Edward Dace.

1. April.
Saturday, 8:30 a.m.
Akureyri, Iceland.

SEVEN DAYS after we left Vorstellungen.

Joyeuse and I stood outside the gates of the home of this person everyone called "Mr. T. Yahtzee". Yahtzee, like the dice game. The drama queen and I were here for a mission and this time, we weren't nervous.

We're no longer scared. We're no longer the weak, shaky teenagers that people treated like kids. A lot happened ever since that incident with the stolen Brisingamen necklace and it has only made us more confident, stronger, and wiser.

"Our contact has given me the correct information, this is Yahtzee's base," I told Joyeuse, checking on him at the same time.

He cut his hair shorter again, but it was only to get rid of all the remaining dyed strands. He said he preferred being blond again. He started wearing darker shades of clothing again too, and I was glad he's feeling better and better.

He changed, but I thought this Joyeuse beside me was better.

Seven days ago he was a mess.

Seven days ago, we were rounded up at the hotel lobby in Mýrdalshreppur, Vik. At first, I didn't know what it was and why we were arrested, all I know was that I wanted to take Joyeuse and Futhark out of that place.

I wanted to take them somewhere safe and far, somewhere quiet and peaceful. They've been through a lot already. I wanted them to rest. I wanted them to take a break from all the bullshit the world's throwing at us.

I can take all of them, but, hey—universe? Pagod na sina Futhark, Joyeuse, at Sir Arthur. Kahit ako na lang ang pahirapan mo. Kaya ko pa. I can take anything.

"I wanna ask the shortie wearing red!"

I can take anything but an insult to my height.

This Ruhmfried bastard showed up in our lives out of nowhere and somehow he managed to ruin four consecutive days. We've only known him for three days, actually. In-advance ko lang ang fourth day dahil sigurado akong iisipin ko pa rin s'ya kinabukasan.

"HOY PUTANGINA KA," I screamed at him.

Why did he always conveniently appear at the worst times?

Ruhmfried loosened his grasp of Joyeuse's hair. Gagong 'to, magtatanong na lang mananabunot pa. Ang hilig-hilig humawak sa tao, ang hilig mang-ayos ng damit at ng buhok.

Kawawa naman si Joyeuse, putangina mo Ruhmfried lumayo-layo ka sa paningin kong hayup ka.

"Hey, Jule," Ruhmfried said. I had the feeling that he knew what my real name was, he just respected my choice of introducing myself as Jule. "I wanna ask you something."

He side-glanced at the wide-eyed Joyeuse before walking towards me.

I wanted to run to Joyeuse, he was shaking and disoriented and he needed us. It sucked that I couldn't because we were handcuffed behind our backs and Flosi's behind me. Nakakatakot gumalaw, baka mamaya ay mamali ako ng hinga at bigla na lang akong bigwasan.

Ruhmfried went on with his question, stealing my attention and concern from the drama queen. "How much do you trust your friends?"

Tanginang tanong 'yan.

"More than I trust you and anything you'll say from now on." I squinted my eyes at him.

Throw anything at me, I dare you.

Ruhmfried flashed Futhark a mischievous smile and continued walking, really keeping the tension up. I glared at him.

Then Futhark, thank fuck, leaped from his spot and kicked Ruhmfried's legs, sending the bastard at least a feet away, losing his balance. I was ready to cheer for Futhark, but Ruhmfried was a lot more fit than I imagined he would be.

He rolled backwards and bounced back to his feet, grabbing the hilt of the sword from a nearby Viking statue and unsheathing the weapon. With a serious look, he swung it forward.

"Shit, Futhark!" I gasped.

But Futhark was fierce. He looked scarier than the usual (which says a lot, because Futhark usually has the demeanour of a home-made cookie). He menaced Ruhmfried with a glare that rivalled Joyeuse's, no maybe as threatening as Laevateinn, but then again I haven't seen Laevateinn in his angriest so I couldn't compare.

Futhark jumped and slipped his hands under his feet, using the handcuffs to block Ruhmfried's sword. He hissed, "You think this is the first time I've been restrained?"

Suki nga pala ng straightjacket si Futhark!

The lobby cheered, which was weird for normal people and normal bystanders in a hotel. Alam kong hindi naman hayok sa gulo ang mga Icelander. Bakit tuwang-tuwa ang mga tao rito na may nag-aaway?

"Here I thought I'd die without fighting you again, Fraulein Snow," Ruhmfried replied, smirking.

Fraulein Snow.

He called Futhark Fraulein Snow. What is happening? Magkakilala ba sila?

Ruhmfried sidestepped and slashed the sword sideward, but Futhark dodged easily as the sword seemed too heavy to wield for someone as short as Ruhmfried. I felt like he didn't want to hurt Futhark either.

I was having mixed feelings. Nando'n 'yong curiosity ko sa pagiging Fraulein Snow ni Futhark, pero kinakabahan din ako sa laban nila. Anong laban ni Futhark kay Ruhmfried? Kung tropa 'yan ni Lae malamang magaling din 'yang makipaglaban!

I noticed Flosi was no longer behind me so I took the chance to shuffle beside Joyeuse.

His eyes were unfocused and he's panting and shaking. Panic attack or asthma attack? Can he breathe properly with his hands behind him? Does that add to his panic?

We should be at a hospital today, not being publicly humiliated for something we didn't do.

I caught Sir Arthur's worried look at Futhark. He seemed like he wanted to help, but he's handcuffed too, and—never mind, he just picked the lock of his handcuffs and hurled them at Ruhmfried.

Ruhmfried managed to hit the handcuffs with his sword, cutting them into two. He seemed amused at the sight of Sir Arthur and Futhark teaming up against him.

He narrowed his eyes and pointed at Sir Arthur with his sword, asking, "Aren't you the one who saved Fraulein Snow from the burning building and brought him to Wonderland?"

Sir Arthur didn't answer. He and Futhark remained glaring at Ruhmfried.

A burning building and Fraulein Snow. Fraulein Snow and Wonderland. Sir Arthur and Fraulein Snow... Sir Arthur and Futhark...

May sinabi si Joyeuse na si Fraulein Snow ay namatay sa isang nasunog na building. Bukod kay Fraulein Snow ay may isa pang binanggit na pangalan si Ruhmfried. Ito rin ang naulinigan kong tinanong ni Ruhmfried kay Joyeuse kanina.

William Wyse.

Ilang beses na tinawag ni Futhark na William si Joyeuse noon.

Hindi ko pinansin no'ng una dahil kailangan kong unahin si mama. Hindi ko naitanong no'ng pangalawa dahil nag-para ako sa jeep, dahil ang layo ko sa kanilang dalawa.

Hindi ko pinapansin dahil ayokong harap-harapan nilang ide-deny at harap-harapan nila akong gagawing tanga. Akala nila hindi ko naririnig ang mga usapan nila. Malakas ang pandinig ko at alam kong tama ang naririnig ko.

