Knowing  one's background can help a lot in interrogations.

Aruke and Konju both knew that.

And now that Kureri had spilled the beans on all their backgrounds, the two were ready to tackle the last 3 in one day (Luckily, it was a Saturday.).

"We should end this quickly," Konju mumbled to his friend as they walked to the police station after having breakfast.

"True," Aruke nodded. "The sooner we get this over and done with, the better. I don't want to prolong their suffering."

Konju smiled a bit, "Aw~ Ruke's so soft~"

"N-No I'm not!" Aruke blushed, looking away at the brief compliment. Konju just laughed.

"So cute," Konju teased.

"L-Let's go!" Aruke rushed into the police station, causing Konju to giggle before he walked in as well.

Gerna was playing with her handcuffs when Aruke entered the room. Konju decided to just wait until the right moment to come in, which made Aruke feel ominous, especially with that cheeky grin Konju had shot him before he had gone in. However, he masked that with a cute smile, sliding easily into the seat across Gerna.

"Hey there," Gerna tilted her head slightly seeing him.

"Hi," Aruke smiled at her. "You feeling good today?"

"Peachy," Gerna replied. "This place isn't bad. At least you get fed here."

"I see..." Aruke nodded. "Anyway, may I ask you a few questions about Tomako's book?"

Gerna scoffed, "As if I would spill anything."

Aruke took that as a sign to start the sensitive part of the interrogation, changing the subject abruptly, "You're not from around here, are you?"

Gerna blinked in shock, "Well yeah. I came from another world, honestly."

"The Evil World, I suppose?" Aruke tried to seem calm, but inside he was feeling REALLY REALLY worried. Will she respond well?

Gerna's eyes widened, "H-How did you..."

"We heard from Kureri," Aruke explained shortly.

"..... I see," Gerna nodded slowly. "Yes, I came from the EW... I-It was horrible there..."

"I know," Aruke smiled, a bit of melancholy seeping into his eyes. "But it doesn't mean that you should let it get to you."

"Huh-" Gerna was cut off by Konju suddenly opening the door and sliding into the seat beside Aruke, stating bluntly, "Ruke was destroyed because of his peers. He basically went through what you did too. So you better listen to him before I make you."

Aruke was already mentally facepalming. Konju.... However, he decided to go after Konju before they got to the next Dark Balancer, "As much as I hate to say this, Konju isn't lying. That's why I want to help you guys."

"H-Help us?..." Gerna looked shocked.

Aruke nodded, smiling a bit in the process.

Gerna was silent for a while, before she looked up, "Thank you.... I'll try to help as much as I can."

"Great. What do you know about Order's plan?"

"Not much. Only that he was going to 'use characters against their creator'. His words, not mine."

"I see... Is that all?"

"Well.... Tomako has a daughter..."

"That's new... Who is she?"

"That I don't know. The only thing I know is that she's a fictioner."

Aruke nodded in understanding, "Thanks for your time, Gerna."

Gerna shook her head, "No, thank you for understanding me. For years, I thought no one could understand me. But now that I've found someone-" a small smile bloomed. "-I'm going to look past the past."

Aruke smiled, "Good to know. Anyway, we have to go now. Bye."

Gerna nodded, "Bye."

The two left, and Aruke clung to Konju like a koala as payback for his cruelty.