It had been a few weeks after the events surrounding the war in Crocus had ended, and while Fia's injuries had been healed and with the mystery surrounding Asmodeus' intentions somewhat solved, it seemed like there would be an excellent time for them to enjoy some peace. However, with Fia having been given free time from her duties among the Rune Knights the obsidian-haired trickster considered it an excellent chance for her to spend some time with her lover, especially now they were both able to sleep in for a change.

Not that there would be much sleeping involved, as Fia could likely testify without a doubt when morning approached and she found herself caught by the smaller girl, who like often could be found nuzzling against her bosom beneath the blankets.

"So soft~ Fia's pillow fortress truly makes me feel the most comfortable."

The girl exclaimed with a smile as she peeked up from amidst the blankets and tenderly pressed her lips against her lover. "Say~ Do you have some time today? I'd like to go somewhere with you." A tender smile lingered on her lips when after a moment she decided to finally focus on an important subject.

"I umm... we need to talk."

The girl slowly shifted her body upright, her cheeks flushed up lightly, making it seem like the matter she wanted to discuss was pretty important, and somewhat embarrassing.

"You know about the effect Asmodeus' power has on me, right? About how it makes me get those perverted thoughts and lustful urges?"

She lowered her head lightly and mumbled softly. "We need to have more sex..." Yet realizing what she had said the girl's face rapidly turned even redder as she waved her hands in embarrassment. "W-W-What I meant to say is- I umm... I want you to know that I made a decision Fia. Even if Asmodeus would make me act perverted I... I want to devote my heart to you."

She scratched her cheek slightly, a bit of an awkward smile on her lips. "I, realized it when talking to Liana recently. I... I felt really troubled, that whenever I see a pretty girl with a wonderful pair of pillows and my body reacted on its own. I... it felt like I was betraying you, even if my heart kept thinking about you all that time."

She shifted her gaze to Fia's own as if trying to gauge her reaction. "that umm... that's why... When we finally reunite your father with the Barone family. I-I- I'd like for you to make me become a Barone also. I want to marry you someday! so that we're truly tied together in a way that nobody else has!"

Her cheeks flushed up as she fidgeted lightly. "Or is this another case of me having silly thoughts?" Esperia asked, a sheepish grin on her lips as she was not entirely certain on how to proceed.

after a a few weeks of healing and recovering from the massive changes hitting Crocus, Fiammetta Barone had finally achieved some sense of peace in the past few days. Sure, there was still the matter of Salem and the so-called certain Magus, but that did not appear to be a a threat that would bother Fia any time soon. So for now, she just enjoyed the simpler things that her momentary peace brought her; like the pleasure of sleeping in and cuddling close with her dearest person.

Fia could’ve just laid there for hours on end, and she often did, with Esperia’s head nuzzled into her bosom, Fia’s own hands on hair lovers back or stroking her long dark hair lovingly. The entire time, the Barone girl could not help but find herself smiling.

”Mhmmm... Soft just for you, Princess...”

fie uttered contentedly as a hand trailed down her rhe flawless skin of her lovers back, with Esperia then coming up for a tender and firm kiss. ”Yeah, I got time. Knights still giving me time off, and that damn cat’s off somewhere else, so we can do whatever ya like, Princess~” Fia hummed, just glad at the chance to spend the calm day with her lover, wherever it took her. But, instead, it seemed things were a bit more serious...

"W-We have somethin' talk 'bout?"

Fia uttered concernedly, sitting up eyeing Esperia with sudden worry. What was it they needed to speak of? What was so serious all of a sudden? Apparently, it had something to do with Asmodeus, and the feelings of lust... Had they made Esperia... Do something? A pang of fear and anticipation struck her...

"Princess... Jus' say it, aight?"

Fia requested, looking down at her lover's hidden face with a concerned look. And then, well, the reveal came.

"...Huh?"

Had she really just heard Esperia say that? Esperia's flustered expression seemed to indicate, well, yes. "M-More!?" Fia exclaimed in shock. They were already usually doing it once a day!

As Esperia waved her hands frantically, she started to explain things a bit better, as Fia gradually picked her jaw up off the floor. She still looked plenty surprised though, her cheeks flushing up a bright shade of red as Esperia spoke of dedicating her heart to her.

"Y-You wanna what now?"

Apparently, the dark-haired trickster had been struggling with the lustful urgings that Asmodeus' power caused her, feeling guilty at the feelings they inspired, which was of course, just silly...

"Yer wrong Princess, that ain't... There's not that's betrayin me or anythin..." Fia muttered unconvincingly, deciding to just hear what else Esperia had to say. And what she did say, well... It left Fia shocked once again. Because Esperia von Eisenberg asked her, in no uncertain terms, if she could become Esperia Barone. Or perhaps she'd hyphenate, not that the thought passed through Fia's racing mind.

When it was all said, Fia just froze for a moment as a soft shade of red settled in her cheeks before she finally spoke up.

"Yer right, Princess... It's silly. And pretty unfair, too." She uttered, face still flushed as she looked down to Esperia's sheepish smile, holding her lover's cheek as she looked into her eyes.

