A loud sound broke the silence of the sea early in the morning. Laphicet and Eleanor were up sooner than usual, training with Avernus and his malak, Tia, performing their new artes on the pirate ship's deck. The freezing winds of the Northgand were ceased to blow, making it suitable for the team to start their drills earlier.

Velvet was sitting on the railing with her legs stretched on the bar. She was watching Avernus and Laphicet together. The Shepherd patiently spoke the verses to the little malak, explaining the causes and effects of the artes in short but detailed descriptions. Avernus’s backup plans for every encounter made him not only her shadow but the rest of the group as well.

Velvet once again fell into the whirlwind of her thoughts that filled with paradoxes:

Was that Shepherd’s real responsibility? Was Artorius the same?

No. Artorius sacrificed Laphi and Velvet’s life for the needs of the many. Avernus was fighting the whole world alongside her for the needs of the few rogues and most wanted criminals. Even with everyone calling him an idiot, Avernus was the most sensible in an insane world running by reason.

Velvet eyes blinked faster; it was suddenly so clear to her; Avernus would never abandon them, never harm them, or say that it was against the reason or the ordinary folks’ needs to help the few outlaws. Avernus will always be there, and he would die to protect them. In that case, he was the Shepherd of the wolves.

Velvet abruptly felt a familiar impression; she looked at the ship's bow and saw the high walls of Titania coming into view. Eizen opened the door to crew quarters, and the team readied themselves for disembarking. The boat sluggishly anchored in the docks, and the sailors placed the ramp on the pier.

Rokurou came out with Medissa, still bound by the purple chains. They all formed a circle around her, escorting the therion out of the vessel. Medissa inspected the area. Her snake eyes darted from one section to another, “So, this is your secret area. Once I get free, you won’t stand a chance.” She hissed, threatening them.

The chains heated up and burned her skin. Medissa groaned in pain. Behind her, Tia was standing with her half-clenched hand, “You won’t get that chance. I will slice you in half faster than you can fizzle, snake.” Tia dauntingly told her.

Medissa giggled in pain, “You all better sleep with one eye open, especially the Shadow and the Calamity!”

Velvet slowly passed by her, giving her an unimpressed look, narrowing her eyes in indifference, “Look how worried I am.”

The two therions stared at one another, trading hate glares.

“Welcome back, everyone!”

Kamoana screamed; her voice broke the tense moment between Medissa and Velvet. She was waiting on the far side of the docks to greet the crew after their long voyage. Avernus walked faster towards her.

“Avernus!” her voice became gruffer as she ran into his embrace.

The hate and aggression in Medissa’s eyes disappeared in an instant. Her mouth remained half-opened. She watched Avernus spinning Kamoana around like a carousel, and the small girl giggled clamorously.

“How’s my little princess? Did you miss me?” Avernus asked her compassionately.

“Yeah! Last time, you were sleeping all day! I was bored! Dyle is dull, and Kurogane always makes noise when he works with his hammer!” Kamoana protested, twirling in his arms impatiently.

Laphicet caught Medissa’s reaction and her startled gesture, “That’s Kamoana.” He introduced her.

The silence on Medissa’s lips finally broke, “She’s the same age as Diana! Did Lord Astor turn someone so young into a therion? And the Shadow… he…” she wondered, her voice was softer but gloomier at the same time.

Avernus gently put Kamoana down, but the eyes of the little girl suddenly fixated on Medissa. Kamoana’s eyes bulged from fear, and she escaped Shepherd’s embrace back towards the entrance. But her legs failed her. Kamoana fell on the ground, hitting her knee on the hard texture of the dock. Avernus dashed after her and picked the little therion up.

Kamoana cried. The Shepherd caressed her hair tenderly. Avernus then hugged her little body, but the tears didn’t stop. Her weeping knifed Medissa’s psyche. Eleanor abruptly touched the purple chain, instantly dispelling it.

Tia turned to her in anger, “What the hell are you doing?!”

Velvet readied her blade, but Medissa didn’t move nor reacted to their defensive demeanour. Instead, she looked at Eleanor, baffled and surprised. The exorcist nodded, “Medissa… Please. Would you be able to talk to her?” She calmly asked in an amicable tone of voice.

“… Is this a trick?” Medissa inquired, still puzzled by her action and her friendly manner.

No one moved. Eleanor remained silent for a few seconds, “Kamoana may be therion, but deep down, she’s still a normal little girl who misses her mother. We can’t do anything to console her, no matter what we try. But if it were you….” Eleanor explained heartily.

Medissa turned to Avernus and Kamoana and slowly walked towards them.

She patted Avernus on the shoulder, “May I?” She asked cooperatively.

Avernus’s skeptical eyes darted from her to Eleanor, but his squire’s nod made him at ease. He stood up and walked a few meters back, giving Medissa and Kamoana some space.

Medissa examined Kamoana’s body for injury then held her hand. “Are you okay? You can call me Medissa, all right?”

The little girl stopped crying and gazed her in the eyes innocently. Medissa sensed her gape and looked away, shamed from her terrifying appearance, “Do I scare you, honey?”

Kamoana’s sobbing suddenly came to an end. “…A little. But not as much as Velvet and Dyle.” She replied honestly.

