Diana sighed as she was unable to fall asleep during the night. It was restless when she did try, and she felt exhausted. All she could think about was everything that happened, and it's the first time she's experienced a loss of someone close to her. Even if it was for a few days.

"You look tired." Diana jumps and looks over at Crowley as he finally wakes up. She moves off the cot to sit on the edge of it. She reaches for a dim lamp she requested to brighten things up a bit.

"I couldn't sleep... I couldn't stop thinking." Diana says quietly. Diana tries to keep her voice calm as well. Suddenly, she feels vulnerable with Crowley being awake now. He sits up slowly, his back cracking after going hours without moving. He looks around where they are it. The memories of this room come back. Like their time outside was only a dream.

"How did we get here?" Crowley questions as he also sits on the edge of the cot to face Diana properly. Diana looks to the side and sighs. 

"Um, I asked Kiara to bring us here for you to recover. This place was a better choice than Flat-Topped Acacia base..." Crowley nods in agreement. He, too, doesn't want to deal with Captain Brown. 

"I'm glad we made it back safely. Though, you do need to sleep." Crowley says a bit more firmly than he meant to. Diana clenches her hands as she looks down. Diana shakes her head, seeming afraid to fall asleep. "Why?"

"I don't want to think. If I'm quiet, then I'll think again... about the fights... the fear... about Sasha." Tears finally well up in Diana's eyes as she finally loses her composure. Crowley looks at her, feeling sad more so for her than Sasha. He decides to stand up from his cot and goes to sit next to her. He puts an arm around her shoulders as she leans on him to cry softly.

"Sasha... she did so much to help us get out, and we couldn't do anything to get her out and help her escape Amon." She wraps her trembling arms around herself, trying to get some composure back.

"She did what she wanted it. She looked peaceful..." Diana lifts her head to make sure that Crowley is being honest. He looks to her and smiles a bit. "I promise she looked peaceful. She was finally free. Not in the way you all wanted her to be, but she was free in her own way. She died knowing that. Also, lover boy declared revenge on that damn old man." 

Diana can't help but laugh a little through the tears that had finally slowed down. "That sounds like Dean, alright... However, he's not the wielder of the Holy Grail as far as we know. We don't know any wielders." She whispers softly to him. Crowley's brow furrows as he has questioned the same thing himself. No one has really brought up wielders in front of him before, but things may change now that he's a leader.

"I'm sure in my new position I can find out. If I still even have it after disappearing suddenly. I still haven't reported in to anyone. I haven't gone ho...me..." Diana and Crowley come to a realization as he brings up his home. They both straighten up and look at each other.

"Hannah!" They had completely forgotten about the goblin bride they helped rescue a while back. She's been on her own this whole time. Diana gets up and pulls up Crowley.

"Oh gosh, she's been alone for a long time! She must think we abandoned her!" Diana panics as she pulls him towards the door. Crowley follows along, and they leave the room, heading for the exit. 

"Hannah? Are they keeping someone hidden? Ah, what kind of trouble are these twins getting into?" Suika questions herself as she was listening in on their conversation. She leans back and spins around slowly in her chair. She smiles and turns off the recorder once they're gone. She takes note of their secret activities and the changes she's seen in the two of them.

As the pair makes their way towards his property, they take the usual route that keeps them from being detected by any security cameras posted on business or properties on the way towards the park they pass through to get to the condemned area. Crowley looks for his keys as they pass the threshold of the glamour.

The front door opens, and they are greeted by the glaring, blue haired Sean Carson. He crosses his arms as he looks at the pair of siblings. He is about ready to yell, and they can tell. Sean reaches out and pulls in Crowley by the jacket. Diana jumps startled and follows them in to close the door.

"Where the hell have you people been?! All we heard is that Lady Acacia is back safe and sound and that you showed back up with Diana Green and Dean Acacia! You involved Headmaster Acacia's son?!" He goes off on Crowley, who isn't taking seriously being scolded by a teenage boy. Diana looks around and spots Hannah coming out of the kitchen nervously.

"Hannah, I'm so sorry, you must think we've forgotten our promise to you. So much happened. It's a really long story, but we haven't forgotten our promise. We will get you back to your husband. Unfortunately, things got difficult with all that's happened." Diana looks to Hannah, unsure if she should approach her close. Hannah nods slowly as she looks away with a furrowed brow. 

"We've got time. We deserve an explanation! I am running out of excuses with my parents about why I've disappeared so often these last few days. There's only so much I can use work as the excuse to come and make sure that Hannah wasn't left all alone and abandoned." Sean says with a lot of stress and annoyance obvious in his voice. "At this point, my mom suspects I have some sort of secret girlfriend or boyfriend." 

"Okay... Crowley, we gotta tell someone. I'm sure there's going to be a lot of questions from the higher-ups." Diana looks back at the brunet. He sighs and is not looking forward to all the meetings and questions that he will have not only from the other two leaders, but the head officials of Koa Acacia, Flat-Topped Acacia, Swoll-Thorn Acacia, and Flowering Acacia. 

"Fine, we better sit down then." Crowley walks over to his couch and sits back on it. The familiarity of it suddenly feels so distant, but he's comfortable being in his space. The rest of the group heads for the other couches and sit down to listen to the events that happened to Diana and Crowley. 

"So... yeah, that's what happened. The only good thing that came out of this was that my aunt is pregnant with Zaleia." Dean finishes explaining to Lori, Mary, and Chelsea as they all sit in his bedroom at his family manor. The three young women listened quietly and intently to Dean's long explanation.

"That's insane... You seriously came head to head with THE Amon Bedivere?! One of the Three Generals?!" Lori finally breaks the silence as the three of them try to even imagine how Dean managed to come out of fighting Amon almost unscathed. Dean once again nods in confirmation. 

"I'll do it again. He killed my friend right before my eyes. She protected me... and he had the audacity to cry for her after all the pain he's put her through? That woman was a hero who did so much without expecting anything in return. I will avenge her death. But I have to get stronger." Dean's gaze hardens as he looks out of his bedroom window. The three women look to his determined expression.

"You're absolutely not going it alone this time." Chelsea speaks up. Lori and Mary look to their friend, surprised. Normally, she doesn't bring up joining in on some dangerous adventure. Chelsea tries to be a voice of reason other times. Dean smiles as he looks back over at Chelsea. 

"You got it." He agrees as he puts his hand out. The three young women smile and place their hands in his. They all silently promise to each other to be there and face danger together. There is no need to go solo again. They all have talents and strengths that will be beneficial in stopping Amon.

"Though, Amon isn't the only enemy threatening our peace. We have the vampire queen and the mummy pharaoh." Chelsea reminds the group. They nod, knowing that Amon is only the beginning.