"It's unfair... Cause I wanted to be the one to ask you to marry me, ya hear?" She wasn't sure where she was pulling these words from, but a sudden passion took over Fia. Not the kind that filled their nights, but pure, overwhelming love in the face of what she'd just heard from her lover.

"I don' care 'bout any demon lord, I've told ya that much... And I don' mind if ya can't always ignore those feelin's. As long as... As long as ya still love me. Cause I love ya too, Princess..." She tilted her lover's head up a little, planting a soft kiss on her lips.

"So, whaddaya say, Princess? Wanna marry me?"

There was something about just being able to cuddle up close to Fia that gave her a feeling nobody else could deliver. Indeed, that warmth and comfort she found in Fia's embrace brought forth a happiness that she felt she couldn't find anywhere else. And perhaps it was for that reason she felt the need to be honest. The moment she was told to say it outright and her lover had reacted in such a startled response, Esperia found herself momentarily distracted by the thought how overwhelmingly adorable that shocked reaction was.

"Mhmm~ I wanna become Fia's in a way that nobody else can claim. Even if Asmodeus might manipulate my lust and desire, she'll never claim control over my heart."

Esperia explained softly yet when Fia responded with an explanation that she wasn't betraying her or anything Esperia felt her smile waver. Her eyes softened at the kindness of her lover, and at the same time, she felt that brief shadow of doubt cross her heart. "I..." to think that even despite the fact she had indulged in such things with another person, Fia still considered it not a betrayal. She might had not been convinced of it, perhaps because she knew all along that the heart of the little trickster belonged to her already?

Yet the uttered words that came from her lover's lips left Esperia with a pang of guilt. There was no way around it, even if she was forgiven for indulging in the lust Asmodeus caused, it didn't change the fact that she still did something so unfair, yet when Fia explained the reason behind her choice of words Esperia felt her cheeks turn scarlet red.

"Y-You want to marry me?" A startled response was made, her hands gently pulled to her chest for a moment while her eyes grew moist. Although it took all her effort to not let the tears come out, the immense joy she felt at hearing those words was much more intense than she had anticipated. The fact Fia was alright with the fact she was possessed by Asmodeus, that she couldn't always ignore those feelings. Of course, it was easy to predict what would happen next. Her arms gently flung around Fia's neck, answering the soft kiss on her lips with one that carried all her love, all her passion and all the joy she felt. Whether it lasted only for a few moments or an eternity, she gently tried to press Fia back onto the bed while she mused softly after releasing her hold on her lover's lips.

"There is your answer~ I'll never be able to love someone as much as I love you, and it took you a while to finally ask me!"

A playful giggle escaped her lips before she leaned in to kiss Fia's lips once more and whispered softly. "Just don't expect me to wait till the honeymoon~" a little snicker came from the girl as she descended under the blankets once more for another episode of 'tease the Fia'. Indeed, it were such blissful moments that she lived for, and when after a few hours they were both satisfied and surely properly awake Esperia ended up getting herself dressed in her trademark dress.

She did mention she had a place she wanted to take her lover to, and after they had indulged both in their desires and a nice breakfast the girl would end up starting to take Fia along to the Crocus Garden, humming softly.

"hehe 'Esperia Barone' it has a nice ring to it~ However..." A glance up to Fia's face was made while she hummed softly. "You better expect to be wearing a dress also~"

"Y-You want to marry me?"

"Y-Yeah, I s-said that didn't I?" Fia stammered out, Esperia's shock pulling her back down to Earth and suddenly overwhelmed by embarrassment over what she'd just said. Was Esperia's surprise a good thing!? Was she timing this right!? Should she have taken her someplace first!? Shit, she was supposed to have a ring or something, right!? Fia's face turned a tomato red as these thoughts bounced around in her head, not that they'd last long. Such concerns were thoroughly expelled from her mind as Esperia through her arms around Fiammetta, a hard kiss with boundless fiery passion upon the Barone girl's lips. A passion that was returned, as Fia gripped the girl in an embrace and kissed her back. Lips locked and tongues dancing, the two found themselves back against the bed, Fia unable to think or feel anything aside from her love for Esperia after that wordless response of hers. After a brief break from that eternal a bastion of bliss, Esperia still stated the obvious, though.

"Yer answer's heard loud and clear Princess... Sorry it took so long. Really, shoulda realized I was in love with ya at first sight." Fia teased before another, softer, kiss fell on her lips, and Esperia made her own cheeky little comment. Fia grinned salaciously, whispering back her own musings on the matter.

"Guess that jus' means we gotta have somethin' reeeal special for the honeymoon..." Fia mused as Esperia descended beneath the blankets, the Barone girl already gripping the bedsheets in preparation for this familiar dance of theirs. Esperia really had become quite good at it...

After she was thoroughly satisfied, the pair finally got up and out of bed, Fia donning her own signature jacket and sarashi before the pair went on a little celebratory date to the Crocus gardens, Esperia's arm locked in her own as they walked along the streets, Fia smiling as her lover hummed childishly.

