#Fact 4: Travis seems to be very ticklish. Indeed, one simple touch with the finger on his tummy can make him erupt in laughter, and it could be so easy to find his weak spots. But even though he says repeatedly once that he hated being tickled, deep within his soul... he secretly enjoys being tickled, but he hasn't noticed it yet.

~Primrose's POV~

CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP !

A big round of applause was resounding in the whole tavern as I took the last pose, alongside with a few whistles from the closest tables.

"YOU'RE DOING GREAT, SWEETIE !"

"IF I COULD, I WISH I COULD WATCH THAT WOMAN DANCING FOREVER !"

My lips turned into a lovely smile while I observed everyone being well satisfied by my dance, including the wealthy customers who looked delighted as well. Every gaze was fixed on me, and I was also glad to have been well received.

"Many thanks to you. All of your compliments are pleasing me.", I answered them, smiling.

It seems that as usual, my dancing style amazed them, especially with my "Moonlight Waltz" who has totally surprised everyone. But even though it was an important dance, I wasn't too focused on the crowd and danced like how I was used to practicing every day.

Thankfully, I didn't have another Aisemna crisis while dancing, as I swore next time I'll make sure that it won't prevent me anymore to dance. However, for a moment, I thought I heard someone screaming, but the loud music prevented me to hear it right...

Perhaps that was just my imagination...

Indeed, I wanted to know if Travis has enjoyed my show has well. Earlier, he looked very impatient to see my show, but even if I allowed him to watch my show secretly, I hoped that he found a safe place to hide.

Though, I don't think he must have been discovered by the staff because while I was dancing, I haven't seen anyone being thrown out the tavern, like how Travis has been expelled last night, and neither I heard someone talking about a boy who snuck out inside the tavern.

However, I wasn't able to see him from the stage where I was performing. I couldn't see clearly under each of the tables from my position, and sadly, I was too focused on my dance to try looking for him.

Anyway, I hope he was fine, and I'll make sure to help him find a way out later.

While the crowd progressively became less noisy after the show was over, I saw the stagehand man waving at me to come to the main room, so I joined him.

He complimented me.

"Great job, Primrose ! As usual, you have made more than delighting the crowd.", he smiled positively.

"Thank you again. It was such a pleasure for me."

I went down the stairs and walked in direction of the center of the main room.

Of course, the clients were whistling and cheering at me, as I saw a table with its occupants holding their pint of beers.

"TO PRIMROSE !"

They made a toast.

Fortunately, despite the city of the thousand pleasures is known to have a bad reputation through the realm, not every customer who would wander here weren't all unpleasant.

While the other dancing girls were pleasing customers, it was especially the wealthy ones invited by Helgenish who were greeting me politely.

Talking about him, I felt his hand laid on my shoulder.

"See ? That wasn't so hard to please the crowd, Primrose..."

He grinned at me while carrying his glass of wine.

I answered him politely.

"Oh, I was only respecting the promise I made to you, master. And because all these persons deserved to be entertained."

He smirked while stroking my cheek with his big finger.

"As usual, you're always as innocent as you are sweet, my dear Primrose. Look at all of them.", he pointed me his special guests who were still cheering at me. "Now, they think you must be the most beautiful dancer under the moon. They will speak of you in every corner of the land and spread rumors about a certain dancing girl dancing at Sunshade. You know what it means, right ?"

"... knowing about Sunshade's bad reputation, I think it could be the best occasion to refresh it thanks to my dancing talents, master."

"Eh. I guess I have nothing to teach you. Just go see them, my princess: I'm pretty sure they all want to meet you.", he ordered me with a grin.

"As you wish, master."

So, I followed Helgenish's orders, I joined the guests who were satisfied to see me.

I earned all of their compliments with pleasure and discussed with them.

"What a wonderful show, miss Primrose !", complimented me a middle-classed man.

"Oh, thank you. I hope what the tavern is proposing you have made you forgotten the fatigue of your long trip."

"Of course, my dear. I came here especially for you, you know."

A young elegant gentleman approached me with a smile on his lip.

"It's such an honor to meet you, miss Primrose..."

I let him kiss my hand in a chivalrous manner.

"It's also an honor for me as well to get acquainted with such majestic people that you all are."

"What a delicious woman !", he exclaimed.

I couldn't see one of Helgenish's guests who didn't want to speak with me. I was surrounded by a group of rich, polite and elegant customers, their wine in hands, and they looked well impressed by my beauty. They weren't like the kind of local customers we could see every day.

"Ah, Primrose. You're looking more and more lovely each time I see you."

It was an old rich client who spoke to me. He was one of Helgenish's closest friends and he would always travel once per year at the tavern to watch my show, as he was also a great admirer.

I discussed with him.

"Oh, it's been a while since we last enjoyed your company. Will you be with us long this evening ?"

"Ho ho... As long as you'll have me for, my dear."

I chuckled in return.

"Is that so ? I'll have to give it some thought, then. I'll see you again later..."

I waved at him with a lovely smile, as he waved at me back, before I let him talking with Helgenish.

"Ah ah ! We don't see a woman like her at each decade !", said Helgenish at his friends.

While the Helgenish and his guests were discussing, alongside with a few dancing girls pleasing them, I was looking for Travis.

I was going around the main room of the tavern by ignoring all the gazes of most of the customers admiring me, by checking under each table by making sure to not look suspicious.

However, I couldn't find Travis.

Where is he ?

I thought he wouldn't leave his hiding table yet until I find him and help him leaving when the tavern will be about to close. Why hasn't he stayed under one like how I asked him to ?

I don't think he would have tried to leave by taking the main entrance. The tavern was full and I haven't seen anyone entering or leaving.

Was he hiding somewhere ? Maybe he could be hiding again in the backstage room.

I would like to check, but Helgenish wouldn't allow me to leave the main room, as he was still watching me.

While inspecting again, I saw Yusufa getting paid by a customer.

"Thank you, good sir."

