(Back in the city, an extravagant carriage stops in front of the shop of the Great Mother. A very beautiful woman steps down beside her butler.)

Butler: Ma'am, I advise that you take care of business quickly. If people saw you entering here---

Woman: It will not matter Alfred. I'm just visiting an old friend.

(She enters the shop and looks around until she spots the Great Mother. Both stare for a moment)

Great Mother: Oh? Look what do we have here? And what do I own the pleasure of having The Madame of the city, coming to this humble shop?

Madame: Well, you know, I was passing by, and decided it was time to do something beneficial to the city and help poor people. (She smirks)

Great Mother: Listen here old hag! You can't come waltzing in here with your preposterous tone!

Madame: O-old hag?! Me?! Look at yourself ugly witch!?

(After some time screaming, both stopped and began to laugh)

Great Mother: You look ravishing, my dear. Time has taken a toll on this decaying body.

Madame: You say that, but growing old, is one of the few gifts I would die for. You are the one that is truly beautiful.

(Both hugged and tears began to drop from their faces)

Great Mother: I always wished we could remain playing like old times in the city.

Madame: But destiny played against us, you, leader of the demon clan, and me, one of the leaders of underworld of the cities. Amidst that, you are one of the persons I cherish the most.

(Madame kisses the Great Mother in the cheek.)

Great Mother: María, don't! I don't want people to see you like this, with me!

Madame: I don't care! Even if it is for 5 minutes, I want to be me, and what a better opportunity than being with my best friend?

(Tears rolled down)

Madame: Well, anyway, I just came here to announce you that the Madame of the south city is going to renounce her title and a new one is going to be born.

Great Mother: So soon?

Madame: Yes. Destiny is a cruel fiend. Also, did you felt the earthquake?

Great Mother:...yes. It seems the prophecy is beginning.

Madame: I pray for that to be just that, a myth.

(Madame turns around and walks towards the exit)

Madame: You are always welcome in the Den, Margaret. Just say the word and it's done.

Great Mother: You know I can't. There are roles that must be played. You there, and I here.

(Madame face turns sad)

Madame: I will see you again, ugly witch.

Great Mother: You too, old hag.

(Both shared a tender goodbye. The Madame enters the carriage and her expression changes to a serious one.)

Alfred: To where now Ma'am?

Madame: To the market. There are some business that needs to be taken care of.

(The carriage moves forward)

(To the south of the capital, in the cottage, Joss sleeps in a big, comfy bed. He wakes up and tries to move but there is something heavy besides him. When he uncovers the sheets, there was the slave girl. He moves abruptly falling to the floor. Merlin enters the room with a smile.)

Merlin: Don't make so much noise, or you will wake her up. When you are ready, come outside.

(Joss puts up a shirt he found in a chair. Outside was Merlin, sitting in a white glowing chair. Besides her was Anastacya in her mage robes. Shion was sitting on the floor with his eyes closed.)

Merlin: Come here Joss. (A chair appears)

Joss: Merlin I--

Merlin: I SAID, SIT.

(Joss moved quickly)

Merlin: I can't even know what to say. What you did back there, in that town was plainly stupid. There was no reason at all for you to go to that town and kill all that people. Do you know how you made all those poor little creatures feel?

Joss: Are they all right?!

Merlin: Yes they are! They are safe within this village. No one will harm them. Now, I expect a really good excuse.

(Joss lowers his head)

Joss: There...there is none. I moved completely by myself. I thought I could save them...without all that bloodshed. And Cerberus...wait...Cerberus?!

Merlin: He is alright too. A friend of us took care of him. He is making sure his kin are all right. He will be back to us soon. As for what you said...(she stands and walks to him, got close and pat him) I know how you feel, but you can't take those kinds of actions before telling someone or be accompanied. This world is a cruel and savage one, and with your power alone, you will not survive. Even thou, you can use the demon's clan technique or your power as a Deadman, that is not enough.

Anastacya: What?! Deadman?! Ithough---

Shion: Demon's...clan?

