Intro:

---

(Alice's POV)

-7 years ago-

It was Alice's first day of middle school, and she was more than a nervous wreck to begin with. It was only until her 8th birthday that she finally found a good family to adopt her, as the headmistress at the orphanage was very cruel to the children -- even more so to the very little amount of Octoling kids there, to where most of them committed suicide by jumping into a vat of highly concentrated salt water. Out of the 12 million Highlings present on that faithful day... only 10,000 survived. The Highlings figured out that Octavio wanted to cripple the Inklings by driving the Highlings to extinction, as many would say that the Darklyoni Massacre is considered an act of genocide. After the massacre, the Highlings would be renamed to the Darklings to honor those who had fallen on that faithful day, as well as their homeland Darklyon. Their silver eye color and blonde ink would be changed to a red eye color and black ink as prove they're motivated by vengeance. Those who haven't fully committed to vengeance stay as Highlings.

Alice can still remember the cruel punishments given to her and the other children back at the orphanage; flogging, locked in small closets, malnourishment, forced to work for hours without sleep, and many more barbaric acts... but never rape.

The young princess makes her way through the hall of the school, ever so nervous as she is. Unfortunately... as she was running to her class to avoid being late, she tripped and fell. And at that moment, the second bell went off, and first period had started.

Alice: Oh no... I can't be late on my first day!

So Alice makes her way to the classroom, and the teacher, Mr. Inkstein begins the attendance.

Mr. Inkstein: Alice Lionheart..

Alice: Y-.. Yes?

Mr. Inkstein: Tardy on the first day of school.

Alice: But I-

Mr. Inkstein: Take a seat.

Alice: ....Yes, sir. *She slowly goes to the back and takes her seat*

There were only two people that seem to recognize her; one of them was a Darkling named James Francis.

And the other was a Highling named Julia Windrunner.

Both of whom hailed from the kingdom, but since James was consumed by vengeance, he turned into a Darkling.

Once they saw the young princess in the back, the two of them knew to befriend her. However, since they are in class with a bunch of normal people, they have to keep Alice's royal title a secret.

Although she is very socially awkward towards new people, Alice can't help but let out a small smile towards those two.

This 1st period class was all about learning Turf War tactics; a subject to which they all must learn until they hit 14, the age to which they are allowed to do Turf Wars.

Many people thought that Alice wouldn't be able to get the work done right, but she managed to soar through 1st period with flying colors, thanks to her royal education. After 1st period was over, she walked to her 2nd period class. The subject, you may ask? Highlyoni history.

Mrs. Churchill, Alice's teacher who is also a Highling, was more than happy to have the young princess in her class.

Mrs. Churchill: (This is such an honor to have Lady Lionheart in my classroom. Eeee~)

She then went back to her normal tone.

Mrs. Churchill: Your seat, Alice.

Alice: Oh, uh... right. *She went to the back to take her seat*

The young princess makes her way to the back row, and 2nd period has started with the ringing of the bell.

Many history topics are learned within schools, but Highlyoni history is one topic that is important for all cephalopods. While everyone was doing their best to get the answers right and were writing in the Inkling script, Alice was answering the questions with perfect accuracy, and bonus points for writing in the Highlyoni script, which only she and Mrs. Churchill can read within the classroom.

The students were actually impressed that she can write in perfect Highlyoni, as trying to write in that script is rather difficult. [I think that the Sheikah runes from Breath of the Wild to use as the Highlyoni script works perfectly]

It was now break time for the students, and Alice was heading to her locker.

Alice: (I wonder what Big Brother is doing...) 

---

(Azazel's POV)

It was my first year in high school, and I got to say, I was quite the nervous wreck. Fortunately for me, my childhood friend would often visit the castle, Jaina Heartfilia will also be attending the same high school as me.

I give a long sigh.

Azazel: I don't wanna go to school..... I can't believe I'm in high school now.