"So ya really do wanna stick with Baron, huh? Woulda figured you'd hyphenate..." Fia mused, glancing upward for a second. "Eh, then again, Eisenberg-Barone don' have the best ring to it..." The steamy girl mused, before a much more embarassing topic came up, causing Fia's cheeks to flush red.

"H-Hol' up! I mean... Ain't I able to wear a suit or somethin'? But... I mean... If ya really want me too... Guess I could endure one... If I hafta." Fia muttered, looking away and scratching her cheek in embarassment.

"Aye~ Aye~ Because I realized it pretty quickly!" Esperia chimed in with a little grin at Fia's apologize to take so long to propose to her. However, the playful musing that followed by her lover had quickly coaxed a little giggle out of her while she remarked with a mischievous grin. "I can think of a few things~" And with a little wink the oh so familiar dance of passion followed till they finally ended up getting out of bed.

As the two of them were walking along the streets to the Crocus Garden Esperia nodded her head sheepishly. "Mhmm~ It's way too long, and Esperia Barone makes it clear to everyone in the world that I'm your super adorable wife!" A grin lingered on her lips as she watched Fia's cheeks flush red at the much more embarrassing topic she had decided to raise. Gods, even after all those months she still ended up getting a rush of excitement out of something simple like making her lover blush. Gently pressing herself sideways against the arm she was holding the girl soon explained her decision in a way that made it sound like she was quite adamant about it.

"Of course! I get to wear a dress, and so do you~ We'll be the cutest brides in existence!" Yet after a moment, she whispered with a more mischievous tone. "Besides, I told you at the orphanage right? Seeing you in a wedding dress is one spectacle I'm never going to miss~" Of course, she couldn't help but imagine how cute those dresses would look! Perhaps they could even ask Fernando to design them! Just the thought alone was already making her get a mixture of excitement and joy.

However, it seemed they were about to reach their destination, for after reaching the garden Esperia led her lover along a path to a more abandoned section of the park. It was here, after crossing into a secluded part of the garden behind some bushes and trees that they found several graves, one in particular clearly being tended to as fresh flowers decorated the grave and the tombstone was clean. The girl approached the tombstone while gently pressing her head sideways against Fia's arm and finally explained things further, although the name on the grave: Aseria von Eisenberg should have been enough of a clue.

"Good morning Sis~ I promised to visit again sometime, right? Well as promised, here I am~ and this time I brought along someone really special. This is Fia~ my girlfriend!" An affectionate nuzzle was made against Fia while she continued her introduction. "She's a fiery and steamy girl, in every definition of the word~ but she loves me tons and tons and then even more than just a ton, just like I love her the most in the world. That's why we are getting married~"

Her cheeks flushed up lightly as she whispered softly. "So you can rest comfortably sis, know that thanks to Fia I will always be loved and protected."

Fia couldn't but blush fiercely at the pride Esperia took in being able to claim she was the 'adorable wife' of the Barone girl. Just hearing that her lover was so keen on becoming a part of the family Fia held dear had her happier than the black-haired trickster even knew. And is if her face wasn't reddened enough, the little minx then moved on to the topic of wedding dresses, which it seemed both of them would be wearing on the event itself...

"Well, you did say that... And I guess seein' you in a dress makes up fer it..." Fia sighed in faux exasperation, suddenly recalling what Esperia had said way back at the orphanage. She supposed she had little choice in the matter of what she'd be wearing, as she was also fairly certain a number of her younger siblings would be keen on seeing Fia all dolled up for a change.

But, that was for a time far into the future, and the present had more heartfelt concerns. Having been to the gardens before, Fia was confused and unfamiliar with the path Esperia suddenly started taking, but followed her along nonetheless. And soon enough, their true destination became clear, her lover having led her to a more secluded area of the gardens containing several graves. A realization washed over Fiammetta, and she unconsciously held her lover a bit more tenderly as they approached the tombstone with a name Fia had heard in the past.

It was a little awkward and sudden, but Fia remained quiet and attentive as Esperia began talking to her late sister. Esperia nuzzled against her, introducing the Barone girl who raised a hand in greeting. "Hey there." She uttered softly before Esperia continued speaking. She talked more about Fia, and their love, and all the Barone girl could do was smile. A soft, loving look, as she whispered how Fia would protect her.

The steamy punk hung her head little, gazing into the tombstone. "Yeah... Rest easy... Cause I'll protect her, alright?" She uttered quietly. "This perverted, cheeky, naive lil' sister of yers... I love 'er like I love her family, and then some. So I'll watch over her, even if I know yer doin' the same..."

Hearing Fia's faux exasperation quickly stirred yet another playful remark from the girl, who mused with a playful tone while nuzzling against Fia's arm. "Oh really~ I'd say both of us are more anticipating the sight during the honeymoon when the dresses go off~" a mischievous little snicker came from the girl as they finally arrived at the grave of her sister, hearing Fia chime in on her introduction causing Esperia's smile to brighten quickly at her lover's words. "for some odd reason I find it difficult to protest or deny the fact that I'm perverted, cheeky and naive."

