Recruitment

Intro:

*KABOOOOM!!!

Sephora: "BHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! YES, MORE! Give me more! Squirm, flutter, ravel in the turmoil that your end is nigh by my hands!"

Aaron: "Do you ever get tired of feeling yourself up?"

Sephora: "Bare the fruits of horror, seed the saplings of despair, and curdled the fields of hope as fleeting as your life!" *Hiss

*CRAAAAASH!!!

Aaron struggles to withstand the never ending assaults from the demon Sephora, and was forced into a hit and run tactic. With his lack of knowledge of the demon's lair and without Neku to work as his median to unleash his full power there was very little else he could do. His only form of defense was a sword he procured while evading the demon, but even it wasn't much help as it was as old as it was dull. Unless he gets some sort of enlightenment, his only hope was to survive till he's rescued.

****Back at the house

Segan: "As you've suspected, everyone in the village is under the control of the demon. If we want any chance of killing it and saving everyone we first need to destroy its hearts.

Eris: "Hearts?"

Segan: "The demon has three hearts that give it its power and keeps everyone under its control. They're guarded by the elders of the village. I've managed to get a rough location of two. My plan was going fine till you all messed it up."

Conan: "Welcome to the club."

Segan softly scuffles at Conan.

Segan: "The village chief reports directly to the demon. And he's the only one knows the exact whereabouts of the hearts and the demon itself."

Eris: "I thought you said the hearts were guarded by the elders. How is it that only the chief knows the heart's location?"

Segan: "Don't know exactly, whenever I hone in on the subject they get lost in thought."

Eris: "Then what are we going to do? We can't just ask for the heart's location, nor is it a good idea to start poking around."

Conan: "We'll have to split up."

Segan: "Correct. Conan, you're the most attuned to demonic energy than all of us, so you're going to search for the hearts. Me and Eris will go to the chief's house and ask about the demon's hideout. We'll need to hurry, I don't think your friend will hold out for very long."

Conan: "Let's just use my mind control ability. It'd be much quicker?"

Segan: "Tempting, but no. We don't know what might happen if we interfere with the demon's magic. Everyone could rampage and attack us or each other. Either case is bad because we'd either lose time and would be putting your friend in more danger. Plus, the chieftain knows me and Eris isn't as intimidating as you, so he'd be more relaxed around us."

Conan: "Fair point. I'm surprised, you've come up with a decent plan in a short amount of time. It's as if you've been planning this for a while."

Segan: "Try a few years."

***

The team split up to look for clues. Conan scattered his shadow to look for the demon hearts, while Segan and Eris went to the chieftain's home.

Segan: "You ready?"

Eris: "No. Let's go."

*Knock! *Knock! *Knock! *Creak!

Chieftain: "Ah, son. What's brings you here?"

Segan: "You have a visitor."

Segan steps back, revealing Eris.

Chieftain: "Ah, I see. Come in. Let's chat for a while."

Segan feels a cold chill flow up his body before entering. He looks back, but sees nothing.

***

Conan: This place is so baron. Where'd all the people go? I was hoping to extract some information from the locals but no one's out. Or maybe… Yeah, thought so. "Come out, I know you're there."

A group of people emerge from their housing, surrounding Conan. Three appear to be elders.

Conan: "Have I done something wrong?"

Elder: "You don't believe."

Conan: "Pardon?"

Elder: "You're here to slay our lord. I won't tolerate such heresy."

Conan: "What are you talking about? I was just on a walk, that's all."

Elder: "With the smell of demons' blood, I think not, Conan The OnSlaught."

Conan: "… *sigh. If we do this, you'll all die."

Elder: "Your words mean nothing. Now, face your punishment."

Conan: "So be it."

***

Aaron hid in a small crevice, desperately trying to catch his breath. His body screamed in pain, signaling that it had been pushed well beyond its limit. The demon searched tirelessly for Aaron, creeping closer.

Sephora: "Come out, come out, where ever you are little mouse. I'm not done playing with you yet. You can't hide forever, thissss is my layer. I'll find you… Boo."

Aaron gets startled by Sephora and tries create distance, but his legs gave out mid attempt. He tumbles down a slope then scurries into a defensive stance.

Sephora: "BAHAHAHAHAHAH! You can barely ssssstand. What are you going to do with that weak and frail body of yourssssss? You know you can't defeat me. Tell you what, I'll agree to make your death painlessssss if you grovel for it."