Noong nasa ospital kami ay nag-sorry si Joyeuse kay Futhark dahil lagi n'yang tinatawag na useless. Ang sabi ni Joyeuse ay tinulak s'ya palayo ni Futhark noong nasa nasusunog silang building.

So si Sir Arthur ang nagligtas kay Futhark dahil hindi s'ya nailigtas ni Joyeuse?

Tapos dinala s'ya ni Sir Arthur sa Wonderland?

Tapos naging Time si Futhark?

Tapos, putangina, nakilala ni Futhark ang napakabuti kong ama at pinatay n'ya?

Kaya ba nagso-sorry s'ya sa 'kin?

Kaya ba lagi n'ya akong inaalagaan ay dahil nangako s'ya sa sarili n'ya na poprotektahan n'ya ako dahil pinatay n'ya ang ama ko?

Inaalagaan n'ya lang ba ako dahil sa pangako n'yang 'yon?

Mabait lang ba s'ya sa 'kin dahil sa pangako n'yang 'yon?

Ito ba ang tunay na kulay ni Futhark—isang matapang na taong kayang makipagsabayan kay Joyeuse, kay Ruhmfried, at kay Lae?

Pinagtanggol ko pa noon si Futhark kay Aodhan noong sinabi n'yang "I know great acting when I see one", pero totoo naman pala ang sinasabi ni Aodhan na nagpapanggap lang si Futhark. Si Aodhan din ang nagsabi na ang lahat ng anak n'ya ay may kasamang taga-Wonderland.

Si Futhark ba ang kasamang taga-Wonderland ni Joyeuse? Inutusan ba s'ya ni Norcross na bantayan si Joyeuse?

Paano 'yong sinabi n'ya kay Henrik?

Na mas matagal n'ya kaming nakasama at mas importante ang SMS para sa kanya? Kasinungalingan din ba 'yon?

Tumulong ba s'yang pabagsakin si Henrik dahil gusto n'yang kami ang bumawi sa Wonderland? Kaya ba s'ya pumayag na tulungan ang Wonderland ay dahil taga-Wonderland naman talaga s'ya?

Noong kinausap kami ni Ma'am Theresa, ang sabi n'ya ay, "I'm with Edward and I will do everything in my power to make sure he succeeds."

Ginagamit lang ba ako ni Futhark?

Kadalasan kapag may napagtutugma akong clues ay natutuwa ako, bakit ngayon ay parang ang sama ng pakiramdam ko? Para akong nasusuka. Parang ang sakit-sakit ng tiyan ko.

Parang ayokong maniwala.

"You look like you're swaying," Ruhmfried cut me off my thoughts. He smirked, leaning and resting his hands on the hilt of the sword that he propped on the floor.

I quirked an eyebrow and looked at him, wide-eyed. I wasn't swaying. I was pretty sure my trust was still... there.

Ruhmfried could be lying. It could be a complex, elaborated lie to make me doubt my friends at this very moment. A lie that took him months to prepare. A lie that involved everyone I know.

A lie that seemed and felt so true.

I don't want to doubt my friends, Njal.

"Shut up, shut up! I hate you!" I snarled at Ruhmfried. "Das ist mir scheißegal, fahr zur Hölle!"

He blinked, furrowing his brows. "For telling the truth?"

"You're lying, you always lie."

"I've literally never lied to you." He raised the sword again, slipping it back to its sheath. "It's amazing you didn't even think of asking your "friends" whether what I said was true or not. You dived straight to hating me for telling the truth."

I made a sharp head-turn towards Futhark and Sir Arthur. I couldn't ask them with words, but Futhark's expression said it all. His forehead creased, his eyebrows met, and our eyes locked.

"Deny it," I whispered. "Deny it, and I'll still trust you."

He pursed his lips, suppressing a frown and a wince. He shut his eyes close and looked down.

"I'll still trust you, I promise," I repeated, a painful lump forming in my throat.

Futhark turned to Sir Arthur, who had the usual look of agony in his eyes, and waited for his response. I grasped the hem of my shirt and clenched my fist.

This felt so shitty.

"Edward Dace," Sir Arthur spoke sincerely. "All I know is that everything Lance and I have done was for a brighter future."

A brighter future for us or for you?

I know you can be selfish, Sir Arthur. Minsan mo nang binaril si Joyeuse para lang makita ulit si Sir Lance. Alam mo kung gaano ka kagago ro'n?

Alam mo kung gaano naghirap si Joyeuse dahil sa katarantaduhan mong 'yon? Alam mo kung gaano kami nagdusa no'ng nagkahiwa-hiwalay kami?

Kayong dalawa ni Futhark.

Pareho kayong ahas—no. 'Wag. Baka may dahilan sila.

'Di ba ang sabi ni Lae, may dahilan s'ya kung bakit hindi s'ya nagsasabi? Ang sabi sa 'kin ni Lae, hindi nila ako sasaktan. Kung alam ni Lae ang mga nangyayari ngayon, kung alam ni Lae na si Futhark si Fraulein Snow pero hindi n'ya sinabi sa 'kin, baka may dahilan s'ya.

Kung may tiwala si Lae kay Futhark at kung nagkabati na sila ni Sir Arthur, baka may dahilan sila at baka dapat lang akong magtiwala.

Kung wala si Lae ngayon ay baka may ginagawa s'yang importante para sa amin.

Niligtas n'ya si mama. Niligtas n'ya ako, si Joyeuse, at si Futhark. Hindi s'ya magsisinungaling sa 'kin kailanman.

I trust Laevateinn with my everything and I'm putting my trust on him today. All I need to do is to wait for him to find us and save us.

Thank you for the comfort and the hope, buddy. I've calmed down. Balik ka na.

I took a deep breath, glancing at Joyeuse to check on him before focusing on Futhark and Sir Arthur.

"Futhark," I called. "Why didn't you deny it?"

Futhark bit his lip and rubbed his arm. He looked at me sincerely and replied, "Kapag nagsinungaling ako ay itatapon ng Vorstellungen si Zwei sa labyrinth."

Oh. Naalala ko 'yan.

When Zweihänder vouched for Futhark in front of Ma'am Theresa, during our test.

A test. Our test.

"Look, Edward, I know I'm Time, pero hindi ko—"

"You're the one who kept telling Henrik our plans." I shook my head at him.

"Kailangan kong sabihin sa kanya para magawa mo ang plano mo. Gusto kong SMS ang manalo."

I kept a bitter look, but slowly nodded. "I understand that part," I answered, not trusting myself to have anything else to say.

"Naiintindihan mo naman 'di ba, Ed? I had to take Heimdall's list from Alice because I had to protect my identity. Kung nalaman n'yong ako si Time, hindi ko kayo mapo-protektahan. Naiintindihan mo ba, Ed?"

I nodded.