A soft chuckle escaped her lips, clearly amused at the direction the little teasing jabs were going at. Of course, knowing Esperia she always had a means to turn the silliness one rank up in tier. "But~ I guess that just means I got to prove those things about me to be true. Hey sis~"

Esperia playfully slipped behind Fia's back, hands reaching up to cup those pillows that were covered under the sarashi while she remarked slyly. "Fia's pillows are as big as her heart is~ What I guess explains why she spoils me so much~"

A playful giggle happened as the trickster quickly sidestepped to the front and tried to nuzzle face-first into the aforementioned area she was targeting when all of a sudden a voice chimed in from nearby.

"Perverted, cheeky and naive and still an adorable little pipsqueak~ Albeit that fondness for breasts seems to be a new addition."

A tomboyish voice said while Esperia's body made a sudden jolt. "T-That voice..." Looking sideways a rather surprising sight awaited both Fia and Esperia alike. A tall brown-haired lady stood there, a little grin upon her lips, and while she might have looked a bit pale, like sickly pale there was a glint of mischief in her eyes similar to that of Esperia.

"S-Sis?" Bewilderment and disbelief was evident in the girl's face as she stood face to face with someone who by all rights should have been impossible for her to reunite with. In the end, Aseria Von Eisenberg had died 12 years ago, and yet there she stood, not looking any different from that fateful day. "Of course it's me, geez you look like you seen a ghost~ Then again, that's a bad joke to make in front of my own grave."

A hearty laugh escaped her lips as she took a step forwards while tears started to gather in Esperia's eyes. "I... I.. I seen you die all those years ago, but how... how can you be standing before me now?"

Aseria raised a hand behind the back of her head, scratching it awkwardly while remarking with a little grin. "Did you truly expect me not to turn in my grave when you decided to grope your lover before my tombstone? It was a sight amusing enough to stir even the dead."

Despite the fact she was avoiding a clear answer on 'how', it seemed quite evident that Esperia was convinced that this mysterious woman before them was her sister!

"O'course ya do..." Fia uttered almost teasingly at Esperia's inability to dispute her claims of perversion and the like. Of course, Esperia didn't just accept the accusations, and instead seemingly set out to confirm them. Fia raised an eyebrow at Esperia's words, before being caught of guard by a grope from behind!

"O-Oi, this the place ta' be doin' this!" Fia exclaimed, though her tone was light, a laugh escaping between her words. This was so like Esperia, she thought, to make her feel this way. Her cheeks were flushed, having gotten just a little excited by the fondle before her lover nuzzled herself in Fia's bosom. The Barone girl would've been content to remain like that, at peace and calm with her now-fiance, just savoring the time they had to themselves, free of worry.

But fate, it seemed, wouldn't allow that.

A sudden unfamiliar voice spoke up behind them, Fia pivoting on the spot to face the figure that had just spoken of Esperia. Shit, what was this now!? Esperia seemed to know them by voice, but for Fia... It wasn't until she laid eyes on them that it struck her. This pale lady, with a mischevious grin not unlike Esperia's... Could it possibly be...?

No, it couldn't. No fucking way. They were standing over her grave right now, this had to be someone else, right? But then Esperia outright said it. This... This was her own sister, standing before them. Was it a ghost, a specter, a phantom, an illusion? Confusion ailed Fia's mind, as she stood on guard but tense and boiling over with bewilderment and frustration. Aseria Von Eisenberg continued to tease them, in an almost sickeningly casual way... A laughing ghost, standing there, as though to taunt them...

Esperia was distraught, stopping forward already with tears in her eyes. Fia stepped forward, grabbing her lovers hand. "Princess, stay back..." She uttered almost pleadingly. Whatever this was, it wasn't meant to be there. Fia wasn't about to risk it hurting Esperia, not knowing what motives it might have.

"I'd recommend the same." An actually familiar voice suddenly spoke up, Fia's eyes darting toward a nearby tree to spot a pair of midnight eyes staring back at her. Salem sat atop, his usual mischievous expression overwritten by some more grim, darker look that made on thing clear.

This was not a joke.

And yet, the 'ghost' continued treating it like one, once again offering nothing more than a sly comment at the questions tossed her way. "Salem... What the fuck is this..." Fia muttered to her companion. There was a pause, as Salem stared toward Aseria, before uttering a simple answer.

"A mistake."

Confusion, fear, sorrow, and regret... so many feelings surged up within her heart, that voice and appearance clearly belonged to her elder sister, yet at the same time, it was evident that her presence was a contradiction. She had seen her die all those years ago. So then how in the world could she explain the fact her sister was standing before her? Clinging lightly to Fia's arm, fingers locked around the taller girl's hand it was clear that the fragileness of the girl's heart was on the verge of breaking. and yet it seemed Salem's timely arrival would continue to add to the mystery, for he had a choice of words himself. He described the presence of her sister as a 'mistake', yet the mysterious woman simply shook her head gently. "He is right, my presence here is a mistake, although for 'who' remains to be seen."