As I was walking to the bathroom to do my business, I was deep into my thoughts. I wish that Thomas and Minerva would let me be homeschooled. It would be so much easier that way, learning from the greatest Highlyoni minds from the kingdom. Sometimes I get nervous when I meet new people... but at least I know one person who I can talk to.

Azazel: Oh, that's right. I'm supposed to give Jaina this plushie. *I was holding a zapfish plushie*

I walked downstairs to get some breakfast.

Azazel: Minerva? Do I really have to go?

But I didn't get a response from her, as she was not here at the moment.

I looked to see what she gave me; a breakfast burrito, a croissant, and green tea.

Azazel: At least I got breakfast.

I sat down at the table and proceed to eat my breakfast.

After I was done eating my breakfast, I grabbed my bag and started heading out the front door.

Azazel: Here goes... the day I've been dreading the most.

I walked out to the sidewalk. There, Jaina was walking out when she saw me. Keep in mind, we live literally across each other.

Jaina: Azazel-kun~♥

She ran over to me and pulled me in for a hug.

Azazel: It's good to see you too, Jaina. *I hugged her back*

Jaina: I'm just as nervous as you are, Azazel. This is also my first day of high school.

Azazel: Oh! I got what you asked for.

Jaina: Hmm?

I pulled out the zapfish plushie from my backpack and gave it to her.

Jaina: Eeeeeeeee~ *She was doing small hops while hugging onto the plushie tightly*

I was quite happy that I gave my gift to her.

Jaina: I love it~ *I was pulled for a big hug*

Azazel: I'm glad you like it, Jaina... uh...

Jaina: Hmm?

Azazel: Aren't you a little.. too close?

She looks down to see that my forearm is in between her boobs.

She then quickly gave me some space, as proven by the large blush on her face.

Jaina: Oh my God! I'm so sorry!

Azazel: It's alright, Jaina.

She regains her cheerful attitude and lets out a cute giggle.

Jaina: Well, we should make our way to the bus stop.

Azazel: Yeah. Let's do that.

So we walked all the way to the bus stop, and after a while of waiting for the bus to get here, we got on and went to school.

---

(Alice's POV)

Alice: (I'm sure he's doing fine. He's my Big Brother after all, and I know he'll always be fine.)

She closes her locker after putting some things away. Alice would be approached by both James and Julia.

James: Excuse me...

Alice jumped in fear, as she was suddenly surprised.

Alice: Waaahh! Please don't hurt me!

Julia: We don't plan to hurt you. Say... can we talk in private?

Alice: Uh.... sure?...

So they go somewhere to talk in private.

Alice: You guys are from Highlyon as well?

James: Nowadays, we call it Darklyon.

Julia: After the king was killed and we were severely depopulated, many of us who walk the path of vengeance became Darklings. James is one of those Darklings.

James: Those who don't fall down the path of vengeance remain as Highlings, even though we are the same race.

Alice: I see...

James: Well, let us introduce ourselves. I am James Francis.

Julia: And I am Julia Windrunner. It is an honor to meet you, Lady Lionheart.

Alice: Wait.... how do you two know who am I?

James: It's no secret that every Highling and Darkling know who you are, your highness.

Julia: After all, you are the Princess of the Darklings.

Alice: Well, um... it's nice to know there's friendly faces around.

James: We're glad to befriend you, Alice.

Julia: We hope to make you feel comfortable around us.

Alice: Uh.. I'm happy to become your friends. *She gives a small smile*

They smiled back at her.

James: We'll make sure no big-bads can hurt you.

Julia: And we'll always be here for you.

Alice: I... (I've always been comfortable around my Big Brother, but this is big for me. New people that are from the same land as me, and they know who I am? That should make me feel better for a while.)

Alice walks up slowly to them, and while she did hesitate a bit, she eventually gave them a warm hug.

Alice: I'll gladly be your friends.

And at that point, the bell went off. Third period was about to start.

Alice: Shit! I don't want to be late just like 1st period... *She was starting to shake*

James: It's alright, Alice. We're in the same classes you're in. See?