"Oh, I enjoyed a lot your good services, my dear. Next year I come here, I would love you to give me my food again...", answered the heavy customer.

She noticed me.

"Heya, Prim ! Congrats ! Your show was amazing !", she complimented me positively.

"Thanks. Tell me, have you seen Travis ?", I shushed at her.

"Travis ?!"

Her eyes slightly widened when she turned back and watched under the table.

She answered me discreetly, a little worried.

"Last time I saw him, he was hiding right there. But since your show was over, he's gone missing !"

"You've lost sight of him ?!"

"I'm sorry ! I was too busy pleasing a client, so I couldn't be able to always watch over him !", she apologized.

I sighed.

"That's no good."

Plus, he was just hiding close to the stage ! Why has he moved ?!

Suddenly, I heard a voice yelling at me.

"PRIMROSE !"

It was Melissa.

She was going down the stairs and walked towards me, her fist clenched tightly and her ponytail haircut well disheveled as she looked very angry for some reason.

Yusufa exclaimed surprisingly.

"Melissa ! We've been looking for you during a while ! Where were you ?!"

"SHUT UP ! IT'S NOT YOUR BUSINESS, THE BLUE ONE!", she retorted.

"The... blue one ?!"

Me too I was pretty confused about her behavior.

"Is something wrong ?"

"No thanks to you, Primrose ! I know it's you, who did that do me !"

"But... what are you talking about ?", I asked her while trying to be calm and concerned.

"Don't even try to play the innocent ! I know by heart all your acting !", she pointed her finger menacingly at me.

"Just tell us what happened to you !", shouted Yusufa.

Melissa slowly calmed herself, but she remained angry.

"I was the victim of your really bad joke ! You know already how much I hate spiders ! But you wanted to do this to me because you were tired of my jealousy !"

"Primrose would have never tried to do something like this to you !", shouted Yusufa.

"OF COURSE SHE COULD HAVE ! She even asked that little brat to do it while she was dancing !"

!!!... Little brat ?!

Have she seen Travis somewhere ?!

Maybe she could have seen him where he went, but I wondered why Travis would have pranked her.

Anyway, I might be surprised, but I changed my facial expression like I knew nothing.

"This is ridiculous, Melissa. The staff has promised us several times to not let kids going in the tavern anymore, and I didn't have enough time to play with one today with the dance and all."

"So, how could you explain to me why I saw him under the stage while I was pran... practicing before he just... I don't know... disappear the corridor ?!", she exclaimed when she approached me menacingly. "I'm warning you ! I'm sure you know where he is hiding ! But I'll manage to find him, and if ever I do, he and you will have big prob..."

"WHAT IN THE TWELVE GODS IS GOING ON ?!", yelled someone.

It was Helgenish himself who interrupted the conversation, making Yusufa flinching.

He looked quite grumpy towards Melissa.

"Can you explain to me why are you kittens arguing ? For trying to make my customers leave, maybe ?"

Melissa flinched at the nickname he gave me, as she tried to answer.

"M-master ! I just wanted to tell you ! Primrose is..."

"Why are you disheveled ?", interrupted Helgenish, his arms crossed.

Fear could be seen on Melissa's face, as she flinched by reminding her appearance wasn't correct for a dancing girl.

"Ah yeah... That's right... My apologies, master, I haven't paid attention to that ! But don't worry, I'll fix them back right now !"

She was about to leave, but Helgenish, impatient, didn't let her go.

"There is no use. I'll take care of that myself."

Suddenly, he grabbed her by the ponytail.

"AOUCH ! Master ! What are you..."

He then took a dagger, making her frightened at the sight of the blade.

"NO ! Please !"

SLASH !

He then cuts her entire brown ponytail in front of everyone !

Melissa's eyes widened when she saw all of her hair falling a front of her, discovering she got short hair in horror.

Helgenish sighed.

"There you go, kitten. And in any case, I never liked this annoying ponytail of yours. Thanks who ?"

The bald aristocrat left us, while Melissa was still in shock of losing her hair.

"My hair... MY BEAUTIFUL HAIR !!!"

She tried to hide her face to not let anyone see her crying and left us.

I saw Yusufa feeling quite bad for her while I was slightly impressed by Helgenish's behavior.

It was pretty awful to see our master doing that with his own dagger, and now, something tells me Melissa is gonna need less time to prepare her hair.

Anyway, I was concerned by something else: if Travis went to the corridor next to the backstage room, why wasn't he still back ?

I spoke to Yusufa.

"He might be still hiding there. I need to verify."

"So, hurry up ! Helgenish isn't watching us !", advised me Yusufa.

I observed at our master still busy drinking, laughing and speaking with his guests, so I quickly climbed the stairs leading to the backstage room, ignoring the customers' whistles.

I noticed the door of the backstage opened and entered to check if Travis was there or not.

There was no trace of him, and the shutters were closed, so he couldn't have escaped through the window.

So, I decided to go through the corridor while still making sure Helgenish wasn't watching. If Melissa was right, he must have gone through that corridor.

I and the other dancing girls didn't often wander in that corridor. There were a bunch of paintings belonging to Helgenish he would keep here, and he would also sometimes wander here with one or several of his "friends". Though, I also saw him going alone a few times.

This long semi-circular corridor permitted us to go around of the stage and reaching an entrance leading to the other side without passing by the dancing room.

"Travis ?"

I was carefully looking for Travis by remaining calm, but I couldn't see him in the corridor yet.

I walked a few meters when I saw a wooden wardrobe.

~3rd's POV~

HSSS...

Lurking in the shadows, a few creatures were slowly hissing patiently, while walking on their 6 limbs.

Clap clap !

These arthropods had mostly a blue body, but they also looked unique with their numerous spiky pink eyes, their big purplish clamps who has the strength to break easily a stone in several pieces, and also their abdomen, which the posterior back formed itself into a tail covered of purple spikes, and the end had a pinkish menacing sting which has the form of an arrow.