Velvet’s brows knotted even more than usual. Avernus turned to her, smirking, “I would take your side on this one, but she’s right. You’ve become even scarier lately.”

Velvet scoffed, “Then you’d better watch your back. You don’t know what I’ve in mind for a smartass like yourself.”

Avernus raised his brows, “Oh, colour me scared, madam.”

Kamoana’s next choice of words cracked their attention,

“Don’t you think I’m scary?” She naively asked Medissa. The snake therion felt a lump in her throat. The level of Abbey’s cruelty made her anxious. The little kid continued, “I had a bad dream earlier. My mommy said I looked scary and that she… she didn’t want me anymore….”

Medissa held her tightly without hesitation, “She would never! Your mother would never think about her daughter.”

“But how do you know?” Kamoana mumbled as she rested her head in Medissa’s bosom.

With a red nose, eyes full of tears, but a warm smile, Medissa looked at Kamoana, “Because I’m a mother too. Mothers always love their children, no matter what. No matter if we die… no matter how the world changes. There is nobody who loves you more in the world than your mother….”

Medissa’s tears ran down from her cheeks. Surprisingly, Kamoana embraced her, “It’s okay; you don’t need to cry.” The little girl tried to cheer her up in return.

The sincerity of Medissa’s speech alleviated Eleanor’s and Avernus’s minds.

The Shepherd turned to Eleanor, “Job well done, squire.”

Eleanor wrapped her arms around herself as if she was consoling herself, “I don’t know….”

“Don’t think about it. Trying to stop waterworks gets old fast.” Velvet expressed but seemed unimpressed.

Laphicet raised his head and looked at Velvet and Avernus, “Listen, if it’s not too personal… it was your mothers, uh….”

“She’s dead. I lost her when I was even younger than you.” Velvet answered him instantly and calmly before the kid felt even further embarrassment.

Avernus smiled bitterly, “My mother is dead too. I lost her a few years back before I came to Midgand.”

Laphicet swallowed. A sense of guilt overwhelmed him, “Oh… I’m sorry!”

Velvet noticed his reaction and chuckled, “It’s fine. It just means we all three got things in common. So no feeling sad and alone, okay?” she said in a kind and soft voice.

Laphicet’s cheeks heated up, and blood filled the small areas below his eyes, “Oh, no, I’m fine! I don’t feel lonely or anything, I swear!” his cheeks heated up.

Velvet’s eyes widened. She glanced back and forth from Laphicet’s innocent face to Avernus, “What’s gotten into you, Phi? You and Avernus are both so strange sometimes.”

Avernus narrowed his eyes and folded his arms defensively, “Stop teasing us, Velvet. Laphicet is perfectly fine when he is with me. It’s your... your influence… your aura that… distracts us from our true purpose.” He started strong but slowly ended in a messy, stuttered clamp of words.

Velvet’s grinned even further. Seeing them nervous was amusing. Nonetheless, they boosted her confidence. “All right, back to work. Eleanor, I’ll have you watch over Kamoana and Medissa.”

Eleanor jolted. She didn’t expect Velvet to care for their situation, “Yes, of course! I’d be honoured. Thank you!”

Velvet looked confused that civil tone felt unfamiliar to her, “Is being Avernus’s squire made you so polite to the grand lord of Calamity or whatnot?”

“Sure, why not! You two are the couple….” Eleanor paused and gobbled as soon as the image of Velvet and Avernus together crept into her thoughts, “Um… never mind! Besides, the daemon lord and her shadow ought to not trouble themselves over such simple tasks!” Eleanor said humbly.

All of a sudden, Benwick ran to them. “Velvet! Avernus! Grim is calling for you two. She says to bring Laphicet and meet her at the observation tower!” he announced breathy.

Velvet and Avernus both nodded, and all three went on their way towards the top of Titania.

Tia joined Avernus, “So, are we going to easily ignore the fact that another supposed “slumbering” Empyrean gave you their artifact to use?”

Avernus shook his head, looking indifferent, “I don’t know. They probably like me. I feel nothing special. It’s like; there is raw power, but no one’s there to tell you about it. There are no words or instructions. Just a series of memories that pushes into my mind, like a hollow template, for instance.”

“A failed attempt to pact with your soul,” Tia said to him in a grave tone.

Avernus shook his head in disagreement, “Nah, don’t think so. Using new artes shouldn’t be called a failed attempt.”

“They’re still slumbering beneath the earthpulses; their secondary bodies are still lost. The powers they gave you, are by default, just minor tools to be used by Dreamshadow. They indirectly want to pact with the Shepherd, but it’s no use to them. They have no physical bodies.” Tia explained thoroughly.

Avernus groaned, “Empyreans this, Empyrean that… Blah! Blah! Blah! Ah… This is so confusing. I’d rather take these powers as gifts and upgrades. Nothing more.”

Tia rolled her eyes at him in annoyance, “You should take these seriously, you little brat! Walking around, inviting unknown entities into your body….”

Avernus quickly turned his head at her, “There is no invitation! I didn’t make any pact with those Empyreans! You, above all, should know how this works!”

Their voices echoed through the tight corridors of Titania. Their argument went on until they reached the ladder that leads to the watchtower.