They showed Alice their schedules.

Alice lets out a sigh of relief, knowing that she'll have her friends by her side.

Julia: Let's get to class.

Alice: Right. *She nods her head*

So they went to their 3rd period class, where their teacher, Mr. Hohenzollern is teaching math, such as geometry, algebra, you name it.

Mr. Hohenzollern: Your seats, please.

The Highlings sat in the back.

James: Hard to think that the work here is stupidly easy.

Julia: Right? They wouldn't last a day in the Highling academies.

Alice: I agree with you guys, this work is so watered down for us.

So they got to work on the mathematical work, and it's not surprising they got through with ease.

Now, it was time for their 4th period class. And it was physical education, or P.E. for short.

Their teacher was a man called Mr. Lockhart, and he served in the military. He was a harsh, yet fair coach by what students described him by.

They did all sorts of fun activities, considering that Diana's father is a ex-servicemen. Those activities included; sports, archery, martial arts, fencing, and more under the umbrella of physical education.

In this moment here, a 12-year old Diana had one of her fingers mutilated.

Mr. Lockhart: You alright, Diana?

Diana: *Sniffs* I'm alright, dad.

Mr. Lockhart: What did I tell you, Diana?

Diana: To call you Mr. Lockhart in class.

Mr. Lockhart: And to become tough enough for when you will join the military. Even though you must be tough, you must also be kind-hearted to those around you.

A lesson that she would alter in her later years, where she is tough on the outside and inside.

Once 4th period was over, lunch rolled around. Let's see what Alice got for her lunch. When she got her lunch, she got; shepherd's pie, grilled veggies, rice, honey vanilla Greek yogurt, bread roll, and green tea.

Alice: This it's so much better than the food I had back at the orphanage.

Julia: Well, at least it's notthe foods that American kids would have for lunch.

James: We're looking at you, author.

RaveDogg: Oh, jog off.

Anyways, after they finished eating lunch and hanging out for a while, they were off to their 5th period class.

Their teacher, Mrs. Thatcher, would be teaching them in the fields of science, and that she was the only Octoling teacher there.

Mrs. Thatcher: Um... I hope you all can be super nice to me. Since I am an Octoling, I face constant discrimination.

While there are some students that made some speciest comments under their breath, others felt sorry for her, including Alice and her friends. Although their kingdom was lost to the Octarians, their teacher has no affiliation to Octavio.

Like with most classes, the Highlings sat in the back, and flew through the lessons flawlessly.

Keep in mind, these classes went on for 50 minutes. So after science was over, it was time for their 6th period class, and last one of the school day... unless you are those students who have 7th period.

The course for this class is Inkling [And Inkling courses are based on English courses], and they got the teacher, Mrs. Burr.

Mrs. Burr: Everyone; please take your seats.

Highlings set in the back, they pass flawlessly, you know the drill. Anyway, after 6th period was over, it was time for everyone to go home.

Alice: Uh.. I would like to thank you two... for becoming the first real friends I ever had.

James: It's no problem, Alice.

Julia: And we'll always be there for you.

They slowly walk towards Alice and hug her.

Alice was hesitating on returning the hug, but eventually, she would return the hug.

Alice: Thank you both... *She had tears of joy shedding from her eyes*

---

-2 years ago-

Alice was now a sophomore in high school, and had grown close to her Highling friends. She had grown considerably close to James, to where she started falling in love with him. But how was she going to confess to him? Let's found out.

They were at the yard, relaxing as they have lunch. Alice went up towards James.

Alice: Uh... James.

James: What is it, Alice?

By now, Alice was stuttering a bit, and had a large blush on her face.

Alice: I've... always admired you for such a long time, James. I've liked you from the day we first met back in middle school, James. Please go out with me!

The atmosphere around them was silent, with only the sound of the leaves flowing in the breeze.

James: Alice... I wish I could accept you confession...