Crouching down to leave herself at the height of Esperia she continued speaking, her tone clearly showing a kindness and caring tone that could not be faux, in the end that was clearly the loving tone of a sister speaking. "Espy, I came to deliver you a warning."

A warning? But how... why? Peeking from beside Fia's arm she looked at her sister. "W-What do you mean?" The frightened tone of her sister made Aseria sigh softly, a hand raised to her chest as she clenched her fingers lightly into a small fist. "Are you... upset?" Esperia's troubled voice made her sister's gaze soften a little. "So you do remember." the girl nodded her head sheepishly as she whispered meekly. "Y-You used to clench your hands into fists whenever you were angry or upset and didn't want to express it."

Aseria chuckled softly as she rose back onto her full height and mused softly. "You got me there~ but I'm not upset at you Esperia, I'm upset at the ones who forced our reunion to be like this." Aseria's gaze shifted lightly as she approached her tombstone, whispering in a softer tone.

"Your feline companion was quite right in saying my presence was a mistake. As much as I want to be, I'm... not alive Espy." Then was she... "Then do you mean-" Aseria nodded her head lightly while she explained further. "I was brought back from the hereafter, as a being that defiles the laws of life and death. A group of vile necromancers got their hands on my corpse and tried to raise me into becoming their thrall."

Turning to face the girl and her lover Aseria lowered a hand to her shirt, lifting it lightly up to slightly above her stomach, where a scar was visible, seemingly with a peculiar light fur surrounding the edges. "Do you remember how I died?" Esperia nodded her head, whispering weakly. "How could I ever forget that? T-They stabbed you, their claw... through your chest." A brief nod was made by Aseria whose words carried a tone of sorrow. "Their curse infected me, but I perished before it could corrupt my mind. Even when I was brought back from the dead, I wielded my resolve like a blade, and uses this power to destroy the cult with the help of some of your 'friends'." She smiled briefly before she shook her head lightly, lowering her hand as she pulled her shirt down again.

"But I came to warn you... To not follow my path Espy. It won't be long before my mind starts to corrode and I'll become nothing but a mindless undead. But before that... before that I wanted to see you one more time. To know that you'll be safe. I..." she turned toward Fia, her smile softening a little as she continued speaking. "Am glad you found such wonderful company. Trust in her Espy, for you will need her in the days to come."

Why... why did it sound like those words carried a hidden meaning? "There are those who would seek you Esperia. Some might desire the demon within, others might seek the power of your blood... But never stop following your own desires. Do not fall for their deception, If you do, then surely you'll be able to succeed where I failed."

Esperia could hear the concern in her sister's voice, but all she did was merely shake her head, clinging a bit closer to Fia in the process. "We'll be fine... as long as Fia is at my side I can overcome any obstacle. To snuggle into her pillows will make me able to best any danger!" A hearty chuckle escaped Aseria's lips as she took a step forwards, seeing the fear in the girl's eyes slowly fade away while she slowly tried to raise a hand to Esperia's head, ruffling her hair lightly.

"I'm glad you didn't change Espy..."

There was just one matter left, turning toward Salem Aseria addressed him with a more serious tone."Salem, how about doing a fellow experiment a favor? Use your power to dispell the magic cast on me. I'd rather pass on like that, than to force Esperia or her lover to..." She closed her eyes for a moment, expecting the following to happen.

"Sis! can't we... can't we cure you?"

But Aseria merely shook her head. "There is no cure for dying my dear sister, death comes for everyone someday. I was merely returning on borrowed time."

Yet Esperia clearly was getting distraught at that news, a step forwards being made, her fingers slipping lightly along Fia's hand. "No... don't go... not again! there is so much I want to tell you sis... so much I want to do together!"

But Aseria merely shook her head and turned toward Salem. "Please Salem... before the church realizes..."

Even then Esperia couldn't lose her hope, surely there must had been some sort of magic that could save her sister right? something to cure her back into becoming a living and breathing person...

"Salem don't do it! We can still save her- I... I... I don't want to lose my sister a second time!"

Fia clutched Esperia's hand tightly as the confrontation continued, almost afraid that she'd slip out of her grasp, and toward this risen phantom. The Barone girl was just as confused as her lover about what was happening, though was fortunate not to suffer the same turmoil... All she cared about was protecting Esperia from all the hurt this corpse was inflicting upon her. With Salem's arrival, it seemed his goals were the same... At least for now...

Fiammetta wasn't sure whose 'mistake' this encounter was, but the term felt fitting nonetheless. Whatever this was, it wasn't natural, it shouldn't have been there. As Aseria approached, delivering news of a warning, Fia remained on guard, tensing up and ready to defend. And yet, her face wore a look of confusion, bewilderment. For Aseria's words were entirely genuine, and that much Fia was certain. If there was one thing she knew... It was sisterly love...