The scene above didn’t help the sadness that was enveloping the Island. But the group was together, and that was all that mattered to them. Grim heard the opening of the hatch and one by one. The rogue team climbed out of the ladder.

“There you people are.” She acknowledged them.

Avernus helped Laphicet, pulling his small body up, “I hope you have some good news for us, Grim.”

“I’ve got some news. It turns out there was a second counting song.” Grim said informatively. She gave Laphicet a hand-written paper. “I’ve already transcribed it. Would you read it aloud for us, child?”

The kid cleared his throat, taking a breath, “When the eight malevolence overflow in the culmination of humanity’s despair. Innominat will bring an end to all peoples. And restore them to time immemorial. Four Empyreans shall wield a wrathful sword. And cleave the great devourer. Two asunder to sleep beneath the earth. As scarlet moonlight illuminates the evil.”

Tia looked at Avernus; he was timid, rubbing his chin nervously. Laphicet continued,

“The Nameless Empyrean hath one heart. The Nameless Empyrean hath one body.”

Velvet quickly moved to Laphicet’s side, leaning on the page, “If I understand this right… It’s discussing the specific nature of Innominat?”

Grim laid back on top of a wooden barrel nearby, “That’s what I believe, yes.”

Velvet’s eyes moved quickly through the words and sentences again and again. Eizen glanced at Avernus, who was already looked more stiff than others, “So, Avernus, when the world is at peak malevolence, Innominat will use that power to “bring an end to all,” is that it?” He asked the Shepherd, waiting for a confirmation from him.

Eleanor also joined Eizen, “Is he right, Avernus? Is Innominat going to wipe out all of humanity?!” she asked him worryingly.

“…No. I don’t think that’s right.” Avernus murmured skeptically. The uncertainty gnawed at his thoughts. Why then going through all the trouble to destroy humanity? Lucian had hoped to help the world, and it didn’t mean that Artorius wanted to destroy it.

“No! Artorius is not that kind of man!

Velvet abruptly yelled, breaking Avernus’s focus.

She continued, “His two primary ideas are “the many over one” and “the restoration of order through will and reason.” Artorius sacrificed Laphi to protect this world, not to eradicate it.” She explained stridently.

Magilou gradually walked between them, grinning maliciously, “You mean, that’s who he is as far as you know, right?”

Velvet focused her gaze on her, frowning, and waiting for a delicate response.

The grin left Magilou’s face. She looked at Avernus, “People change, Velvet. Perhaps the Shepherd gave up hope. Isn’t that the case with you, Avernus? Haven’t you lost faith in the far-continent and came here to leave them to fend for themselves? Maybe Artorius lost faith in humankind too. Fools are prone to sin, endlessly generating malevolence. That will be the second Shepherd who loses his faith.”

Avernus raised his hand, clenching his fist, “Don’t put words in my mouth! I’ve never lost faith in humanity! I never gave up hope on far-continent! It’s not who I am! I’m still looking to find a way to fix all of this.” he lashed out at Magilou, furiously.

Velvet shook her head. The absence of a rational answer boggled her mind to no end, “He’s not like that… if that’s all true, then what point was there in Laphi’s death?!”

Eleanor tried to deescalate the tensions by directing the attention back to the mysterious counting book, “Have you find something else?”.

Grim let out a sigh, “Yes, and no. This copy is incomplete. It had more pages, but they are missing. For now, Avernus, I’ve done all I can.”

Velvet moaned in disdain and disappointment. Avernus grabbed the book and stared at its cover for the hundredth time. “I’ve seen you somewhere before….”

“There must be another complete version. Without it, I doubt the Abbey would be plotting Innominat’s revival. We can be sure they have a complete understanding of their Empyrean’s nature by now. Isn’t it right, Avernus?” Eizen asked.

The team’s eyes were focused on the lonely Shepherd. Avernus sensed their dependency, “As much as I want to, I don’t know everything. But I’ll look more into it.” Avernus promised to them.

Eleanor yawned, “It’s getting pretty late. Why we don’t call it a day?”

Velvet started walking to the hatch, looking troubled. “Yeah, let’s get some rest.”

One by one, the team left for their quarters. The Shepherd was the only one that stayed on the watchtower in that forlorn night.

The next morning, the team headed out to the courtyard. Velvet saw Avernus with dark bags behind his eyes. His eyelids were going to close involuntarily, signalling that he didn’t get any sleep last night.

“Have you found anything useful?” without saying any greeting, Velvet directly asked him.

Avernus turned to her, “No… but I’ll keep deciphering it… I’ll let you know when I’ve found something.”

Velvet felt guilty for pushing him too hard, but in her mind, it had to be done; Artorius’s demise was all that mattered to her in the end.

Except for Avernus, it appeared that all of them had a good night's sleep. Kamoana called out to them. Last night, she slept with Medissa. Her energetic face made Eleanor and Avernus’s minds at ease. Avernus leaned against the wall while others continued towards Medissa and Kamoana on the other side of the pier.

Tia appeared beside him. She extended her arm, offering him a fresh red apple. “You didn’t eat breakfast. I thought Velvet would make something for you.”

Avernus grabbed the fruit but didn’t eat it. Instead, he held it in his hand, throwing it up. “No… She didn’t.”