Merlin: Silence! I will answer all your questions, but first, I must start training you.

(She turns to everyone.)

Merlin: Because all of you are weak. (Says with a loud voice)

Merlin: You wouldn't survive even a day outside this town. It is time that you become stronger. And it will be my job to do it. Follow me.

(They all stepped outside the house. In the grass, laying there, it was Cerberus. Joss ran to him)

Joss: How are you doing pal?

Cerberus: I'm ok, although I don't remember quite well what happened. But I'm in good health, so don't worry.

Merlin: Cerberus, please come, you will be an important key to Joss' growth.

Cerberus: Ok Merlin.

(They went to the balcony)

(In the balcony, they all align in front of Merlin)

Merlin: As I stated before, you all are weak. For that reason, I will train all of you from the beginning. First, sit on the floor. (They all did. Merlin spoke some words and 3 stones appeared. She handled one for each)

Merlin: I want you to focus your energy on the stones. Just think of your power as a river that needs to find the ocean. Once you do that, the stone will change color. I will leave you this task as I need to deliver some things.

(She left to the front of the house as the 3 were trying to do as Merlin said.)

Merlin: Malfestio, come!

(From the air, a creature flew to Merlin)

Malfestio: I'm here Master, what do you need?

Merlin: I need your help. I will visit the capital. Can you take me there?

Malfestio: Ummmm...no.

Merlin: Really? Even thou I'm your master?

Malfestio: It's so far awaaaaay and I'm tired!!! (Says with a nagging voice)

(Merlin sighs)

Merlin: I have your rasperries here.

(Malfestio raised his head quickly)

Malfestio: RASPERRIES!!!!

Merlin: You must be an obedient owl. I'm a good master but I don't know what will happen when I'm gone.

(Malfestio ran and hugged Merlin)

Malfestio: It doesn't matter since you always will be with Malfestio!

(She shares the raspberries.)

Malfestio: Ok, let's go. Spirits of the wind, lent me your power!

(A strong gust raised Malfestio and Merlin and carried both to the capital.)

(As they arrive at the university, Merlin takes a new attitude. She enters it gracefully with her robes. Malfestio follows her while he eats his raspberries. She walks and all the doctors bow their heads towards her.)

Merlin: If I remember correctly it was the third floor.

(She enters a teleportation circle and arrived in Arabella's room. She stares in confusion.)

Merlin: What is this place? This isn't my chamber!

(While Ancano was organizing some books from his most promising student in centuries, he heard the familiar female yell of Merlin. A mage that had left the walls of the College, forsaking her claim to anything she might have owned within, the moment she left as an independent scholar.)

Ancano: 'Well, well, if it isn't Merlin. What brings you back to the College? Last time I saw you, you were leaving to take on your research to new levels outside of the College.'

(He says while walking, with some books about atronach forge recipes.)

(Merlin notices Ancano.)

Merlin: Oh Ancano! How long has passed? I remember you as a young mage in training. Time has tolled us greatly. It seems my chamber was given to another person. I came to deliver the usual herbs and mushrooms to you. And to see your apprentice.

(A magic circle appears with the rarest herbs, mushrooms, and plants in all the kingdom)

Merlin: Growing them has been a truly hassle, but if it's for you, I would do it.

(She hands all the goods to him)

Merlin: So, where is she?

(Looking slightly annoyed at her attitude but keeping his composure and relaxed appearance says.)

Ancano: 'Thank you very much for the prompt delivery. Normally I would let my familiars handle the menial tasks of accepting the ingredients, but I do appreciate the prompt and haste delivery. Thank you for growing the necessary ingredients. Well, about my apprentice, how did you find out about them? I don't usually go about flaunting newfound talent, and she is quite busy at the moment.'

(Merlin smiles)

Merlin: Sorry for my manners. It has been so long since I visited this place. That's one of the reasons I left. Anyways, I always know. (She smiles) I just came personally, because I don't know if this will be my final delivery to you. I know we don't sympathize a lot, but I hold this place very dear to my heart and you as well.

