*Ximena*

"That's what happened," Rosalba said as she finished explaining about our encounters in the forest.

"Interesting," the queen of Kyuu Seishin said as her eyes shifted toward the young man sleeping in the chair beside her.

Serra... When will you wake up?

"So the abysmals wish for him to join their side, but why do the demons want him?" Shin'en asked as he also turned to look at Serrano.

"I'm not sure," Rosalba said. The princess turned toward Kohri, Onami, and me. "Did Camio say anything about that?"

Onami shook her head.

"While still disguised as Mr. Itou, Camio said that he wished to speak to him," I said. "But that was more likely an excuse than his true intention. Considering he's a demon, it could be that he wished to take over his body."

The queen gasped. "Wait, a demon can possess an angel?"

"It isn't easy for them, but it is possible," Shin'en said. "More often, they seek to corrupt us through the use of words. We don't always notice that they're there, but we can hear their whispers in our heads when they're trying to convert us into their kind."

Rosa gasped.

Shin'en's wife covered his red lips. "My, how fascinating."

"That said, demons rarely approach us," I said. I furrowed my brows at the sleeping Serrano. "When they do, it's because there's deep darkness welled up inside of us."

The second princess of Kuroriku lowered her head. "Tetsu..."

Shivers ran up my spine as I recalled the sensation I had felt in Makkuroyama and at Tetsu's place. His wrath had temporarily consumed him.

I rubbed my left arm as I walked over to the princess. I placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, Rosa. Neither Tetsu nor Serra will allow themselves to be corrupted by demons. After all, they got friends by their side."

Rosa beamed. "That's true. Even if he is away right now, I know that my sister is with him. Setty wouldn't let the demons get to him."

Shin'en smiled. "We should still take precautions. Demons are crafty creatures."

"I'm aware," I said as I stepped toward Serrano.

"What are you going to do?" Onami asked.

"I'm going to try to purify him. While I'm not as adept as Nori at this, I do know a few things. I was born into a family of priests, after all. My dad taught me a few things, should I decide to take up the vocation."

"If you do not mind me asking, what did you study at Elitia? I mean, I know that Serra studied accounting, and Tetsu studied literature, but I have not had the chance to ask you that same question."

"Me?" I asked as I went around the queen. I lowered my face as it became pink. "I studied culinary arts."

"Culinary arts? You wish to be a cook? Hmm, think the palace could use another cook."

I laughed as I placed my hands on Serrano's shoulders and covered him in emerald light. "I appreciate the not so subtle offer, but I would prefer proving my skills first. I don't want anyone thinking I got the job due to nepotism. That said, my true dream is to one day open a bakery."

"A bakery, huh? Why did you go to culinary school for then?" the queen asked.

"I wished to polish my skills. Plus, there's a certain prestige that comes from attending Elitia."

"The fact that you managed to get into Elitia with your skills is enough proof of your talents," Kohri said with a smirk.

"Indeed," Onami said. She fidgeted. "I wonder what I should study..."

"Let's figure it out together!" Kohri said, grinning at his girlfriend.

"What do you mean 'together'? Thought you wanted to be a blacksmith," Onami said, leering at him.

Kohri scratched his face as he gave her a shy smile. "True, but it doesn't hurt to learn new stuff!"

Rosa giggled. "You're a true renaissance man, cuz."

The heir of Kuroyuki no San grinned. "I'm not anywhere close to that level of being multi-talented."

"Same here," Maki said, laughing.

"That reminds me, has Kuroshi not returned yet?" I asked, turning to look at the Kyuu Seishinian royals.

"No. He hasn't even contacted us," the queen responded.

"How strange." Even though he had enslaved Nori and Yuko, I still hoped that he would be fine. After all, he was Tetsu, Tere, and Taku's dad.

"Think that something might've happened to him?" Rosa said.

"I hope not. I still haven't figured out all there is about the five weapons. If he's gone and they break like how Agnes did during our last trip to the abyss, then we're in big trouble," Kohri said.

Onami scoffed. "I don't mind if he gets stuck there forever. As for the weapons, I'm sure you can figure something out should they break."

Right, Onami was also a victim of that man. That multi-faceted man remained an enigma. Why had he done that to their families? When I was a kid, he had come off as a kind and caring man. Not the type of person who would do what he had done. Had something changed him? Maybe he had listened to the whispers of a demon.

Or perhaps he had another side that Taku, Tere, Tetsu, and I couldn't comprehend at the time.

Though, my dad still seemed to think highly of him. Come to think of it, how had he and dad met? All I knew was that Takeshi somehow saved him.

"Is everything alright?" Maki asked.

I looked up. "Yeah," I said as I stepped away from Serrano. "I'm done purifying him. Hope I did it right." I sighed. "Might be best to ask Nori and Emon to perform a ritual just in case."

The heir of Kasai no Ki crossed his arms over his chest. "Wonder how their training is coming along. Hope that Emon doesn't go too rough on the kid."