Aaron: "Why bother if you'll kill me regardless? A demon like you would never honor such promises anyway. Besides, I have no plans of dying here. Just wait, you'll have bit off more than you can chew soon enough." Come on guys, where are you?

Sephora: "Fine then. Struggle all you want, it'll only make you taste that much ssssweater. HIIISSSSSKKK!!!"

Sephora lunges at Aaron. Aaron swiftly parries but is hit with a follow-up attack. They clash shorty before Aaron is overcome and becomes in tangled by Sephora, dropping his sword.

Sephora: "So, little moussssse, what are you going to do now? I could crush you instantly, sssspilling your blood along with your life. Or, I could ssssswallow you whole and let you digesssst with a slow and agonizing death. Which do you choossse? Be quick, or I may kill you on impulse."

Sephora begins squeezing Aaron making it harder for him to breathe. He tries to brake free but to know avail. "Not yet", Aaron mumbles under his breath. "Hmm, speak up little mouse. Let me hear the last of your cries.", Sephora responds.

Aaron: "This place is pretty dark, so I guess you won't be needing those eyes."

Sephora looks at Aaron this a puzzled face. Sephora hears a scraping sound along the ground and looks over, immediately getting struck in the eye. Sephora bellows out, hurling Aaron into a wall with a loud crash. Sephora pulls the object out realizing it's the rusted sword, and in a blight of rage bowls towards Aaron.

Sephora: "YOU VERMIN! I'LL SWALLOW YOU WHOLE!

Aaron, lying on the wall broken and battered, braces himself upright. Unable to move, he watches as the demon comes rushing at him. As his fate nears its end his life flashes before his eyes, thinking of a special someone, "Well, it wasn't all bad."

Sephora crashes with a thunderous boom, kicking up dust. As the dust settles, Aaron opens his eyes in shock. "How am I still alive", he wanders. He looks up and sees a feline figure standing before him, but this one had a masculine stature. In front of the feline was Sephora, frozen in place.

Aaron: "N-Neku?"

Feline: "No, however I am borrowing her body for the time being. Note, I only do this because I owe a favor to her. Once fulfilled, I will take no more part in your endeavors."

Aaron: "Then, who are you?"

Feline: "If you wish to know my name then I suggest you head North, you'll find me in a village in the mountains. But be wary, the others may not be so euphoric upon your arrival."

Sephora starts to slowly regain control.

Feline: "Now to deal with you, you disgusting *vetch."

The feline flicks its wrist, sending Sephora crashing through the walls.

Feline: "Stand back but watch carefully, Aaron. The techniques I'm about to show you may not be presented in the future."

Aaron retreats to a safe distance as Sephora slithers out the rubble. With a twisted and wicked expression, Sephora grumbles, "Congratulationsss , you've made me absssolutely livid! As a reward, I'll peal the skin of your bonesss and ring your neck with your intestinesss!" The feline calmly replies, "You're free to try, but you're only capable of just that." Sephora's scales pucker before barreling towards the feline with gaping jaws.

Feline: "Spacial barrier, *force reflect."

Sephora crashes into what felt like an invisible wall. Unable to break through, the demon coils around the feline, quickly ensnaring the feline before he can retaliate. Sephora begins to squeeze tightly.

Sephora: "Where's all that sssspunk from earlier. Don't tell me you were all talk."

Feline: "Spatial field, *Negative Space".

A large bubble expands around the feline, breaking Sephora's hold setting him free. The feline grabs Sephora and aggressively begins twirling the demon in the air before sending it crashing into a wall.

Feline: "Would you get serious already? I have a point I'm trying to teach."

Sephora: "Fine, I guess it's time I stopped playing with my food."

Sephora springs into the air. 

Sephora: "*Poison Mist."

Sephora sprays a thick blanket on poisonous mist. It quickly falls to the ground, making the air heavy. To prevent Aaron from suffocating, the Feline erects a barrier around him. Sephora slithers back into the walls. A loud rumbling begins arising as hundreds of snakelets begin flooding into the main room. They slithered and lunged at the feline. With swift and precise strikes, the feline began to cut down the serpents effortlessly.

Feline: "Decent effort, but this won't be enough."

Sephora: "So you think."

The Feline's body suddenly became heavy. The poisonous mist had taken effect. His body became sluggish and his head got foggy along with his vision. The snakelits quickly latched onto whatever they could sink their teeth into. With the added venom the feline's body began succumbing to paralysis. They curled and twisted, immobilizing the feline. 

