But Master said to be honest. So I will be. About everything."

"Ali…"

"Shh. Rou and Aqua got kisses but that's not enough for me. I want all of Master."

"All?"

"All. Master asked me to be honest, so my body is naturally being honest. I hope you will forgive me, Master."

"Wha… Alice wait, no. Don't pull those down!"

"You resist but your body is more honest."

"Wha…ahh…"

*Note to self. Pay close attention to the wording of commands when addressing Alice. This night will not be forgotten. It can't be.

*Excerpt. Chapter 94 paragraph 15*

'The key really is to avoid the situations where one is alone with the dangerous individual. Recently a companion of mine created a belt meant for baking assistance. It has the phenomenal effect of not allowing people within three feet of the wearer. I have dubbed it the magical chastity belt. it is handy and I suggest you find something similar. It's indispensable unless of course, the person has any skill with magic tools. In which case don't be afraid if you awaken naked attached to a large engraved stone. Or perhaps be very afraid. Chlo do you think I have gotten off track? No, stop. Don't write that part.'

"This guy was really the hero?"

"What was that? Oh? Captain your still awake?"

"Sorry Aqua, just getting some advice. But it was useless."

"Oh, for the match?"

"No, something far more terrifying. Why? Are you worried about it?"

"No, no. I know it will be okay. Honestly, I'm so excited for it I can barely sleep. But captain do you have something amazing planned? We should try to make a good show for the crowd."

"I know, I'm trying to think of something good."

"If it's Captain it will be spectacular. You are loved by the Ocean spirit after all."

"That's it! Thank Aqua."

*Mwah*

"Ah… Captain, You kissed…"

"Oh, that wasn't the reaction the first time. Strange."

"Well, I just… I wasn't expecting it."

"No fair…"

"Rou?!"

"Oh? Just how many of you are awake?"

"Mirna heard noises on the deck."

"Oh…"