(She says with a soft and sentimental voice)

Merlin: It has been a long journey.

(She looks at the room.)

Merlin: So, can you tell me where is your apprentice?

Ancano: 'She is, at the moment and for the foreseeable future, doing a very delicate dissection of an item that was once held by the Lancers and specifically given to her first familiar. I would advise not to interrupt the sealing ceremony. Why do you incur of her whereabouts? '

Merlin: I want to give her one of my special books. (She winks) One of the first copies and rare ones. It seems she is the only one besides me capable enough to decipher it and give it the actual use. But it seems you cannot help me. I fare you my goodbyes and I hope you may grow in wisdom and blessings. May the world bless you, Master Ancano.

(She bows her head and walks towards the exit. Malfestio follows her while still eating)

Ancano: 'You always where a testy and inpatient person. How about you wait around here and make yourself comfortable. I know Arabella will be quite cross with me if I let a book by yourself go. She is a fan of your writings.'

Merlin: If you say so Ancano. I don't want to impose myself since I'm not well accepted with some people. I will accept your offer and wait here.

(She makes two seats with creation magic. One for her and another for Malfestio. She then waits)

Arabella: 'If you excuse me, for a minute I need to look for some tongs. I'll be right back, Lucy.'

(Then she goes to the warp pad and goes to the third floor of her tower, and then she sees her. Her favorite author on magical theory as of late.)

Arabella: 'Oh my KHANBAROSH!!!!! Is that Merlin?!???!?!?!???!??'

(Then she runs up to her and starts vibrating with excitement.)

Ancano: 'Well, I'll step out for a bit. I'm hungry.'

(Ancano then goes to the warp pad and disappears.)

(Merlin tilts at her in confusion)

Merlin: I didn't knew I had a follower and someone who knew me and read my books.

(She smiles)

Merlin: You must be Arabella. You are far more prettier in person. This little fellow here is called Malfestio.

(Malfestio turns and flies to Arabella)

Malfestio: Well hello there miss! Do you have raspberries?

Merlin: Quiet Malfestio. I gave you already.

Arabella: 'Well, I don't have any raspberries, but I do have an assortment of nuts on that shelf over there. Just make sure not to touch the rest of the items in there. The body parts need time to set before they are moved around. Especially the livers and eyeballs.'

(She says while pointing to the pantry on the left side of the room. Then she turns back to Merlin.)

Arabella: 'Well thank you for you compliment, but honestly, who wouldn't be a fan of your works? They are so easy to understand for beginners and your explanation on magical theory on all levels has been transcendental on my research. Without your research, mine would've been at a standstill for at least a couple more months.'

(Malfestio lowers his head)

Merlin: Well, first...(She walks and touches the room. Strange symbols appeared around the room)

Merlin: Sorry if I startle you, but I'm about to give you is something that can help you in your future projects.

(She chants some words and a magic symbol, unknown from mages appears. Merlin puts her hand and from the magic circle she takes out a strange black/brown book)

Merlin: Here dear. This book is called Ultimum Magicae Libro. It's a compendium of different kinds of magic. Different tiers, summoning, offensive, healing, defensive magic. A very dear friend gave it to me long ago. It has the names of prominent mages and witches of the entire world.

Arabella: (Startled at the sudden powerful aura filling the room, hers came up to match the level of power. She contemplates what was said to her, but she then realized that her research, with this book, might actually be useful to somebody and will never be forgotten by the ages.)

'Well, if that's all, the yes Merlin I accept. Thank you for this honor.'

(Meanwhile, Lucy and U remained in another contained room.)

U: Well we can't touch it but, observing is the best part of a study my dear. - he leans forward- the Box is beautiful. Seems to be a twist off and a puzzle. Some writings on it as well.

Lucy: Well... What can it be? Why would the Lancers deliver it to me?

U: It's not so much as the Lancers but the Queens and Kings of Oamni. That means that you are noticed my dear. You should be excited and fond of that honor. As for what's in the box... Uuum well. - he expands himself, looking at every angle- I ... don't know.