Sephora: "Well well well, look at you now. Trapped like a mouse. Your kind were alwayssss so proud, being one of the strongest species and all. But look at you now, tied down and trapped. Just like the mice you hunt."

Feline: "Enough of this *tontaling. Either get serious, or I'll just kill you. You have exactly 10 seconds."

Sephora: "You insolent little… very well! You wish to be shown the depthssss of your arrogance, sssso be it."

Sephora's skin begins to flake up and peel off. As the demon violently shaked away its husk, its soft under-skin began turning albino as it hardened and became elastic. In the midst of the transformation, Aaron felt something tap his shoulder. He looked over to see a ghostly figure of the feline materialize.

Aaron: "How did…?"

Feline: "*Double Mirage… Our adversary is finally getting serious, however my link to your familiar is waning. So unfortunately, I'll have to finish this quickly. Pay very close attention to the three techniques I'm about to show you. This will be the only time you will witness them. Now unrelatedly, I will add this warning, keep your friends in check. I'll forgive them for tormenting Neku this time because you defended her earlier, but your friends are most infuriating. If I feel that they caused her to once again require my counsel, I'll kill them."

Aaron sharply nodded. Sephora finished transforming as the poisonous mist finally dissipated. The feline emerged from the barrier he placed around Aaron. They both gazed at the demon. Its power had increased exponentially. The slick white scales, its long slender body, the strange markings on its eyes, and its hydra like appearance. Such features filled Aaron with terror. However…

Feline: "What pity, you're still not enough."

Sephora: "Insufferable fool. Parish." *Medusa's Gaze.

Feline: "*Schrödinger's Principle."

The spells cancel out before the two rush each other. They meet with a loud clash. Sephora unleashes a volley of heavy attacks and spells, trying to overwhelm the feline with sheer power. But, the feline was swift and evaded gracefully while retaliating in sets of quick strikes. However, the serpents scales were too tough to penetrate with meager strikes. Sephora rams the Feline into one of the tunnels, and continues bashing him against the walls as they crash deeper in the maze. Roaring echos howled through the tunnels. It was if a storm was rampaging through the underground crypt. Aaron was astounded by such ferocities. "Is this… the level I'll need to match one day?" Sephora came crashing down through the ceiling as the Feline unleashing a flurry of bone crushing blows. With every carving strike the Feline whittled away at demon's tough scales exposing its bloodied flesh. Sephora shook violently to rid away the Feline, but the Feline's grip was secure.

Sephora: "Pesssky vermin! How dare you tear my scales! I'll rip you to pieces! *Hydra baned blood."

The Feline felt a sharp pain spike all over his body. The hydra blood that splattered on the feline became corrosive and began eating away at him. In that split moment of weakness, Sephora bit down on the feline and swallowed him whole. The Feline struggled while falling into the snake's belly.

Sephora: "You let your guard down little mouse. Now you'll die a ssslow and painful death. But, just to make sure you don't play anymore trickssss." *Self domain—Biting Blood Belly.

The corrosive blood began dissolving the felines skin.

Feline: "This isn't good. If this battle prolonged any further Neku will get hurt. I won't allow that. I must end this quickly. Hey Aaron, can you hear me?"

Aaron: "Yeah, you ok? You looked hurt pretty bad."

Feline: "I'm fine, but I must end this now and take my leave. Pay close attention, for this is the last technique I'll be able to show you. Even though you're unable to use it, the principle of this technique will be of great use to you so remember it."

Aaron: "Ok."

Feline: "Alright. This technique is activated by focusing a large amount of ones mána and then expanding it outward. Then by applying a specific principle, a way one perceives mána, the technique will choose a nature for the desired outcome. However, using this technique without applying a solid principle will result is the technique adopting a stray nature causing a dangerous outcome to unfold, so never use it with a principle in mind. I've mastered this technique with the strong desire to protect, my principle as you would say. This nature to protect the one I hold dearest results in the destruction of all who would harm her. And by expanding my mána I can simultaneously defend her and attack her enemies. *Self domain—Twin God's deadly protection; Bastet e' Sekhmet."