Tia shook her head, “I thought she would take care of my little brother. Velvet’s pushing you too hard. That’s not right.” She continued, looking irritated.

Avernus let out a prolonged sigh, “No, I need to be... more efficient than this. They’re counting on me. Velvet’s counting on me. I’m…”

Tia held his arm, stopping him, “You’re under no obligation to waste your precious life. Don’t let that Umbra and Shadow of Calamity’s talks get to you. We still have a lot of problems. For instance, this place isn’t safe. The Abbey will eventually find it and will have its army let loose upon us! We need to have contingency plans!” she voiced her concern worryingly.

Avernus looked at the horizon, staring at the endless, calm sea as if he didn’t hear her complaining.

“Looking to the future, it always brings me back… to the past. You can’t feel it, Tia. I can still hear Velvet's cries in that memory… and her despair. They stalk my nightmares to no end. Her torment is shaping this world’s dark future. Not me and not anyone else.” Avernus gripped the apple tighter. The liquid began to run down from the cracks on the fruit. “I must bring an end to her suffering and give her normal life back...” He lowered his face, directing his eyes at the wounded apple,

“One way or another.” Avernus declared in a low but loud tone of voice.

Tia snuffled, waving her arm at him, “Not with an empty stomach and certainly not without enough sleep, you Mr. responsible “adult” Shepherd.” she mocked him.

The sorcerer evaded her glare and remained silent.

“Avernus! We’re headed for Eastgand!” Velvet yelled as she informed him. She quickly bounced to Van Eltia. Avernus read her worried eyes and quickly grasped the situation.

“Phi just found another earthpulse point.” Velvet said as she passed by him,

Without hesitation, Avernus followed her to the ship. With Eizen’s command, their voyage to port Taliesin had begun.

Among the endless dream, Velvet found herself in the vast white halls of a castle. She noticed two figures standing near the tall windows in the distance. The metallic sounds of her boots resonated in the room, adding to the loneliness of her mind. The two unmoving bodies were Avernus and Phi, locked into a posse of the Shepherd offering the young malak a red apple as if they were statues.

She examined them from up close; Avernus had that usual smile with piercing and compassionate gaze, and Phi with that innocent and confident look and those big round green eyes like his mentor.

Velvet picked up the apple from Avernus’s hand. The crimson colour urged her to have a bite. She heard footsteps coming from behind, but she didn’t turn back. Velvet took a bite off the fruit,

“It’s sour….” She shouted.

“So, have you kept your sense of taste?”

Velvet turned and noticed Seres was standing behind her.

“In my dreams, I have, nowhere else.” Velvet coldly said. She raised her head and looked at the Shepherd, “…And when I’m close to him.” Her voice saddened.

“Does that make this a dream?” Seres asked.

“It would have to be, wouldn’t it? After all…” Velvet paused, “… I devoured you.”

“That’s right. Don’t you go forgetting it?”

Velvet instantly turned to her. A fit of hidden, pent-up anger erupted from her soul, “How could I ever forget it?! She yelled, raised the apple and easily crushed it, “The taste of your flesh and blood?!”

The surge of adrenaline pulled her out of the dream. Gasping for air, she examined her bandaged arm from up close. “How could I ever….”

In her peripheral vision, Velvet saw Avernus coming to her, “We’re entering an unusual fog, Velvet. Stay sharp.” He informed her and quickly went to Eizen’s side, striding in steady steps.

Velvet slowly stood up and joined Eleanor and Magilou, vigilantly guarding the ship's starboard side.

“Eleanor, there’s something I want to be sure we get clear.” Velvet abruptly said to her.

Eleanor narrowed her eyes from Velvet’s hasty request, “Alright… What is it?”

Velvet added to her frown, “Laphicet is not “your little malak.” Velvet harshly said to her.

Eleanor scowled at her, “That’s all you wanted to say? You realize he doesn’t belong to you either, right?!”

“Indeed, I do. Laphicet is his person and not anyone else’s!” Velvet replied in a considerate tone, much to Eleanor’s surprise.

“You’re right. Malakhim isn't just tools to be used by exorcists as they please. You don’t need to worry. Avernus taught me that pretty well. I’ll be more careful not to forget that.” Eleanor calmly responded.

Van Eltia managed to traverse through the thick fog and docked safely at the Taliesin. The ramp connected to the landing spot, and the crew exited the boat.

Eleanor looked at Eizen and Benwick, “Good work navigating through the fog. We were lucky we didn’t wind up getting lost in it.”

Eizen sneered, “Lucky?! Who do you think is running this ship?”

“A bunch of shameless rogues who are very good at shameless roguery,” Eleanor said confidently.

Avernus walked past them, “And a shameless Shepherd who dispersed some of that illusion fog.”

The rest turned to him puzzlingly. Avernus looked back, “Well, that wasn’t a natural fog. That’s all I know.”

Without uttering more words, Velvet restlessly went to the village, and the group silently followed.

Taliesin, the trading route of the Eastgand. Home to cable cars, windmills, and lots and lots of stairs. They spend a long time climbing them. Laphicet ran to the topside. Out of breath, he stopped and watched the city in awe, “Whoa! It’s like a castle!”