"It's crazy for sure. I don't know if that's gonna make Granny more upset or less once she gets the story. I bet you and Diana are going to be questioned along with the officer, your aunt, and Crowley..." Lori mentions as they all start to process what Dean has told them.

"I'm not looking forward to that. It-" Dean pauses as he hears vehicles pulling up. They all go to his window to look. He sighs, recognizing the Flat-Topped Acacia military vehicles. The young women all look to Dean with concern.

"It's like they heard us. I guess I better get going. This has to be done sooner or later. I'll see you three either later or back at school. Gosh, I'd almost forgotten I was just a student." The group walks down to the front door as Dean talks. They hang back as Dean goes to answer the knocking.

"Good day, I'm Captain Brown. I've come to bring you to the meeting with the leaders and the military heads. I'm so sorry, this was urgent, so Lord Acacia could not come himself to get you. We are searching for Crowley and Diana Green. Have you heard from them?" Captain Brown holds his hat over his chest as he keeps a respectful tone towards Dean.

"I'm sorry, I've been here all day since coming back. I haven't heard from anyone. To be honest, I have never contacted uh... Lord Crowley before." Dean says. Captain Brown ends up squeezing his hat a bit but keeps his composure.

"Alright, are you ready to go?" Dean nods and follows out the officers and Captain Brown. The young women look at each other as he lets the door close behind him.

"We gotta give Diana a heads up." Chelsea pulls out her cellphone and calls her to let her know faster.

Diana jumps as she hears her muffled ring tone. She pulls it out of her pockets from the pants she borrowed from Crowley. She forgot to remove the waterproofing magic on it and waves her hand over it to remove it.

"Chelsea! Hi, I'm sorry I-"

"Diana, Flat-Topped Acacia is looking for you and Professor Crowley. It looks like the Artemia leaders and military heads want to question you guys. Dean filled us in. Are you still with Professor Crowley?" Chelsea interrupts Diana. Diana looks to Crowley, wondering if he heard in the quiet room.

He nods and gets up. "It may not be mentioned, but I'm sure they expect the Five Elite to be there too. We should all get going." Crowley says as he gets up from his seat.

"Got it. Thanks for the warning, Chelsea. I'll catch up with you all later." The two young women exchange farewells. Diana hangs up, tucking her phone away. "Um... I don't think I look presentable." Diana looks down at the baggy clothes. She had to use some string to get the pants to stay up as well as not drag around her feet.

"Um, you can borrow some of mine. Sean was kind enough to help get me some clothes." Hannah offers. She couldn't do it before as Crowley had already given Diana some clothes as they explained to the two of them of their adventures in the goblin city.

Sean turns bright red as he recalls the awkwardness of going to stores by himself. Especially the underwear departments. He's sure it arose a lot of rumors about him.

"Thanks, Hannah." The two women head over to the room Crowley let her have. Hannah lets Diana choose some clothes. She sits on her bed as Diana changes behind her back.

"So... even the goblin city isn't a safe place for Roard and I to go to." Diana looks over her shoulder as she zips up her jeans.

"Gosh, nowhere is safe during this time. But the goblin city was beautiful before Amon broke a lot of the city trying to get to Crowley and the others. I didn't have to encounter that monster. But I suppose considering the position you guys are in... Artemia is equally as bad. I mean, you both are being prosecuted." Diana can still see all the destruction Amon caused. She, too, ended up ruining a building with water damage and burst pipes.

"We'll find somewhere. Even if we have to travel into the unknown lands that the monsters run. I'll hide." Hannah tries to remain positive in the uncertainty of their future. Diana isn't sure what to say. She can only nod in encouragement.

"Diana, are you ready?" The young women jump as Crowley knocks on the closed door.

"Yeah, I'm coming out now. I'll see you later, Hannah." Diana waves and heads out of the room. She walks back out to the living room where Sean waits for them. He is calling to let the other person know that they are on their way.  He does try to argue that they can go on their own but is cut off before being hung up on.

"Sorry, Flat-Topped Acacia officials are coming to pick us up. Let's head to the park. That's where I said we'd be." Sean quiets down as he sees Diana and Crowley make an identical disgusted expression. He could almost laugh at the mystery of twins, fraternal and identical.

"Let's get this over with... Sean, I don't know what's gonna happen after this, but I might have to leave Hannah in your care for a while longer." Crowley mentions as he remembers that Kiara is planning to turn him in. Diana looks at him, concerned and confused. Sean is just confused by this.

"Why? You do realize that I'm fifteen?" Sean reminds Crowley as they reach the park.

"I'll help. I'm back now, so I can help you." Diana offers. The group quiets down as they see the military vehicles approaching them. The very first vehicle stops right in front of them and out steps Captain Brown. Sean glances to the twins as they are unable to hide their disdain from their matching expressions.

"Good day, I'm here to bring you all to the courthouse for a very important meeting. So, if you would all get into-"

"Diana!" Diana jumps as Dean pokes his head out through one of the military vehicle windows. Diana looks at the smiling blond that resembles an excited puppy. She ends up smiling back at the adorable way he is.

"Alright, then let's get on then." Crowley  says.

"I'm sorry, there's no room up front, so feel free to choose another vehicle or ride in the back prisoner transportation  bay." Captain Brown says in a fake, kind tone. Crowley only smiles and goes to the back of the vehicle and opens the back.

"Shall we?" He puts his hand out to Diana. She smiles and goes to hop on as well. Sean shakes his head and goes to another vehicle.

Crowley crosses his arms as he sits next to Diana. She rests her palms on the seat, raising her shoulders in the process to keep her arms straight.

"Crowley... I'm not going to turn you in." Diana whispers as she thinks back to what he said. Crowley looks over at Diana's worried profile.

"I wasn't talking about you. Either way... I probably won't be around. So, you gotta take care of yourself. Get stronger. Don't hold back anymore, Diana." Crowley uncrosses his arms and puts his hand down to put it over Diana's. Diana finally looks over at Crowley, and he looks lonely.

"Crowley... why do you treat me this way?" Diana wonders once again why someone he has never spoken to before a couple weeks ago is treating her like they've been something their whole lives.

"We're the same. You and I are the same. I want to tell you so much more, but this isn't the place, and for now, it's not the time. I'm sorry, let me be selfish for a bit longer and keep being my friend... please." Crowley's hand shakes a bit. Diana turns her hand and intertwines their fingers.

"Okay. I'll be patient." Diana says with a soft voice. The two of them sit there silently with their hands together. They go silent and focus ahead of themselves.

A sepia colored scene appears before them. The sound of waves resound as the rain and wind come down full force. It's freezing cold, in spite of the feeling of a warm blanket. Neither Diana nor Crowley feel like they can move much or lift their heads.