HSSS...

Scorpions. Venomous scorpions of the Sunlands with the size of a dog.

Their limbs made a noise that looked like a rattling echoing inside the place.

These three monstrous creatures were wandering in that area in search of food when they arrived inside the empty treasure room.

The red orb which contained the crystal was gone from the pedestal. Someone has taken it.

But the arachnids' attention was mostly attracted by a figure lying at the southern entrance of the room.

Travis.

He was lying unconscious next to the corner, the light emitted by the fire of the torch revealed his presence.

HSSSSSS !!!

As soon as they noticed the boy, the 3 giant scorpions walked progressively towards him, with one walking a front of the two others.

The leader then stopped next to the boy's head.

HSSSSS !!!

Wanting to make sure he couldn't escape, he slowly raised up his tail when his sting moved slightly backward, ready to plant it, and

SLASH !!

HSSSSS !!!!

Suddenly, his tail was sliced in half by a dagger, making the scorpion hissing of pain as he was now bleeding in green, before being stabbed again from upwards.

HSSSSSS !!!

The two scorpions hissed menacingly while stepping back, but they didn't have the time to avoid the knife blows.

Slash ! Slash !

They were also stabbed with ferocity over their heads, and they were now lying dead in a puddle of their own green blood.

Primrose watched menacingly at the scorpions she just killed and stowed her dagger before crouching down to the unconscious boy.

"Travis ! Travis ! It's me !", she tried to wake him up, in vain.

She examined his small body to make sure if he hasn't been already stung by the scorpions, but thankfully, there wasn't a purplish mark on his skin.

After she sighed because she has arrived in time and avoided the worst, Primrose carefully carried the boy in her arms and left the place after making sure no one was around.

~Later~

~Travis's POV~

Oh !... My head hurts...

How wasn't I able to see him coming ?

I was still in the darkness, but I could hear someone talking to me.

"Travis..."

I slowly opened my eyes, but my vision was well flooded, and I could just see the slim silhouette of a person.

Who's that ?...

Please, I hope it's not him again... Or either one of the guys with him...

I closed my eyes again, but as soon as I started to recover, my hearing more enhanced, as I heard clearly the same person speaking calmly to me again.

"Travis..."

I opened my eyes and my vision came back to normal.

Primrose !

I sighed in relief, glad to figure out it was her.

"Thanks the twelve gods, you're alright...", she said calmly.

We were actually inside the backstage room, and I was surprised to notice my head was resting on her knees.

I felt they were pretty comfortable, even though I still preferred Ophilia's lap.

I felt still confused when I asked her weakly.

"How... Why am I here ?... What just happened ?"

"I found you unconscious in a secret room. I think you must have been knocked out by someone.", she explained to me calmly but coldly.

I observed she was feeling a little furious about what happened to me.

She added.

"I'm pretty sure this "someone" also wanted you dead. There were venomous scorpions who tried to poison you, probably left by the same person who wanted to get rid of you. It's one of the most common ways to make a corpse disappear in the Sunlands. You were lucky to not be the only one to have found that secret path."

Scorpions ?!

My body flinched as I already knew how scorpions looked like.

So, the man whom I've spied tried to kill me with those scary bugs after he knocked me down ?!

I just got a weird feeling right now...

I answered to Primrose calmly.

"I... I'm sorry. He caught me off guard, I should have been more careful..."

I touched my torso, trying to grab something.

"... !!! Wha... Oh no !"

I just noticed my bag was missing !

I started to panic when I directly got up.

"My bag !!! Where is it ?!"

I looked everywhere in the room before Primrose answered me.

"Your bag was missing when I found you."

"Are you telling me he has stolen my bag ?!", she nodded when I freaked out. "No way ! Everything I care about the most is inside it ! There was even the crystal that was hidden here ! I need to get it back, now !"

I immediately got up, but Primrose grabbed my arm.

"Wait, Travis ! Just tell me what happened in that room before I found you !"

"Just let me retrieve my bag !"

"SILENCE !", she exclaimed, calming me down, before she blamed me. "I'll have you know it's partly your fault if he has now the crystal ! I just need you to tell me everything !"

Primrose looked pretty serious. She was right to say it was my fault if we stole me the crystal.

And I was also very worried about everything else which they had stolen: my axe, my precious stone, my satchel, my feather, my sword, my compass, and my money too ! They took everything from me !

I wanted too much to retrieve my stuff no matter what. They meant a lot for me because they were the only keepsake of my friends I ever got.

So, after I slowly calmed myself, I spoke to Primrose.

"Alright... Let me tell you everything..."

~A quick explanation later~

~Primrose's POV~

Travis told me everything he has seen when he discovered that secret room, that he has found another crystal which was surely kept by a group of masked persons led by the man he spied on.

He told me that he needed the other crystal for setting a sort of bomb. I didn't clearly understand, but he explained to me that it could provoke the emergence of a pillar of light, like the ones spotted at Clearbrook, S'warkii and in the Highlands.

Then, he pretended that he would have witnessed the man giving the orders to find the other crystal before leaving. And so, he knocked out Travis to prevent him to warn me about.

As I expected, this boy has witnessed something that he wasn't supposed to, and it was also possible Travis was led into a trap, that they only pretended to leave the secret room to snatch him the crystal.

That would be such a problem: if we stole us the crystal, I might not have any clue to find the crows anymore !

Unless !...

I asked him directly.

"Do you have seen how he looked like ? The one whom you have followed and who tried to kill you ?!"

"I don't know ! I haven't seen his face with his kind of hoodie hiding it !", shouted Travis nervously, still worried about his stolen stuff.

I quickly go up and left the backstage room when Travis called.

"Hey ! Wait for me !"

If everything Travis told me was right, he shouldn't be too far !

With a serious glare, I took the stairs and went back to the customer's area.

"THERE SHE IS !"

"HEY, KITTEN ! Wanna hang out with me ?!"