Velvet moved to his side, “This used to be the base of operations for a rich trading family. What trouble came knocking? They were ready for it. But that was a long time ago Nowadays. It’s just another town in the middle of nowhere. But even so, to us, it was the big city of our dreams.” She described it to Laphicet kindly and patiently.

Eleanor was surprised, “You know this area well.”

“I grew up near here. Keep ongoing, and you’ll run into Aball, my home village.”

Avernus stopped by her, “Yep, a small, cozy village….” He looked Velvet in the eyes, “… and home to some hospitable, kind, and wonderful people.”

Velvet blushed slightly, “You don’t need to sound it so sentimental, you dumbass!”

Tia elegantly walked to the top, “So the therion is in your village, I presume?”

Velvet slowly nodded, “Yeah, it’s there somewhere.” She noticed the concern in Eleanor’s eyes, “Don’t worry, no one will know me there.” Velvet lowered her head, “Everyone I knew, I already devoured.” She glanced at Avernus, her eyes widened, “Nearly everyone….” Velvet suddenly remembered that the young Shepherd was nearly got killed by her careless assault that night.

Laphicet and Eleanor followed her eyes to Avernus, puzzled of what she meant exactly. The Shepherd shook his head and continued to the fountain in front of them, “Get ready, people. Let’s do what we do best; gathering intel.”

Avernus stopped at the nearest stand. The shopkeeper was alone and strangely calm and carefree. A pose that nearly everyone forgot since daemons threatened the world. He saw them approaching his shop, “I love the feel of the sun on my face. I’m glad that fog finally cleared up. For days it was so thick, you couldn’t see past your nose!”

Avernus put his hands on his hips, "You're welcome." He said to him proudly. His breathing suddenly stopped as Velvet pinched his back before giving out more information about their abilities and what he has done.

"You were lucky a daemon didn't show up and attack the town." Velvet said to the man coldly.

"A daemon, you say? Eastgand hasn't had much daemon trouble to speak of. Didn't you know that?"

The team looked at him with doubt. The shopkeeper continued, "During the Advent, towns all across Eastgand were attacked by daemons. It was Lord Artorius who saved us. Ever since, our towns have seen almost no daemon attacks."

"How's this possible that you've been spared of their raids?" Avernus asked.

"Don't get me wrong, daemons are lurking about outside our towns, but for whatever reason, they don't attack us where we live. Everyone says that Lord Artorius's power lingers here, protecting our town against the daemons. Whatever the reason, you're safe here. Relax, and please enjoy yourselves." The shopkeeper explained and ensured them.

Velvet looked at Avernus, "Why do daemons avoid these towns?"

"Maybe it has to do with the therion." He answered unsurely.

They walked up to a few more sets of stairs. They walked past a young couple but suddenly, Velvet and Avernus overheard them talking about someone familiar,

"Ah, damn, I forgot today was the day Niko was coming! I missed out on buying that special quiche!" The husband said.

Velvet grabbled Avernus's arm firmly and resolutely. They froze in their place. Velvet looked Avernus in the eyes, baffled and furious at the same time, "What did he say?!"

The wife chuckled, "That's too bad. I wished she'd open up a shop here. You'd think it would be easier than having to always make the long trip from Aball."

The man shook his head, "I heard she doesn't want to leave the village because she's waiting for her missing friend to return."

Velvet frowned and immediately released Avernus's hand, nearly pouncing at the pair in a fury, "What are you talking about?! Aball is nothing but a ruin!" she yelled, callously and angrily. The couple was startled by her belligerent tone.

"What? Well, you're a scary young woman! Sure the place was hit pretty bad by a daemon and a crazy sorcerer a few years ago, but it's not like it's abandoned. Many of the villagers were hurt, but thanks to lord Artorius, nearly all of them survived in the end."

Velvet's breath shortened, "This can't be!"

The man nodded, "It certainly is. In fact, there's a girl from there. Niko comes here once a week to sell things. Just yesterday, I sent medicine to the general store here and got some juicy prickleboar meat in return!"

Velvet swallowed. She was on the verge of passing out, "That can't be right... I... With my own hand, I..."

Avernus quickly grabbed Velvet by her shoulders, embracing her. She was immediately thrown back into reality. "Thank you very much for your helpful information! We'll be sure to check on the village and especially on this Niko girl you mentioned." Avernus said and hauled the dazed Velvet away from the scene.

Eizen looked at the duo with inquisitive stance."

"What is going on?!"

"It's impossible... I..." Velvet muttered.

"I know... but we don't know everything. Even my memory is a little bit hazy after I knocked out." Avernus serenely said to her.

"We have to go there and see for ourselves. Which way is your village?" Rokurou asked.

Before Velvet could muster up enough focus on answering, Avernus spoke, "It's far to the east. Through the Morgana woods."

Rokurou folded his arms, "You're too sure to know Velvet's village well."

Avernus raised his shoulders, "What can I say. At one point, I even considered it to be my second home."

Velvet blinked faster at the Shepherd. Avernus nodded, "Lead the way."

The duo went through the city gates, walking side by side and a little further from the group.

Laphicet glanced at them, "I wonder what Velvet's hometown is like. Avernus sure seems to love it enough to call it his second home." He wondered.

"Aball? I've heard about it from other sailors, although that was a long time ago. They said it's a fairly plain place, and it's home to rustic, hospitable folk." Eizen answered.