He somehow reminded me of my mum who tried to justify Luciano's abuse, saying he was only doing that to protect us from Wonderland and other criminal organisations, and it was a really shitty feeling.

I could've went on with my merry life without knowing this. Ruhmfried could've kept his mouth shut and let me... let me live being the fool.

But Laevateinn told us, Nir won't keep his mouth shut. And he won't show us mercy. When we punch Nir, we're not punching a friend.

Laevateinn knew Ruhmfried will be here. Laevateinn knew this would happen.

Njal was in the room where they found the Brisingamen because Njal planted the Brisingamen there. And that's why Flosi was polite towards him.

Because we're in Vorstellungen's base.

This is not a hotel, this is Vorstellungen's headquarters, and this is not a simple public humiliation. This is a test.

I see.

Sandali. Kung sa Vorstellungen ang lugar na 'to, ibig sabihin ay si Lae ang boss dito at hindi ito simpleng hotel.

Gago 'tong si Lae siningil ako ng bayad para sa three days two nights!

"You figured it out, didn't you?" Ruhmfried told me and stood beside the railings of the lobby's grand staircase, gesturing to Flosi with his hand.

Flosi straightened his posture. His stern, angry sailor expression changed into a stern, mildly angry sailor expression. I thought he'd fight us or throw us into the labyrinths, but he uncuffed Joyeuse and me. Another person from the lobby (which I figured might be from Vorstellungen also) removed Futhark's cuffs.

"Is this a test?" I asked Flosi, developing some kind of weird trust towards him after knowing he works for Njal, Laevateinn, and Vorstellungen. "Is this Vorstellungen?"

"This is Vorstellungen," Futhark answered. "The Brisingamen was to test us. There was a desynchronization in Flosi's non-verbal language yesterday. He was accusing Freyja but he was subtly shaking his head. He knew that what he's saying wasn't true, but he was following a script: a script given to him by the person he kept on glancing at last night."

So Joyeuse was right, it was Flosi all along. Kung sinunod ko s'ya at inunang imbestigahan si Flosi... Hindi, alam ni Lae kung paano ako mag-imbestiga kaya siguradong magse-set up sila ng fake identity at digital files para kay Flosi. Kinailangan ko talagang unahin ang pangha-hack sa security ng hotel, ng Vorstellungen.

And I had a hard time hacking because... because Error was the one behind it. Or Error and possibly one of the best hackers in the world. Or Error and Ruhmfried. Or Error and Laevateinn.

Vorstellungen's protection was impenetrable and heavily fortified. The only reason I managed to hack in was because I asked for help.

My stomach started churning from shame and disappointment, but somewhere in my chest was a tingly feeling that made me excited.

If I joined Vorstellungen, I'd learn a lot from their hackers and programmers. Maybe I could even learn from their engineers. Maybe most of the members are real, actual experts and professionals in the field of technology.

I would be surrounded by professionals who know their shit and that would be the coolest thing ever.

It would be a bonus if they spoke in Icelandic or in another language.

"Edward Dace," Joyeuse whispered behind me. He looked so sick.

I let Futhark talk to Flosi; I had to tend to Joyeuse first. The drama queen wasn't doing so great since yesterday and now everything's just fucked up even more.

"You alright?" I asked in a low voice.

"Let's go home."

He sounded so innocent and helpless, my big brother instincts kicked in and I looked around for an exit.

For the meantime, I assured him, "We're in Vorstellungen. We're safe. Laevateinn is here."

He furrowed his brows, bit his lip, and nodded.

I patted his back and spoke calmly, "Hey, look. This is just a test and this will be over soon. After this, I'll go with you to a hospital and you'll be fine soon. Just hold on and stay brave."

He took a deep breath and nodded again. "Hold on and stay brave."

"I won't leave. I promise."

Because I wasn't sure where Futhark's loyalty lies and if he'd still be with us after this.

Then for the love of every deity I don't believe in, Ruhmfried approached us. He was brushing his coat and staring at Joyeuse with seriousness in his eyes. Hindi ka ba tapos? Ano bang gusto mo kay Joyeuse?

I stood in front of the drama queen, protecting him.

"Move," Ruhmfried said.

"You move," I replied, equally firmly.

The bastard did move. He circled around me and got closer to Joyeuse from a different direction. Joyeuse didn't move, but turned his head away from Ruhmfried.

"William, do you remember me?" Ruhmfried asked, as if he would not be taking a no for an answer.

Joyeuse glared at his foot.

I waved my hand in front of Ruhmfried and said, "Shut it. He said he can't remember you."

Ruhmfried clicked his tongue in exasperation. He was ready to walk away and forever hold his peace, but Joyeuse spoke in a feeble voice that tried so hard to sound brave.

"I remember you. You're Ruhmfried Siegrin. We met six years ago, when I was with Futhark."

What is he saying? Naaalala ba n'ya ang nangyari?

Slowly building courage, Joyeuse continued in a low, half-hearted voice, "He introduced himself as Fraulein Snow and I introduced myself as William Wyse. You were with Laevateinn, and being older, spoke for him all the time."

Joyeuse frowned and winced, but continued speaking whilst studying Ruhmfried from head to toe with his eyes. "Laevateinn was eleven at that time and he had just won as the head of Vorstellungen so you were in Mt. Sposa to check your labyrinth. That's how we met; because I ran away from home to play with a kid I just met, and that kid who lived in Mt. Sposa happened to be Futhark."

Can be really remember Ruhmfried? So magkakilala na rin sila dati? Pati ni Lae? Magkakakilala silang tatlo?

Perkele, wala man lang nagsabi sa 'kin?

Joyeuse kept a half-glare, half-hurt look at Ruhmfried, who was raising an eyebrow the whole time Joyeuse's recollection.

Ruhmfried scoffed. "Nice try, kid, but you can't make fake memories based on your observations. You know I spoke for Niall a lot not because I'm older, but because he didn't speak English when we met."

He took steps closer to Joyeuse. "And you know... you didn't run away from home to "play" with a kid you just met. You searched for and followed Fraulein Snow."

Joyeuse gave Futhark a look that said, but you told me...?

Futhark took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. Ano. Kasinungalingan mo na naman?

No, Edward, bad.

Ruhmfried turned away. "You don't need to prove anything, now I know you're not as fit as you were before."

Joyeuse gritted his teeth. "You want an observation of the present? You are the most pathetic person I've ever met, staying in a place you know you're unwelcomed because the outside world will kill you and without Laevateinn, you know wouldn't survive a day. Go outside, see if the wolves would protect you."

Go, Joyeuse. Pakitaan mo ang pandak na 'yan.

"You wear expensive suits, luxurious watches, and golden rings because you no longer care about material things and your possessions."

Ruhmfried scoffed, his glare sharp. "I'm rich, I wear what I want."