I ignored their calls and their whistle as I scanned the entire tavern, with Helgenish still drinking his wine with his guests, and the other dancing girls dealing with the customers.

At the closest table, I saw a couple of gentlemen with Melissa, still well upset for what our master has done to her hair, who was smiling at her.

"Do you know we also have a soft spot for short-haired women ?"

She grumbled as an answer while performing a show.

Avoiding to look at her, I walked further through the tables and stopped at the center.

There were many clients in the tavern at the period of the day: it would be pretty difficult to find a special person with all that huge crowd, as of course, he might merge in here. However, I didn't see anyone who looked pretty weird at the tables, but I stayed vigilant.

I heard one of Helgenish's guests discussing with someone else who answered him coldly.

"... And if that's all, I'll be taking my leave."

"!!!..."

This voice !... I've already heard it somewhere...

I slowly turned and saw two people discussing at the corner of the room.

"Ah... !"

There was one man with an imposing stature, wearing a large black coat and a hoodie hiding his face. Exactly the person whom Travis has described me.

He was speaking with another client, but he looked much more discreet and sinister than everyone else in the tavern.

This man... I couldn't stop watching him... he was so familiar.

Could it be... ?

I looked for any single detail on his clothing when my eyes suddenly widened.

There on his left arm... The mark of the crow.

There was no doubt: he was well one of them. I already recognized him as I never forgot how each of them looked like.

Right now, I felt completely hatred inside. I couldn't stop staring menacingly at this bastard. such as I totally ignored everything else around me.

How long I have waited for this day... Finally, you appear before me... This night... at long last... justice will be served.

There was definitely one thing I wanted to do: to charge ahead him and stab him right into his heart... I couldn't stop trembling of anger, and finally, all these years I spent here in that damn city wasn't in vain.

Finally, I will start to avenge my father's death by ending his life first, before I could do the same to the two others.

I saw the crow walking in direction of the tavern's exit.

"No... !"

I can't let him get away !

I walked calmly but surely in direction of the exit, following the left-hand man when I heard a voice.

"And where do you think you're going ?"

It was Helgenish's voice who called me, and I had no choice but to stop in my tracks.

I saw him staring me, his hand carrying is glass-filled of wine, as he grinned.

"So curious about that man, are you ? Was it love at first sight, kitten ?"

I sighed, but I managed to stay calm as I tried to explain myself.

"Master..."

He cut me.

"You wouldn't think of abandoning the stage and your customers before the night is through, now would you ?", he watched annoyingly at me before he ordered. "Back to work, Primrose."

Knowing insisting was useless, I renounced with regret to pursue the man, and headed back to the closed table.

Then, Helgenish approached me and shushed at my ear.

"I trust I don't need to repeat myself ? You do remember what happens to the wicked little kittens who cross me, don't you ?"

I answered him with a calm nod.

Helgenish then drunk is entire wine, before heading to the exit and leaving the tavern.

Me, I stayed in the room, feeling really anxious.

I had no choice to make sure Helgenish didn't know I was dancing in that city only to get revenge, else if ever too many people figure that out, the crows will manage to know it as well, and my man-hunt will turn against me.

One of the men who took my father's life... He was just there... And I let him go like no big deal...

Damn it all !

SBAM !

I stomped the ground so hard with my wounded foot that it hurt me, but my anger was such as I ignored the pain.

I wanted so much to catch back that left-handed crow man and to forget everything here, but I would risk being noticed by Helgenish and my secret will be unhidden.

That's no good ! Do I have really to let him go without doing anything ?!

"Primrose ?"

My thoughts were cut off by a small voice that came from under the empty table next to me.

I sighed calmly.

"It's you, Travis ?"

"Y-you hurt your foot again... I'm worrying for you, Prim...", he answered me worryingly.

Honestly, I was slightly surprised about how this kid managed to reach that table without being noticed. It was almost as if he had such a talent to hide and sneak everywhere...

Anyway, I couldn't stop watching at the exit, and the more I stared at it, the more I wanted to rush and track down that damn murderer.

I have chosen not to look under the table where Travis was hiding to make sure no one else finds me suspicious, but I could still know he was hiding here.

As I understood he was pretty confused, I heard Travis shushing me again.

"Primrose... Was that... one of the men you were looking for ?"

I didn't answer him, aware that he already knew the answer, before I said coldly while clenching my fist.

"This is all I have... I may never get another chance like this again !"

"Can't we do anything ?"

"No... Too risky.", I answered him.

"..."

I heard him sighing.

Travis knew what I was feeling, I guess. I could feel it with the sad tone of his voice. For someone who hasn't reached the age of reason, this boy was pretty precocious.

All he could do is to watch me with mercy, without knowing what to say.

But he finally spoke.

"Tell me, Primrose... Are you sure you want to..."

" Prim ? What's the matter ?", asked calmly a familiar voice who interrupted Travis.

It was Yusufa who walked towards me after she was done pleasing a customer.

She crouched down discreetly and saw Travis.

"Ah, thanks the twelve gods, you're there, Travis !"

She looked reassured when Travis replied.

"Sorry, Yusufa. I wanted to tell you I was moving, but you were too busy."

The blue dancer noticed that he was probably frowning.

"Is something wrong ?"

"We stole my bag... I don't want to lose all my stuff.", he answered her.

"Oh, really ?!", she exclaimed of surprise, but not too loud for not drawing attention, as she asked."Was he the man who just left before Helgenish who took it from you ?"

"..."

Travis didn't answer, but she quickly understood.

She then got up and spoke to me.

"And you, Prim... It's not like you to look all flustered like this."

So, she witnessed me trying to follow him...

Please, Yusufa... Stay out of all of this.

I sighed, feeling bad for her. Now, she seemed to understand that this man concerned me a lot.

But could it be really a good choice to tell her ?

Perhaps I should explain to her a few things.

But before I had the time to speak, she cut me.