Alice's joyful face soon turned into a frown.

James: But I'm already with Julia.

Hearing this brought Alice crashing back down to reality. She was absolutely shocked that someone that cared for her that she looked up to since middle school, is with another woman, and that other woman is a close friend of her as well.

Alice: I... you never told me about this?! *She runs away*

James: Alice! Wait!

Alice: Don't talk to me, you black-inked dickhead!

James was standing there, not knowing how to take in what just happened. Overtime though, he realized that Alice had fallen in love with him, and hearing the truth of being with Julia broke her heart. He must do what it takes to consult with the young princess.

---

Alice was under a tree, crying heavily over the reality that was brought down on her. The man whom she thought was her ideal lover is with Julia, and it broke her in more ways than one.

James and Julia walked over to where she was crying, but they were hesitating on approaching her, as they don't want to make it worse between them. Eventually, they bite the bullet and slowly went up to Alice.

James: Look... I'm sorry that I didn't tell you the truth.

Julia: We never intended to break your heart like this, Alice..... please, forgive us.

Alice: *Sniff* Do you know... how much I loved you, James?

Julia: We know how much he means to you, Alice... and we're sorry. Maybe, we can both share him toget-

Alice: You can keep him, Julia.

Julia: ....I understand, Alice. I just... want to maintain our friendship we've built-up.

Alice's eyes widen, as their friendship was built on hardships they overcome, and they would never break that bridge. She hugged them, with tears pouring from her eyes.

Alice: You two are the greatest friends I ever had. I don't want our friendship to end like this.

They accepted the hug, and soon enough, they were also shedding tears. Alice would never throw away her friendship with them, and would remain friends. Although things would be awkward between them, they've moved on from the drama and are working hard throughout their high school years.

(Azazel's POV)

Myself and Julia were attenting Varen University, a well known university on the continent. I was taking engineering courses, and I was considered a prodigy within the university, thanks to my high intellect. But there was also something that I was learning in secret.... the secret of the ethereal crystals. They've been around for a long time, but it was only until we freed ourselves from Raijin 2,000 years ago that we discovered them, and learned of its properties... some even considered the power within the crystals as magic, to which only a few Highlings can use. Darklyon is highly concentrated of ethereal crystals, and it has allowed us to become technological wonders of the world. It is said that enough exposure from these crystals allows you to tap into the arcane energies without the need of the crystals.

I worked on experimenting on test subjects that I promised them enhanced abilities, and I didn't lie. While having them submerged in liquid etherium gathered from the springs where ethereal crystals are, it began to make them stronger, faster, and tougher. I called this super soldier project; the Etherious Project.

My professor walked into my private lab to see what I was doing.

Professor Himejima: You've been cooped up in your lab for so long, Azazel. It's good that you should get out every once in a while.

Azazel: I understand, Professor... but there's so much to learn here.

She looks around to see what I've been working on. There, she could see people going through the Etherious Project in tanks filled with liquid etherium. There was also an Inkling going through another project I'm working on.

Professor Himejima: What is going on here, Azazel?

Azazel: This test subject was willing to go through another project I had planned, to see if it was possible for us to become sterilized. And thus, Subject 13225 has become the first Sanitized Inkling.

Himejima looked at the monitor to see that no signs of life are present.

Professor Himejima: This subject is... dead.

Azazel: Not entirely. Do you know about the theory of Schrödinger's cat?

Professor Himejima: I've heard something about it.

Azazel: Well... according to my thesis, this Sanitized Inkling is neither dead nor alive, yet it still lives and dies. How is this possible? Hell if I know.

I drained the tank, and allowed 13225 to walk out of the tank.

Azazel: 13225. Walk.

13225: Yes.... master. *His voice sounded almost mechanical*

So the Sanitized Inkling dubbed 13225 did as I commanded, and walked to the other side of the room. The project that I have created shocked my professor.

Professor Himejima: This Inkling... it's an abomination! The type of science you are exploring is highly sickening. How many lives must be used for your projects, Azazel?

