The first thing that Gusion did was retrace his steps before he left to that godforsaken school.

He was sitting in a café, calculating his next target's coordinates, then a bird dropped that parchment in his coffee.

Then the next few days he spent his time tracking the school down. Turns out that paper was a spell that led them here magically. He'd studied that spell, but no such luck. It was a magic as ancient as Lunox's menial mind.

But what was that shadow?

Helcurt?

Why would he take Lesley? To help her with dark magic? Can't be. Heck, his encounter with Helcurt had been both weird and messed up.

But Lesley wasn't a mage.

First thing's first, he needed information and help, preferably his friends. But where had they gone to? They started at different locations but ended up in the same destinations.

He remembered. That time before they fell under team SABER's control. They had exchanged personal information.

From what he could recall, Natalia and Tigreal lived in a city. Fanny lived in a warzone. Harley and Lesley lived with the Vance family. Hayabusa lived in a ninja village. Karina and Selena lived near the moon elves' ruined haven.

Well... there isn't any other option, is there? Maybe he could go to Odette and Lancelot for help.

But where was he now? It'd been so long. The only thing he recognized was the cold.

He was standing in a snow biome, with his feet inches deep into the snow. The blizzard raged on, and the road ahead was unclear.

Gusion learned plenty of magic. One of them was to sustain body heat in harsh environments. Years of study had allowed him to pass every challenge he'd encountered, but he had no clue whose or which domain he was in.

"Hello?" he called out to the mist. Nobody answered him. "Is anyone there?"

He walked on. His legs were starting to get sore, especially when the ground was starting to get steep.

Does this mean he's on a mountain? If so, how big is it?

Panting, sweat beaded his forehead as they started to turn as cold as ice.

Eventually he was met with a majestic ice castle.

Gusion blinked. He'd heard of a mythical hero with ice magic. But could this really be who Odette had told him?

The ice doors opened magically. A woman with pale skin, a blue evening gown and blue hair stepped out.

"Queen Aurora," Gusion realized.

The colour of Aurora's eyes were like ice, but they were warm. "Ah, young one," she said with a sharp, melodious voice. "I have been expecting you."

Normally when someone says that, it's been proven that 110% of the chances that you should run. But Aurora was a good host. Besides, the cushioned chair was better than trudging through metre-deep snow.

"Please, sit." Aurora smiled. Ice statues moved to life with magic, serving them scones and tea. Surprisingly, they were warm. "Have some tea and scones."

Gusion straightened. This was the second royalty he'd encountered. "Your Majesty, why were you expecting me?"

Aurora chuckled. "I presume you've heard of Princess Odette and her now-prince?"

He nodded hesitantly. "They told me about you. You're their teacher?"

"Why, yes," Aurora said fervently. Her voice was sharp compared to Odette's. But when the swan princess reminded him of a mother, the ice queen reminded him of a conscious assassin; cold but soft. "They're quite the students. I am delighted to see them rule their own kingdom."

Gusion bit his lip. "The school's been shut down."

Aurora's smile vanished. "Oh?"

He explained everything that had happened so far, including the details of Lunox's craziness, her crush on him and whatnot. Aurora listened with caution.

After he was finished, Aurora looked crestfallen. "I suppose that explains why the portals haven't been working."

"You return?"

"Well, it's a complicated matter, I grant you that. Usually every four years, former students – royalty, are to visit to give lectures on potential future rulers. That hasn't happened for many years, but I am shocked that this generation has what it takes to found or rule a kingdom."

Gusion put down his chocolate chip scone. Suddenly it didn't look so appetizing.

"My friend. She's been kidnapped." He tried not to shake from anger. "Right before we were sent back. I don't know who took her, but I was too late."

Aurora nodded. "In my day at teachings, there's been similar cases occurring. Only not as dramatic. Odette is the one that is accessing the situation. I could call her up if you wish."

Odette! She'd talked to him about dark magic. Something had happened, then. The way she shut him down regarding the topic, which meant she knew what could have happened.

"Yes," he said. "That would be awesome. Thank you."

Moments later, an eccentric portal appeared next to them, blasting ballet music. Odette walked out covering her eyes.

"For pity's sake, Lance!" she groaned. "We really need to turn that music off."

Gusion had no idea whether if he'd been teleported into an alternate universe. He never saw Odette complain about anything.

"I heard about Lesley." Odette sat on the ice chair next to him. "I'm truly sorry. How can I help?"

Gusion paused. "You know?"

She nodded. "It's all over my kingdom. The Vance family is devastated. They had been searching all over for Harley's sister."

He wished she could leave out Harley's sister. That midget had given him more migraines than anyone had. All he wanted was a decent day with his friends. Why did everything had to be flirting to the kid?

It's like, Hey Lesley, your note's a little messy today-

CUT THAT FLIRTING WITH MY SISTER!

"Do you know what took her?"

Odette shook her head. She sighed. "I am not there, child. I cannot determine what that magic was. I can only assure you that I have my finest magic professors and mages on the case. You are always welcome to my palace."

Gusion bit the insides of his cheeks. Why were they so kind to him? He'd killed people. He'd shed blood. He'd torn families apart. But why were they treating him like one of their own?

Even after what'd happened, he had a hard time accepting people who care for him for who he truly was. Not a façade, not a false identity, but they accept him for him as himself. Just like how he accepted Natalia. Lesley. Zilong. Saber. Fanny. Karina. Selena. And maybe even Roger.

Maybe.

Maybe not.

He fought back tears. He'd cried once. He couldn't show weakness in front of anyone.

But why was this different?

On his journey of his life, he'd cried because of pain, grief and rejection. But why was he crying because of someone being so nice to him? He didn't deserve their kindness. Not one bit.

Assassins like him were evil. They kill for their own causes, not feeling one bit of remorse. Assassins were emotionless, not being able to love.

Could they?

Natalia had fallen in love with Tigreal. Selena and Karina shared a sisterly love. Heck, him, Hayabusa and Saber were like brothers. Even though the emo ninja had a chick for his girlfriend and another chick for his best friend, they were happy for him.

Because unlike him, he was a clutz when it came to romance. Who the heck said he was a playboy? He couldn't flirt for his life.

Moreover, Lesley's first impression of him was thanks to Fanny.

"You're troubled," Aurora said. She'd been so quiet and obscured by Odette's presence Gusion almost forgot he was sitting on butt-freezing ice. "Assassins are not all bad, child. Don't push yourself too hard."

Odette gripped his hand gently. "You have already atoned for your sins. You've saved many lives and more to come."

Gusion nodded lightly. He raised his head, but saw the ice queen subtly glaring at Odette's hand on his and the swan princess glowering back as if he was the topic of confliction.

Oh no, he thought. I think I just got two new moms.

* * * *

Let the battle of the moms begin. Who do you think is the best?

1. Odette

2. Aurora

3. Alucard

4. Lesley