"You don't need to tell me. For you to risk angering the master like that, it must be something important..."

She looked pretty serious, but she smiled a little, watching me with concern.

She then watched around us, to make sure Helgenish wasn't around before she shushed to us.

"Leave it to me. I'll keep his eyes busy. You two slip out the back door on the upper floor."

"Wait ! Are you sure, Yusufa ?!", exclaimed Travis.

"..... You shouldn't get involved again. You will put yourself at a bigger risk than before.", I replied, feeling worried for her safety.

Yusufa stayed positive as she told me.

"Look, Prim. Maybe you don't tell me what you're thinking, but that doesn't matter to me. I'm on your side and always will be."

"On my... side ?", I answered to her, concerned.

What does Yusufa want to tell me exactly ? Was she really determined to help me, like that, without caring for herself first ?

Seriously, I didn't think Yusufa want to provide me her help so far, just like it really meant a lot for her. I might know her for years, but as she was used to be simply kind with me unlike the other, I wouldn't have expected that one day, especially today, she would help me to achieve the main reason why I danced in that town...

I looked at her patiently while she looked at me faithfully.

"When the other girls would pick on me, and tell me to know my place... You were always the only one who stood by me. You never say much... You're always so distant, aloof, even. But I know you just don't want to burden others with your troubles. I know you better than you think, Prim. And I know that deep down... you have a good heart."

Right now, I felt completely touched by her words.

"A good... heart ?"

She nodded calmly, as I stepped back a little by reflex.

Since I landed in that lost city, I would often stay distant from the other dancing girl, between staying sometimes awake during the night, or training myself with my dagger when I was alone. But the main reason is that... I was always thinking about my faith.

Indeed, for an unknown reason, thinking about my father would always make me feel better when I'm alone. It would give me time to think about everything he taught me about my family and their words.

Each night, I would meditate on these famous words "Even when the blade is held at your heart, faith shall be your shield.", while on each day, I would dance at the tavern just to get potential information of one of the crows. During all these endless days of patience, I had to hide secrets from everyone.

So, I was mostly supposed to be some kind of woman who was only thinking for her sake, someone who's supposed to be always blinded by vengeance... But that someone tells me that I had a good heart was such a great surprise for me.

I never expected some people to see something good in me, and not only from Yusufa's mouth, but also from Travis. Since this boy met me for the first time, he would always be cheerful with me, no matter what were my motivations...

She looked down at Travis again.

"You too, Travis, you seem to have a good heart."

"You think so ?", he asked innocently.

"Sometimes, I would wonder if you get that from her or if it's just part of your personality, but whatever..."

She smiled as she ruffled his dark brown hair before she stood up and spoke to me.

"Come on, Primrose. If ever it's really the only occasion you have, don't miss it. I'll watch both your backs."

I frowned a little.

Even though Yusufa thought it seemed to be okay for her, I would still wonder if I'll make the right choice. She barely knew my intentions but she was ready to take some risks again.

Do I have really to count on her help ? To let her distract "the one whom we should never provoke" and becoming an accomplice of my runaway ?

...I guess I have no choice.

Finally, I spoke calmly to her.

"... alright."

As Travis was watching us with concern, I finally realized I made a mistake. The mistake was to not believe in the help she wanted to provide me like all the many times I've gone to help her...

I'm sorry, Yusufa... I should have thought about it earlier...

I was about to leave in direction of the other exit, but I couldn't stop thinking about letting Yusufa taking risks for us...

So, I stopped in place.

"Yusufa... I..."

Unexpectedly, I calmly hugged her.

"Thank you..."

" !..."

Yusufa, who was first slightly surprised, finally hugged me back.

Travis was also surprised by my action while he was still making sure to not be noticed.

I cuddled Yusufa tightly, sharing my feeling with her and feeling responsible for her decision.

Then, we slowly broke the hug and we stared at each other.

"Heh, always a woman of few words. I wouldn't have it any other way.", said Yusufa.

"How will you manage to distract your boss ?", asked Travis.

"Oh, I will ask him to check if my dancing style has some flaws and how I could correct them. That might keep him for a moment !", she answered to him.

She looked so honest and determined, but I would still feel sorry for her.

However, if we keep staying here, what Yusufa was doing for us will be useless and the left-handed man will progressively escape from my grasp as long as we waited.

So, I watched the exit: Helgenish wasn't there yet, but I needed to hurry before he comes back.

I also watched around me: the stagehand man and the other dancings girls were too busy in their work.

All right ! It's now or never !

I immediately headed towards the stairs leading to the upper floor at the right while Travis said to Yusufa.

"Thanks, Yusufa !... Primrose, wait !"

"Be careful for you two !", exclaimed Yusufa.

While passing through the tables, I saw some customers admiring me.

"Hey, sweetie ! Can you do a little dance for us ?!"

I pretended to be sorry.

"S-sorry, sir... Another time, maybe ?"

And so, I started to climb the stairs quickly.

I wasn't slowing down for Travis because I needed to hurry before I lose the left-hand man. Pretty sure he would be able to move by hiding table by table and to reach the stairs while the customers were too busy drinking, eating or admiring.

I was thinking about the crow man I saw earlier. Just the fact to see him definitely awaken my anger and my motivation to avenge my father.

For me, it was the only occasion I have to find one of my father's killers and to finally end his life for once and for all.

There it is, father. After all these years at dancing, I will finally honor you.

I'll will find those who took you away from me, and justice will be done.

~Later~

I opened the back door and arrived in another area of the city.

It was a small place with a fountain of water in the middle, surrounded by a few palm trees, and there were a few merchants established on the sides. It was quite a peaceful pretty place to visit but it wasn't very crowded.

Usually, we dancing girls haven't always taken this exit only available for the staff, but we have used it a few rare times when the main exit was way too crowded. Indeed, not a lot of inhabitants were aware of that secret exit.

I went down the stairs as I heard Travis opening the door.

"Primrose... Ha... Ha... Wait for me..."