The Feline's mána erupted in the demon's stomach, taking the form of masked feline twins, violently slashing and gutting the demon from the inside. Sephora threshed in agony, letting out an ear piecing cry. "AHHHHHH!!! YOU FILTHY VERMIN!!!", the demon exclaimed as it threw up loads of blood. "YOU… GET OUT OF MY BODY!!!" The feline ripped open the serpent's belly. Blood gushed out as the feline escaped.

Feline: "I thank you for your participation, but your worth is now void. Go, Sekhmet."

The cat god leaped into the air, cutting off all six of Sephora's heads. Sephora's body fell to the ground with a loud thud. Sephora muttered while bleeding out, "No, it wasn't suppose to end like this. I can't die yet. I still… need to find him. He can't… let him… become like them." Aaron stared in awe at the feline. Drenched in blood, its body began regressing back into its original form."Aaron, ponder on the techniques and principles that I've shared with you. You can adapt them as you wish. Nothing is set in stone for growth. With the being said, remember your promise.", the Feline said before his spirit left Neku's body. Neku collapsed. The link between her and the feline took a toll on her body. Aaron crawled over to her and braised her in his arms. She looked away from him. Her face didn't show any resentment, but Aaron could feel she was very displeased with him.

Aaron: "You're pretty amazing, you know that?"

Neku grunts in response.

Aaron: "I didn't know you could borrow power from other spirits. It's quite remarkable."

Neku grunts in response again.

Aaron: "I was really worried about you. When you ran off I told Eris to go look for you."

Neku frowned and rolled out of Aaron's grasp.

Aaron: "You know, I never apologized to you?

Neku: "Aaron…"

Aaron listened eagerly.

Neku: "Shut up."

Aaron's face was painted with shock.

Neku: "I need not your apology nor sympathy. I neither feel resentment or contempt for your actions either. My future is one of my own making. You have nothing to apologize…"

Aaron: "I'm sorry."

Neku turned back sharply. She saw Aaron with his head on the ground, bowing.

Aaron: "I'm sorry for not doing you right as your master. I shouldn't have let Eris and Conan treat you like they did. I should've been more observant and serious about your feelings. And it's my fault you got hurt fighting to protect me."

Neku: "Stop it."

Aaron: "I should've been more attentive and defended you."

Neku: "Enough."

Aaron: "I failed you and have no right to be called your master."

Neku: "Stop it.."

Aaron: "I don't expect you to forgive me, but know I am truly sorry."

Neku mustered as much strength as she could and rush toward Aaron. Aaron raised his head as it collided with Neku's fist. He fell backwards as Neku straddled him, grabbing him by his collar.

Neku: "SHUT UP!!! Shut up, shut up, shut up! You just never stop with the should have this should have that and apologizing. Honestly it's really ticking me off. You're too nice and equality as dense for that matter. You think I'm weak and need protection. I've lived through more disasters than you ever will on this backwater crust. My life is my own making and I don't need you trying told hold my burdens. You keep saying that I deserve better. Pfft, sickening. Have you ever stopped to think that maybe my misfortune is of my own making?

Aaron's face turned puzzled.

Neku: "My entire life I've been laughed at, scoffed at, and treated poorly. Nobody cared for me. They all called me a cursed child. You would say the fault lies with everyone else, but you're wrong. My people were killed because of the choices I made. Those who survived have the right to hate me because I ran. When it was my time to inherent the roll of first maiden of my clan, I ran. When my clan and Conan's waged war, I ran. When the demons invaded my village, I ran. And without taking any accountability for any of it, I ran.

Neku's hands laxed around Aaron. She began to sob as her head sank.

Neku: "So don't you dare apologize and say that I'm not at fault. Your pity will not help me, nor will your compassion change what I've done. I'm not the brave courageous companion you'd like to believe. What they say about me is no lie. They aren't the problem, I am."

Aaron: "But you came back."

Neku head slowly raised. Her eyes met with Aaron as he gently grabbed her hand.

Aaron: "When I was at that cave fighting off that army of demons and almost died, you saved me. When I ate that cursed flower and almost got corrupted, you saved me. And despite Conan and Eris pushing you to leave, you came back once again and saved me. Three time you left, three times you came back and saved me. Each time you were scared, but you faced those fears head on. You don't have to be brave, you don't have to be courageous, and you don't have to be strong. You just being you and being there for me when I need it most is plenty enough for me. This world is scary, you know that better than me. So, if you get scared it's ok to run. It's ok to hide if you can't handle to obstacles ahead of you. Just rely on me to shoulder that burden and help out whenever you can, and I'll trust that you'll return when needed most."