Diana manages to slip her arm out, but it doesn't look like her current arm. It's small and a bit chubby, like a baby. In her vision, another baby arm comes into view. The sound of crying babies echoes loudly over the falling rain and crashing waves.

"Whoa!" Diana and Crowley are snapped back into reality as the vehicle stops. They nearly fall to their sides, catching themselves. They look at each other, unable to question each other right now if they saw the same thing.

The door is opened, and they are greeted by Dean. Diana smiles and goes over to take his hand and hop out. Crowley glares at Dean as he tries to put his hand out for him. He ignores the outstretched hand and jumps out of the vehicle.

They all walk inside once everyone is out. Diana and Dean notice Kiara as she walks with a different group in her uniform. She nods her head at them as they keep going to the meeting area.

Two guards at the door hold up a brush and ink. Dean and Diana look at the two individuals confused.

"They're going to draw some magical runes on us that will force us to tell the truth and nothing but the truth." Crowley explains to them in a hushed tone. That startles them, and they all know that this will cause them to rat out Crowley's involvement in getting Caroline captured. Even if it was unintentional. The guards take their wrists, and on their palms, they draw and open circle with the black ink. 

Kiara and Crowley both get marked as well to ensure fairness. The doors are opened as Captain Brown leads the group inside. All the other lower ranking officials stay back. Sean and Captain Brown go sit with the other higher-ups, and the group to be questioned stand in the center of them all.

Diana feels like she's the only one who is nervous and is being accused of doing something bad. She knows that rescuing someone isn't inherently bad, but she did leave Artemia without being an official soldier of any of the military factions. She knows Dean will be fine because of his family name, Crowley is a temporary leader of Artemia. Kiara may be in the same boat as her or her service in Flat-Topped Acacia will count for something. In this room full of important people, she is nobody.

Imogen and Chandler sit in front of them as everyone settles down. Diana gulps and looks to all the people present. From the Five Elite is Nichole, Vincent, and Sean. There is no sign of Caroline even though the Captain of Swollen-Thorn Acacia is there, Thomas Lockhart. Koa Acacia has Suika Amory present. Flat-Topped Acacia is completed with the arrival of Captain Brown. Diana has never seen in person the captain of Flowering Acacia. She has only heard her name as Nichole didn't accept a position as the official captain, Rowan Clay. The two leaders present are Chandler and Imogen. Crowley is stuck next to her even with his position as a member of the Five Elite and his position as leader.

"Alright, is everyone here? Caroline, are you on?" Imogen questions as she turns a magic mirror towards herself. Caroline affirms her presence as she looks like her usual strict and well-dressed self, even if she's stuck on bedrest in her home. Her blonde hair is up in a braided bun on the back of her head. 

"That's everyone, so at present, we have Officer Kiara Pancheri, Crowley, Dean Acacia, and Diana Green. For our present audience, please confirm." Chandler says as he detaches himself from being Dean's father in the present moment. The group all confirmed their names. 

"Then, let's begin. Let us go over what happened. Where was Caroline Acacia taken to when she was snatched from the courthouse?" Imogen questions, she fans herself as she looks down at the group. Everyone feels the words coming out forcefully without their control.

"Goblin city." They respond in unison. Every little word that is spoken gets taken note of by some of the more diligent leaders. Some of them just listen or pretend to listen. Suika is blatantly trying to stay awake as she immediately grows bored.

The meeting goes on as they have them all explain what happened within the goblin city. It brings up bad memories as they also try to keep more intimate details to themselves. Under the trained military personnel, it is harder to do so for the inexperienced Diana and Dean. Crowley does try to divert the intense questioning towards himself instead of Diana and Dean. He is able to keep a calm they are unable to.

At one point, Diana feels like crying as she is forced to hear how Sasha's life ended when Dean faced Amon. She hadn't even gotten those details from Dean as they have not been able to just sit together and talk. Everything is becoming overwhelming the more the military pressures them. She dreads what is to come. Eventually, someone will ask how they knew where to find Caroline in the first place. Even Caroline wasn't privy to that information.

"Tell me, how is it that you all were able to find where Caroline was taken to when no one within our military factions could?" Diana bites her tongue as she feels the words welling up within her. She knows what it'll mean for Crowley. He may not just get arrested. He could be executed for being an accessory. Even if he didn't actively participate. He knew and did nothing to stop it until it was too late. Charon Matthews was seriously injured, and Caroline was kidnapped for days, not only endangering her life but the unborn baby in her womb. Which no one but the group knows about, as well as Thomas.

"No... please no! Don't say anything, don't lock away the only semblance of a family I have! Don't take Crowley away..." Diana mentally pleads as she squeezes her eyes shut. After processing her own thoughts, she becomes surprised. "Family? Why would I say family?" 

"Well? Someone spea-" Everyone quickly goes on the defensive as all the lights shatter. It almost sounded like something zapped through them. Everyone looks around, and some think to pull out their wands to shine light in the room and observe around the room. Suika is the only one who remains in her seat. She is smiling like a giddy child as she looks at Diana and Crowley. She knows that they're not aware that such powers are coming from them. 

"There's nothing here. It appears to have been the electrical. Someone go have maintenance called to replace the lights." Chandler assures everyone as no threat is detected. That begins to get done in the meantime, and they maintain their magic lights to resume the questioning of the group. Diana can't help but feel again that once again, her prayers were answered, if only to momentarily delay things.

"No one is here, so let's resume. We have to answer this question." Imogen speaks up again as she sits down alongside everyone else. Diana is back to being stressed. She hears Crowley sigh.

"Context, Lady Dragul." The group all look to Kiara as she speaks up. "Lady Caroline had recently hired a woman for a new position at the courthouse according to investigations. The woman had a great level of understanding of goblins, so it was safe to assume she was a lot more connected to goblins than expected. If I may ask, has that woman come back? Do you remember, Lady Acacia?"

"Yes, that's right, the woman Juliette kidnapped me. She knocked me out with some sort of sleeping dust, and the next thing I know, I'm being taken through a tunnel. As of right now, Artemia is compromised with secret tunnels leading to the goblin city." Caroline confirms. Crowely, Diana, and Dean are shocked that Kiara managed to lie. They try not to show it as they agree.

"Everyone was in a panic and didn't put together such a simple clue. In order to reduce the panic, I formed a small team of formidable allies to rescue Caroline Acacia. Yes, it may have been poor judgment to allow two students to come with us, but they did well and survived with minimal injury." Crowley manages to say as he supports Kiara's explanation as well.

