Time is ticking.

He sits in a plain-looking waiting room. The walls are white, the kind that isn’t painful to look at but still makes your heart clench. It’s the white of security, it’s the white of a morgue. There is a bookcase across from him. It has four shelves–four books in each–with different covers but the same title in a language he doesn’t know. Above his head is a clock, ticking and ticking. There are no numbers on it. Still, he waits.

He doesn’t remember what the waiting is for.

“It’s interesting,” she mumbles next to him, “how it works with Irregulars, how it works with you. They find it fascinating.”

Bam turns his head and finds her sitting to his left. His mind is more focused than the previous time so he can finally truly see it; the uncanny resemblance. The same shade of hair, the posture. Her eyes are a much darker shade of blue and they lack all of Aguero’s electricity but the crease is the same.

Ah, this was what he was waiting for.

Bam smiles, “I get that a lot.”

“Of course you do, God’s child.” She crosses her legs and rests her back on the chair, “What’s your next move then?”

“Probably what every dead person does; rest.”

She blinks. Her gaze turns cloudy but her voice remains sweet, “Perhaps what they say is true, real happiness lies in the opposite path of what was set for you,” she lowered her voice, “You’re lucky They’re merciful.”

Bam doesn’t bat an eye. He wasn’t scared of retribution. If worst came to it, he was prepared to fight any and every God. “I have a question.”

“Your time is almost up.”

“Why you?”

“Why do you care?”

“I think he does.”

She falls silent. The clock ticks again. “It’s the deepest regret for everyone,” she begins, “Regulars forget it like a dream. Irregulars don’t. And you, the 25th Bam, experience it like a lucid dream.”

“So you’re not really her?”

“I am and am not. I’m omniscient, I’m confined. You control the universe, They control the knowledge and I control thoughts that no longer matter.” The clock ticks again, “But if it matters that much, you can tell him to rest. Mourn his sister and not his mother’s daughter.”

The clock ticks again.

Bam jolts awake.

.

The King puts down his cup. He looks at Yura and lets out an amused chuckle. “I didn’t expect you to be right.”

“I understand why you’d be sceptic, my king, but as I told you back then, I always keep my word.”

“I’ll make sure you’re rewarded.”

“Helping you against FUG is my duty as a citizen,” Yura said picking her own cup, “There is no greater reward than the peace you provide.”

.

Somewhere on the other side, a different yet similar conversation takes place. Hansung sips on his coffee, and Rachel sits in front of him, making a star out of a cookie wrapper. They are both killing time.

“Five minutes left,” she remarks, “then it will be over.”

“Nothing is ever really over,” Rachel says nothing. Hansung always tired her with his philosophies.

She stands up and extends a hand, “It’s always nice working with you.”

He doesn’t take it, “Have a good life, Miss Rachel.”

.

He ran his finger on the fabric–the new curtains were softer. Of course, they also had an awful animal print pattern that Ran had personally chosen but that was on him for trusting his brother. Perhaps, if he looked at them long enough, they would appear better. He took a few steps back and stared. Nothing changed.

“This is hideous. It suits you.”

Aguero huffed, “Passive aggressive even in my room’s decor.”

“No, that’s just me having a taste.” Kiseia argued, “And for the record, I was actually coming to talk to you. Peacefully.”

“Peacefully?”

“We’ll see how it goes.” –Aguero turned his head to face her– “Since your plan with Bam worked and you didn’t fuck everything up–”

“That doesn’t sound very peaceful.”

“My point,” she shot back, “is that we can call it even.” She waited for a reaction but the only thing Aguero did was stare at her, no visible thought behind his eyes. Sighing she continued, “You made me lose everything. I hate you for what you did and what you didn’t. But,” she paused, “my life has been good. No, it has been worthwhile. And maybe that’s what should matter now; doing what I can to keep it like that.”

Seeing how Aguero still refused to grant her a reaction, Kiseia let out a hum and turned to leave.

