Third person POV
"I wonder... Is this what 'proper attire' means...? Will I look weird?!" Akuma sighed, feeling unsure of her outfit for the dinner picnic. She panicked, looking at herself in the mirror with an uncertain expression.

Her pink hair was loosely tied into two strands, pink clip supporting one side of her bangs. The simple black dress with red ribboned accents brought out her beauty from her porcelain skin. She wore black ankle boots that were used for light combat, glorifying her significance of a fighter. She was absolutely adorable yet stunning.

"Geez! It isn't like this is some ball I'm getting ready for! I'm fine the way I look!" Akuma convinced herself, scoffing. She walked out of her room, feeling the rush in her veins.

"God dammit! I spent too much time worrying!" Akuma grumbled, picking up her pace.

Swiftly turning at every corner of the halls without hesitation, she luckily didn't bump into anyone. She managed to make her way towards the tower.

Immediately, she encountered a series of stairs, skipping every two steps of the stairs. Akuma began to slow down her pace, knowing that she'll reach the top shortly.

(Actual image form anime :p Had to watch that episode just to find it.)

"*Inhale* I... I'm sorry I'm late!" Akuma bursted out, taken aback by the beauty of the location of where the picnic was being held at.

"Haha! You didn't have to run here! You're on time!" Obi gave a light chuckle seeing Akuma's red face.

"Glad that you could make it! Go ahead and make yourself comfortable!" Zen gleamed cheerfully.

"Would you like some tea? Ryu, Obi, and I made it ourselves! It'll help with fatigue and restores nutrients twice as fast!" Shirayuki said, Akuma taking up her generous offer.

"Woah! This is really delicious and soothing!" Akuma exclaimed. "You three sure made this excellently!"

"She complimented me too?!" Obi gave a cheeky grin, obviously happy and prideful.

"That's shocking." Kiki commented, causing Mitsuhide to snort while trying to horribly conceal his laughter.

Ryu just smiled silently yet gently at this beautiful and unfolding moment. He took in everything he saw— The laughter and chatting of the gang, the scenery, the scents, the sky, and Akuma's expressions and breathtaking appearance.
—————

"GAAAAHHHAAA! HAND OVER SOME OF THAT GOOD SHIT! LEETMEH HAVE SOME!" Akuma shouted, laughing with a silly grin plastered on her face.

"Nooo~! You're too underaged for this! *Hiccup* I want to fly~!" Shirayuki whined, holding the bottle of alcohol.

"... What even happened...?" Zen sweat dropped, unable to process what has happened the past hour or so.

"We apparently couldn't stop them from drinking..." Kiki said, eyes showing a blank stare while sighing.

"Hahahaha! Everyone is acting so silly!" Mitsuhide giggled sheepishly.

"Everyone is so... Grownup." Ryu commented— The only one who wasn't consumed by the temptation of alcohol.

"Oh squirt~! You may be drinking alcohol once you're older!" Obi grinned, smacking the boy's back. "Just stick to apple cider for now!"

"AHAHA! THE BOTTLE IS MINE NOW!"

"Nooo~! I failed to keep *Hiccup* the alcohol away from her~!" Shirayuki had crocodile tears producing from her emerald eyes, clinging to Zen's arm, making him blush bright red.

*Chug*

"Hey! Akuma! Stop drinking alcohol! You're too young for that!" Mitsuhide scolded, not even sure how Akuma even got drunk in the first place.

"Dammit Obi! Why did give Akuma the alcohol?!" Zen shouted.

"Wait! You gave her the alcohol?!" Mitsuhide exclaimed.

"You're a horrible role model." Kiki glared at the golden eyed cat, but he simply turned his head away in an innocent manner.

"FUCK YAALL! I AIN'T UNDERAGED! *Hiccup* I AM AGE AWESOME OF AWESOMENESS!" Akuma laughed loudly while hiccuping in between, swaying left and right.

"Is she gonna be alright?" Ryu asked, concerned.

"Who knows!" Obi bursted out laughing, taking document of everything into his mini journal.