"Please don't punish Lord Crowley or Officer Pancheri. I was also insistent on wanting to save my aunt when I came across the news that she had been taken. I would have recklessly gone on my own if I hadn't gotten support from them and Diana." Dean vouches for everyone to lessen any ideas of punishment for them.

"How'd you get out of Artemia?" The group looks over at the person who asked the question. Rowan Clay smiles in a warm way, but it also feels unnerving. It feels fake. "The gates were on lockdown. How did you all get out?" She asks again as she tilts her head. Her gaze travels over the four faces.

"Through one of the tunnels made by the ghouls and goblins to get into Artemia." Crowley answers, but he knows that he will have to give up the place where Karina kept all her safehouse patrons and the women that invaded Artemia. "In the remaining goblin and ghoul safehouse."  

"Captain of Flat-Topped Acacia, send out your officers to raid the house and arrest anyone that is there. Destroy the tunnel." Imogen's fan snaps closed as she turns to Captain Brown. He rises and puts his hand over his heart.

"Of course, Lady Dragul. I will send out the word right now." He bows his head and steps out of the room to make the call. Imogen looks back down at the group. 

"I suppose we have gotten all the information we could. We know the whole story, so in the end, you four are heroes. However, Amon Bedivere is not dead. So, it is time we declare the wielders of our Holy Weapons who must be trained in order to end the Three Generals. We have no time to have candidates selected by the Five Elite." Imogen declares. Chandler nods in agreement. Crowley's eyes widen as he knows exactly where this conversation is heading. 

"Wielder of the Holy Grail who shall be you, Crowley." Chandler announces as he takes over for Imogen. Crowley looks at them in disbelief. He has constantly denied wanting to aid the military in their war. That is why he has never chosen a faction to be a part of in the first place. He put off selecting a candidate cause he didn't care, and he really couldn't find anyone worthy. 

"He can't!" Dean protests, and everyone looks at the young man. "It should be me! I have a reason to face Amon! I want to fight him and avenge Sasha!" He says with determination. Chandler shakes his head, dismissing his will to help. 

"No, it will be Crowley. That was the plan for a long time. Now, the wielder of the Heavenly Sword is you, Miss Diana Green." Chandler turns to the blackette that had kept quiet. Her gray eyes widen. This brings her back to that place she was in before meeting Dean, Chelsea, Lori, and Mary. It fills her with rage to be thrust into a war she wants no part in. It brings her back to the place of the young woman who wanted to leave Artemia and find her place in the world. 

"Are you kidding me?!" Crowley yells out at them. His fierce protectiveness of his younger sister flares up. No one is used to seeing Crowley lose his cool, especially not for someone else. Only for those who know what they are does his reaction make sense. 

"No... No, I can't!" Diana screams out and abruptly runs out of the room.

"Diana!" Both Dean and Crowley call out to the runaway woman. Dean moves first and goes after her.

"Dean! Dean!" Chandler yells out for his son, but he doesn't listen and keeps running after Diana. Crowley tries to go after them as well, but the door is slammed shut with a magical barrier going over it.

"What now?! You all got the report of what happened!" Crowley looks back with a fierce glare a Chandler. He's sure that he's the one who suggested Diana as Chandler has always been the one observing her at the academy. He has approached the young woman with a friendly guise. All for the sake of having Diana participate in this war. Not just against anyone either, but with Ilyas Ithamar. The horrible sadist that will never leave you in peace, even in death.

"You forget you have new responsibilities to uphold as the leader chosen by Charon Matthews." Imogen almost feels sick having to say so. Crowley's jaw clenches.

"Caroline Acacia is back. She can take her spot ba-"

"I will be resigning as leader effective immediately. As such, my brother and yourself shall remain in your positions indefinitely. Such as Charon Matthews awakens or perishes." Caroline announces for the first time. The present people other than Suika and Thomas mutter in shock. No one had expected Caroline to resign now that she had returned.

"What is the meaning of this? This was not discussed!" Imogen turns the mirror to herself to look at Caroline's serious expression.

"I'm not in a position to resume my duties any longer. Especially not in the foreseeable future. My new responsibilities must come first. This is a personal matter." Caroline says firmly to the angry old woman. She fans herself as her cheeks become flushed.

"Captain Lockhart!" Imogen looks to Caroline's husband.

"As my wife says, this is a personal matter." He supports Caroline. Imogen is displeased by this but doesn't say anything else in order to keep her temper in check.

"There you have it, Crowley. You have new responsibilities that can not be ignored. You've been missing for a few days, and there is much to do here plus the training in the academy." Chandler takes over for Imogen.

"I didn't ask to be a leader. It was Charon that put me in this position. I also declared I wouldn't change." Crowley reminds them of his stance of the war and towards Artemia.

"Yes, well, you know that right now you are in the best position you can be." Chandler reminds Crowley. He can read the meaning behind his words. Crowley has been placed in the highest position of power, which would serve him in forming a bond with Diana without interference. However, it does not mean he's going to have the free time to do so.

"I know... but I also know that things are going to change after what happened. You're going to overwork me as the inevitable attacks start to come." Crowley also shows how he knows things will end up.

"It is for the sake of Artemia that we must put our all into our work. As we defend ourselves, the Three Generals will start their persistent attacks. They will try to invade." Chandler reminds Crowley. Crowley lets out a breath and calms down.

"Fine, let's get this stuff over with then." Crowley relents, which brings confusion to the members that are quite familiar with him. He waits for Imogen and Chandler to dismiss everyone else. The captains all begin to exit as well as the members of the Five Elite. Caroline cuts off communication as the mirror reverts back to normal.

There is momentarily silence until Imogen snaps her fan closed. The two men look to the old woman. "We were unable to declare the wielder for the Holy Horn. I still disagree with that decision as we know that it will look like nepotism. And if my granddaughter couldn't be a candidate, neither can your son." Imogen glances at Chandler.

"No, I am not suggesting Dean because he is my son. If I didn't know the kind of skills he had, I wouldn't recommend him. My son had been homeschooled all of his life due to being born a month or so premature, which made him sickly and gave him asthma. However, around his thirteenth birthday, his health improved. He began to develop his physical skills, and his magic output had been strong to compensate during his illness... yet as he healed, his magic increased. As you know, in spite of never being a student at Acacia Academy until he tested into the advanced courses in Vachellia Nilotica." Chandler goes over his son's history. "You will also not meet a young person as passionate as Dean."

Crowley listens to them drone on, not seeing how his presence is helping right now. He sighs and walks to a chair, which gives him a chance to peek at his phone. He sees a message from the library with an author and book title he asked for. He tucks his phone away and sits down, leaning back as he's forced to listen.