Usually, before his amnesia, Joyeuse would smirk scornfully and roll his eyes at people whilst laying out his observations and assessment. This time, his expression softened and seemed... kind, almost hurt.

"You have the eyes of a person who has long accepted his death," Joyeuse spoke quietly. "But somewhere in the corner of your lip and the arches of your eyebrows is fear."

Ruhmfried narrowed his eyes. "Like you'd know fear."

Joyeuse pursed his lips and stared at Ruhmfried. He quietly put his hands behind him, scratching his arms and and digging his fingernails on his skin. "I know fear," he replied.

Ruhmfried shook his head, looking at Joyeuse in disbelief and confusion. "You know you're the one who set that building on fire and you did it laughing."

Futhark stepped in. "'Wag kang maniwala sa kanya, Jo."

"Like I could trust you?" Joyeuse grimaced at Futhark. Ah, that stung.

I jumped and joined them too. I waved my hands. "Kung magbubunyagan kayo ng mga malulupit na sikreto, gawin n'yo kapag walang audience sa paligid."

We all looked around in reflex. Ruhmfried scanned the surroundings with his eyes and smirked in satisfaction, for some reasons.

"These people aren't audience, Edward Dace," Joyeuse said.

"Perkele ano sila? Judge? Referee? Pumupusta sa sabong?" I got conscious and avoided the gaze of each person in the lobby.

Parang mas nadagdagan sila ngayon ah.

Ruhmfried smiled. "They're waiting for their boss."

Joyeuse took a step closer to me, whilst Futhark kept his distance.

Pinitik ko 'yong kamay ni Joyeuse na walang tigil sa pagkalmot sa sarili n'yang braso. I know he's anxious but he has to find another outlet. Sumagi pa ang tingin ko sa piercings at itim n'yang buhok. Nope, other than that.

"Stop that," I hissed quietly.

Tangina nitong gago na 'to, braso ko ang kinalmot. I slapped his hand away and he clutched my shirt. I knew he's anxious, but we're inside Vorstellungen's base. I wanted to make a good impression.

Make people think I'm cool, you know what I mean?

"Jo, kalma, si Lae lang ang boss nila," I whispered. "Walang mananakit sa 'yo rito."

"Really helpful, Edward Dace, cheers," he hissed back. "Next time try shutting up all the voices in my head."

You ought to be the calming presence the drama queen needs, Edward Dace. Focus.

"Just scream louder than them."

His shoulders raised and I knew he'd literally shout. I covered his mouth with my hands. Muntik ko pa s'yang masakal dahil mas matangkad s'ya sa 'kin.

He repeatedly hit my side, struggling to squirm free from my grasp.

"Sisigaw ka kasi, nakakahiya!" I removed my hands after having a mini-scare that he'd bite my fingers off.

"I was taking a deep breath!" He slapped the back of my head. "And you covering my mouth like that is much, much worse!"

I kicked his leg. "Gago kasi nangangalmot ka!"

"I said I'm anxious!" He hit the top of my head.

"Ow! I thought you're anxious, why are you hitting me?!"

"Because now I'm anxious and angry!"

"Jule, Edward Dace!" we heard Sir Arthur yell. When we turned, he was looking at us with a confused yet disappointed face. It's like he didn't expect us to be this childish. Sorry na Sir, pareho po kaming kinakabahan ni drama queen.

I tried to avoid Futhark's gaze because his eyes were no longer kind nor smiling. Truth be told, I'm not angry, I'm scared.

I'm scared of the truth, I'm scared of Futhark not being the Futhark we know. I'm scared of him changing forever, that we'll never see the Futhark we've known ever again.

I can accept his past, his past doesn't matter.

Just please stay as the Futhark that we loved. 'Wag kang magiging salbahe sa 'kin, please.

Ayokong magkahiwa-hiwalay ulit tayong apat.

••• VORSTELLUNGEN •••

BACK TO OUR MISSION.

Joyeuse and I sat at a bus stop near Mr. T. Yahtzee's mansion. It was a few minutes before go time and I wanted to make sure I briefed Joyeuse clearly before conducting the operation.

"Laevateinn and Futhark will arrive around 11 a.m.," I told him. "We have an hour to safely escort Ms. Young to Yahtzee's mansion so we need to be quick, got it?"

He nodded.

"Young arrives at her greenhouse in the southern side of the city at 8." I checked my watch. "Now here's her deal. She grows all sorts of apples in her massive greenhouse and she apparently is Vorstellungen's supplier. She won't come or even speak with anyone who isn't from Vorstellungen. Lucky for us, you have that silver Valknut pin with you."

He took out the helm-shaped Valknut he's been keeping for months now.

I grinned. "Good. You remember how the script goes?"

He nodded before speaking with a worried tone, "I'm quite worried about Laevateinn and Futhark."

I rolled my eyes. "They're strong, remember?"

He sighed. "I know. You were raving about them."

My phone vibrated and I saw a notification. "It's Futhark," I told Jule. "He and Lae are at Akureyri's port. We gotta move now."

Here's the thing. Futhark did change.

When we learned that he's indeed Fraulein Snow, that he's Time, he started being less anxious. As if he's more confident and happy to be Fraulein Snow, the same kid who had a lot of fun with William Wyse. The same kid who's carefree and unburdened by his illness and the cruelties of the world.

When I saw him smile seven days ago, I knew he wasn't smiling because he had to be kind. He didn't smile because he felt like he had to smile to please the people around him. He smiled because he can, and because he knew that with Vorstellungen protecting him, nobody could hurt him anymore.

When you're protected by Vorstellungen, no amount of money could pay the security you feel. You're safe, you're comfortable, you live your life knowing no harm could befall you.

That's the power Vorstellungen holds. The power Laevateinn has.

When I first met Laevateinn, I knew he had a different presence. A strong, unique presence that intimidated a weakling like I was. We spent more time together and the strong, intimidating presence became an invisible shield that has protected me both physically, mentally, and emotionally.

During those times, I just knew nothing could hurt us as long as Laevateinn was there.

I just knew that there is nothing to fear as long as we're with Laevateinn.

There is nothing to fear.

Except for Laevateinn himself.

"Jule, Edward Dace," Sir Arthur called, when Joyeuse and I started hitting and kicking each other in the middle of Vorstellungen's lobby. "Please behave yourself."

I hit the back of Joyeuse's head one last time before nodding at Sir Arthur.

Futhark glared at me. Traydor ka ngayon, hindi gagana ang iyong motherly glare sa 'kin.

"Edward," he said firmly.

Shit.

"Sorry," I muttered. Then I caught Ruhmfried's calculating stare from across the hotel lobby.

He was watching us, observing our behaviour, and taking notes of our personalities. He was testing us earlier. Could it be that he's actually part of Vorstellungen? Could it be that he's the one telling Laevateinn who passes and who doesn't?

I hate you, you know?