He was catching his breath having run for so long.

But despite his calls, I continued to go down and turned at the right.

Quick !

I needed to hurry a lot if I wanted to catch him back before this bastard leave the city and being still out there.

So, I walked through an alley surrounded by houses lived by modest citizens and tried to look for the left-hand man, but there were many people in this area and I needed to make sure he didn't know I was following him.

I also quickly scanned each of the hidden streets on the sides to make sure he wasn't hiding there, but he would be probably heading to the south of the tavern in direction of the city's exit.

I saw a few bystanders whistling at my appearance.

"Heya, dearie ! Are you going jogging ?"

"Move !"

I bypassed them quickly and arrived at the main alley crowded by a cart pulled by a horse.

Where is he ?

I stopped at the corner and tried to look for the crow, I checked at the left and the right, trying to find a heavy man with a black large coat in that massive crowd.

However, I couldn't see him yet.

"Primrose !... There you are !"

Travis finally managed to catch me, as he was catching his breath.

He told me weakly.

"Can't we just be please... take a break ?..."

"No way ! I won't miss that chance now I've finally found him !", I replied seriously before I started to run again.

"...hey ! Wait !"

I rushed through the crowd and crossed the alley before dashing to the right, in direction of the catacombs.

Right now, my attention was only focused on the crow, and nothing else. I won't let him escape, no matter what. And once I find him... I'll kill him.

I arrived in an empty area, and I could see further that no one was present to the path leading to the exit, not even a guard.

Strange...

The place was too calm for now. What an exact place for people to meet in the shadows...

" !!!"

Something slightly bumped my leg.

"Where is he ?!", shushed Travis.

"Silence !"

Travis immediately shut himself, putting his hand over his mouth.

I heard a voice speaking to far away.

"You will bring the women I need... won't you, now."

Someone's there !

I crouched down behind the low wall as Travis did the same, and observed the scene.

It's him !

Two persons were facing alone in the area, two men to be exact: the first one was the left-hand man, and the second man was...

Helgenish !

It was well him who was talking with the hooded man: Helgenish himself, but he was all alone without any guards to cover him.

So, that what Helgenish was scheming after he left the tavern...

But seriously, what was he doing with one of the famous crows ? Did they know each other ?

We continued to hear the conversation.

"Competent help is so hard to come by these days. Whatever is a man to do ?", asked the left-hand man coldly.

Helgenish surprisingly didn't look the same: he was very nervous when he spoke.

"I-I can assure you, m'lord, I am doing all that I can...", he tried to reassure him, as he looked pretty small compared to that man with that colossal look.

Suddenly, the crow grabbed him by the neck.

"Argh !..."

He then slowly lifted him with one hand with such strength without almost any effort, making Helgenish squirming.

The fat man started to freak out as the crow slowly approached him towards a burning bracero, and sweated all over his face.

"N-no !... Wait !..."

To be honest, I've never seen Helgenish acting like that. It's like he wasn't the same person at all in his presence...

"Helgenish. We are friends, are we not ? Friends take care of one another, yes ? They do not... disappoint each other.", explained him seriously the crow.

"I-I will do everything in my power... AAAH !"

He finally released him, dropping him on the floor.

The bald man started to regain his breath after being strangled, while the crow looked down at him.

"I saw a fine dancing girl in the tavern. I would rather like such a girl for my own.", he asked him.

...So it is as I thought. Helgenish knows him.

And he seems he has a soft spot for women as well... Was he really only here for the crystals ?

The left-hand man replied.

"Bring the women to the place marked on this map. And... Helgenish ? Try not to keep me waiting.", he gave him a small piece of paper with something written on it.

"B-but of course, m'lord.", answered Helgenish nervously, his eyes still showing fear.

That map...

It might show a certain location: that must be where the left-hand man intended to go. Indeed, perhaps it must be also where the rest of the crows must be hiding...

Finally, the crow was the first to leave, heading in direction of the catacombs while Helgenish, he, slowly started to recover on his foot, still embarrassed.

After redoing his ruff, he started to haste in direction of the Tavern.

Ah !

"Get down !", I shushed.

I crouched down quickly and hid behind the low wall alongside Travis right before Helgenish passed next to us.

The fat man turned to the other direction before going back to the tavern.

Once they all left, we finally got up, as Travis commented.

"This guy looks so strong... I understand, now, how he managed to knock me down without I saw him... Do you believe Helge...nish is a crow too ?"

"No way a man like Helgenish could be like any of them... Not at all.", I answered seriously.

I could say this man, possessing the mark of the crow on his left arm, has never changed since last time I saw him.

That famous night... it was him, who had given the more blows to my father without mercy before the one with the mark on his neck finished him. Even after all those years, he still had that cold but violent behavior that could be able to petrify a person of fear.

There's no way I would underestimate him: I could feel in him such a powerful force that I've never felt for so many years... like 10 years ago.

However, no matter how clever he looked, there won't be any more obstacles in my path which will prevent me to kill him. I swear it, on the honor of my House.

We went down the stairs as I said.

"He went inside the catacombs ! Let's hurry before he escape us !"

"Be careful, Primrose ! It might be another trap !", replied Travis while following me.

"So, let's run into the trap.", I answered coldly.

"What ?! Seriously ?!", he exclaimed.

"Yeah. And it looks like you won't have to use your cuteness again !", I answered while noticing the old guard still sleeping next to the entrance.

"Oh, ok !"

This time, we made sure to not make any noise to wake up the guardian and we entered back inside the catacombs.

Travis's remark was pretty right: perhaps the crow man knew we are following him and he is leading us here inside that dark place, like how he did with Travis the second time he spied on him. Indeed, he could use the environment at his advantage and catch us off guard.

Anyway, this crow seemed smarter than I thought. He must also have a certain control over the city of Sunshade with Helgenish doing anything and everything he says. That could explain one of his reason to wander in such a town, and I was pretty sure Helgenish wasn't the only "friend" of the group in the continent of Orsterra...