"Crowley, you were able to work alongside Dean, tell me... have you seen what he can do?" Chandler finally calls to his attention. The young man sighs again before looking over at the pair. The mark is still on him, so he can't exactly lie.

"I have." He doesn't expand upon it. Chandler now is the one to sigh.

"And? How was he? Does he have skills that could be used against Serena Bathory?" Chandler questions further so that Crowley doesn't just leave him with simple responses. He wants to hear more details. Crowley wonders why he would, when they already went over the situation in the goblin city in front of all the high officials. 

"He has skill to face Amon. Serena Bathory is not like Amon. Do I believe he has the skills to face Serena Bathory? That is unclear. Amon isn't the brightest, but Serena... that is an intelligent monster. You're going to need more than passion to face her." Crowley clears up any eagerness Chandler was feeling. He brought back rationality to their discussion.

"I suppose he has a point." Imogen hates to agree with Crowley, but the idea of the Acacia family being a wielder of the Holy Weapons instead of the proud Dragul family is unthinkable to her. Her pride would not allow any of the other founding families to rise above the other. Especially if it isn't the Dragul.

"Then what do we do about our problem without our Holy Horn wielder? Maybe we must look to the Five Elite, like Nichole Sintek or Sean Carson." Chandler suggests after he was brought back to reality. Both of them are intelligent and lead their followers well. Nichole has excellent healing capabilities and, as such, knows how to deal with vampires. However, Sean is a member of Flat-Topped Acacia and Swollen-Thorn Acacia. I believe either of them could also be worthy candidates to face Serena Bathory." Chandler brings up as no one seemed to agree that Dean could be the one to face Serena Bathory.

"They are better options as we all know what they can do with their magic and fighting skills. The young boy actually has battle specific training, which would mean better stamina and reactions to the vampire. But I understand how a healer can last much longer if they did get injured." Imogen also thinks about what Chandler said. Crowley frowns as he listens to them. He sees that the elders have not changed their ways and are more than willing to throw a child into a battle with an ancient monster. It's very much the plans they had for him when there were recommendations to have him enter the Five Elite by thirteen. It rose opposition, so they waited until he turned fifteen.

Also, unlike Crowley, Sean is very obedient and loyal to the cause. He would eagerly accept anything ordered of him by the higher-ups if it brought about success. Sean is young and doesn't think about his mortality at only fifteen. Crowley did, that's why he never joined any military branch. He has involvement every now and again in the branches, but no one has forced him since they know he's a necessary asset to them. Losing him could lessen their chances of victory.

"Crowley, would you also recommend either Sean or Nichole?" Chandler continues to include Crowley in the conversation. He wonders why no one is thinking about the most obvious details that could cause problems for them.

"Nichole Sintek is the best healer in all of Artemia. Do you think we can afford to lose her if anything happens? Sean Carson is a child. It's like putting a toddler against a ravenous lion. Sure, he has power and magic, but an adult hardly scratches the surface of all the life experience that Serena Bathory has, let alone a fifteen year old. This is going nowhere, since I'm already being thrown into this... I'll do it. I'll be the one to face the Three Generals. Not Dean, not Nikki, not Sean, and especially not Diana." Chandler and Imogen stare at Crowley. They know his words are not a lie as his mark is not gone. He believes he can face those three.

"That is suicide!" Chandler argues with him. 

"I can do it. So, leave everyone else out of this." Crowley stands up and goes to the door. He looks to the barrier and puts his hand on it, shattering it under his hand before he opens the door. 

"Crowley!" Chandler's call goes ignored as Crowley leaves, not wanting to hear any arguments. He has made up his mind to get stronger and face the Three Generals on his own. "Unbelievable. We don't know how much magic a single weapon will take out of someone. Or how they will all react being used by the same person. We have had no way of testing this." Chandler turns to Imogen in disbelief. Her wrinkles have become more prominent as she glares at the closed door.

"Let him then. An ungrateful outsider has no place among us. Either way, to ensure victory, Diana Green must be convinced to wield the Heavenly Sword. At least that way, two ungrateful outsiders will be out of our hands." Imogen declares, deciding that Diana and Crowley are the scapegoats that will ensure the survival of the humans in Artemia. Chandler looks to the older woman, unable to say anything else as he knows she won't be convinced otherwise.

                           ~0~

"Diana! Please stop!" The blond finally catches up to the running blackette that was heading for a gate. Dean pulls her arm back and hugs her against his chest, her back pressed against his chest. "Diana, come on, please calm down. It's me. Talk to me."

Diana is breathing heavily as she puts little effort into pulling away from Dean as she looks at the gate. "Let go!"

"No! I told you I won't let you go off alone! I need you to stay... with me... please..." Dean begs as he holds her a little tighter. Diana starts to cry as she holds his arms around her.

"Dean, didn't you hear?! It's bad enough that we've been training to go to war. All of a sudden, I'm told that I'm a wielder of a legendary weapon! That I'm supposed to fight Ilyas Ithamar?!" Diana is still panicking. Some of it had gone down as Dean held her, but she was still afraid of being involved in this war.

"I know... I know it doesn't seem fair. I don't agree with them. They just looked over me even if I volunteered myself." Dean's brow furrows.

"I don't get it! I'm still in Dwarf Weeping Willow, so why?! There's no way I'm taking the Branching Exam now! Forget it!" Diana frees herself from Dean to face him. He looks at her, not insisting like he had before all of this was decided.

"I... I understand. It unfortunately was small... what we witnessed in the goblin city. We witnessed a small fraction of what a war can do and the loss it can cause. It's terrifying. I watched a friend die before my eyes, and I haven't been able to process it. I haven't been able to cry. I don't blame you for feeling scared." Dean tries to smile, but finally tears well up in his eyes as well. "I get it, Diana..."

Diana's breathing slows down as she sees the tear run down Dean's cheek. She nodded at Dean's assessment of the feelings that were overwhelming her. The fear of what could happen in a war. Sasha dying was bad enough, and she didn't even get to witness it or see her body. Dean did, and he held on for so long until now.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry you had to see that." Diana hugs him tightly. "I was being selfish. I wasn't the only one there  who experienced bad things. I hardly did anything compared to you, Crowley, and Kiara. You guys actually faced Amon."

Dean holds her tightly and drops his forehead on her shoulder. "We all had a bad time there. Zaleia really was the only good thing to come out of this." Diana makes a sound of approval. They stay quiet as they process together their time away from Artemia and all they know.

"Diana, are you truly thinking about leaving?" Dean finally speaks up. He pulls back so he can look into her eyes. Diana's gaze lowers.

"I don't know... it was so much easier before to say yes. It's your fault I'm hesitating... I now have people I care about that I don't want to lose. I don't want any of you to die. Not you, Chelsea, Lori, Crowley... even Mary."