A thought had crossed the little malak's mind, "I wonder if Velvet used to be rustic and hospitable."

Magilou maliciously smirked, "That would probably be the case, kiddo. Or I can't guess the reason why Avernus would fall in love with such a devious and rude persona."

Laphicet's eyes glittered and widened. His hands were instinctively up in a defensive manner, "What?! L-love?! What do you mean?!" he asked, panicking.

Rokurou began to massage his forehead, "He doesn't know, does he?"

Magilou stretched her arm towards the sky, "No! And I shall inform this kid of his favourite couple's romantic affair!"

"Do y-you mean Avernus and V-velvet are..." Laphicet voice stuttered.

"Yes and no! Velvet surely stole the heart of the naïve and young Shepherd! But... we're not sure if your big sister wants him or not."

Laphicet dropped his head, "I see..." he whispered gloomily.

Eleanor sank into her thoughts and smiled, "I imagine she was a plain, hardworking girl when they two met."

"Do you believe that, Eleanor?" Magilou asked mockingly.

Eleanor folded her arms, frowning, "Call it a guess. Good men have always appreciated those kinds of girls."

Rokurou chuckled, "And definitely, she was a charming and loving sister too."

"... And now she's the Lord of Calamity." Magilou meanly said.

"But even so, she has Avernus, and he looks after her," Eleanor said plainly.

"True. Let's follow Avernus and Velvet before they get suspicious." Eizen informed.

Rokurou placed his hand on Laphicet's shoulder as they walked, "Hey, Laphicet. Has Avernus ever said why Velvet was sent to that prison island in the first place?"

"It had to be to funnel other prisoners' malevolence to Innominat." He answered.

Rokurou groaned, "But there's an earthpulse point near Aball, right? Wouldn't it have been easier to leave her there? You know what I mean?"

Magilou pulled a guardian paper out of her pocket and spun it on her index finger, "Lack of food, probably! I heard she devoured the entire village." She looked at Avernus that was speed walking beside Velvet, "We can always ask our own Shepherd. His insights are always enlightening when it comes to Velvet."

Eizen reduced his walking spend and joined them again, "All right, let's think, why else would Artorius moved Velvet to the island? If she was the first therion, he captured..."

Eleanor's eyes expanded in shock as the answer was evident in her mind, "He needed a guinea pig to test out what was written in the ancient book!"

Eizen pressed his lips together, "Precisely. He made a special cage for her in the island prison, where earthpulse point and malevolence met. Then he used Velvet to test how therions work."

Eleanor squeezed her hands in anger, "But turning his own family into an experiment!"

"I'm just offering a theory in place of Avernus, but a man willing to sacrifice his brother's life wouldn't likely show mercy to his sister either," Eizen said.

"But why? How is he capable of such things?" Laphicet wondered somberly.

"Perhaps that's just how badly he wants to save this world. Just look at Avernus. He's willing to let go of his code, responsibility, and life to help Velvet. Shepherds are like that, always sacrificing to do what they think is best." Magilou said in a slow, low tone.

Suddenly, they heard a scream. Avernus and Velvet increased their speed, dashing through lush plants.

"That voice!" Velvet yelled.

They entered a vast space. Velvet's hunter eyes quickly caught a familiar figure laying down on the grass. "Niko!"

Avernus looked up and saw a Mantis daemon diving down from the sky. They both dodged it, and its enormous body impacted the group, sending dust, grass blades and palates around. Avernus looked at Velvet, "The same drill as before!"

Velvet nodded, and they both rushed towards the monster, switching their positions and moving left and right. The daemon was confused as it missed its strikes one after another. The staff on Avernus's hand and Velvet's bandage arm both glowed at the same time.

Blue, blinding light and waves of intense electricity came out of the Dreamshadow. "Thunder Break!"

The currents consumed and paralyzed the creature. Velvet jumped on Avernus's shoulders and used them as a boost to pounce higher. She dashed and stabbed the daemon in the eyes. Before the beast could let out a whimper, Velvet unleashed crimson energy from her claw and blasted it at point-blank. "Annihilating Crash!"

The head, along with its insectoid torso, was torn to pieces and exploded around the area.

Velvet didn't waste any time and ran to her friend's unconscious body. She examined her body tightly. "I can't believe it... is it really you?"

Avernus joined her. His eyes were scanning Niko. Tia came out of his body, "Can you detect any anomaly, Tia?"

Niko slowly began to move before his malak could give him an answer. She opened her eyes, "V-Velvet?" Niko asked as she struggled to stand up.

Velvet scowled and gritted her teeth, extending her blade and aiming it at her old friend, "What is this?! How are you alive?!" she asked in a grating tone of voice.

To their surprise, Niko took one step closer to her bare blade. She began to yell at her, "I could ask you the same question! Where have you been this whole time?! You just up and disappeared! Everyone thinks that a daemon ate you... But I knew it couldn't be true... You're too strong to let some crummy daemon take you down!"

Velvet swallowed. The hostility in her eyes was faded. Tears began to fell from Niko's eyes. As Velvet's guard was down, Niko ran and hugged her firmly as she cried. Velvet, astounded and stunned, slowly embraced her old friend in return.