So, once again, we were wandering in Sunshade's catacombs, but for looking at someone this time.

I followed the light of the torch to help me find my way through the ancient place while being careful he wasn't hiding to set up another trap. However, I was sure he has nothing else to do in that city anymore and that he wanted to go to that place shown on the map he gave to Helgenish. I didn't know where yet, but once I'll defeat him, I'll make spill the beans before I kill him.

We took first the same path we have taken for searching the crystal, but I then went through different paths and stairs through the dark labyrinth while Travis was doing his best to follow me.

"Wait for me !", he shushed to me several times.

Despite his calls, I didn't wait for him. I continued to make my way through the dusty and sandy stairs by using my instinct.

I also stayed cautious: there would still be a few lizardmen hiding in the place and attacking us at any time.

After walking for so long, I ended up following a new path which was going down more than the old one, and I saw a light.

I stopped Travis as we stayed discreet, hiding on an upper floor.

I observed a tall shadow next to the light and heard also some steps walking down there.

It's him !

I recognized his silhouette right away and saw him going in direction of the light, taking the stairs.

I waited until he left before I took the stairs.

You won't escape me this time !

I noticed the stairs led to the famous light when I felt like the warmth of the sunshine.

Is that... another exit ?

Presumably. I couldn't see any other way he would have taken instead.

Travis joined me quickly, as he looked quite exhausted.

"Let's hurry before he goes away !", I said coldly.

We immediately took the stairs as I was the one who led the way.

I don't know what this guy has in mind, but he could presumably know we're following him !

But if he really thinks he will trick me by surprise, I'll make sure his smartness won't save him again from the death he deserved to get !

We continued to rush through the stairs as we progressively reached the surface, which became increasingly old and deteriorated as we were going up.

And so, we finally spotted the sun outside.

The walls weren't flat anymore and the sand covered the stairs, as we arrived in like the exit of a cavern.

Finally, we were outside, in the desert.

Where is he ?!

I watched around us: we were right in the middle of two rocky canyons reaching 5 meters of height, right in the middle of the desert. Despite we were at the bottom of the cliffs, we could still spot the sun blazing in the sky, and the wind was blowing pretty strong throughout the trail, making a few sand flying by thousands of grains.

We were kinda in the middle of nowhere.

We must have left Sunshade.

As I tried to look for the crow, Travis asked.

"W-where is he ?!..."

I couldn't see him as well, but he shouldn't be too far.

I turned in the right direction which led to the wide sea of sand which is the desert, as we could even spot things from at least 1 mile or 2. Heatwaves were also noticeable from here and were, as usual, deforming slightly the landscape. However, I couldn't see the killer's silhouette from far away, else he wouldn't have enough time to go so far in the desert so we could see him...

However, on the left side, I observed that at a few tens of meters away the wind was blowing quite stronger, probably due to the impressive amount of sand flying. Indeed, there was so much sand that it started to form a small sandstorm and it prevented us to see further like it was a mist.

That would be risky for a normal person to enter in there... but the crows weren't normal persons.

He may have totally gone in direction of that mist to hide his silhouette !

So, I immediately ran through the sandy path to the left, followed closely by Travis.

"He's going to get away ! I won't let that happen !", I exclaimed while running.

Quick !

"And where might you be off to, kitten ?", called suddenly a voice.

"!!!"

We immediately stopped in our tracks.

!!!... This voice !

We both looked up to the cliff when our eyes widened in shock.

"Ah... !"

It was Helgenish !

"Oh no !", exclaimed Travis in shock.

Helgenish was just standing up there on that cliff accompanied by his guards, all wearing those menacing helmets and their black coats which gave them slightly a menacing look.

He was looking down at us annoyingly, his eyebrows slightly bigger than before. Indeed, he was also carrying something... it looked like a red orb, just like the one Travis has described to me.

Why was he in possession of the crystal ?! Did the left-hand man gave it to him ?!

Don't tell me... he has already figured out my runaway !

Maybe he must have bypassed the catacombs... So he knew the place well before me and also where he expected me to get out from there !...

I stayed calm and my first decision was to ask him.

"Master... Helgenish... Whatever are you doing here at this hour ?"

"Funny you should ask... I'm also surprised that you would prefer hanging out with a street brat instead of all the beautiful gentlemen that I've invited just for you.", he said coldly when he added. "As usual, among all my dancers, you were always the one who would exceed my expectations each day, and you also did the same today... but not only from a positive side, I must admit."

"How did you know we would be here ?!", exclaimed Travis.

Suddenly, we heard someone whimpering.

"...!!!"

Helgenish smirked.

"A worthless little stray, this one, but she was kind enough to help me catch a rat."

Two guards approached the cliff while gripping the arms of a person before bringing it to its knees violently.

There were holding someone in hostage !...

!!!

"Yusufa !", we both screamed.

"Prim... I'm... I'm sorry...", she mumbled weakly.

Yusufa !... She was just kneeling at the edge of the cliff, looking completely frightened and harmless.

I noticed in shock that she has so many bruises all over her body. The poor girl was breathing with difficulty while feeling the pain.

Don't tell me... this monster dared to harm her !...

Travis was also very shocked as well.

"W-what did you do to her ?!", he shouted.

The bald man grabbed her by her top, making her flinching, as he explained.

"She was quite intent on keeping her mouth shut, but my boys helped her get it open."

He looked very disgusted towards her.

These monsters must have abused her to oblige her spilling the beans for finding me. Helgenish has done all that... just to find me.

I felt such resentment towards him right now... All I wanted is to beat him like how he beat Yusufa until he couldn't speak anymore...

I also want to rescue her from the clutched of that asshole, but the cliff was too high for we could climb it with bare hands...

As I stared at them menacingly, Helgenish stowed back the red orb inside his coat and sighed.

"It seems I was too lenient with the girl. I won't make that mistake again."

Wait a second... What is he...

