Elizabeth had never really played the game of life like everyone else did, or the way she was supposed to. I noticed it from the beginning.

The way she spoke, the way she acted, the way she thought. Maybe she didn't think anyone really knew who she was, but as the heir to the Leandro family, I knew her very, very well.

I also knew she shouldn't have been acting the way she was, content with how she was third or second place, fine with the fact that she could not defeat her designated opponent by herself. As a heir, she should come first, and be able to finish everything by herself.

Perhaps I was the one who was wrong. But with everything that was in my hands, everything that was on my shoulders, I could not afford to worry about a heir who was being strange and worry more about myself as the one who had people to take care of, like at the very moment as we arrived at the doors of the dorm Liz and Avery had had to theirselves.

"Michael, up front, please. It's not very likely for them to be up here, but just to be sure."

My brother nodded and left his discussion with Chrissy to walk beside me.

"Bell, you're really relaxed. It's been a while since we've fought, shouldn't we be more on guard?"

I looked at him, contemplating his brain matter. "Michael, I just told you to stay with me. Isn't that more than enough of a guard?"

He made a face. "I guess."

I looked behind us to see Liz and Chrissy quietly walking side by side, Liz rubbing her scythe's handle.

The Nine Lives Scythe. There was a sort of almost longing history with it. Owners had to have lived through nine lives, no more, no less, and gone through each one of them with one of the nine basic emotions having major influence over a life. One life had to have been reigned by love, another by joy, another by surprise, fear, sadness anger, disgust, shame, and pride.

I assumed that Liz had no idea about this. Her mother wasn't aware either. That woman had never used it the correct way, and I suspected it was due to the fact that one life must have been a tough choice between two emotions or more.

It could possibly be because of my influence as well. But there was absolutely no way they could discern my connection with that scythe. It had all been cleaned up a long while ago.

So why...does it keep coming back for you? The one who swore by it...do you still remember who you are?

I shook my thoughts away, my head beginning to ache, and Michael looked at me. His expression said that he knew exactly what I was thinking of. Of course he would. With the connection between us, there was no way he wouldn't.

He got closer to me, and gently took my hand into his. He squeezed it, and I stared straight ahead, squeezing back.

"Michael, it's fine."

He hesitated, then let go.

"I hope that even when we find out, that you'll know which one you were, or at least, know that anything that might have happened was the best thing possible."

I tightened my grip on my gun, and gave him a tiny nod. Chrissy had fallen silent from the small explanation she had been giving Liz, and I felt her unease behind me, creeping up and begging for reassurance.

We reached the last flight of stairs, and began going down. With each step, I felt my heart speed up, as it tried to ready itself for what was before us, and as I slowly tried to gather my thoughts one last time.

Bella Uriah. S Rank. I have no limits. I live for the family. I live for the world I am meant to cultivate for the ones in the future. I have my brother. I have my family. I have served the king, I will serve the ones after. I will serve for the world as is needed.

The soles of my shoes touched the smooth tiled floor, and I breathed in, bringing oxygen into my body so it could cope with the hopeless reality I was to see.

I lifted my left arm, and pushed the door with my foot, stepping forward with a thump as it slid off of the painted metal, into a world that was finally meeting my reality.

"Oh my god."

A/N: Once again, short. Efficient? Not a question I can answer with this one.

I'd like to get as much of the story out into the light, so it may seem a bit rushed. Don't worry, though.

There are still plenty of mysteries left to see, and plenty of horrors for you and me.

Have fun.