Laevateinn blocked a knife with his arm for you and I didn't even hear a thank you. You treat Laevateinn like a human shield, not a protector. You see him as a tool, not a friend. Laevateinn bled for you but I didn't even hear you appreciating everything he has done for you.

All because you gave him the pleasure of killing you on the first full moon of April?

I was so into murdering him in my mind, I didn't notice him actually staring back at me.

Ruhmfried smirked and tilted his head a bit to the side. Tangina ang sakit sa mata. He gestured to a woman standing near him and whispered something at her ear, jerking his head towards my direction.

Kumukulo ang dugo ko sa 'yo. Nabiyayaan siguro ng isang tangkeng pasensya si Lae dahil kung ako lang ay matagal na kitang nabugbog.

Anong klaseng pagsasamahan ba ang meron kayo na kahit na sinubukan mong pabagsakin ang Vorstellungen at sinubukan mong patayin si Njal ay best friend pa rin ang turing ni Lae sa 'yo?

Lumapit na si Ruhmfried sa 'kin. "You know, I'm not a mind reader," he said. "If you want to say something, say it to my face. And if you're murdering me in your mind, try doing it in real life. See if you can hurt me."

I started walking and met him halfway. "You're brave because you know Laevateinn protects you."

"I'm brave because I know what you're capable of. I can se—"

Sinapak ko s'ya.

"Didn't see that coming, did ya?" I let out a smug scoff. It's a pleasure to see the shock on his face. He wasn't as shocked as I imagined him to be, nor did he stumble and fall as I intended, but it was worth it.

Everyone fell silent in a snap. The room got even colder and the dread in the air just turned deadly.

Was that a foul? Hindi ko ba dapat sinapak si Ruhmfried?

Gago, hahatulan na ba ako?

But Ruhmfried turned to his left and I realised that the silence wasn't because of my remark—it was because of Laevateinn's entrance and appearance.

He was stepping down the grand staircase, fixing his cufflinks with a regal expression on his face. This was the face of a true leader. This was the presence of someone people respected. Someone people loved and feared.

This wasn't our Laevateinn.

He wore a fitted black suit, with a winter sky grey tie that complimented his skin tone. His hair was combed and the left side of his bangs was tucked behind his ears. His eyes were bluer than ever, sea green hues appearing at every shimmer and twinkle.

Perkele, ilabas n'yo 'yong Laevateinn na laging walang ligo't mukhang nabingwit lang mula sa basurahan!

And was he actually wearing black shoes?! I could hear the heels touching the floor. This wasn't right. Masyadong tamad ang kilala naming Laevateinn para magsuot ng medyas at magsintas ng black shoes.

Handa na rin akong umisa pa ng sapak kay Ruhmfried kung sakaling mang-inis at mang-asar s'ya na kaya biglang dumating si Laevateinn ay dahil sinapak ko s'ya. Pakialam ko. Sasapakin kita nang mas malakas, makita mo.

Huh. Buti ay nakatingin lang s'ya kay Lae, parang naghihintay ng iuutos o sasabihin sa kanya.

Everyone in the lobby lined up quietly and carefully, listening and waiting. They're alert and they heed every word from Laevateinn.

Can Laevateinn really be this influential?

He raised his hand and half the people marched out of the lobby and back into the hallway. Parang pinakita lang talaga ang mga pagmumukha namin sa mga assassin. Ano, Lae, pagkatapos sumilay sa 'min, pababalikin mo na sila sa lungga nila?

Laevateinn turned to Ruhmfried. After a few seconds, Ruhmfried nodded and left the lobby (of course not before he could give me a mischievous grin). It's like they communicated through telepathy.

Sir Dad arrived and stood a few metres away from Laevateinn. He's wearing his usual casual black dress shirt with the top unbuttoned and the sleeves rolled to his elbows. He's covering his right eye with his bangs again... so I guess naka-Heimdall mode s'ya ngayon.

Hindi ako pwedeng bigla-biglang sumigaw ng "Sir Dad!"

He scanned the room for Sir Arthur and smiled when he saw him standing beside Joyeuse. Para s'yang tatay na nakita ang mag-ina n'ya sa audience.

Sumimangot ang mag-ina n'ya. Bad trip siguro dahil katakot-takot din na hirap ang pinagdaanan n'ong dalawa, lalo na sa issue ng Brisingamen.

I saw Sir Arthur shaking his head and grimacing at Sir Lance, signing something with his hand. I couldn't understand it, but it's possibly Hemlock's sign for "sa sofa ka matutulog ngayong gabi".

Laevateinn finished his cufflinks and gave the lobby a once-over. He put his hands behind him, and I swear to the gods I had a mental image of him wearing a crown and a cape. Fenrir leaped from the staircase to his side, making the scene even more majestic.

Tangina, Lae. Kailangan kong alalahanin kung paano ka nakatulog habang umuubos ng isang galong ice cream para lang maibalik 'yong feeling na magkaibigan pa rin tayo at ikaw pa rin 'yong Lae na kilala namin.

Alalahanin na rin natin 'yong panahong nalaglag ka mula sa puno at 'yong itsura ng mata mo no'ng na-realise mong kulang ng dalawang piso ang pambili mo ng higanteng lollipop kay Aling Puring.

Now that's our Laevateinn.

Our Laevateinn is Superman, not a king.

Our Laevateinn is...

Why do I feel like I'm bringing him down?

We should be lifting each other up, not bringing each other down to the level of our comfort.

The world suddenly divided between us.

He belonged in the light, somewhere above the three of us. Somewhere magnificent and somber, where all things are... perfect.

This was the first time I actually looked up at Laevateinn. He's different from all of us. He's powerful and brave, whereas the three of us were... just us.

But if being a king fitted Laevateinn better, I would not squeeze him into the role of a knight.

He's Laevateinn and he's our king, our Superman, our friend. Nothing less and a lot more.

I smiled at Laevateinn. He didn't return the smile and that was fine. I knew he ought to keep a straight face in front of his followers. At least he slightly dipped his head down with all the grace in the world.

Tangina, dapat ba akong lumuhod?

Another man wearing a black suit joined Laevateinn at the foot of the staircase. I recognised him as Forseti, as he was carrying a golden axe. His poker face didn't change as well. Just as emotionless as a brook.

Gago, huhusgahan at hahatulan nga kami.

Nagkatinginan tuloy kami ni Joyeuse.

Laevateinn raised his hand again, and the rest of the audience disappeared back into their rooms. Now it's just the four of us SMS boys, Hemlock, Laevateinn, and Forseti.

"I had to let them see who they'll protect," Laevateinn said, walking closer. "Or kill, if things didn't go your way."

Perkele Lae, ang usapan ay magpapakasal ang Hemlock para makasali si Sir Arthur, iimbitahan ni Sir Arthur si Futhark, iimbitahan ni Sir Lance ang prodigal son n'ya, at ako naman ang iimbitahan mo dahil best friends tayo!