Niko opened her eyes and suddenly saw Avernus standing behind her,

"Ah... That explains it all then." She pulled her head back and looked Velvet in the eyes, "You ran away with him! Oh, I was so stupid!"

Velvet eyes widened, she blushed. Her mouth was opened, but she remained speechless.

Niko instantly left her embrace and lowered her head in shame, "...Sorry, I... I didn't mean to embarrass you in front of your friends." She clapped her hands, "I've to let everyone know the good news! You two have finally come back to us!" Niko announced in a passionate tone.

Velvet's eyes followed her old friend, still dumbfounded, "Niko's alive. She's alive."

Avernus whiffed in anger, "That's not right!" He turned to Tia once more, "I asked you a question! Is there anything wrong with that Niko?!"

Tia shook her head, "I'm not sure..."

Eizen checked his coin, "Don't let your guard down. I've got a bad feeling about this."

Magilou tilted her head, "Naturally, it's because we've got a Reaper with us!"

Laphicet moved between the startled Velvet and angry Avernus, "Let's head for Aball. We can ask everyone there exactly what happened."

Their expressions were subtler now. As they walked cautiously towards the village, Eizen called to the duo, "Velvet, Avernus, I have to ask: Are you two sure that the other villagers died that day?"

"Well, it's... it's not like I had time to check..." Velvet unsurely answered.

Avernus acknowledged Velvet's claim, "Same here. After Velvet slashed my throat, all I remember is that I tried to carry her to safety. Then there was an explosion, and everything went to black."

Eleanor gulped, "Velvet did what?!"

"...Forget that I said anything," Avernus whispered. His gauntlet and his weapon lit up in a blue shine before they enter the main gate to the village.

Laphicet noticed them, "What are you doing?"

"Charging up my artes. If they decide to ambush us, I will blow them to smithereens." Avernus strongly said.

Avernus placed his hand on the wooden door. He signalled to Velvet, Eizen, and Rokurou, getting ready to attack with a hand gesture. Avernus pushed the door, and they rushed into Aball.

To their surprise, all of the villagers were waiting for them.

"Velvet! You're all right!" one of the men said loudly.

The single mother moved forward, placing her hands against one another, "Oh, thank heavens! It's good to see you! Where have you been all this time? You never even wrote!"

Velvet violently shook her head. She couldn't bear all the stares and glances of her long-lost neighbours that were giving her, "But... I don't...I thought the whole village was wiped out that day."

One of the middle-aged men looked at Avernus, "Yeah, it nearly was. But you shouldn't have run away with that stranger. I know what love is, Velvet, but they have a bad influence on our pure, virtuous girls of our village!" the man said, admonishingly.

Avernus frowned, "I didn't do such a thing, old man. On the other hand, you all should be dead."

The woman giggled, "Yeah! But when we thought it was all over, Arthur... Lord Artorius saved us!"

Velvet quickly raised her head, "No! It was his doing it the first place! He sacrificed Laphi!" she lashed out at them.

The man sighed, "It was a shame what happened to that poor boy."

The pitch in her voice raised even more, "That's all you have to say?! A shame? My brother Laphi died that day!"

Avernus folded his arms, groaning like a lion, "You village folks are still the same. Shameless little morons..."

Niko slowly shook her head. Her eyes were fearful of Velvet and Avernus's aggressive tones, "No, your brother is still alive, Velvet. He's in your house. Don't worry. We've all pitched in to take care of him."

Velvet's stiff posture was gone. She breathed in quick, short intervals. "Laphi is... still alive?!"

In contrast, Avernus's eyes narrowed even further, "This can't be... that's not true." He whispered to himself with hints of uncertainty.

Velvet suddenly took off towards her house, leaving her comrades. Laphicet noticed that Eizen was slowly moving closer to Avernus and Rokurou, "What's wrong?" he asked the Reaper.

Abruptly, Eizen landed a low blow into Rokurou's stomach. The swordsman moaned in pain and fell to the ground. The second strike was aimed at Avernus, and before the sorcerer could react, he received it at the same place as Rokurou. Avernus eyes bulged from their sockets in pain, and he fell into Reaper's arms and then, on the ground, rolling as he held his abdomen.

"Well, that didn't break it." Eizen disappointingly said.

"Next time you suspect an illusory arte, test out your theory on yourself," Rokurou said in a gruff and mumbled voice.

Avernus slowly stood up, "This has to be one hell of an illusion then..."

"Are you sure? An entire village? That shouldn't be possible." Eleanor expressed in an unconceivable tone.

"So, how do we approach this, Shepherd? Try to break it apart at the seams somehow?" Rokurou asked Avernus.

"Whatever it is, it has to be linked to the therion. Our priority is to find it first." Avernus declared.

"Agreed. For now, our enemies and we share the same goal. But I think you should go with Velvet." Eizen suggested.

Avernus raised his brow as he rearranged his vest and coat, "Why?"

"You need to keep a close eye on her. I don't think she's entirely right in the head at the moment. And besides, you're the only one that can have any influence on her if she decides to do something stupid." Rokurou said confidently.

Avernus slowly nodded, "Very well. Tia, follow Rokurou and Eizen. Find the therion. I'll be in touch."

Laphicet cleared his throat, "I think I'll follow Avernus."