"Ryuuuu~~!" Akuma seductively called out. "I'm tiwaaard~!"

"E-eh-EHH?!" Ryu exclaimed at the sudden movement of Akuma falling into his lap as she purred and acted like a kitten. Obi too was documenting all of this down with a huge and wide grin.

"I don't even know how to react to this..." Zen and Mitsuhide mumbled simultaneously, eyes blank.

"*Hiccup* I want a pony~... I want to ride into a field of flowers and then~ *Hiccup*" Shirayuki said, passing out onto Zen's shoulder, surprising the poor albino.

"Ahaha! I think we should call this a night." Mitsuhide chuckled.

"I agree. I think the most two drunk ones here needs to sober up and get some sleep." Kiki added on.

"No~! I want to stay here with Ryu and you all~! Let's drink some more and act like dummies here~! Haha~!" Akuma blurted out, cheeks puffing out.

"Make sure to take note to never let Akuma near alcohol!" Zen told the gang immediately without hesitation.

"HOW DARE YER YOU LOVER BOY—" Akuma passed out, head falling onto Ryu's lap without warning again.

"... Did she pick up a fight to only pass out?!" Zen yelled.

".... It's so quiet now." Mitsuhide whispered.

"I'M AWAKE DAMMIT!" Akuma screamed, scaring Mitsuhide and Zen to greatly make them jump up. Lucky for them, Akuma knocked back out.

"You should be more careful Mitsuhide and Zen. Don't be stupid." Kiki grinned, amused.

"That's not funny Kiki! My heart jumped for a second!" Mitsuhide was basically crying large tears, hand clutching his shirt.
—————

"They sure will be shocked when they wake up." Zen said, pulling up the blankets over two certain figures.

"Pft! I'd honestly love to see their reactions in the morning!" Obi sniffled a laughter, careful not to wake up the blooming couple.

"They sure look peaceful." Kiki said, fixing the bangs of a pink haired female.

"Yeah... Makes me excited to go to sleep now." Mitsuhide commented, yawning.

"Obi... I hope you'll survive tomorrow if Akuma finds out that this was your idea." Zen sweat dropped.

"I'll manage somehow..." Obi nervously replied.

"Well, I'll make sure to escort Shirayuki to her room." Zen said, Shirayuki sleeping on his back peacefully.

"Don't misbehave Zen." Mitsuhide teased with a goofy grin.

"Oh shut up!" Zen growled, cheeks brushed with pink paint.

"Yeah. Shut up." Kiki ganged up against Mitsuhide, making him fake cry.

Immediately, the whole gang left the room with a silent exit.

".... Ryu.... I'm sorry....." Akuma mumbled in her sleep, a single tear escaping her eye.
—————

It was a rather peaceful and gorgeous morning. A morning of beautiful sunshine and lovely blue skies.

It was lovely untilllll....

"....."

Akuma stretched her arms with eyes closed tight. She yawned immensely and sat up straight. Blinking her eyes for a few seconds, she turned to her left and saw a brown haired boy who laid next to her.

"Oh... It's Ryu.......... Ryu................... WHAT THE F*CK?! RYU?!" Akuma shouted, face bursting into many shades of red like a firework! She scooted away from the boy in shock and pulled up the sheet over her chest.

'H-HOW DID WE END UP IN THE SAME BED?!?! WAS I SO DRUNK THAT I-'

Immediately, Akuma looked down at herself, relived to see her clothes still intact on her body.

"... Ya, Ryu... Wake up!" Akuma said, using her feet to wake up the boy by hitting his stomach.

"......... A-AKUMA?!" Ryu shouted, bolting out of the bed and falling onto the ground with a 'thud'.

"W-w-what am I doing in your room?!?!" Ryu exclaimed, unable to meet Akuma's eyes. He quickly turned around to have his back exposed.

"I don't know! I don't remember much of anything while I was drunk!" Akuma exclaimed, face still burning. "I BET IT WAS OBI'S IDEA!!!" She roared, fist forming.

"*Sigh*... I never would have expected this..." Ryu said quietly.