“I’m glad you’re happy.” She turned around, lips parted slightly. “And I’m sorry for the hurt I caused you. You, you were a good sister.”

She laughed, “No, I wasn’t. And neither were you.” another pause, “But those failures no longer matter, do they?”

“I guess not.”

They smile; two well-known strangers.

“Ah, also, I spoke with Hatz and they should be back in around,” she checked her Pocket, “now.”

Aguero throws the old curtain fabric at her and sprints.

.

“You should reconsider,” Jinsung tells him in a very serious tone. Never had Bam imagined their reunion going like this. “I know Khuns are pretty but it’s important to think with your head.”

“If anyone should reconsider,” Maschenny–because yes, apparently Bam’s mentor and the Khun Princess were on ‘friendly’ terms–stepped in, “it should be AA. Look at your scrawny kid, he’s not even that tall.”

Bam was of average height, thank you very much. And he had a very good physique, it was just the shirt’s fault for not showing it. And to top all that, he was a pretty boy. The prettiest. And a Slayer. Therefore brains, brawn and beauty. A good three out of three.

“Rak,” he told his friend in a hushed town, “I’m a catch, right?”

Rak, who was too busy eating his banana bread bribe from Bam’s soulmate, shook his head in affirmation despite not hearing a word.

Before they could make their way inside the door opened with a loud creak. Suddenly, at the sight of Aguero, Bam was filled with all the amount of insecurity his body could fit. He had thoughts and well-practised words for this very moment but all he could manage was a breathless laugh.

Aguero followed suit, laughing hard, as he wrapped his arms around his neck.

.

Hachuling lay on top of his Lighthouse, exhausted and considering a career change. While Urek had instructed him to help Viole, he doubted his boss would be pleased with the extreme measures he had taken. His beloved raise would remain a distant fantasy. But, maybe if he played his cards right, AA or Marco would find a good job for him. Marco and him had gotten especially close after committing treason together so it only made sense for his older brother to take responsibility for him.

He should send him a message and his preferred salary.

“Hachuling, baby, you won’t–what”

Hachuling fell from his Lighthouse with a yelp. “Urek? What? When? Who?”

“I don’t even want to know.”

“When did you get back?”

“Two days ago,” Urek Mazino, tormentor number five of Hachuling’s life, said casually, “I’ve been staying with Garam.”

Hachuling began laughing. Urek glared. The laughing stopped abruptly, “Oh. You’re serious.”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure it was Garam?”

“Blueberry.”

“Welcome back, sir!” Urek didn’t seem amused, “So, um, about your friend–”

“I know, I’ve been talking to Jinsung Ha.”

“Huh?”

“That’s what I said.”

“Then you also know–”

“The fake-death thing? Yeah. Good improv, honestly.”

Hachuling blinked. Several times. “You’re taking this very well. Sir.”

This time, it was Urek’s turn to laugh. “That’s because I already knew what was going to happen,” he thought about it for a second, “well, I knew something with FUG and Jahad involving Jinsung would happen. Everything else was just a funny twist of fate.”

“The mission you were on…”

“Was actually about tracking down Jinsung and getting everything ready.”

“It was Garam’s plan and you just decided to follow her.”

“The details don’t matter. What matters is that it all worked out in the end.”

“Well, we’ll have to erase every trace that may lead FUG or Jahad to us.”

“Ah, that won’t be necessary.” Urek smiled, “Neither will be a problem for us in the future.”

.

Ran had climbed on top of the table, waving Yuri’s headband as a flag of revolution. “This is where I draw the line! AA makes out with his boyfriend? I say nothing. You bring that annoying stuck-up lizard to stay with us along with a bunch of losers? I say nothing. Someone steals my yoghurt? I say nothing. But this is too much!”

“I support him!”

“Kiseia, that doesn’t concern us.”