"I know what you mean. I would be devastated if I lost the people I love. That's why I want to face Amon again. But... It looks like they want Crowley for the job. There's still the Holy Horn. I can face Serena Bathory. Though, I still want to avenge Sasha." Dean sighs as he presses his forehead against Diana's. His eyes close as he tries to figure out what to do.

"This is the worst. I don't think you'll be chosen, Dean. You're the only son of the Acacia family. Zaleia isn't even born yet. Crowley and I are dispensable to Artemia as two orphans that won't be missed by a family that doesn't exist." Diana pulls back to look at Dean's expression. Dean is the one that ends up seeing the old Diana. The one with a cold expression that is plainly thinking some dark thoughts.

"No, Diana..." Dean pauses, unsure if he should confess the truth or not. Diana told him immediately what Crowley did when Caroline got kidnapped. Yet, he also knows telling Diana that Crowley is her brother is not his to tell. "Diana, you matter! You have family! It's us... Mary, Lori, Chelsea, and me! Um, Crowley, too... We would all care if something happened to you. I will fight to make sure that I can also fight to use the Holy Weapons."

Diana sighs, not feeling convinced in the moment. The idea of being a Holy Weapon wielder fills her with dread that she is trying to bury down and feel numb. Dean notices that Diana's cold expression hasn't gone away or that the dark thoughts have stopped.

"I will help you, Diana! I'll make sure you don't have to face one of the Three Generals!" He takes her hands, trying to get her back. Diana's gaze focuses on his large, warm hands holding hers tightly.

The thought is clear... Diana will be a wielder with or without Dean trying to run interference. Diana is sure Chandler won't be convinced. Everyone at Acacia Academy would make sure that Diana starts to show her true abilities. No more hiding what she can actually do. Her main selling point is her use of magic without a conduit like every human.

"Diana!" She blinks as she's brought back to reality by Dean. "Diana, I'm saying I'll help. Don't forget, Crowley is still a leader as far as we know. He'll support you too."

"What's with the sudden change of heart? Suddenly, you also trust Crowley?" It comes out a bit harsher than Diana meant to say. She knows that none of what is happening is his fault. Dean just wants to help and be there for her. "Sorry... I'm not in a good head space right now. I should go back to the dorms. I haven't been there in days."

"Wait, you know... the day before we left... my mom wanted to meet you. We don't have to discuss anything so... Diana?" Finally, Diana's cold expression disappears, and she is suddenly bright red.

"Do you know how that sounds?!" Diana puts her hands to her flushed cheeks. Dean tilts his head, not really seeing what has her so embarrassed. "Of course you don't... um, I guess I'll go."

"Let's go!" Diana yelps as Dean pulls her away. She sees him call to a cab, which shows public transportation has been reinstated once again. The cab stops, and Dean tells them where to go.

Diana takes in the path towards Dean's place. She watches how they get further away from clustered neighborhoods, and it becomes more isolated. They go down the forest path with trees on either side that create a shaded path.

"Whoa... huge..." Diana hadn't fully seen his home, let alone this close. Dean pays the cab fair and goes to let Diana out as she admires the large house.

"Come on!" Dean says eagerly as he helps her out, leading her over towards the front door. Diana looks at the tall door, taking in the intricately carved designs on it that lead up to an acacia tree.

"You're back!" Diana is startled as Rosemary opens the door. She pauses and tilts her head curiously as she notices Diana. She, too, is taken aback at how similar Dean and his mother look.

"Mom, this is my friend Diana! Diana, this is my mom, Rosemary Acacia." Dean happily introduces the two of them.

"Oh, um, nice to meet you, Mrs. Acacia." Diana feels a bit awkward and puts her hand out.

"Oh, Rosemary is fine! So, you're the lovely Diana that Dean has told me so much about! I'm so happy to meet you!" Once again, Diana is startled by this woman that pulls her into a hug. It gives her dejavu as she glances over at a grinning Dean.

"Looks like he's not the only one who lacks social boundaries... or rather, this is where he gets it all from. Thank goodness." Diana thinks to herself as she's unsure about hugging Rosemary back. She looks over Rosemary's shoulder as she sees Chelsea, Mary, and Lori.

"Diana, you're back!" Rosemary pulls back as she hears Lori exclaim. The red head waits for Diana to be released before she runs over to also hug Diana. She grunts at the sudden impact but keeps her footing.

"Yeah, long time no see." Diana smiles softly, realizing how much she missed her friends. Lori then looks up at Diana and has a pout on her face.

"What's up, Lori?" Lori's chin rests on Diana's chest as she looks up at her with the same pout.

"You spent days with Crowley... what was he like?" Lori wonders. Diana is unsure of what to say about that. She's not sure all that Dean said to them or how much Rosemary knows.

"Now, no chitchat out here. Come inside and make yourselves comfortable! I've been looking forward to meeting Diana after Dean has told me about her!" Rosemary claps once to call for their attention. The group agrees and all head inside towards the living room. Diana waits for everyone to be seated before finding her place. Right away, Mary takes a spot next to Dean. She had almost forgotten their confrontation that suddenly seemed like it was so long ago.

"Oh come, sit by me!" Rosemary pats the seat beside her, a bright smile on her face. Diana clears her throat, suddenly feeling under dressed next to the elegant woman. Diana smiles anyway as Rosemary takes her in with her gaze. All the young woman can do is look around at anything other than her eyes. "My goodness, such pretty young ladies surround my son. How is it that I'm not a mother-in-law yet?!" 

"Mom! Don't scare them away!" Dean shows no signs of embarrassment unlike the young women present. Rosemary waves off Dean's concern as she looks to Diana. 

"So, tell me about yourself, Diana! How'd you meet my sweet boy?" She eagerly changes the subject. Chelsea and Lori silently encourage Diana to go along with it. Their gazes also manage to show that she is going to be as insistent as Dean, and she knows exactly how persistent he can be. 

Diana hums pensively as she puts her thoughts together. "Well, it seemed like coincidence the day when new students were starting their schooling. Though, usually, it's the thirteen year olds going to Acacia Delbata. Dean was the only one coming into Vachellia Nilotica. He walked up for directions, and somehow, I ended up convinced to have lunch with a stranger at the time." Diana hadn't gone back to think about her first meeting with Dean. It truly was the oddest thing of her life. She never expected things to drastically shift in her life when an insistent blond broke through her defensive walls.

Rosemary is happy to hear that. Not really taking into consideration what it means. "I see! How is your schooling?" Diana catches Mary smirking to herself. Like it's humiliating to tell someone that she's in the Dwarf Weeping Willow branch.