He took something else from his pocket.

He then Yusufa tightly by her arm as she was too weak to try fighting back.

His eyes became serious and merciless...

"...!!!"

My eyes suddenly widened.

He wouldn't dare !!...

"NO !"

SLAAASH !!!

Yusufa's eyes widened in terrible shock.

Helgenish... without even letting me the time to do anything... he just stabbed her in the back !

"YUSUFAAAAAAAAAAAA !"

Helgenish then released her, making her fall off the cliff before she landed heavily on the sand.

He also showed his dagger covered of blood, at our horror.

"YUSUFA !"

We both rushed worryingly to her as she was lying motionless at the bottom of the cliff.

We knelt to her as I shouted.

"YUSUFA ! PLEASE ANSWER ME !"

She didn't answer.

Her eyes were shut down and her face became very pale.

I looked for the wound when I saw in shock her blue top being stunned of blood.

Oh no !

She has been hit... through the heart !...

"...ah..."

We saw Yusufa whimpering weakly, as she slowly opened her eyes and watched at me.

"Prim... I've never... heard you... shout so..."

Travis watched at her with teary eyes, as he exclaimed.

"HANG ON, YUSUFA !... WE'RE GONNA FIND A WAY TO TREAT YOUR WOUND !... YOU'LL BE FINE !... YOU'LL GO ON LIVING !..."

Travis... This is useless !...

Despite his promises, I could see through his eyes that sadly... he couldn't do anything for her.

He then exclaimed again.

"WE... WE MUST CARRY HER SOMEWHERE IN A SAFE PLACE ! RIGHT, PRIMROSE ?!.... RIGHT ?!..."

His tears continued to drop as he watched her in that state, completely powerless.

I didn't answer him, but I too wished so much we could do something to help her.

Not even the best medicine would do anything for her...

I heard Yusufa's voice again, as she breathed very weakly.

"Hey... Prim... ? We're... friends... aren't we ?"

"...Wh-what ?"

I listened to her while holding carefully the back of her head.

"I was... I was sold... to this place... as a child... Everyone was so cruel... so miserable... I thought I'd never... make any... friends... It was... lonely... Having... no one...", she frowned while trying to speak when she looked at me in the eyes. "But you... Prim.. You were... different... Always... standing tall proud... No matter... how hard... your days... Looking... at you... It gave me... strength..."

"Yusufa..."

I remembered well... like how I would keep secret my true origins to the others... that Yusufa... never wanted to tell me where she came from... but now I can understand why. I never thought... she would have suffered much more than I expected...

She asked me calmly.

"Tell me... Prim... Were we... friends ?"

!!!...

I remembered well the first time I met her... when I was around 15 years old...

A few weeks after I started to work for Helgenish, one day, a new girl arrived in town and Helgenish presented her to us as a new dancing girl: Yusufa. He also gave her a blue outfit because he thought he would attract more people if the dancers have more varied colors.

The first day she arrived, she had immediately to dance on stage for her first night, as Helgenisg didn't want to give her more time to practice. So, she would often trip and fall on stage, but she was doing all her best despite the jeers of the crowd.

As a consequence, Helgenish commented that she would never be a talented dancer, before depriving her of dinner and obliging her to clean the stage despite she apologize, and when I ate with the other girls, they would often start to criticize her and make fun of her while I just stayed calm.

That night, I didn't sleep immediately like the others, I would often wait patiently in the living room, thinking about my faith. I waited for her return, but I didn't saw her coming as I thought she would have already finished.

I discovered surprisingly that she was just sitting alone next to the entrance, her arms covering her legs, as she felt so lonely and miserable. Honestly, I felt pity for that girl, so I gave her a fruit, so she could eat one's fill and I began a discussion with her about her dancing style.

She told me that she has never danced before, that she never wanted to be in that town in the first place as she didn't understand all the misfortune which happens to her... She reminded me of myself a little, she was a girl who would try to use any effort to do something, so I told her that she danced pretty well for the first.

Yeah, she was dancing better than when I danced for the very first time as a child in front of my father... I explained to her that we don't have to judge a dancer's talent by the first dance, but by all the efforts we make to improve himself in any hobbies. After all, does every dancer have to always to become a talented one ?

She finally liked my company, before telling me my advice really helped her, and finally went back to our apartment.

It wasn't very common for me to provide such help at someone besides my father... but I didn't know why... Yusufa had something in common with me.

Years passed, and amongst all the persons whom I shared my bedroom... Yusufa was the one I cared the most. Every time I see her getting bullied or mocked, I would help her without hesitation by making sure not provoking Helgenish's anger, and support her when she needed to. I would also give her dancing advices to improve her dance and how to please the customers, such as she considered me as a better teacher than Helgenish himself.

She would also support me as well: she really enjoyed to see me dancing like no one else and that would motivate her to be confident. With time, she started to enjoy her life despite the conditions and she would also care for me when I had some problems. We also shared some times together: for example, we would sometimes dance in a duo on stage, or I would teach her how to put on make-up.

Seriously, seeing her smiling made me feel slightly better: she was like... a part of my humanity in that damn place.

That's right... working in that tavern would be so boring as hell if she was never there...

I watched at her with teary eyes, and hold her hand.

"Yes, Yusufa. You were... my friend..."

She smiled.

"Oh... I see."

She looked at Travis, who was still grieving with tears escaping his eyes, and used her other hand to calmly hold his hand.

"I... didn't... forgot you... Travis..."

She sighed, before watching at the sky with a smile.

"You two... are so... wonderful... as friends... It's so good... to have you... as my friends... I'm so... happy... Not... alone... anymore..."

She then slowly closed her eyes, and her hands calmly released ours.

It was her last breath.

"... !"

It was too much for me...

I didn't have the strength to cry...

I put my forehead on her chest, grieving her loss, while Travis just stared at her with deep shock.

Yusufa... Why ?... Why do you have to die for me ?...

~

A/N:...