Neku: "But what if you're outmatched?"

Aaron: "Then run."

Neku: "And if you can't escape?"

Aaron: "Then hide."

Neku: "And there's a chance you might die?"

Aaron: "I'll trust you'll save me just like you've done before, time and time again. You're stronger than you know, Neku. I can see that, and it's time you see it to. You have the power to protect those close to you, all you need is the confidence to do so. And whenever you're ready to take that step I'll be there to support you along the way. So, take your time. It's worked so far, right?"

Neku fell into Aaron's arms in a ball of tears. She nudged her face tightly into his chest as he hugged her in accord.

Aaron: "The past is the past. No point in dwelling on it. What we do now will determine who we are and our future. They can say whatever horrid things about you they want. It won't change what I think about you and what you've done for me. The Neku I know is kind, caring, and strong. The one I found in the an abandoned village, and chose to become my familiar is the best friend I could ask for. Someone who'll risk their life when it matters most. That's who you are."

*Brief moment of silence.

Voice: "You filthy peasants. You think you can slay me that easily?"

Aaron and Neku turn to the voice and see Sephora's head incased in a dark swirling mist. The energy it gave off was immense and very ominous.

Sephora: "You think your ties will last. No, I won't allow it. I'll reduce this village to ash before I allow myself to be beaten by the likes of you."

Sephora's head began floating and a dark energy began whipping around violently and growing stronger. It seemed as if the demon's energy was going to explode. Aaron and Neku were too weak from the fight to do anything. Aaron shielded Neku with his body and prepared for the worst.

Sephora: "If I'm going to die, then I'm taking you all with me. We can bear the burden of my regrets in the afterlife together… *Cough!!! W-what!? What happened? My mána."

Sephora's head fell to the ground. The dark mist quickly dissipated as the energy calmed down. The door began to rattle shortly before something began crashing into it forcing in open. Once open, Conan, Eris, and Segan came rushing in. They scanned the room, seeing the demon and Aaron and Neku not too far from it.

Conan: "Good, we made it in time."

Segan: "Is that… is it… could that… that's disgusting." 

Segan, on the verge of barfing from seeing the demon's remains, fled from the cave.

Eris: "So, looks like you found her…"

Aaron: "Correction, she found me. And saved my life AGAIN I'll have you know."

Eris held her tongue. She didn't feel like she was on good terms with Aaron.

Conan: "Saved your life? You wouldn't need saving if she hadn't…"

Aaron: "QUIET!!!"

Aaron's voice shook the room, startling everyone. To Conan's surprise, he to held his tongue. Segan, curious of the loud roar, returned to the cave keeping in mind not to look at the corpse.

Aaron: "I've heard enough out of you. Eris I can tolerate, but not you. Neku has done nothing but try to make amends for what she's done, but you just keep stabbing at her. I'm the one who asked her to be apart of this team, so if you have a problem with her then take it up with me."

Aaron stood up and began approaching Conan until they were standing face to face.

Aaron: "But I swear, if you bad mouth her again, spirit or not, I'll make sure you regret every second of it. As I said before, she saved my life just as she did twice before. So, if the next thing out of your mouth isn't at least a "Thank You" then keep it shut. However, if it's my life that you actually have an issue with then we can hash that out right here and now, Conan. 

Aaron and Conan stare each other down like a pair of beasts ready to kill each other. Even though he already knew the outcome, Conan was eager to accept Aaron's challenge. There's nothing that gets a wolf's blood pumping faster than prey.

Eris: "Alright, alright, that's enough! The battle is won. No need for further violence."

Eris stepped between the two. They still eye-balled each other while being separated.

Eris: "We can discuss this later. Right now the most important thing is tending to Aaron's injuries. He tries to hide it but he can barely stand."

Conan scoffs slightly. "Fine", he grumbles. "But know this, Aaron. You'd best be careful of challenging me, because if you do so again I may not be able to contain myself.", Conan said in a sinister voice while leaving.

Eris: "Segan, would you help Aaron back to the house?"

Segan: "Ah, sure."

Segan rushes over to carry Aaron up that stairs. As they make way to the exit Aaron feel a sharp gaze directed towards him.

Voice: "W-wait."

Aaron turns toward the weak voice. His eyes land on the demon's head. He gazes it's eyes for a brief moment.

Voice: "Medusa's Gaze."