Azazel: As long as it suits my revenge...

Professor Himejima: (What could possibly drive him to such an extreme to make such abominations? Is it possible that he wants vengeance on someone? If so, then onto whom?)

She was starting to sweat bullets, as she doesn't want to know more.

Professor HImejima: ...I'll leave you alone, Azazel. *She leaves my lab*

---

-A year ago-

Overtime, I created my magnum opus that would forever bring on my vengeance upon Octavio. I called it; the Etherion Amplifier. I got into the tank and added a highly concentrated version of liquid etherium into the tank, called heavy liquid etherium. Alongside that, I've added a primordial ethereal matrix into the machine, which could go unstable at any moment, but holds an overwhelming amount of power. Primordial crystals are the cradle for all types of magic that inhabits the other crystals, as they were created during the Big Bang. This makes them extremely rare to come across and almost impossible to obtain, because of its unstable nature.

Professor Himejima walked into my lab to check up on me, and saw that I was in a tank.

Professor HImejima: What's he doing on that tank?

Soon enough, the alarm would go off.

System: Warning. Vital signs dropping. Primordial matrix is unstable.

Himejima's eyes were wide open with shock, as the unstable energy from the primordial matrix would be spread out in a... destructive fashion.

I was still in the tank, and my professor knew that she couldn't save me. She ran out of the lab as fast as she can, before eventually...

BOOM!

The Etherion Amplifier blew up in my face, and I was lying on the ground with shrapnel piercing my body, giving the look that I tragically died in my experiment. Normally, this would be incredibly fatal. But since this is a manga-type story, sort of, and plot armor keeps me alive, I was somehow infused with the power from the primordial energy and the liquid etherium. My professor walked back inside to see what happened, and it absolutely shocked her.

I was able to stand up, although it was hard for me to get up, as I was a bit wobblily. There, a technicolor aura surrounded my body. My thesis was that I was able to absorb all of the energy from the liquid etherium and the primordial crystal, granting me access to use magic. It was put to great use, as the shrapnel impaling my body disintegrated, and the wounds healed up from the natural regeneration all cephalopods have.

Professor Himejima: That's impossible.... you should be dead.

As I looked towards her, I said the one line that stuck with me the most.

Azazel: I don't die easily.

Unfortunately, I passed out on the floor. The energy that I absorbed would only be able to unlock when I feel extreme rage, in the form of Lionheart's Wrath.

Professor Himejima: Don't worry, Azazel. We'll take you to the medical bay.

She called for a stretcher to come pick me up and take me to the medical bay, where I would recover.

---

I was sitting in a medical bed, as it took me a whole month to recover from that accident.

As I regained my consciousness, I started to slowly open my eyes and move around a bit. In the medical bay, the doctor was here.

Doctor Inksworth: Ah, so you're finally awake.

I sat up to get a good view of my surroundings, as well as the doctor. Wait... I feel like I recognize him from somewhere.

Azazel: Hold on... do I know you?

Doctor Inksworth: I figure you would remember who I am. After all, this isn't the first time we met, your highness.

It immediately struck to me as to who the doctor is.

Azazel: Doctor Inksworth? I thought I'd never see you again.

Doctor Inksworth: It's been a long time, lad.

Azazel: So... what happened to me?

Doctor Inksworth: Well... how should I put this; your body was somehow able to absorb and adapt to the energies of both the liquid etherium and the primordial crystal. Here, take a look.

He showed me the monitor that scanned me for anything unusual, and what I saw left me speechless. My body has changed, in more ways than one. There, I saw what appears to be an influx of energy in a spherical form. It most likely contains the magic power I would use to cast magic. This sphere can only be seen through an astral vision, and that's what this monitor was using to see my body for anything unusual.

Azazel: This is new...

Doctor Inksworth: Indeed it is, Prince Azazel. Still, it baffles me as to how you managed to absorb the entirety of the energy within the primordial crystal, given how unstable it can be at times.