Fia remained poised nonetheless, as ready to fight as she was ready to run. Esperia was frightened, but her reactions to her sister's approach seemed to indicate this was not some mere illusion or trick. As they spoke, hopping down aside them and remaining still yet observant. As though he was... Waiting.

Although the girl could turn into a Titan, she felt helplessly small in those moments, speechless and confused. All she could do was wait, listen, and hold her lover's hand as tightly as she could...

The sisters spoke on, and things became clearer, yet at the same time more muddled. She was a necromancer's thrall? But who would do such a thing? And what was this cult she spoke of, or the friends that helped her take it down? And how... How had she come here... To warn them about her corroding mind, about the mindless corpse they would soon become.

Aseria's gaze shifted to Fia, startling the stunned Titan for a moment. She spoke of the company Esperia kept, and how it would help her in the coming days. It was at this point that Salem looked away... Almost in shame. It was clear he knew something. If she showed his face, one might see it scrunched up in anguish, regret.

In spite of the warnings, Esperia did not waver, and only clung closer to Fia, stating she'd weather whatever came their way. "Y-Yeah, we ain't got nothin' to fear... It's gonna be alright, huh?" Fia said unconvincingly, though it was clear Aseria's words were starting to effect her too. Even if the reanimated Eisenberg only laughed off their statements, and gave a request most unexpected...

Salem turned up at the words addressed to him, though he did not seem shocked. His feline eyes were cold, resolute, and anguished. He could've guessed this was coming, but that didn't make it any easier. His next words were chilling, no playfulness in his tone, only regretful compliance.

"As you wish."

As Esperia had her protests to her sister, so did Fia have some to her companion. "S-Salem, yer not really gonna..." The Barone girl's voice was laced thick with shock and torment. Surely they didn't have to resort to this, right?

But Salem only looked away, hiding the twitch of pain in his expression. Aseria made clear there was no cure for her condition, and Esperia slipped helplessly from Fia's grasp. Her lover's words pained Fia, and yet Aseria seemed insistent. She begged Salem, and Fia found her eyes locked on the cat, feeling some sense of utter... Betrayal...

Esperia's final pleadings only pained the feline more, though he refused to show it. He'd a job to carry out. Under the burden of duty, and his master's will. He wordlessly stepped forward toward Aseria, his gait only stepped by a furious yell.

"SALEM!" Fiammetta shouted suddenly lounging toward her companion. Her face was twisted with anguish, steam already beginning to rise off her body. Salem's eyes widened, but he did not falter. His head turned to Fia, and with a simple meow, a blast of magic escaped his mouth that sent Fia flying backward, tumbling across the ground many metres away from them.

As the Titan girl lay stunned, struggling to her feet, Salem just looked to Aseria, trying to keep his expression neutral. "To think... I thought they'd taken everything from me..." He lamented, arching his head up to look Aseria in the eyes. "But from you... They've even taken away the right to a decent death..."

Fia begin rising to her feet, her face colored with desperation. This couldn't be their only option. There had to be a way to save Aseria's sister, to spare Esperia from the pain... There had to be a way... She rose, her eyes set on Salem, who looked to her once again. This time, he just hissed, black mana seeping from him into a cloud of smoke that formed into an indescribable demonic silhouette behind me. No features could be made out, only a terrifying impression. The very sight of it caused Fia's muscled to get weak, crumbling back to the ground.

"Stay out of this, Fiammetta. None of this is your choice." The feline said harshly, looking back once again to Asera. "I hope you understand what your doing." He uttered blankly. "They will hunt Esperia and Fiammetta down. They won't hesitate to carve a path of blood if it earns them the strength of the Titan, or the power of a Demon Lord. As strong as this pair is, they will struggle." He gave a short glance at Esperia, and to his owner as she continued to struggle helplessly to her feet. "I don't see how you plan on dying in peace knowing that... I certainly wouldn't be able to do it. The only consolation I can give you is my own promise. Even if I'm nothing of the man I used to be, I will fight for them. I will direct their rage towards its creator if need be, and I will suffer whatever spears may come. By my own duty, and my master's will."

"SAAAAALEM!" A desperate cry echoed out, as Fia slowly trudged towards them against the weakness of her own muscles. Salem only offered her a glance.

"If you believe that's enough, if you believe there's nothing more you can do for them... Say your last words, choose them wisely." Salem commanded, his voice holding just a hint of sympathy. But before Aseria said them, the feline suddenly turned to Esperia, having one last thing to say, it seemed.

"And if you wish to try and stop me, do so now." His words were cold and harsh, his eyes narrowed intensely. "It's your right to try and defy fate. So if you really want to try, go ahead." His gaze switched back to Aseria.

"If not... Look away and let me bring your sister to peace."

Although she knew Salem was no ordinary cat, to see him fling Fia through the air with just a single meow was enough to briefly stun the girl, her gaze shifting between her collapsed lover and Salem who was approaching her sister. The choice was painful, to be forced to decide between aiding her lover, or stopping Salem, and yet Aseria merely watched her, as if she waited for the girl to make her decision. "Fia!" in the end the girl rushed over to her collapsed lover, her hands gently wrapping around the girl's arm while trying to help her upright, but to no luck. She lacked the strength... she lacked the power to support the one she loved, and she was too weak to get the things she desired. Was it that much to ask for her to just live a normal and peaceful life with her lover and family? What did she even do to deserve such a fate?

