Their journey back went by in a blur.

"I can't believe I blew my chance at freedom," Mirror thought, amazed. "I threw away my shot, so I could stay with a bunch of lunatics."

She had to stifle a giggle every time she thought about it. It was just... so funny to her, how she'd patiently waited two years for this perfect moment, only to decide it wasn't worth it. And for Menace and Giant to leave with her! It was downright hilarious.

She didn't once stop to think about Sunbeam finding out. It wouldn't make a difference, anyway. Being hunted by Sunbeam was better than living with the Servants another week.

Which, it occurred to her, was exactly what she was about to do.

The fields were now in sight, and Menace walked around in circles, staring at the map in her hands. Mirror heard her mutter about the trapdoor being invisible. More than once.

"I'm going back there," Mirror thought, feeling a panicked laugh bubble up. "I'm going back there."

Suddenly, the open field didn't seem so open anymore. Inexplicably, she felt trapped. Like the sky itself was pressing in on her, about to fall down at any second. Her vision blurred as Menace waved – she'd found the trapdoor.

"No, no, no, no..." Mirror fell behind as the others rushed towards Menace, the trapdoor opening with a squeak of its hinges. She couldn't move. She couldn't go back there, it wasn't fair, she'd made the wrong choice...

Then Menace waved at her, a concerned look in her eyes. Mirror drew a breath. "Remember why you stayed. Isadaro is a remote city. You're leaving with Menace and Giant." Her throat felt like she'd swallowed a flaming rock, but she managed to take a step forward. "Just one more week."

One more week.

Going down the metal rungs, she kept wondering if she'd made the wrong choice. What would've happened if she had just left? Would she be happier? Would she never leave now that she'd messed up?! Would it-

–Ow! Watch it, Mirror.

She kept going, muttering an apology as Sunbeam's feet finally touched the floor.

Mirror was the last one to arrive. The hallway was just as long as they remembered, and she had to stop herself from whipping around at the slightest noise. "It's not going to be the Leader behind me," she repeated in her head. "I'm safe."

Was she, really?

They stopped at Menace's office, arriving to an expressionless Maelstrom and a slightly irritated Tempest, accompanied by two other Servants whose names Mirror couldn't remember.

–Tempest, Macro, Hyacinth.- Menace didn't address the Leader, simply nodding in deference. He showed no reaction.

–So. I see you've failed at your mission. Or is the criminal somewhere else?- Tempest spat, his deep tone mocking.- I always knew there was something wrong–

Maelstrom raised his hand, and the bulky, short man stopped talking.

–Macro, Hyacinth. Leave us.- He betrayed no emotion as he dismissed them. Never had a man with bright pink hair seemed so intimidating.

She heard Giant gulp behind her. Silently, she tried to tell him that would only make it worse.

–So...- Maelstrom began, with all the interest of someone reading last week's newspapers.- Why isn't the criminal here? You know, the one I specifically asked you to bring me...- He allowed a drop of sarcasm in his tone, adding it carefully.-...Menace?

It was clear now, this had been a test for her. Marcus hadn't been smuggling the Emperor anything. The Leader just wanted to see if Menace was suitable as a role model for his daughter.

"Well, that's a nice way to put it," Mirror thought. "Just a father trying his best." She almost snorted, before remembering where she was.

–My liege.- Menace kept her head bowed, as if somehow that would lighten the weight of her lie.- We succesfully found him and interrogated him. Thoroughly- she added, glancing at Sunbeam. The redhead kept her arms crossed and a grumpy expression on her face, but didn't contradict her.- But he showed no signs of having stolen the shipments. Perhaps I went after the wrong person?

It was clear that Menace knew not to insinuate this was the Leader's fault, even though Maelstrom had very clearly set them up. Mirror realized the ice witch had probably taught herself how to deal with these kinds of situations. She was an adult, after all.

–Perhaps you did.- It might have been Mirror's imagination, but she could've sworn she saw a glint of admiration in Maelstrom's beautiful, wonderful, out-of-this-world... Darn, she had looked at them for too long.

The silence stretched on for five agonizing seconds. Then

–I'm certain you will do better next time. Next mission is in two weeks.

Mirror straightened her back, letting out a breath of relief. Two weeks. It wasn't as good as the one-week best case scenario, but she could probably handle another two weeks with the Servants, if it meant an escape was possible.

She looked around, glad to see Menace brighten up. Even Sunbeam was happier with the prospect of another mission.

Giant, though, seemed strange. He couldn't take his eyes off of Maelstrom. And the Leader seemed aware of it. Something in his expression betrayed surprise – no, perhaps a sudden realization. In a second, it was gone, his usual eerie grin replacing it.

Mirror didn't like that face one bit.

Author's Note: oOo sPooKy
Also, if anyone is wondering why Maelstrom's powers don't work on Mirror and Menace... That's going to get sort of revealed in the next chapter, but you could always PM me if you want the answer lol

Also, as a clarification, Maelstrom's eye powers don't work on Sunbeam! This is because he specifically requested that Sunbeam be exempt from them. This is not because he doesn't want to control his own daughter (don't worry, he does plenty of that). It's just because the author thought it would be gross.

Another clarification. Maelstrom's powers are supposed to make anyone fall in love with him on sight.

;)