Shin'en laughed. "I'm sure he's fine. Emon is a gentler teacher than Kimura."

My face reddened at the mention of that guy. Was what he said about Nori liking me true?

I sighed. I couldn't possibly be as oblivious as Tetsu, right?

"Hey, you okay, Xime?" Rosa whispered as she poked me on the back.

I jumped. When did she get behind me?

"I'm fine. I'm just thinking of silly stuff," I said, waving my hand.

She narrowed her eyes at me and grinned. "Is it what Kimura said about Nori? You know, I think he was right."

I cleared my throat. "I'm going to go check up on Nori and Yuko. I need to get stronger too."

"Wait, I'll accompany you. In the meantime, you can tell me what's on that mind of yours. Can loosen the weight."

I sighed. Rosa was as much of a gossiper as Tere...

The princess covered her mouth and giggled. "Just kidding! I know now isn't the time for such things, but once this war is over, I'll be happy to help you figure out what Nori's true feelings are."

I closed my eyes and walked away. "I don't need help. I'm not Tetsu."

"Indeed, you aren't, but you are as oblivious as he and I were."

I glanced at her. "You?"

Rosa's face reddened. "I wouldn't admit to myself that I liked him."

I laughed. "That's more willful blindness on your part."

She grumbled and pushed me. "Let's get going!"

Ahh, so she disliked it when the shoe was on the other foot.

I glanced back at Serrano. "Wait, who is going to watch over Serra?"

"I'll stay back and keep an eye on him," Kohri said. "I need some rest anyway."

"But if someone does come, how will you deal with them?" Rosa asked.

"I'll stay with him to make sure he doesn't get into any more trouble," Onami said.

Kohri pouted. "You make it sound like I'm some kind of disaster magnet."

Rosa smiled weakly. "If anyone is, it's probably me."

Why was she self-deprecating?

"You're not," Kohri said. "You're just unlucky."

"Kohri! Can't you say something more uplifting?" Onami asked.

Rosa shook her head. "It's fine. He's right. My luck hasn't been good. But that's fine. I won't need it. I'll become strong and skilled enough that it will be more of a bonus than a necessity."

She has changed. She's certainly become more self-aware than before. But is that a good thing? Tetsu's the same way, but he has repeatedly kicked himself for being weak. No, the trait itself isn't bad. What is terrible is the doubt that festers in the mind. I'll need to help her get through it. Same with Nori.

Maki snickered. "I'll stay with Kohri and Onami to back them should they need the assistance."

"We will also be here, so rest easy," the queen of Kyuu Seishin said with a wide smile.

I let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks, for everything. We'll be going now."

I turned around and was nearly knocked back by Emon.

"Where's the fire?" Rosa asked.

"Oh, sorry about that!" Emon said, grinning. "I came to ask Maki something."

"What do you need?" Maki asked, stepping toward him.

"It was actually for your sister-in-law, so now that she's here, I can ask her directly."

"Me?" the queen asked.

"Yeah! I was wondering if you could arrange for someone to teach Nori spirit magic."

I glanced at my hands. Magic. I was also capable of using it, but I rarely did so. Maybe it was time I changed that.

Come to think about it, does dad know spirit magic?

"Can they teach me too? I wish to be of further use to the wall cause."

"You can use magic?"Emon asked.

I nodded and closed my eyes. Emon gasped.

I opened my eyes and saw Rosa staring at them as if she wanted to pet them.

"Cat ears," the princess said.

"Cute," Emon said.

I turned away as my face grew warmer. "Anyway, I want to learn how to use my Kyuu Hyakuian abilities better."

"I will try to arrange something," the queen said.

"Thanks!" I said. "It'll help Nori and me greatly. I turned to look at Rosa. "Let's go check on Nori and Yuko."

Rosa gasped and glanced at Emon. "Wait, if you're here, then are Nori and Yuko training by themselves?"

"No. I left my older siblings and mom to care for them," Emon responded.

The princess gulped. "Was that a good idea?"

"I know that my mom and siblings betrayed Kuroriku's trust, but I assure you that your friends are safe with them."

"I rather see for myself," I said, rushing out of the room. Rosa followed after me.

***

Rosa and I arrived at the gym and saw Yuko and Nori in the ground.

"Nori!" I said, about to open the door to the gym when Rosa stopped me.

"Wait and see," she whispered.

I looked uneasily at the Watanabe siblings and their mother. Those three, along with Mr. Watanabe, had been the ones who had kidnapped Dan. What if they tried to do the same with Nori and Yuko?

"Here," Suzuki said as she stretched her hand toward Nori.

Nori glanced up at her and smiled as he took it.

"You did well, cat-boy."

Nori's face turned pink.

For some reason, my heart ached a little. That was the first time I had seen Nori smile at a girl like that other than Yuko and me.

"Yeah. You're a lot stronger than you look. I can see how you beat Suzu," Reno said as he was knelt on the floor. Bits of sand covered the floor around him. "You too, Yuko."