Yet it was at the moment her gaze locked with her sister's that Esperia's thoughts froze. That gentle smile, the softness of her gaze and the words that followed... they were heart-warming and just as painful to hear. "I know Salem. But I believe they will prevail. Unlike us they got a power even more immense than that of a Demon Lord of a Titan." A hand gently raised to her chest as she continued speaking. "They got each other, an unbreakable bond of love, and trustworthy allies that will be willing to stand by their side even against such powerful enemies."



Slow unsteady steps followed, even if Salem told her it was her right to defy fate, she knew she was powerless to stop him, and yet she couldn't allow herself the weakness of looking away. "Sis-" Yet Aseria merely shook her head. "At least see me off with a smile my dear sister." a short pause followed as Esperia took a deep breath, her lips curving up into a sorrowful smile while she asked in a soft tone. "Will we... ever see each other again?" A momentary pause followed as Aseria nodded at Salem to start activating his magic while at the same time she turned her gaze back at her sister. "Someday... someday when you and Fia become too old to remain within Earthland we will meet again. It is on that day you can introduce the feisty lass to the rest of the family, and I will make sure to tell our parents just how proud they can be of the young lady you became."

Small streams of vapor started to rise from her body, rays of light as she seemed to start to slowly fade away, her body shimmering feebly. "But until that day we will continue to watch over you, live on within your heart. So rather than a goodbye, consider this a 'see you later~'"

Aseria's gaze shifted toward Fia while she whispered softly. "Thank you for remaining at her side. And please, don't hate Salem for this. It is best that it ends like this, a peaceful ending to a story that has had a way too long epilogue."

Finally, they stood face to face, and even with her best efforts to smile, Esperia felt her resolve starting to crack as tears started to gather in the corner of her eyes. "Hold your head high my sweet little sister."

By now her body was starting to become transparent, in fact, it was questionable if there was still a physical body left, or if this was purely the soul of the young woman. "And never forget... that..."

A gentle and comforting smile lingered on Aseria's lips as she spoke those final words of parting, words that were the final push into breaking the poor girl. "I'll always end up loving you." Her hands feebly tried to reach out for her sister, to pull her into an embrace but it was too late. Her body vanished in a flurry of crystalized dust, leaving not a single trail of her remnants as the dust shattered into the wind.

A sorrowful cry escaped Esperia's lips, her hands feebly trying to catch the dust fragments as they dissolved, but to no avail. Her legs lost their strength under the weight of the emotional grief, collapsing onto her knees as she cried out for that one person who wouldn't be able to answer her anymore.

For Salem the act would have likely been just as harsh as it was curious, the knowledge that he had forced the sisters apart, and yet at the same time while his magic should have dissolved her instantaneous, the fact that she lingered for those few moments was a testimony of her strength and her love for her sister. But perhaps it was that very love that had led to this, to the girl's soft wails as she cried out. There was no turning back now. This encounter had set in motion events that would change the future of the two girls forever.

Aseria did not waver under Salem's warning, as the feline could have expected. He knew just how resilient one had to be to endure their experiments, and had guessed that the Eisenberg girl's resolve was already ironclad. He hadn't, however, anticipated the reasons for it, that firm belief in the love between Esperia and Fiammetta...

"I suppose you're right... I've seen such a thing tear them apart before, after all." Salem mused, lucking regretfully to the struggling Fia and her lover beside her. He took in pleasure in what he did, even if he believed it was necessary.

"Salem... Don't..." Fia continued begging helplessly on her knees, even after Salem made it clear there was only one person he'd allow to try and defy his ruling. But, it seemed Esperia did not desire that, and instead, wanted peace with her sister in her final moments. Aseria gave the signal, and Salem nodded, giving his own final words to the brave girl.

"I'm not a religious man..." He muttered lowly, his tail standing up and eyes giving off a dark glow. A soft light would glow over Aseria for a moment, as the mana sustaining her the powerful spell keeping her animated unraveled, exiting her body as a nebula of dimming lights. "But I pray that you find peace in Illumin's embrace."

She did not fade right away, it seemed, her body clinging on to life, maintaining her existence with what energy she had left. Her soul, lingering on the earth, was witnessed by Esperia and Fia in her final moments, the Barone girl unable to do any more than watch in horror at the fading Aseria von Eisenberg, and hearing the last, loving words she gave to her dearest sister. The girl even looked to Fia, asked her not to hate Salem for his actions, before giving her last smile, and last failed attempt at an embrace toward her sister, before crumbling into dust...

Salem had ended her life, and could not bear to look at the deed he'd committed. But there was no sparing him from Esperia's sobs, and her cries for the sister that was gone... And knowing that, in the end, that love had kept Aseria bound to the world even past her bodily demise, made the knowledge that such a remarkable person was gone only that much more crushing...