"Gottfried Arthur Ducere," Forseti announced, propping his axe on his shoulder. "Married to Heimdall, son of Njal and the 6th member of Vorstellungen."

We all waited for Forseti's judgment. Mukhang s'ya ang pumipili kung sino ang makakapasa at kung sinong hindi. O taga-announce lang ba s'ya? Hindi si Forseti ang tipo ng taong binibigyan ng maliit na role.

His entire personality reeks of importance.

Nakita kong napalunok si Sir Arthur. Kinakabahan sa magiging hatol ni Forseti. Siguro ay dahil alam n'yang marami rin s'yang ginawang kasalanan at kahit na kapatid n'ya ang mismong boss ng Vorstellungen ay wala s'yang magagawa sa hatol ni Forseti.

Lahat kami ay walang magagawa kung ang tingin ni Forseti ay hindi kami karapat-dapat.

Then Forseti turned to Laevateinn and stretched his lips to make it look like he's smiling. He lowered his axe and said, "Let the boys decide." Then he started walking up the stairs again, dragging his axe behind him. He sat on the last step, leaning against his axe.

Gago, pinasa sa 'min!

I mean—I'm sorry—hindi ko po sinasabihan ng gago si Forseti, nasanay lang ako na—I mean, nagulat lang ako—tangina bakit ako nangungumpisal sa utak ko?!

"Edward Dace," Sir Lance called.

Sa gulat ko ay napabulalas ako ng, "Hindi ko po minura Sir Dad!"

They all looked at me weirdly.

"Edward," Sir Lance repeated patiently. "Should Arthur join Vorstellungen?"

I looked around in panic, but for some reasons, I suddenly remembered Sir Lance's first lesson.

Edward Dace. Must learn how to handle pressure.

I took a deep breath. "Sir Arthur is worthy of being in Vorstellungen. He deserves to be happy, free, and protected."

I caught Sir Arthur's grateful stare but I looked away. Hindi ako sanay na ipinapakita ang kabusilakan ng puso ko, nahihiya ako.

"Futhark," tawag naman ni Sir Lance.

Gusto bang i-test ni Forseti ang decision-making skills namin? Kung gaano kami kabait?

Ang sabi noon ni Sir Lance kay Futhark sa first lesson namin: Learn how you'll convince me.

Ano na, Fraulein Snow? Magaling kang mangumbinsi na inosente ka, 'di ba?

No, Edward Dace, bad. That's Futhark. He cares for you.

Hindi ko lang alam si Fraulein Snow.

Aiyah. Pull yourself together, Edward Dace. As long as Laevateinn is with you, there's nothing to worry about.

Futhark thought for a second before answering in a calm, composed tone, "You mentioned that according to Vorstellungen's laws, anyone who marries a member instantly becomes a member too. Who am I to have something to say against that?"

He played it safe.

"But if I take away every law," hamon ni Laevateinn, "do you still think Arthur must join Vorstellungen?"

Quietly, Joyeuse answered for Futhark, "If you took away every law, where would people hold on to? Faith? Trust? Both are easily broken."

I wasn't expecting a hostile and pessimistic response from Joyeuse. Hindi ko naisip na dahil sinarili ko lang ang mga saloobin ko tungkol sa pagiging Fraulein Snow ni Futhark, ay kakalimutan at isasantabi na lang din ni Joyeuse ang sa kanya.

He's been quiet because the pandemonium was inside him all along.

"If you took away every law, would nobody tell me to forgive Arthur? Would people still say forgive and forget? Will you let me hurt every single person who treated me like a monster?" Joyeuse gave Laevateinn an embittered, painful stare. Resentment and hurt blended in his eyes, his lower lip white from his bite because he was forcing a smile.

He went on, "If you can take away every law, can you also take away this pain in my chest? Because it keeps on hurting even though I've already forgiven them. Even though I've forgotten a lot of them."

Laevateinn simply looked down at him, his eyes still soulless yet pitiful and strangely sad. His thin lips were neither frowning nor smiling. He knew he could do nothing for someone whose enemy was his own mind betraying him.

I looked at Futhark. Si Futhark ang nagsasabing hindi kailangang magpatawad ni Joyeuse kung ayaw n'ya, at may karapatan s'yang magalit kahit kanino.

Napagalitan s'ya noon ni Zwei dahil pinupuno n'ya raw ng galit si Joyeuse.

Pero... Pero baka tama si Futhark.

Maybe the reason why Joyeuse never heals, why the pain keeps on coming back, is because...

"Take away every law, Laevateinn," Joyeuse said in an audible whisper, almost pleading. "So I can hurt every person who hurt me. My heart could never be at peace because I thought what it needed was forgiveness, but the truth is I hear it scream justice and revenge."

I closed my eyes and clenched my fists. I wanted to say "don't", but...

"Joyeuse," Sir Lance called, keeping a straight face. Not Jule, not son. Just Joyeuse. "Do you think... Arthur should join Vorstellungen?"

Joyeuse stood his ground. "Arthur is a good friend. He cared for me, for us, like a real father. He saved me a few times too."

There was a tiny hope in Sir Arthur's eyes, but I knew what Joyeuse had in mind.

Joyeuse looked at Sir Lance apologetically. "If Arthur can tell you that he loves you and betray you the next day... If he could tell me I'm his friend and shoot me the next day... who's to say he won't betray Vorstellungen the same way he betrayed the people he claimed he loved?"

Sir Lance smiled, but balled his fists in disappointment. Sir Arthur bit his lip and looked away.

"Edward Dace, do you have anything to say to that?" Forseti spoke from the top of the staircase. He hasn't left yet. He's watching us. Waiting for us to tear each other apart.

I stared at him for a moment.

I have no answers. I want to say "people change" and that Sir Arthur is loyal to us now, but... Joyeuse changed too, and that's because of the trauma Sir Arthur caused. I want to say Sir Arthur deserves to be and protected, but Joyeuse deserves his justice and peace.

I want Sir Arthur to be happy with Sir Lance, but I want Joyeuse to be happy too.

I don't know what kind of test this is, but it's testing my morals and principles. Ang hirap manimbang. Ang hirap mamili.

Channel your inner Germaine genes, Edward Dace! Baka may masimot kang braincell!

Teka. Germaine. Wonderland.

Nandito kami ngayon sa Vorstellungen dahil ang original na plano namin ay magtago at mag-ipon ng lakas para mabawi ang Wonderland at maprotektahan ang mga kaibigan namin.

I shouldn't decide using only my heart. I need to decide thinking of the greater good.

I-If Wonderland is the greater good.

Salamat sa braincell, Norcross, dude.

I drew a quick breath and answered Forseti, "We came to Iceland to hide because we're powerless at the moment. And we asked Vorstellungen for help because we want to be stronger to protect what we want and have to protect. I know I'm not you, nor the Siegfried Lukas to know what's best for your organisation, but here's what I assure you: the people with me give their best in everything they do."