“We’re currently living in this house so it does,” she told Shibisu. Ran nods excessively, thinking that this might as well have been the wisest thing his relative has ever said. With the people currently in the room, they could easily win the fight. Yuri would eventually agree with Ran, Endorsi would pay them no mind and he couldn’t care less about what the trio from FUG would do.

As if sensing his thoughts, the only person from that group of vagabonds who seemed just a little bit scary to be around, opened the door with a polite smile. “The room isn’t soundproof. We can hear you.” The redhead witch told them, “Try and behave until the others arrive, yes?”

“Got it.” Kiseia chimed in, grabbing Ran’s revolution flag and quickly handing it to Yuri.

“I can’t believe Maschenny isn’t furious about this.” Silence followed. Too much silence. He turned to Yuri, “You did tell her, right?”

“Of course.”

“Using words?”

“You’re too young to understand the connection of soulmates. Words aren’t needed when you’re in sync with each other.”

“So you didn’t tell her.”

.

Maschenny is the synonym of patience. Her moves are always calculated and she acts only when the time is right. She’s understanding when it comes to people less capable than her, she tolerates stupidity. She helps those in need. She’s a paragon of royalty, the type of Princess that commands blind loyalty. One could make an entire list of her virtues but paper would soon run out. Besides, Maschenny is also–

“Incredibly modest,” she tells her father. Her hands tremble at the thought of the charade they have going on. She had vowed to herself that the next time she would see her parents, she would serve their heads on a silver platter and yet, here she was, faking niceties while her father was sitting–uninvited–on her couch. “The King knows all that. This is why he kept me by his side as a trusted ally even after your little stunt.”

“Give Jahad some credit. He’s not that stupid.”

“Seeing how you’re still alive, I guess he is.”

“I suppose you’re right!” he laughed, “Ah, but you know, it’s bad luck to talk ill of the dead,” –Maschenny’s smile dropped abruptly– “Say, why don’t you tell our friends to leave their hiding and come in for a chat, hm?”

“You…”

“Oh and don’t be confused. Just because I came in alone, it doesn’t mean I haven’t taken precautions.” On cue, the mirror behind them was slid forward revealing the connection to another room. The first to step out was Jinsung, his eyes following Eduan as he walked, followed by Aguero and finally Bam. “Son of V, we finally meet.”

“Khun Eduan. I’ve heard the worst about you.”

“No need to get defensive, I come in peace.”

“What did you mean earlier? With Jahad?” Aguero asked, taking a step forward to get between his father and Bam.

Eduan sighed and sat back down. “The King is dead. Allegedly, by one of your Slayers. Now, we all know it’s not as simple as that but this is the story the Families will agree on.” His eyes turned to Aguero, “Jahad was my dearest friend, of course, so I could not let his death go unpunished.” He threw a piece of white fabric on the ground, red markings around it, “By all means, this would make me the new King, don’t you think so?”

“This…” Bam mumbled as he took the fabric in his hands. It was White’s. “What is it that you want?”

“Lots of things, I’ve always been greedy. However, the only thing you can give is peace of mind,” he smiled at them, “Jahad was probably the best choice for a King compared to the rest of us. Back in the day, we were similar enough to respect each other, and when he rose to power, even if our differences grew, he still granted me all this power. The others would never do something so stupid. If, on the other hand, I take the throne, I’ll be forced to live by the crown, a million worries in my head and a thousand knives on my bed. So, the ideal option is to have someone who poses no threat to me as King.” He pointed at Maschenny with one hand and at Bam with the other, “Isn’t a tiny favour like that worth an ally like me?”

Maschenny cleared her throat and turned to Bam, “A fight to the death sounds surprisingly reasonable.”

“Um, no, thank you. You can take it.”

“A shame.”

“Maschenny.”

“I said okay.” she told her brother annoyed before turning to Eduan, “It’s very nice of you to offer me the throne which is why I’ll also play nice and let you continue your miserable life.”