The shadow figure that had sapped Fia's strength faded, but she found it no less difficult to get to her feet. Stricken with shock, despair and betrayal, seeing her lover in such a state... It all made her weak to her bones, her mind a mess, her face a contorted expression of horror. In spite of Aseria's request, all Fia could find as the outlet for her frustration, her fury... Was Salem himself.

She got to her feet, blood boiling as she stepped toward him, her face full of fury at the feline who'd taken away her lover's sister... There had to have been another away right? Fia's fists clenched, she trudged toward him, only for the cat to snap his gaze at her, delivering words that froze her on the spot.

"Turn your attention to who needs it, not me."

And surely enough, Fia snapped back, struck by the words. Her lover, her dear Esperia, still sobbed nearby, in so much pain... Fia couldn't imagine ever losing one of her siblings, let alone watching them fade away twice. Salem was right, damned by her rage right now... Esperia's anguish was. Wordlessly, Fia hurried over to her lover, crouching down and embracing her hard, holding her tightly... Giving her a shoudler to cry on...

Fia herself grit her teeth down, holding back tears of her own. Fate, once again, had caused them such pain, and once again, the only relief they had for it was in each other...

It was painful, to feel such intense emotions was much more painful than any wound a weapon could inflict. Yet in the days she experienced alongside Fia the girl came to understand the importance of emotions, the strength that dwelled inside those, and as a result when she felt Fia crouch down beside her and attempt to comfort her the girl flung her arms around her lover, sobbing against her all the while. The warmth of Fia's comforting embrace was likely the only thing keeping her sane, the only thing that gave her the strength and will to continue. Although the sobs and wails continued and the fragileness of the girl was evidently at its greatest.

And yet it was in her grief that the young Esperia would find her resolve and an answer she had been seeking for. What did she want to do? Who did she want to be? In the end, the answer slowly became clearer for her. She could feel the demon within her stir lightly by the thoughts in her mind and the feelings within her heart, and finally after several long moments that felt like an eternity, the girl finally spoke. "Please never disappear Fia... you're... you're the only one I got left."

The only one who had made that promise, the only one she could entrust her body soul and heart to. It was out of her love for Fia that she gained her resolve to stand tall, to make a decision that would change her forever. "I will become strong... strong enough to ensure this won't happen again. I'll obtain a power that goes beyond what mortals can accomplish. I'll become the next Demon Lord of Lust, and with it use my power and influence to keep us safe. I won't allow anyone to take you away."

Her sobs finally died down, but yet in their wake, she didn't cease the clinging to Fia, as if she was frightened that the moment she'd let go, the girl might disappear also, just like her sister did. Nonetheless, even if her resolve was made, it was a resolve that was built entirely on the concept of one person. It wouldn't have been wrong to say that Esperia's reason for living had now relied entirely on Fia's existence.

But for now the warnings be damned, she would just take the time to lessen her pain little by little in the comforting embrace of her lover. Its warmth was much more soothing than anything else in the world, her presence the only remedy that could numb the pain and sorrow of her loss a little. And yet she also knew that she couldn't stay like this forever. If she wanted to honor her sister's last wish she needed to live proudly and keep her head high. It would be a painful request to accomplish, but with Fia by her side it might had just been possible...

The horror of knowing that fate had once again turned against them stung Fia to her core. Was there no chance, no hope for a peaceful life? Was there no way for them to avoid this pain? In the end, all they could was endure it, feel it together, overpower it with their love. Fia held Esperia so tightly, like she might slip just as her sister did, and doing what she could do quieten those sobs against her own body...

It was only in each they'd find the strength to endure the coming trials, only with each other would they be able to stand up to the enemy that sought their powers. It was a terrifying prospect as well, knowing how much they had to lose, an idea that seemed to affect Esperia too, judging by her desperate plea. "I ain't goin' anywhere Princes... Never, won' disappear, I promise ya..." Fia uttered softly, holding back her own falling tears.

Salem, still nearby, just remained still, unable to look either of them in the eye. They found resolve in each other, Esperia especially, but how long would it last? How long would they be able to endure the threats upon their doorstep? Such quandaries haunted Salem, they were enough to make him doubt his master's will... But... When he saw how Fia held Esperia, looking with such pride at her resolution in mastering the demon's power... He gained just a bit of hope.

"We're both gonna get stronger, Princess." Fia uttered firmly, holding Esperia's hand tightly as she gazed into her mismatched eyes. "Ain't nothin' or no one gonna stop us... From protectin' the ones we love. Even if we gotta become monsters, demons, Titans... It's all worth it for each other."

Maybe... Just maybe they'd be alright. Salem smiled as he looked away from the girls as they clung each other, their pain dulling and fading. His feline eyes gazed off into the distance, and into the future ahead. He wondered what it would hold, he wondered what the 'certain magus' would have to say bout it...

He wondered if love would tear apart the forces of oppression once again.

Only time would tell.

/EXIT