"Oh, I'm on my second term in Vachellia Nilotica in the DW section." Diana tells her with no shame in her voice. Rosemary is taken aback by that but doesn't judge Diana. She just wonders how it was possible for Dean and her to meet. Rosemary is also a believer of soul mates, so she assumes their meeting was just meant to be.

"Hey, hold on, but she's going to take the Branching Exams to be in the Salix branch like Dean!" Lori mentions excitedly. Diana clenches her hands on her lap as she's reminded of unpleasant things again.

"That is a big jump! Well, I wish you luck, Diana." Rosemary smiles sweetly as she looks to Diana. Diana forces a smile and nods. She's not sure what she would say if she opened her mouth right now. Diana ends up startled by a hand on top of hers. She looks over as Dean stretches out over the couch to comfort her.

"Dean, what are you doing? Sit properly, young man!" Rosemary scolds her son. He only smiles at her and tilts his head. Rosemary can't help but melt when he does that.

"Mom, can we get one of your yummy treats? I'd love for Diana to try some." Dean asks her sweetly.

"Oh, wonderful idea! I'll be right back! Make yourself at home, Diana. I'll be sure to make a delicious snack!" The older woman stands up happily and waves as she makes her way towards the kitchen. The group all wave back as they wait for her to leave. 

"Did I say something wrong?" Lori questions as she takes Rosemary's spot. Diana looks at her and then turns away.

"I'm going to the dorms. Apologize to your mom for me. Sorry..." Diana stands up and walks over towards the front door.

"Diana, wait! Diana-"

"No! Just... just leave me alone!" The trio calls out after her as she runs out of the house. Mary is the only one who remains on the couch and sits back, happy to have her gone. They follow her to the door and watch as she uses a boost of air to make distance between them and leave the Acacia property. 

"What's going on? What's wrong with her?" Chelsea questions Dean with concern. Dean watches Diana disappear over the trees. He looks to his two friends who follow along. Dean sighs and leads them back into the living room. 

"Well, during our interrogation... at the end of it, they revealed wielders of the Holy Weapons to us. Diana was one of them." The trio of young women all look at him stunned. 

"What?! Why?!" Lori is outraged for her. Dean shakes his head. He is unclear as to why she was chosen. However, he did see some of the amazing things that Diana can do. Especially without a wand, she used some strong magic. Now, it makes sense once he confirmed that she is Crowley's sister. This also brings to light that every higher up also knows the relationship between the two of them. This means not many look favorably towards her as one of the mysterious babies that survived a trek on the ocean towards Artemia in the middle of winter.

"I get the feeling that the higher-ups know things about Diana that we... even she doesn't know. It's unfair! They just want to use Diana, and it doesn't matter what happens to her in the end. She sees that too, and it scares and upsets her. I'm upset for her, I really am. But... I don't know what to do." Dean tears up in frustration for Diana's sake. 

Mary looks over at Dean, feeling her chest tighten as she sees the pain in his eyes. She gets up and walks over to hug him. Dean is a bit surprised before he, too, hugs her back. Lori and Chelsea join in on the hug because they too feel the same as Dean. Mary is more concerned with Dean and the sadness she feels Diana is causing him. 

Diana tears up as she finally lands at the border of the clustering neighborhoods. She ends up walking the rest of the way to clear her head. Diana looks to the distance as she sees The Wall. One of the gates is close to where she is. She could just try to flee and see where she ends up. The search for who she is will just have to end, and she will never know who she is and if there ever was family for her.

"I don't have anyone to protect me. I don't have a loving mom like Dean, I don't have a dad who would stand up for me, not a sister to conspire with, or even a brother to stand side by side and get into trouble. I don't have anybody but myself. My friends can't help me because they're only the children of the powerful people. They're in this system, too. I'm so alone..." Diana crouches on the ground as her vision is overtaken by tears. She's curled into a little ball, feeling like she's back in her shared room at the orphanage. Her heart begging for help.

Diana lifts her head as she hears footsteps coming towards her. "Diana, I found you. Are you okay?" Crowley crouches in front of her and reaches out to gently touch her head. He smiles to help ease her. Diana's dark thoughts start to vanish with the gentle touch on her head. She doesn't understand why she's so easily comforted by him. How they seem to always find each other. What could be connecting them so strongly?

"I'm scared. I want to run away... I don't care about finding out about my past anymore." Diana lowers her head back into her arms. Crowley's chest tightens as he sees just how much Diana has pretended to be strong. How lonely and isolated she must be. How she has always been until just recently. 

"Okay, I'll help you. Whatever you want to do, I will help you." Diana looks back up at Crowley. He smiles, but his expression is lonely. Like he wants to say something, but is stopping himself from doing so.

"Why? Why do you keep helping me? I really don't understand when we have never spoken to each other until just recently either. How do you see me?" Diana questions once more. Hoping that Crowley will give her some sort of satisfying answer. Crowley slightly opens his mouth, wanting to tell her everything. Though, he is now afraid that she will not forgive him for keeping such a huge secret from her.

"Cause we're similar-"

"That's not an answer. Just because we are both orphans, that doesn't mean we are the same. Did you spend all your life alone and isolated from the other children? So many times, I tried to play with the other children or be adopted by a family looking for a child... but I was never chosen. I was looked over. Everyone seemed to avoid me like the plague. So many times... I tried, and I tried until I gave up and stopped caring. The only thing that kept me going was building up a plan and enough wealth to just leave. To find out if there was someone out there who loved me and would choose me first. Yet, I'm just Diana Green... I don't know if I even had my own name." Diana cries out her experiences. She hasn't told anyone about this before, and it all just came spilling out. Crowley lowers his hand and looks away.

"No... I guess I didn't. I was named Isaiah Cypress by the orphanage I was at. I was always surrounded by friends, and every day was fun and games. Especially when I began to show my magic. However, any adoptions always fell through. Even so, it didn't bother me much. Yet, there was an incident before I entered Acacia Academy... Something in my head became clear, so I had to find answers to see if it was true. Slowly, I started coming to answers over the years. Which, in turn, caused me to turn away from friends until I was alone. Until I was old enough to let Isaiah die and became Crowley. Because my only goal is to be of use to someone special now that I know part of who I am. I'll be honest, though, even I'm not sure where I originate from or what my parental lineage is. I have a family member who doesn't even know I exist... I'm scared to approach them and ruin any bond we have now." Crowley is also finally able to tell her a piece of his past. How he is dying to tell her that he is her brother. It could be possible now that he has been made a leader of Artemia indefinitely. 

Diana looks closely into his eyes. What she wanted to say suddenly vanishes from her lips. She tilts her head as she tries to remember what she used to know.. "I'm sorry... Crowley, were your eyes always light blue?" Crowley looks back at her, confused. He looks around the area and manages to find some trash strewn about by inconsiderate people. He uses wind magic to bring it over and finds a half empty bottle of water. 