Azazel: ....I'll probably have to figure out the changes in my body.

Doctor Inksworth: Nothing wroth experimenting on.

Azazel: Thanks, Doctor Inksworth. You've been a great help to Darklyon.

I went on to leave the medical bay, and went back to my studies. Jaina was relieved to see me again, and our days went on as usual. We worked our hardest, and eventually, we earned our PhDs. After the graduation ceremony, we would go to the airport, where I would set a course to move to Inkopolis.

Jaina: Azazel... I'm gonna miss you.

Azazel: I'll come visit you when I got the chance, Jaina. I promise you.

I walked to where I would go to my flight, where I was stopped by Jaina.

Jaina: Azazel, wait!

Azazel: Oh?

She ran up to me, and she was still on the escalator. When she approached me, she moved her head close to me, closed her eyes, and gave me a deep kiss. The escalator pulled Jaina at the right moment as she kissed me, and went down to the lobby to wait for my flight to take off.

Jaina: I love you, Azazel. *She had a slight blush on her face*

I was surprised by what just happened. I had the feeling that she had a crush on me, but I never though she would fall in love with me. Eventually, I accepted her love.

Azazel: I love you too, Jaina.

After she kissed me, I got my stuff and boarded my flight to Inkopolis. I was looking out to see what's out there as I was leaving Varen, a place I called home after the Darklyoni Massacre. The ocean was beautiful to look at, and the rural landscape was also something to look at. A few hours passed and I finally arrived in Inkopolis. I got into a taxi and found an apartment for me to live in. As for what happens next, well... you know the rest from A Fresh Start.

---

(Alice's POV)

-Today-

After graduating high school, Alice decided to move to Inkopolis. There are many reasons, but the main reason is to reunite with me. She was aimlessly wandering through the Square, quite scared of her new surroundings.

Jaina: Hello?

Alice: Hmm?

Alice turns around to see that Jaina was also here. Perhaps she also moved into Inkopolis.

Alice: Do I know you?

Jaina: It's been such a long time, Alice. Don't you remember me?

Alice: Uh....

Jaina: It's me, Jaina~

She remembers Jaina, as she would often come to the castle to play with us... well, mostly to spend time with me. Alice pulls Jaina in for a hug.

Alice: It's been so long, Jaina.

Jaina: How long was it since the last time I saw you? You've gotten so big over the years, Alice.

Alice: Thanks, Jaina. Say... you're looking for Big Brother as well, aren't you?

Jaina: Yeah... the last time I made contact with Azazel is before he moved her a few months ago.

Alice: I see...

Her stomach started to growl, which caused Alice to blush.

Alice: Uh... do you have any food on you, Jaina?

Jaina: Sorry, I don't have any food on me.

Alice: Dammit... well, let's get something to eat.

Jaina: Alright~

They ordered their food at the Crust Bucket, and were looking for somewhere to sit. Once they found their seat, they sit down and eating.

Alice: You know, this tastes nothing like Highling cooking.

Jaina: Well, food is food. At least this is better than having nothing to eat at all.

As they were eating the food, they were overhearing a conversation that was happening on the table with the umbrella. It was the idols sitting there, spending time together. What were they talking about? Let's see.

Callie: Nothing like hanging out with a bunch of pop stars.

Marie: Yup. Thanks for inviting us out here to hang out, you two.

Pearl: We just want to have a friendly talk with you two, yo.

Marina: I just hope we don't get mobbed. Remember what happened to you last time, Callie?

Callie: Yeah... I remember. Good thing Azazel was there to fool them into thinking he was me.

Once they heard my name, it clicked in their minds.

Alice & Jaina: (Did they just say Azazel's name?)

They finished their food, and made their way to the idols.

Jaina: Excuse me, but... I'm looking for my childhood friend.

Alice: I'm looking for him as well... and he's my brother.

Marina: What's his name, sweetie.