'This is the first time I've slept next to a girl.... It's so weird!' Ryu exclaimed in his thoughts! '............ I wonder where Kiroyuki is...'

"Geez! Ima find Obi and give him a beating!" Akuma exclaimed.

"..."

"Ryu, do you have work today? I also have to change." Akuma said, back towards Ryu.

"Oh! I almost forgot. Thank you. I-I'll be going then! See you later!" Ryu said, walking quite quickly and out the door with a blush.

"Yeah! See ya later Ryu!" Akuma said, closing the door after Ryu left.

"...... *Drip*... *Drop*.... *Sigh*...." Akuma wiped away her tears of refugees and inhaled deeply to calm her nerves.

"I shouldn't be crying... I have to be strong... Merciless... Just forget it all..." Akuma muttered to herself.

Akuma wore a painful expression, but instantly transformed to an emotionless smile.

Pulling out a fancy and long gown, Akuma dressed herself silently. The gown went down to her feet and her sleeves going to her elbows as they made a cut in the middle to flow gracefully. The silky deep purple color blended into the seeping sunlight as she placed her foot into a pair of dark plum heels. Quickly, she brushed out her hair, clipping on a pearled pin on her pink hair.

"*Sigh* It's nostalgic to dress in such way..." Akuma sighed, eyes blank.

*Knock Knock*

"It's Obi, Miss Akuma. May I have your permission to enter?"

"You may come in Obi..." Akuma gently called out to.

"Woah! Never thought you'd actually wear a gown!" Obi said, gasping despite Akuma's annoyed expression of his teasing.

"Why don't we spar right now?! Fight me! I know it was your idea to make Ryu sleep in my bed!" Akuma growled, fists already formed.

"Haha~! No thank you miss~! I'd like to have my limbs intact! And, mind telling me how you reacted this morning~?" Obi chuckled. "But if I may ask... Why did you request an audience with Prince Izana?" Obi's eyes glinted seriously, observing any movements that'll cause suspicion of Akuma.

"Nothing important really." Akuma coolly responded. "No one is allowed to be present while I speak with that man. You're just escorting me." Akuma plainly said, exiting her chambers.
—————

"This is where we shall part now Obi." Akuma said, stopping at the corner of the hall that led out to the garden.

"Hm? You sure miss?" Obi asked, one eyebrow raised. (That is if he has any XD)

"... I'm certain. You're dismissed." Obi bowed, leaving cautiously in thought.

"... Yo Izana. I'm here. May I take a seat?" Akuma plainly said, not bothering to be formal.

"... Could you have not sound anymore polite and proper, Akuma?" Izana said, pulling out the chair for Akuma to sit on.

"I asked for permission to take a seat at most. Plus, I'm already willing to look fancy in your presence." Akuma retorted, scanning the pastries and tea that was placed onto the small table in front of her.

"Go ahead and help yourself with some finger foods and cakes this elevenses. We have plenty to go over is what I highly assume." Izana said, pouring a cup of fine tea for Akuma.

"Thank you for your time too, Izana. Are you also certain no one would eavesdrop on our private conversation?" Akuma asked, eyebrows raised in cautiousness and suspicion.

"No one. I had the guards leave once I had arrived. You're free to talk or compromise to what you wanted me to hear." Izana grinned, taking a sip from the delicate china tea cup.

"... Although I'd love to get to the point, I want to know how much you know this would happen." Akuma's stare hardened. "Did you know that Kiroyuki would be gone like this? What role did you have in this horrid mess?"

"..." Izana calmly took another sip of the herbal tea, eyes closed gently.

"Why did you follow orders from the King?" Akuma's eyes were wide and serious. They were filled with fury and hatred.

"How heartbreaking. You won't even refer the King as your own father." Izana said. "Help yourself with a cake. It'll be quite the story."

"Tch..." Akuma obliged to Izana's hidden suggestion, taking a chocolate cake, decorated with strawberries and raspberries and had the most richest vanilla filling.

"The King had sent a letter to me about a few months before the invasion of the Hyoushou castle. Something about a prophecy and Kiroyuki being the key to open some form of destruction."