Yuko dusted herself off and pushed herself up. "Yuko and Nori will beat Suzu and Re one day."

"Re?" Reno asked.

"Hey!" Rosa yelled.

I turned around. How did she do that? Had she learned a technique allowing her to move around without being noticed?

"Princess!" Yuko said.

"I came to join you, but not sure if you're up to a spar."

Yuko frowned. "Yuko not strong enough yet."

Suzuki smiled at Rosa. "Long time no see, Princess Rosalba." The former rebel clenched the hilt of her whip-sword. "If you're looking for a sparring partner, then I'll be happy to oblige. Consider it a rematch. This time without the interruption of a certain shield-wielder."

Rosa smiled back at her. "You will be surprised by how much I have grown since that time."

I glanced at Reno. I needed someone to spar with too.

Reno smiled as if he knew what I was thinking. "So new challengers have arrived. This should be fun! Come forth, Alabaster!" His djinn rose behind him.

I held my arms in front of me, ready to fight until the djinn dissolved and Reno fell to the floor.

"Reno!" Suzuki said rushing over to her brother.

"What's wrong?" their mother asked as she joined them.

"My stomach..."

"Does it hurt?"

Reno nodded. "Yeah, real bad."

"We need to take you to the infirmary," Suzuki said.

"Wait, don't. Take me to the cafeteria instead."

"The cafeteria?" the rest of us asked.

Suzuki took a deep breath and smacked her brother on the back of the head. "You idiot! Don't scare us like that! Next time say you're hungry!"

Their mother laughed and glanced at Yuko and Nori. "I applaud you two for pushing my son to this point."

"Nori and Yuko made him hungry?" Nori asked.

"My djinn uses a lot of energy," Reno managed to say.

I smiled at Rosalba.

"What?" the princess asked.

"Oh, just remembering our first meeting."

Rosa looked down at her stomach. "Now that you mention it, I could use a sandwich right about now."

I laughed. "Not surprised. You were training with Ocarina, had to go take on Camio, had a duel with Skah, and just came from a meeting recounting the latter two events."

"Now I feel even more hungry."

"Let's go to the kitchen then," Emon said as he stood by the doorway. He gasped. "Wait, Kimura said he would drop by once he's done eating. He's been gone for awhile now."

"Think something happened?" Yuko asked.

"Let's go check!" Nori said.

***

We returned to the cafeteria, only to see Kimura, Ocarina, Koukyuu, Zydeco, Sonata, Ryonoko, Korgermu, Takara, Akari, Zyuuni, the Queen of Xian, Queen Saya, Emperor Tatsu, and a pink-haired guy with a resemblance to Liang eating away happily.

Reno began to salivate as he stared at the bowls of noddles. "That smells so good. Where can I get some?"

"The next batch is ready!" a voice called out. We all turned to see Liang standing with two kids. The man was carrying a pot filled with noddles.

"Give me another bowl!" Kimura yelled as he held out his bowl.

"Wait, we should get some before you get seconds!" Reno said.

Rosa nodded. "It's only fair."

Kimura scoffed. "You people just had to show up... It was fine when I was the only one here."

"Don't be such a glutton," Emon said.

Kimura pouted. "Let me eat what I want, alright?"

I laughed. Hopefully, they will be this energetic against the enemy.

"Here!" Nori said, holding a plate in his hands.

"Thanks," I said, averting my gaze.

"Is Mistress okay?"

"Just call me Xime. You did so earlier."

Nori's face redden. "X-Xi..." He shook his head. "Nori can't do it!"

I sighed. "Okay. Mistress Xime at least."

Nori beamed at me. "Mistress Xime!"

My heart felt all warm and fuzzy as he called my name.

I patted his head. "Is it me, or have you grown again?"

"Mistress Xime has noticed?"

"It's becoming more obvious as time goes on," I said, laughing.

He giggled. "Nori hopes to be taller than Mistress Xime one day."

"Ohh? I'm not sure about that. Xelerians tend to be shorter than Zionians."

Nori's head slumped. "True..."

I chuckled. "It's fine. I like you whether you're short or tall."

Nori face turned the same shade as his hair. "L-like?"

I gulped. It seemed I stepped on a landmine.

"Yeah, you know, as friends," I said, blushing a little.

"Ohh." The color on his face faded a little.

Seemed Kimura might've been right. That reaction was all the proof I needed. Nori had feelings for me.

I took a deep breath. "Let's go sit down, Nori," I said.

His sweet smile returned as he gave me one of his cute nods.

I wasn't sure if I could respond to his feelings. I didn't want to give him false hope. I knew how it felt to be in love with a person who had another in their heart.

I snuck a glance at Nori and smiled as he sat down at the table and hummed away a tune I had taught him. He was a cute kid with an innocent heart, despite everything that had happened to him. Hopefully, he'd remain the same after the war. 

I clenched my bowl. I'll make sure he's kept safe.

**Solar Note: I'm over halfway done with writing this book as of this chapter! Hope that you enjoyed it and look forward to the second half :)**