Alice & Jaina: ...Azazel Lionheart.

Hearing my name did give them a good shock.

Callie: You two know him?!

They nodded.

Pearl: Oh.. my.. God..

Marie: ...You two want to come with us?

Alice: Uh... why?

Callie: We can take you to him.

Alice and Jaina agreed to them, and soon enough, they were driving on their way back to my house in Marie's car.

---

(Azazel's POV)

I was in the kitchen, preparing dinner for everyone for us. And it was; fried pheasant, beer battered cod, corn bread, seasoned rice, sushi, mac n' cheese, and grilled veggies. I'm also using Louisiana hot sauce for when people want to intensify the pheasant with heat.

Diana: That smells so good, Azazel.

Azazel: Thanks, Diana. My family ate a lot of pheasant back at Darklyon.

Diana: What does it taste like?

Azazel: It's like chicken, but it's also quite gamey as well. [Trust me, I don't know what pheasant actually tastes like. I'm just writing down how people describe it as]

Juvia: Ooh~ That sounds quite tasty to me.

Azazel: You'll know it once I crave it, Juvia.

Bordeaux: Are you gonna put hot sauce as well?

Azazel: Of course, Bordeaux. Chicken/pheasant and hot sauce were made for each other.

Ahato: A match made in heaven.

Azazel: Indeed, Ahato.

I went over to the table to prepare the plates for dinner. The door opened up to reveal the idols.

Marie: Hey, Azazel...

Azazel: Yeah?

Callie: Ooh~ Food~!

Pearl: Not now, yo.

Marina: We found two people who want to see you, Azazel.

Azazel: Hmm?

They moved inside the house to reveal Alice and Jaina.

Alice: I-is that you... Azazel?

She takes a few cautious steps towards me.

Jaina: Azazel?...

Jaina also slowly walks towards me.

Azazel: Alice?... Jaina?... *Tears were forming in my eyes*

As they realized it was the real me, they ran towards me and gave me big hugs, while crying at the same time.

Alice: I've been looking for you for years, Big Brother. *She said in the middle of crying*

Jaina: How long as it been since we made contact, Azazel?

Azazel: It doesn't matter.... I'm here now.

I hug them tightly, as I let the tears flow from my eyes. The other girls that were watching this were also crying at such a beautiful moment.

Marina: It's beautiful...

Pearl: It really is, yo...

Marie: Such love from them...

Callie was crying hard from the scene.

Diana: I've seen her before... back in P.E. class in middle school.

Juvia: Seems like you two have a little bit of history.

Bordeaux: They look rather fun to play with.

Ahato: Indeed they do, Bordeaux.

Once the tears have stopped, we were all relaxed.

Azazel: Everyone. This is Alice Lionheart, my sister. She is also the Princess of the Darklings.

Everyone was shocked to hear it. That not only is there a prince within the royal family, but also a princess.

Alice: Please, I'm hardly even a princess.

Jaina: But you still have your royal crest, right?

Alice: Oh yeah...

She lifts up the left part of our leggings to reveal the royal crest on her left thigh, which took on the form of a lion's head... go figure.

Marina: I've always wondered what that tattoo was on you, Azazel.

Azazel: You mean this?

I lifted up my shirt to reveal the royal crest on my right pectoral.

Jaina: What's that smell?

Alice and Jaina look over to where I heard that aroma is coming from, and they can see the food on the table, as I finished setting up dinner.

Alice: That all looks so yummy~

Jaina: Did you cook that, Azazel~?

Azazel: I sure did.

Soon enough, we all gathered over to the table to have our dinner.

Azazel: Itadakimasu.

Everyone: Itadakimasu.

Once we finished saying that, we started eating our dinner.

Jaina: This is...

Alice: So delicious~

Callie: Right? He's makes some amazing food!

Diana: He's like he put his very soul into making all of this food.

Azazel: All of this really boils down to being comfort food.

Marie: He does have a point there.

Juvia: You're right about the pheasant being gameier than chicken.