I saw the left corner of Laevateinn's lips subtly curling into a smile.

Forseti stood and gestured to Laevateinn and Sir Lance. It must be his verdict. Then he walked away and left the six of us. Seven, including Fenrir.

What's Forseti's judgment? Nadala ba s'ya sa sinabi ko? May point din ang sinabi ni Joyeuse, pero kailangan naming makapasok sa Vorstellungen para sa plano namin.

Hindi ko mabasa ang emosyon sa mukha ni Lae. Ang mukha naman ni Sir Lance ay kanina pa disappointed, simula nang ilaglag ni Joyeuse si Sir Arthur. So what's their final answer? Tanggap ba kami o itatapon na kami? May invitation pa rin ba o kanya-kanyang test results na 'to?

Laevateinn took a step back, further into the staircase. "By Vorstellungen's law, Arthur becomes a member by marrying Heimdall." He reached out his hand to Sir Arthur and says, "Wilkommen, Bruder."

Sir Arthur sighed in relief, as if he's been holding his breath the whole time. He took Laevateinn's hand and shook it firmly, smiling at him. "Danke schön, Niall," he said.

Joyeuse glared at him. I knew he's mad, but I was relieved that we had one less problem now.

"Are you inviting someone in, Arthur?" Laevateinn asked.

Sir Arthur nodded. "I am inviting Kiel Alf Whitdur."

As planned.

"Very well." Laevateinn reached out his left hand to Futhark.

Futhark gave me a worried look before he joined Sir Arthur and Sir Lance at the foot of the staircase. He shook Laevateinn's hand, bowing his head a little.

Two less problem.

"And Heimdall, brother," Laevateinn turned to Sir Lance, "is this the day you invite someone?"

"I'm not inviting someone in," Sir Lance answered sternly, looking coldly down at Joyeuse. Then he turned to Laevateinn and dipped his head down in respect. "If you'd excuse me."

He patted Sir Arthur's shoulder before he headed to the hallway to our right.

Futhark and I were shocked. Laevateinn slowly nodded, accepting Sir Lance's decision.

Joyeuse was...

I wasn't as good as Futhark in reading facial cues, but when I turned to give Joyeuse consolation and sympathy, I saw the word "ABANDONED" plastered on his face.

Joyeuse was abandoned. By the person he trusted the most.

••• VORSTELLUNGEN •••

"Mr. Yahtzee's secretary texted," I told Joyeuse while we're walking towards Ms. Young's greenhouse. "She said Heimdall was spotted near the greenhouse."

Joyeuse's face darkened. "I'll deal with him, you take care of Ms. Young." He took his phone out and contacted some of our associates.

I nodded, unconsciously clicking my tongue. I checked my earpiece and the rest of my gadgets in my sling bag. I waited for Joyeuse to finish delegating tasks before asking, "Let's go over the basics again. Seven-Minute Semblance has...?"

"Four members—you, me, a person named Futhark and Laevateinn. We live in 372A High Street."

"The head of Vorstellungen is...?"

"Laevateinn. Siegfried Niall Lukas—tall, blue eyes, addicted to apples and superheroes."

"Futhark is?"

He squinted his eyes.

I scratched my head. "Oh come on, we went over this for like a hundred times."

"And I remember him! Just stop talking about him. Stop, stop with your leprechaun shenanigans, you're giving me a headache."

I raised an eyebrow and he sighed, answering, "Kiel Alf Whitdur, son of Henrik Whitdur, Wonderland's Time. He killed your father and framed your brother up."

"Good, you're getting a star." I chuckled.

He kicked my leg and we continued blending into the crowds of Akureyri.

••• VORSTELLUNGEN •••

"Wait, wait a minute." I waved my hands at Laevateinn, after Sir Lance left Vorstellungen's lobby and abandoned Joyeuse. "Hindi ba ang usapan ay sa Vorstellungen tayo magtatago? Kung hindi iimbitahan ni Sir Lance si Joyeuse, edi hindi s'ya member? Paano 'yon, Lae?"

Laevateinn shook his head. "There's nothing I can do if Heimdall didn't want to invite Jule."

I turned to Futhark and Sir Arthur. Sir Arthur was shocked, like he didn't expect Sir Lance would do that to the person he treated like his own son. Futhark on the other hand looked like he's calculating something.

The Futhark we've known would've looked worried and would comfort us with a smile and a pat on the back.

I took some steps closer to Laevateinn. "Are you really sure there's nothing you can do, Lae? You're the boss, right?"

I was about to grab his arm when someone unseen shot the floor near my foot and I stumbled back. A silver pellet rolled on the floor.

Right. We're in Vorstellungen. Nobody can hurt Laevateinn.

Laevateinn frowned. "I have already invited Helix Error, Edward."

Wait, what?

I thought you're going to invite me?

I blinked. "S-Si Error? Teka, so anong magiging plano n'yan? Paano kami ni Joyeuse?"

Tangina. Ang sakit sa tiyan na parang pinagsisiksikan ko ang sarili ko sa Vorstellungen.

"I was going to use my favour to take you in, Edward." Laevateinn stepped down the staircase. "It's the only thing I can do as the boss. But I can only take Edward Dace. You can't invite someone else."

"A favour?"

Laevateinn nodded. "I've already arranged it long before, all you have to do is to accept your place in Vorstellungen." He showed me a silver four-leaf clover pin with a Valknut in the middle.

Accept my place in Vorstellungen?

My eyes drifted to Joyeuse. Paano s'ya? Iniwan s'ya ng tatay-tatayan n'ya. Kahit makapasok s'ya sa Vorstellungen, nandito si Sir Arthur at si Futhark. May mga baril ang mga assassin dito. Hindi ba kinatatakutan din 'yon ni Joyeuse?

Isa pa ay nandito rin si Ruhmfried. May kinalaman at alam sa nakaraan nila, isang malaking sakit ng ulo si Ruhmfried.

Joyeuse gave me an expectant look. He was waiting for me to either leave him too or do something. He was biting his lip, as if he was upset and hurt, but was careful not to lash out at the people who can kill him in a blink of an eye.

Just looking at him, I know what he has in mind:

I hate them.

I turned to Laevateinn, gathering all the apologies in the world and squeezing them into one, sincere stare.

I trust Laevateinn. I trust that he'll understand that I need to be there for Joyeuse.

"I'm sorry," I answered, almost in a whisper. "I'm not taking that."

Laevateinn smiled, but I could see him biting his lower lip subtly. He looked down at the Valknut pin and slowly nodded.

I know we can't stay here. I know we need to find a safe place ASAP. Sooner or later ay palalayasin kami rito, kahit na putangina, nagbayad ako ng three days, two nights.

