–This is unforgivable! This criminal has faked a photograph!

Sunbeam's shrill wails seemed to go through one of Menace's ears and out the other. She just kept staring at the piece of paper.

–Grace? Grace, are you alright?- Marcus was soaking wet, but that didn't stop him from placing his hand on Menace's shoulder.- It's a lot to take in, I know...

Mirror listened to him comforting her, trying not to remember her mother doing the same. "This would be a perfect time to run," she realized. "They're all busy. I could just say I was going to the store, then they'd never see me again..."

But something was stopping her from leaving Menace and the others to their fate.

And that something was Sunbeam.

Sunbeam was a direct link to the Leader. Anything she saw or heard would be reported back to him. Menace had a clear choice to make now – she could either bring her own nephew to Maelstrom and have him be tortured for a crime he didn't commit...

Or she could reunite with him. Leave the Servants forever – and be hunted by Sunbeam for the rest of her life.

Mirror took a step back when she realized this had probably been the Leader's plan all along.

"Leave, now!" the voice in her head hissed. "Leave Menace be! You don't know these people. They are strangers. You have to leave!"

Mirror shook her head violently. "You've waited two years to be free..." the voice continued. "So what if it's selfish? You owe nothing to these people..."

Menace's sobs echoed through the mountain as she embraced Marcus. Even the thin, fatigued Giant cracked a smile.

"But... But Isadaro is a very remote city," she reasoned with herself. "If we go back, I can wait to be sent to my home... The Porreid Empire."

"Weak excuses!" the other side of her yelled.

But Mirror had already made up her mind.

–Sunbeam- she said, turning to the red-haired witch.- Will you report Menace for doing this?

The witch blinked rapidly, confused. A direct approach was always best when dealing with Sunbeam. It showed you were on her level – it made her respect you.

–Of course- she replied, raising an eyebrow.- This is absolutely traitorous behavior.

An expected response. Reasoning with Sunbeam was never easy. But it wasn't impossible, either. Following her mental script, Mirror continued.

–Think about it for a second. What if you had never known your father? And you were suddenly ordered to bring him as a prisoner?

–Why, I would bring him, of course. Orders are orders.

–Surely you've never been given a dumb order? Like when we order you to shut up and eat your food?- Mirror spoke bluntly. Hopefully this worked.

–I suppose. But... This isn't the same thing!- She giggled.- Oh, Mirror, I admire your devotion to your leader. But you see, she is entirely disposable! Papa said so.

Mirror sighed. This conversation was going off the rails fast. But there was a way Sunbeam could be swayed – she did in fact feel empathy. Mirror just had to dig and find it.

–Don't you see? Menace has never known her family. And the criminal...- Mirror winced at the word- ...has denied all charges! This is clearly your father's attempt to take her away from you. And he'd never do that if she were unimportant. Think about how Menace is feeling right now.

Mirror crossed her fingers. If this didn't work, nothing would.

–Hm...- Sunbeam seemed to be deep in thought.- It is true that Papa dislikes Menace. Personally, I've never seen anything too wrong with her. And she must be feeling absolutely dreadful... There is some loyalty to be had.- Mirror sighed in relief.- Very well. I won't report this. We will bring the prisoner and this will stay between us.

"I did it!" she thought. "I knew Sunbeam had feelings! I knew it!"

Suddenly she saw Menace walking towards them, Marcus following behind. The icy witch seemed more relaxed than in the past two years combined. Giant soon limped over.

–Thank you, Mirror- she whispered.- I don't know why you would do this... You've always been so quiet around us.- Mirror could've sworn a tear formed in the corner of her eye.

–Oh, it was... nothing- Mirror replied distractedly. Sunbeam had only promised not to report Menace's connection to Marcus. But he would still be brought before the Leader...

–I'm not finished- Menace chided.- I will tell Maelstrom that we interrogated Marcus and he showed no proof of having stolen the shipments. This... thing that happened will be kept between us all. I hope that's alright with you both.

Mirror and Giant nodded.

Menace smiled, waving off to say her goodbyes to Marcus.

All was finally well – in a sense. Mirror watched the city below as a huge geyser suddenly awoke, spraying the people around it. The clock tower tolled three times. Birds chirped all around her. For the first time in a long two years, Mirror felt like she could just lay down...

–I know you were planning on leaving.

She whipped around, pulse racing. Giant's brown eyes met hers.

–What? I didn't-

–There's no denying you at least considered it.- Her formerly-bulky troupe-mate sat down.- Look, I don't blame you, I've thought about leaving once or twice myself.

Mirror grasped for words as Giant sighed.

–How did you know?- Her voice was barely above a murmur. He chuckled.

–I didn't. You just confirmed it.

–Wha...- Mirror stood, stunned. A chuckle erupted out of her, then laughter.- You... You played me like a fiddle!- Giant laughed too, and the two sat there for a while, before quieting down.

–Alright. I did think about leaving. And I still do.

Giant suddenly looked sad.

–You... you were going to leave without me?- His tone was quiet. Mirror stared, confused.

–Of course. Two people are much harder to hide. And as far as I knew, you were completely devoted to the Servants.- She chuckled again, but this time, Giant wasn't fazed.

–I see.- He sighed again, quieter this time.- Sometimes my curse gives me a hard time. Like... just now.

Mirror frowned. Was his sudden thinness and lack of energy the result of his curse? It did make sense; after all, he was almost always munching on something back at the base, but food was scarce on the road.

–So it would be almost impossible for me to free myself... unless I stole everyone's food supply.- He glanced at her.- What about yours?

It took her a few seconds to realize he meant her curse. Her mind was blank – she wasn't used to talking about it. She wasn't used to thinking about it. Her potion kept it away, and that was that.

Suddenly it came to her that she wouldn't have any potion on the road.

–Well, uh, it has to do with mirrors.- Giant stared at her attentively as she attempted to explain it.- Every time I see a reflective surface, it...- Oh, no. She had revealed too much.- Never mind.

–Alright, I won't pressure you.- His tone was surprisingly gentle, which confused Mirror even further.- I'm off to ask Menace then. Maybe we can plan an escape – just the three of us.

Just the three of us. It had a nice ring to it. It was so crazy... it might even work.

Author's Note: Longest chapter yet! This one proves that Sunbeam does have feelings.
Also, Mirror is aromantic asexual, sorry to burst your bubble, hint hint. (Poor Giant.)
Anyways, see you in the next one! Don't forget to comment, vote, and share this book around!