"Eww, what are you doing?!" Diana watches him open it and pour out the water into his hand. The water does not spill over his hands as it starts to form into an oval shape. It becomes reflective, and they can see themselves. Crowley looks at his eyes, also noticing his eyes are much lighter than they were before. He hadn't looked at himself in days, but it seemed no one had noticed or at least hadn't brought it up in front of him. "Crowley?"

"My eyes were dark blue..." Crowley lets the water spill onto the dirt and tries to analyze himself for any weird traces of magic. He doesn't feel anything out of the ordinary, but he has noticed things have changed. He hadn't paused to think about the strange thing that happened when he and Kiara were running away from Amon. The strange abyss that overtook them and teleported them to Droogwyn's home. How he ended up right before Diana as she was falling from the apartment building that Amon was bringing down.

"Something strange is happening to me... to us. You've felt something strange too, haven't you?" Crowley questions Diana. She starts to shake her head but then pauses and really thinks about it. She, too, looked at her reflection and noticed brown specks that were not there before. Like Crowley has in his eyes. She puts together what felt like coincidences between herself and Crowley. 

"Crowley, are you-" Diana is startled and falls back as Crowley is suddenly tackled. She quickly gets up and sees Roard trying to punch him. Crowley defends himself and maneuvers his legs to kick off the goblin and pin him against a tree with thick branches that wrap around him. 

"Are you okay?!" Diana gets up and rushes over to Crowley as he gets up and spits out blood. Roard did manage to get in a good punch to his cheek. Diana puts a supportive hand to his back, rubbing it gently. They look to Roard as he struggles to break free. 

"I'm fine. " He assures her as they walk up to Roard. "What are you still doing here?" 

"You sold us out! Luckily, Karina got word, and we all fled. They left for the goblin city, but I came back to Artemia because I couldn't leave without Hannah. Take me to Hannah and we will go to the goblin city!" Roard accuses Crowley. Diana remembers how he was forced to give away the safehouse. Where they went through to get to the goblin city.

"You idiot, I'm the one that warned Karina to get everyone out. There was a strong possibility we would have to give away the location of the safehouse. We couldn't let Amon keep one of our leaders and make war happen right now. Karina should be grateful I let them escape after the stunt you all pulled." Crowley squeezes the branches tighter to get Roard to stop talking over him. Diana gasps and grabs his arm.

"Crowley, stop!" He glances at Diana before relenting and letting him drop to the ground. Roard coughs out as he catches his breath. He looks up at Crowley, not having noticed that he was the one who warned Karina to flee. Roard then lowers his gaze, not knowing what to do. He has nowhere to go now that the safehouse has been taken over by Flat-Topped Acacia.

"Let's go, your wife is this way." Crowley motions Diana to follow him. Roard's eyes widen as he rushes to get up and follows after the duo. He fixes the hood of his sweatshirt to hide his goblin features as best he can. His heart races in his chest as he will be reunited with his wife after so long. 

Roard watches as Crowley uses magic stones to disrupt any feeds that could catch him. At one point, he puts a layer of ice over him to refract light from him and makes him invisible. They begin to slow down, which catches Roard off guard. He doesn't see anywhere that Hannah could be hiding.  The reason comes to light when they pass the barrier threshold, and Roard is able to see the house now. 

Crowley unlocks the door and enters. Diana steps through, and then Roard follows suit. He looks around the house before hearing a soft gasp. The world suddenly disappears as he turns to the sound.

"Hannah..."

"Roard..." 

The pair look at each other for only a moment before running into each other's arms and sharing a long awaited kiss. Crowley moves along his home to get stuff off and gets comfortable. In the meantime, Diana watches them and smiles gently at the scene. She is so happy to see that the separated couple has finally come back together. They cry in each other's arms. 

Loneliness also fills her heart as Diana doesn't know whether someone is waiting for her. If they are also hopeful to see her again and hold her so lovingly. Be that a mother or father. She will never know, and she hates thinking or hoping for such a thing. Her attention goes back to Crowley as he returns with an ice pack on his cheek. 

"Could he be... no, I don't want to assume or hope for anything. It would be too painful if I was wrong." Diana tries to remove any crazy ideas from her head as she goes over and sits next to Crowley to give the couple some time to catch up with each other and enjoy their reunion.

"Does it hurt?" Diana questions aloud once she gets comfortable. Crowley adjusts himself so he can look over at her.

"I'm fine. It's just an uncomfortable throbbing. There's no point in wasting magic on a bruise." Crowley shrugs as he looks out of the window. Diana nods and also sits back on the couch.

"When did you give Karina a heads up? Why would you?" Diana questions him now that they have a moment to talk peacefully again. Now that she has calmed down.

"Before we left for our interrogation. I figured that they would want to know those kinds of things, so I had to make sure they flee. Yeah, they messed up by kidnapping Caroline Acacia, however... he would have gotten caught up in all that mess if I hadn't warned her." Crowley motions over to Roard and Hannah. Diana nods, realizing that would have ruined all they had risked to rescue Hannah and Roard to try and reunite them. They truly had no idea what this chain of events would cause.

"It's messed up what they did... but before all of this, Karina was the go-to person I would send goblins and humans that have wanted to flee Artemia safely. Without questions as some of them were also illegally coming from the goblin city to Artemia. I didn't know how until I found out about the tunnels. Most of the times these couples fled away from Artemia and the goblin city to the open world ruled by monsters." He explains to her, hoping that doesn't upset her. Diana can only nod as she joins him in people watching. 

"If you haven't left Artemia before... how did you befriend people who export and import materials into Artemia?" Diana wonders just how deep Crowley's connections go.

"You know, help the right people. Really working up your charm and the connections start to form themselves. Word of mouth is a powerful tool. For one reason or another, someone is almost always convinced. It's shady and dangerous. If I'm caught, I'll be killed one way or another." Crowley smiles to himself as Diana looks at him horrified. He doesn't meet her gaze.

Diana reaches for the hem of her shirt and starts to tug on it. "Why did you decide to do all of this?" She can't help but probe further. There is so much more that Diana wants to know about Crowley and his motives for doing things.

"Oh, I just wanted to rebel in some way. By taking positions of power, I knew a no-name orphan like me would piss off a lot of people. I could also get back at the people for separating me from my only relative. For trying to use me to save their own tails." Now he finally looks back at Diana as he brings up this mystery relative again. She gulps as an idea forms in her mind. From all the interactions she has seen when he's confronted this one man. 

"Are you... are you actually a Matthews?"