"......."

"He has asked for my help to care for Kiroyuki when the first step of the prophecy would come true."

"Was the first step the massacre during the ball?" Akuma said, picking at a strawberry.

"Correct. He trusted me with Kiroyuki, hoping that Clarines would help keep her away from any danger and corruption. He also knew about Ryu from the prophecy, believing that Ryu would be able to keep Kiroyuki away from evil."

"... Is that so..."

"But, what I didn't know was that Prince Neil of Utopia would be a traitor. I didn't think he would have put Kiroyuki through corruption and misery. That was what went wrong. Neil had dyed Kiroyuki's heart black which made her sent to the place your father told me. So in short, Neil was the interruption of-"

"Shut up... Do not speak of Neil in such way." Akuma glared at Izana harshly, forcing him to not speak of Neil.

"... I played a role of an outsider. I had simply followed the King's order because I was fond and curious and the hidden myths and legends of Hyoushou. With just one letter, everything made sense to why Hyoushou is perhaps the most mysterious country. I was simply intrigued." Izana grinned.

"You foul piece of shit...!" Akuma scoffed, arms crossed. "Tonight is the night I get the mark..." Akuma sorrowfully said.

"...!"

"And once I have the mark carved into my chest, I will be leaving. Leaving for a trip."

"And where is this trip exactly?" Izana asked, feeling unsure.

"The trip to her world... The chaotic land where I can win or lose." Akuma's eyes showed no emotion and no reflection of lie. All there was seen was emptiness.

"... And will you tell your friends?" Izana's eyes sharpened, boring into the girl's red eyes.

"... No. I won't tell them and neither should you!
I... I have to be v-victorious and I will come back!" Akuma slightly shouted, eyes unseen from their true emotions.

"... I hope you're making the right choice." Izana stated strictly.

"... This is the only choice left... This is the only path for me to..." A single tear pushed its way out to the world and light, falling onto the fabric of silk.

"... Please... Please don't tell anyone of my whereabouts once I leave... They should not wander in such place... Izana... Please let me leave Clarines!" Akuma shouted.

"......" Izana was speechless, thinking of possible outcomes in his head.

"Please! I beg of you Prince Izana! Let me go!" Akuma bolted out of her chair and bowed with her knees to the ground and her head pressed onto the grassy ground.

"...! *Sigh* Raise your head, Akuma..." Izana said, eyebrows knitted and eyes closed.

"..." Akuma hesitated, but obliged.

"... I will let you go..."

"I-"

"But that doesn't mean that I won't tell the others." Akuma's eyes widened in a nervous manner. "If my instincts are telling me that you are in danger, I will inform them of what I know. And I know that you know that someone else can also enter such realm." Izana stared deeply into the girl's red orbs that shook with mixed emotions.

"...... I'll be fine! Your instincts are not needed in this matter!" Akuma sighed. "Thank you for your time, Izana..." She turned around, walking a few steps ahead. "Thank you for all you've done for me so far..."

".... That girl... She really is willing to go such lengths... She's no normal devil or demon at all..."
—————

Three hours later (Noon)
"....... There's always hope tomorrow... There has to be..." The pinklette whispered, eyes staring above at the ceiling— Containing no life within the soul of her glassy heart.

"... Hope...."
—————

"... Th-there will... be... hope... Tomorrow or f-forever... There will be h-hope......" A small framed blue haired girl whispered, tattered and broken.
—————

"I hope that tomorrow... I hope that I can find some more answers to the disappearance of Kiroyuki and the mystery behind Akuma..." A male brunette muttered to himself softly, thinking of two smiles that cannot be erased from memory.

A/N
So, I'm sorry for the late update!!! I was suppose to publish it last week, but things got busy and all!

Plus, I've join track and field again this year!!! I wasn't going to join at first, but I did because friends are doing it and I kinda wanted to do it in the first place! It's just very time consuming and takes away my time to do work for my accelerated classes. So, updates will take longer than usual.

Well, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter! Please like/vote or comment!

Have a lovely day!

1/26/18
(Edited)