Aaron's body was frozen and his mind was suddenly transported to a subspace. It was dark, cold, and foggy. As Aaron scanned the area he noticed a human-like figure emerging from the fog. It was tall, scaly, and slender with a raspy voice.

Humanoid: "Well, well, well. Looksss like you accccepted my invitation."

Aaron: "Sephora!"

Aaron assumed a fighting stance.

Sephora: "Do not be alarmed, I bare you no ill will. Not here at least."

Aaron: "And why would I believe a demon such as you?"

Sephora: "… You ssssay that as if sssimply being a demon makessss me evil."

Aaron: "No, it's because you tried to kill me."

Sephora: "Fair enough."

Aaron: "So, why did you bring me here, gonna curse me?"

Sephora: "Pleasssse, would a fair lady sssuch as I do sssomething so dreadful."

Aaron: "Funny, I though you were a man"

Sephora: "Quite the comedian aren't you… I have a requessst of you. I would like you to find my egg."

Aaron: "No chance. The last thing this world needs is more of you. Keep me here all you want, but I'll find a way out soon enough."

Aaron begins looking for a way out.

Sephora: "Do you plan on making her bear the sin's alone?"

Aaron halted.

Aaron: "Where did you hear that?"

Sephora: "Couldn't say, but I might remember something if someone were to jog my memory.

Aaron: "… Fine, what do you want?"

Sephora: "Just one thing. The safety of my child. I have an unborn egg deep in the heart of the Eastern mountains. If you secure and protect it until it hatches the child inside will be able to share my knowledge with you."

Aaron: "And how can I trust you?"

Sephora: "You can't, but you'll have to if you want to end thissss war. Though that'sss not very reassuring, ssso I'll give you this, for trust."

Sephora manifested a sword with a snake head for a hilt. It had strange carvings and an odd energy.

Sephora: "I made thisss weapon for my child. I noticed you're fond of sssswords, but having trouble manifessssting your own. So, I'll let you borrow it til you find my child. Who knowsss, maybe he'll let you keep it for sssome time after. Does thissss grant me you trust?"

Aaron: "Aren't you afraid I may use this sword to kill your child?"

Sephora: "Not at all. You don't seem the type. Besides, my blade would never harm my child. And by the looks of your group you'll need all the help you can get. One more thing, it is true that mossst of my kind dessserve to perish, but there are thossse who wish for a posssitive change to this chaotic world. Even we demonsss can only tolerate so much dessstruction. Like you said, it's what we do now that determines who we are and our future. Please, I ask this of you. Save my child and I will be forever in your debt."

Sephora held out the sword and kneeled before Aaron. Aaron reluctantly took the sword.

Aaron: "If I do this, do you swear to repent."

Sephora: "I ssswear on my name and all my kin, I will make amendsss for my misssdeeds."

Aaron: "Then we have an accord."

Sephora: "Thank you. You are quite the kind soul indeed. I'm sure you will be able to end this agelesss war."

Aaron: "Oh, I'll be taking your heart as compensation for the trouble."

Sephora: "Ooo, quite the ssstraight shooter. And so sssudden."

Aaron: "I meant from your corpse. It's for an acquaintance."

Sephora chuckled as her mána depleted, releasing Aaron from the subspace. Aaron awoke feeling slightly dazed.

Segan: "Hey, you alright?"

Aaron: "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little tired."

Aaron precedes to leave. Neku glances over, feeling nostalgia and also rejection.

Eris: "Neku."

Neku looks over seeing Eris standing before her.

Eris: "You look pretty beat up too. You need any help getting back?"

Neku: "You sure you want a leech hanging around?"

Eris: "…I'm sorry."

Neku: "What?"

Eris: "I never should've said those things to you. It was wrong of me. I don't expect forgiveness, but I hope you'll at least let me try to make amends."

Neku stared at Eris as she tried desperately to not make I contact. It was obvious that Eris was ashamed of herself.

Neku: "Tell me, why do you hate me?"

Eris: "… No, it's not that I hate you. I was just… jealous."

Neku tilts her head, signifying her lack of understanding.