"Do what you think it's best," Eizen said.

Avernus, Laphicet, Eleanor, and Magilou went after Velvet. They found her standing in front of her house. "My home... it hasn't changed a bit."

"Don't lose focus, Velvet. This could be a trap." Avernus warned her.

Laphicet saw Velvet clenching her fists. She quickly turned to Avernus, "What are you saying? That Niko and everyone here in the village is being controlled?" Velvet cynically asked him.

"Controlled? I don't know. Illusion, maybe. Melchior and Lucian always proved themselves to be ruthless and unpredictable." Avernus replied, guessing.

"You think it could be their doing. But even so..." Velvet unsheathed her wrist blade, placing its edge on her left hand. Avernus instantly dashed at her, reaching to her left arm. "Velvet! No!"

As soon as he held it, Velvet horizontally cut it. The sharp blade also brazed his unprotected right hand.

Laphicet screamed in terror as blood ran down from their fingers. Velvet gripped it tighter, and blood painted her white bandages. She ignored Avernus's deep cut on his hand.

"It's not going to work on me." Velvet declared.

Laphicet jolted towards them and used his healing arte on their injuries.

Eleanor watched the scene from afar, "She's insane!"

Magilou decided to stay silent, "People can fight against pain. But not against happiness..."

With a heavy breath, Velvet opened the door.

Niko told the truth. There was Laphi, Velvet's brother, with his golden hair and wearing a green sweater, resting on the bed.

Velvet stopped breathing. She dropped her head, trying to evade the image of his little brother. "I won't... be deceived by this."

She gradually walked to the side of the bed. She went for Laphi's cheeks. Her hands caressed his skin.

Her knees failed her. Velvet fell beside the bed. Tears started to run down all over her face. She hugged Laphi's unconscious body, "You're warm, Laphi. You're alive!" Velvet cried, passionately screaming in joy.

"No... This is not right. How?" Avernus told himself. Seeing Velvet's happiness, no one could have told her otherwise, and he decided not to. But even after Velvet's cries and embrace, his brother didn't wake up.

Niko moved to Avernus, crossing her hands, "He's been asleep... ever since that day. I found him at the shrine, collapsed on the ground. His wounds healed, but he's never woken up." She informed her, slowly and quietly.

"If he's still alive... that's all that matters to me." Velvet said, hopefully, and charmingly.

Avernus saw her beautiful eyes lighting up. The gruff expression was gone. After so long, she finally returned to what she was before Advent. The time that those burning glances stole his lonely heart.

Velvet pulled her hair comb, "Avernus is here too. We'll find a way to wake you again, Laphi... I swear we will. We'll all be together." She whispered to her brother and placed the comb between his hands. She grabbed them, bringing her lips near Laphi's ear. "I still have to thank you for this comb, after all..."

Avernus turned to them and nodded. They all left the house, leaving Avernus and Velvet alone with Laphi.

Outside of the house, Niko brought some drinks for Eleanor, Magilou, and Laphicet. Niko glanced at the little kid, "I heard Avernus called you Laphicet! Haha, what a weird coincidence!"

Eleanor looked at Niko with eyes full of unanswered questions, "How do you know Avernus?"

Niko chuckled, "Oh, everyone knows him in Aball! Arthur found him three years ago, wounded and battered. Velvet and her brother nursed him back to health. Then..."

The three were anxious to hear the rest, "Then he decided to stay, and eventually..." Niko giggled, "I think he fell in love with Velvet."

"...Fell in love?" Laphicet repeated her words.

"Yep. That was strange; the only thing Velvet cared about was Arthur and Laphi. She didn't even pay attention to her looks nor to the big guy that much." Niko sighed, "...But the perfect city boy always fells for the one who doesn't even want a boyfriend. Just like fairy tales, am I right?" Niko explained excitingly in her aggressive manner.

"So, Velvet took care of him, and he became enamoured by her kindness." Eleanor rubbed her chin, "Did Velvet like him back?" Eleanor asked.

Niko leaned slightly and moved closer to them, "I don't know. I asked her, and she always denied it. But between you and me, I think she had a crush on him. She couldn't fool the old Niko, and I was right!"

Suddenly the door opened, and Both Velvet and Avernus came out of the house. Niko offered the drinks, and Avernus quickly went to her.

"Hey, sorry about all that, you guys." Velvet said to them.

"Don't worry, Velvet. But I have to ask what the two of you were doing? I mean you and Avernus?" Niko asked.

The Shepherd began to sip the drink. Velvet looked at him. Laphicet and Eleanor noticed that her cheeks flushed, and her eyes were appeared to be languishing.

"We were travelling together with our friends, and we wanted..." Velvet paused,

"...we've decided to get married."

Avernus completely spat his drink out. A series of heavy coughing came after it.

Niko's eyes rounded in excitement, "Marriage?! Really?! Oh my god! I'm so happy!... I'm going to tell everyone! We need to get ready for a ceremony for you two!"

Niko suddenly took off. "Gosh! I can't believe it..." she ran to the village screaming as her voice turned to a whisper.

Eleanor, Magilou, and Laphicet were all stared at Velvet. They couldn't recognize the heartless, cruel daemon anymore.

There was only a kind, caring, and simple village girl with hope for the future.