(They hear a very weak whispers)

Lucy: But ... Why would I want the attention of ..

U: Did you hear that? Was that Arabella?

(Lucy gets upset due to the interruption and ignores his statement)

Lucy: I don't care!!! I want answers!!

(Her skin glooms a bit and the veins in her eyes darken. U goes back into his normal form and stands tall in shock of her attitude)

U: LUCY!! I do not deserve this atti...

Lucy: Shut it!! You Filthy Mimic!! Just like your kind, why you hide it!!

(U Backs up and his mouth closes and his eyes tighten. He is left in disappointment.

(Lucy turns pale and her veins come in black.)

(U in shock, he goes to hold her but feels that he is being pushed away. Not a power of Lucy but from a third party. He looks at the box that's in the chamber and sees it floating and a red horizontal moon crest liquid appearing above it)

U: Lucy ... Please... Calm down... Im your..

Lucy: Not my father.

(While Merlin and Arabella were talking, Malfestio began to move through the room, tripping sometimes and moving objects with his wind. Merlin notices.)

Merlin: Can you do me a favor, my dear?

Arabella: What would that favor entail?'

(Merlin stares at Malfestio for a moment)

Merlin: Malfestio, come.

(The kid came flying)

Merlin: I would like if you could take care of this little guy.

(Malfestio looks at Merlin a bit confused)

Merlin: He may be a little impatient and kind of a prankster, but he is a good kid.

Malfestio: But but but Merlin...

(Merlin turns to Malfestio)

Merlin: Listen here Malfestio, I will embark in a perilous journey and I don't want anything bad happening to you. You are brave and intelligent owl. I want you to grow and become a wise owlman. I believe you can do it and restore your kin in the Forever Woods.

(Small tears rolled through Malfestio's cheeks.)

Malfestio: Will she play with me and give me raspberries like you do?

Merlin: I know she will. Believe me, she will take care of you, even more than I do.

Malfestio: If that's what you think...I will do it! (Says with a voice of courage)

Merlin: That's my boy. Here Arabella, I will leave Malfestio in your care.

(Merlin slightly touches Malfestio's chest and said the world "release". The symbol vanishes.)

Malfestio: Just promise me you will come here to play with me.

Merlin: I will promise.

Arabella: 'W-w-what?! Wait a second! Isn't Malfestio important to you? Why are you giving him to me?!'

Merlin: He is but some things...happened that need my full attention and he is developing. He needs someone capable and trustworthy to take care of him and you are that person. I know it.

Malfestio: I'm in your hands now Missy!

Arabella: 'I cannot accept this. Not like you are handing him to me as if he were an object without feelings. Malfestio, are you truly alright with this? Staying here with me?'

Malfestio: I trust in what Merlin says. Besides, she is always doing something, and she is old too! I want to move and fly and eat raspberries!

Merlin: Old me? Says the one that has 100 years! (Says in a funny tone)

Merlin (turns to Arabella): Believe me child, he will accept you and he will become an incredible owlman in your hands.

Arabella: 'Alright then. If Malfestio accepts, then I will accept the pass-over. Oh! And Malfestio, Ancano has a stash of berries somewhere on this floor. How about you try and find them?'

'And thank you, Merlin. For everything. Truly.'

Merlin: It is not a problem, dear. Thank you for taking care of him, although---

(Merlin senses a strange aura in the place, coming in the direction of the box. A magnificent wooden staff appears)

Merlin: This presence...is there a strange artifact nearby?

Arabella: 'Oh, yes! Just the most fascinating thing. An artifact, given to one of my familiars in a box by the Lancers. The Lancers! Would you like to come up to investigate?'

Merlin: We need to move now, that box is enchanted with evil magic and it's trying to possess someone right now!

Arabella: 'Thanks and did you just say possess?!?! Shiitake, that was why Lucy was acting so strangely! Lead the way Merlin!'

(With a majestic magic, Merlin shouts: "Path of guidance, reveal yourself"! And are instantly transported to where Lucy and U are and are perplexed by the scene)