I cast Futhark and Sir Arthur a hateful look. All of this could've gone according to plan if the two of you weren't secretive snakes. Sir Arthur. Kung hindi mo binaril si Joyeuse. Futhark. Kung hindi mo ginawa ang lahat ng katarantaduhan na ginawa mo as Time.

Alam kong ikaw rin ang nag-activate ng Justin Bieber function sa Midterm Project noong nakidnap ako ni Nicholas dahil ikaw ang huling humawak ng phone ko, tangina mo.

At si Nicholas...

Pinagtakpan ka pa ni Nicholas.

Futhark...

"Ed," he called. "Pwede kong—"

Tinalikuran ko s'ya at hinila si Joyeuse papunta sa elevator. Kukuhanin namin ang mga gamit namin at aalis na rito.

Pwede mong ano, Futhark? Kanina ka pa nag-iisip. Ano, may hinahanda ka na namang plano para sa 'min?

You can't manipulate us anymore.

You can't break anything anymore.

A brief flashback of the past months played in the back of my mind.

The four of us meeting at the library. The four of us eating at the picnic blanket on the floor of my dormitory room. The four of us chasing criminals and suspects. The four of us working together on cases.

The four of us sleeping and ignoring Sir Arthur's classes. The four of us preparing for the school play. 

The four of us living in 372A High Street, sleeping on the mega-bed we made. The four of us celebrating my birthday together, that being the first one I celebrated with friends.

The four of us just... just being family.

Futhark...

I looked back. I saw him frowning and clutching his shirt. For a moment there, he felt like the same old Futhark. The one who worries for us like our real mother.

I shook my head and I caught Laevateinn's stare.

He sat on the foot of the staircase, his arm propped on his knee. He's still holding the Valknut pin. His face was void of emotion, but I could feel his disappointment. Or maybe more than that. He felt... devastated. Fenrir rested his head on Laevateinn's shoulder and licked his cheek.

I'm sorry, Laevateinn. I'm sorry.

I felt a tug on my sleeve. "Edward," Joyeuse said. He was just as overwhelmed as me. We just left two of our friends and I don't even know if we'd still meet again after we leave Vorstellungen.

The elevator doors closed and I let go of Joyeuse's arm. I leaned back and sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose.

Ah, today is so shitty.

"Where are we going, Edward Dace?" Joyeuse asked.

"I don't know," I answered quietly.

We need a plan. I need to think of something to protect us from Henrik Whitdur, from Vorstellungen, and from every dickhead we angered.

Protect us.

Protection racket.

I have a few contacts. I have the Brown siblings. I have Winter Hexagon. I have Joyeuse and his criminal mind. 

I can take back Wonderland Organisation myself.

"Are you mad?" Joyeuse asked quietly.

"What?" I blinked. I noticed my forehead was creased.

The elevator door opened and I felt hostile presence lurking in the hallways as we walked to our room.

Just a little more and we'll be out of here, don't worry. No need to make us feel unwelcomed, Vorstellungen.

"I feel mad." Joyeuse rubbed his arm. "But I also feel scared."

I gritted my teeth and punched the door of our room. "There is no time to be scared, Uresonderry!" I hissed.

"I'm sorry—"

Perkele. Tangina.

We got into our room and I slammed the door shut.

I can start from something small. I can hack into government files and trace secret organisations.

I can make it work. I can protect us.

"Sir Arthur shot you," I started in a low voice. "How does that make you feel?"

Joyeuse seemed scared.

"Sir Lance, the Lance Ducere you trust the most, abandoned you. Tangina, iniwan ka sa ere, nakita mo? Dahil lang sinabi mo kung gaano ka nasaktan ng mga tao sa paligid mo."

"You need to stop," he muttered.

I pointed at the door in rage. "And Futhark! Si Futhark! 'Yong Futhark natin!" I panted. I wanted to cry, but my heart didn't feel so weak anymore. "The person we trusted, 'yong nag-alaga sa 'tin! He's Time! He's motherfucking Fraulein Snow!"

Joyeuse's eyes were bloodshot.

"All of these, all of them, they hid it from me! Magkakakilala kayong lahat!"

"I don't know!"

"Magkakakilala kayong lahat at hindi n'yo man lang sinabi sa 'kin! Pinaglaruan n'yo ako?"

"Edward, I didn't—"

I sat on a bed and scratched my head in anger.

I will do something. I need to plan something. I need to get back up and show them.

Joyeuse sat on the floor, waiting for me to talk. His nose was already red.

"Pack your things up, we're leaving," I told him in a calmer voice.

Where will we go? Where do we stay?

"When I was in Ireland, I felt the same thing," Joyeuse started, wiping his tears on his sleeve. "I hated people. I hated all of you for letting Elise take me."

I listened to him, my breathing heavy with resentment.

"I convinced myself you did nothing wrong and that I had to be the bigger person, that I had to forgive you because you're my friends." He swallowed. "Being the bigger person made me hate myself. I don't want to hate myself anymore."

I stood up.

"Hate who you want to hate," I told him in agreement. "And use that to protect yourself. You're not selfish nor unreasonable, you're giving them what they deserve, because you—we—don't deserve what they did."

He nodded determinedly. "We'll give them what they deserve."

"Fraulein Snow could've invited him, you know," Ruhmfried said, leaning on our doorway. To appear at this moment, you really are something, Ruhmfried Siegrin.

He started walking towards us. "Fraulein Snow wanted to invite him."

"We can't trust Fraulein Snow," I replied.

"You know, you should've taken the Valknut. You wasted Niall's one and only favour. He earned that when he won against everyone, when he was eleven." Ruhmfried smiled ruefully and put his hands behind him. "All those scars, the fear he had of fire, all of them for one favour and you wasted it."

My eyes were wide. 

Lae...

I can't apologise enough for what I did.

That's why he looked so devastated. He must've felt so betrayed.

Tangina.

"Now who between us doesn't appreciate Niall's efforts?" Ruhmfried smirked.

Joyeuse cleared his throat. "Nir Geis," he called. "You want to destroy Vorstellungen, right?"

"It's more like a bucket list kind of thing." Ruhmfried brushed the lapel of his suit before smiling at us.

Joyeuse shot me a look. The word "confidence scheme" popped out of nowhere and as if our minds synced, we both turned to Ruhmfried.

"You ran a research of my background, didn't you?" I asked Ruhmfried.

He nodded, taking a hint.

"Then you know what I'm capable of."

Joyeuse followed, "We met six years ago. You have witnessed what I can do."

Ruhmfried grinned in satisfaction. "Collaborate with a syndicate to sell an entire town and enslave people."

That was shocking, but shocking to our advantage.

I reached out my hand. "Hire us, and we'll help you bring Vorstellungen down before you die."

Laevateinn.

25th of March.

Edward Dace left, Njal.

•••

Ciao, HeadphonesAndLuck here! This is the first update for the year 2022 and things will start to get interesting! Thank you for your support and hopefully, we fill 2022 with SMS's badassery.

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