Eris: "I've been friends with Aaron for as long as can I remember. We've always had each others back in Nirvana. But here, where there's so much more at stake. He's started to rely on others who, and I hate to admit, are more capable than myself. You were the first person we met since coming here. Aaron instantly took a liking to you and you accepted him. Whereas, it took me a long time to even get comfortable being around Aaron, despite his friendly nature. You two became close very quickly and he stared relying on you more. At the cave, you were the person he turned to first. But you ran like a… If it was just me and Aaron, he would've listened to me and wouldn't have fought those demons. But you were there which gave us a chance and him hope. I've never made such an impact on Aaron. That made me jealous. I felt useless. It was as if the time and trust we built together was being slowly unraveled by the few moments you two spent together. So, I tried to drive you away. Pathetic, isn't it?

Neku: "… It seems that I owe you an apology as well."

Eris: "What?"

Neku: "I'm well aware my presence causes trouble for people in many ways. For my clan, it's near extinction. Conan, the trust of his clan. Aaron, his life. And you, your friendship. I did not mean to come between you and Aaron. Just as I, you have someone that you deeply care for and don't want to lose either. I can truly respect that and understand from where your frustration derives. For that, I apologize. If you wish I leave, I'll respect your decision and do so. It would probably be for the best anyway."

Eris: "No. Truth be told, we need you. I'm not strong enough to protect Aaron on my own and I don't trust Conan to despite entering into a pact with him. I know he's your friend and all, but I still feel unease. And Aaron's a kind person, too kind for his own good. They'll come a time when he'll need help, but I can't guarantee I'll be there. So, I'd like you to watch him in my stead."

Neku: "Are you sure? If I get too close I might be the only thing he thinks about."

Eris: "As if. There's nothing you can do to ruin the time we've spent together."

Neku: "Says the one who was oh so worried a minute ago."

Eris: "As a good friend should."

Neku: "Hfff."

Neku and Eris giggled at each other.

Eris: "Well, shall we go?"

Neku: "We shall."

Neku and Eris exited the cave. They caught up with Aaron and Segan who were just exiting the stairwell. They met Conan at the very top.

Aaron: "What's wrong?"

Conan: "Look."

Conan pointed at the villagers lined up in front of the stairwell entrance. They all stood in place staring.

Neku: "I don't like the looks of this. What should we do?"

Segan: "I'll handle this."

Aaron: "Wait…"

Segan: "I'll be fine. Trust me."

Segan walked towards the village chief. They stared at each other briefly.

Chieftain: "… You defied me. Once again, I ordered you to never allow outsiders into our villager, but here they are. To make matters worse, you led them to the lord's lair. Such disrespect and disobedience is unacceptable."

The chieftain raised his hand high before bringing it down onto Segan. Aaron rushed to Segan's aid, but Conan stopped him. Segan braised for punishment but was instead met with a warm embrace.

Chieftain: "Thank god you're still alive, my foolish son."

The chieftain fell to his knees whilst still hugging Segan.

Segan: "Father, not so tight. That really hurts."

Aaron: "Wait, I'm confused."

Eris: "The spells been broken, idiot."

Conan: "Turns out the three demon hearts we were looking for were actually demons posing as the villager elders."

Eris: "And the chieftain was never being controlled by the demon. Only the villagers were being controlled."

Conan: "In order to protect the villagers and Segan, the chief formed a contract with the demon to lore in travelers and feed them to the demon. As long as he met quota the villagers were and his son would be spared. But…" 

Eris: "As the demon's influence grew bigger and expanded few travelers came to the village. The chief lost hope as the demon grew hungrier."

Conan: "The chief was planning on feeding us to the demon, but you killed it, Aaron."

Aaron: "It wasn't me that killed it. It was all Neku."

Neku: "Anyway, let's head back."

Chieftain: "Wait!"

The chief yelled with a loud roar.

Chieftain: "You're just going to leave without addressing me, what rudeness. I'd be furies… if I wasn't so eternally grateful."

The chief and the villagers all bowed their heads.

Chief: "I won't keep you. It's clear that you are in dire need of rest. Go. Please, take all the time you need."

Aaron, Segan, and Neku returned to the house. They helped Aaron into bed so he could finally rest.

***Meanwhile somewhere in the village

Conan: "So, how was she?"

Eris: "She seems unaffected by the rose despite my constant irritation, so I don't think we have to worry about her. At least for now."

Conan: "Good. Seems Aaron is adapting to the roses power. Still, keep an eye on them both just in case."

Eris: "…"

Conan: "What is it?"

Eris: "It's nothing. Just… worried for the future that's all."

Conan noticed a faint discoloration in Eris's hand. She nonchalantly hid it away.

Conan: "As am I."