“I’m touched.”

“But not as a Family Head.” –Eduan’s eyes widened in surprise– “I’ll be providing you with all the wealth you need and you can continue staying on the Floor but you will hold no power over the branches.”

“If you go back at your word, there will be bloodshed.”

“I’m aware.”

Eduan pondered it for a while, “We have a deal, your majesty.”

.

Three weeks later, the Silver Palace was once again buzzing with life.

Hachuling was multitasking, as per usual, playing a game on his console while also giving instructions to the others about where they should move each piece of furniture. Shibisu had, thankfully, arrived with some drinks from Sweet & Sour to hype up everyone for the rest of this hard day. While getting her soda, Anaak purposely struck Hachuling’s hand with her tail, making him almost drop it and lose his high score.

“Careful, there!”

“Next time it’ll be your head.”

“Rude! Very rude! After all, I’ve done!”

“Why are you here again?” Endorsi asked him, taking two cups of coffee and handing one of them to Hatz. “You have an apartment.”

“A much smaller one!” Hachuling replied, “It’s all very unfair. Marco gets to be head of the Family, Maschenny gets a brand new palace and what do I get?”

“On our nerves.” Ran chimed in making everyone laugh, “Now stop complaining and go help.”

“Even Jinsung got retired!”

“First of all, you’re much younger. Secondly, his retirement will last another two days at most.” Anaak said, “He’s too active to give up so soon.”

“I’m not! I can take his place!” His complaints were once again ignored.

Meanwhile, down the hall, Maschenny was emptying her weapon storage with the help of Yuri. The two women examined each weapon and then placed it in one of three possible piles. At that moment, Yuri was weighing a bow and testing how bendable it was.

“You don’t use bows.”

“Neither do you.”

“AA’s pile?”

“Sure.” Yuri placed the bow in the middle pile, “I have some old javelins I no longer use, do you think your old back can take them?”

“Careful, such talk can be considered treason now.” Maschenny smiled as she grabbed a small dagger, “I’m sure a lot of assassins would love to cut your throat for me.”

“They are welcome to try but they’ll fail.”

“So confident in your skills.”

“I’m afraid the only person that can kill me, can’t.”

“I’m a God now, you never know.”

Yuri smiles. It’s as bright as the sun. She takes Yellow May and hands it to Maschenny. Their fingers brush, “I’ll be waiting then.”

.

Far away from the busy streets, from the bloodshed and all misery, there is a beautiful coast with only one house standing alone in the middle of acres and acres of sand. It’s been recently renovated with the help of many extraordinary people who, out of no circumstances, should ever follow architecture as a career. Still, it stands, proudly and full of love.

Near its entrance, freshly planted, are two lilies swaying in front of their creators’ feet. Aguero looks at them and smiles. Bam puts a hand on his waist and smiles as well. There is mud on his nose. Still, both of their hearts are filled with happiness. Bam presses a kiss on his forehead and chuckles, “You have dirt on your hair.”

“You’re ruining the mood.” Aguero mumbles, “And who put it there?”

“The wind?”

Aguero, whose back was still killing him, huffed. “Try again.”

Bam only laughed and buried his neck in the creak of his boyfriend’s neck.

“You turtles! Stop mating and help me find the emergency food!”

“I’m going to kill that croc,” Aguero whispered, “didn’t Kiseia feed you an hour ago?”

“Feed me? I’m not a pet to be fed! She gave me a bar! Do you think a tiny bar is enough for an apex predator like me?”

Bam chuckled, reaching for Aguero’s hand to make sure it wouldn’t end up near Rak, “It’s time we head back. We need to bid farewell to Hwaryun and Kiseia as well.”

“It’s not like they’ll never see us again. Your friend, Isu, already proclaimed our home an honorary beach house.”

“Well, we can always move away and not tell them.”

“Can we leave the croc here?”

“I heard that!”