Pearl: Yo, I never thought the pheasant would be this good.

Bordeaux: It's so good with the hot sauce, Juvia.

Ahato: That's what we call a match made in heaven.

We were all laughing as we eat our dinner. Once we were finished, we were left with a minor issue.

Alice: Well... I got nowhere to stay.

Jaina: And I'm also looking for somewhere to stay.

Fortunately, they brought very little with them. So it's good to give them a room to where they'll be sleeping.

Azazel: Well... Alice can bunk with Ahato.

Alice was starting to stutter a bit.

Azazel: It's alright, Alice. Ahato has gone through some things as well, and is quite awkward.

Ahato: *She chuckled nervously* Well.. he's not wrong.

Alice: Hmm.... alright. I'll share a room with Ahato.

Jaina: Now where will I sleep?

Diana: Well, I prefer to sleep alone.

Juvia: And Bordeaux and I are already sharing a room.

And we automatically figured out where she was going to be sharing a room with.

Azazel: Looks like I'm sharing my room with her.

Jaina: It's not too dramatic. After all, didn't we use the snuggle a lot back when we were kids? *She had her boobs on my arms*

Azazel: Yeah... how could I not forget that?

Jaina: It'll be fine. I got you, you got me, as well as your harem.

We then agree to the new room assignments, as it was time for us to go to bed. The idols went home for the night, Alice went upstairs to sleep in her and Ahato's room, and Jaina went into our room. Once the both of us were inside, she had changed into her nightgown.

Jaina: You know... this really takes me back to how we used to snuggle like this in middle school years.

I had my sweatpants on and I was lying down in bed. Soon afterwards, Jaina would climb into the bed.

Jaina: I'm so glad that we're reunited with you.

Azazel: And I'm glad to be reunited with the both of you as well.

She lets out a soft giggle.

Jaina: Say... remember when I kissed you back at the airport?

Azazel: How can't I forget about that? That was a good memory.

Jaina: Can I... kiss you again?

I nodded. Soon afterwards, we slowly closed oue eyes and moved our heads closer together. We are gotten even closer, and our lips were connected. We shared this deep and passionate kiss for a while now, and after we were done, we were fully relaxed. Jaina was resting her head on my chest, and had her arms wrapped around my body.

Jaina: Goodnight, Azazel.

Azazel: Goodnight, Jaina.

I soon turn off the lights, and after a while now, we had slowly drifted off into a deep sleep.

---

-In an unknown location-

Many Octarians and Mafia thugs were there, sorting out their resources.

Joker: We're ready to make a move on Mt. Nantai.

Ophelia: Once we bring the Thunder God back to life, no one could stop us!

Joker: It's a shame that Octavio isn't available to join us. However, we'll glorify his name with the blood of his enemies.

Ophelia: By the way, what is the report on your spies from the Toyo continent?

Joker: I can assure you that they got everything planned.

They let out an evil laugh. Whatever sinister plot they are planning, we'll stop them.

SEE YOU SPACE COWBOY

At last, the long-awaited part 2. Hopefully, it would have been worth the wait. But in all honesty, I wanted to give myself extra time to write on this chapter, as I had a lot of fun writing this. Expect to see less frequent uploads as the week follows, as my college studies are coming up next Monday. If you guys enjoy this chapter and enjoy the series, be sure to show me some love, hit that vote button, follow me to receive news on Into the Light. I appreciate all of the support you guys are giving me, and I want you all to know that. So, continue with the support, it really means a lot. With that being said, I have a special announcement for you guys. The worlds of Into the Light and A Ronin's Harem are officially becoming one. Think of the two stories as two sides of the same coin; same world, different stories. Check out my buddy OctoTeen who writes A Ronin's Harem, it's really good. Chapter 42 is in development, and you might see a special surprise there. No spoilers, but it's going to be great. As always, I'm RaveDogg, and I'll see you in the next chapter.

January 24, 2021.

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