Jonah had already gone out of his room after sunset. The letter from Ashengrotto tucked inside in the brown coat of his dorm uniform but his silver cutlass was nowhere to be seen. The meeting was supposed to be civil and Jonah tried to respect that. Heck, he even disabled every weapon and power up in his arm. He didn't want someone to get hurt because he carelessly swinging his sword or turn on his flame-thrower because he was angry.

The evening was chilly like in those horror movies, but knowing what he's about to do, might as well call this one too. Walking up to the Hall of Mirrors, he stole a glance toward the Heartslabyul. He bit his lip, feeling guilty. He never told the Heartslabyul about the letter, but he assumed Grim might say something. It was only a matter of time before Senior Riddle found out that he went out first, going in without telling him the full plan once again.

A mirror rippled and Jonah stopped his track. But it didn't come from Heartslabyul, instead it was Savanaclaw. The familiar wolf-boy emerged from the mirror, turning his head toward him.

"Aren't you supposed to be in bed?" Jonah asked.

Jack raised an eyebrow at him. "What about you? Want to meet up with Azul early?"

"He already decided the time of the meeting," Jonah huffed. "I thought I did my best not telling you guys."

Jack crossed his arm in front of his chest. "So, his guesses are right," he said. "You are hiding something."

Jonah narrowed his eye at him. "Did Senior Riddle send you to watch me?"

Jack shook his head. Jonah sighed. "Good. I don't need him to stop me." Stepping closer to Octavinelle Mirror, he glanced back at Jack. A dangerous glint shining from his eye. "And I trust you won't do that?"

Jack ignored the warning or just stubborn enough not to back down. Striding quickly before the captain could step through, he grabbed the smaller boy's upper arm. Jonah didn't even try to get away, knowing that he's weaker than him.

"Hey. You said it last time: the lone wolf will only be hunted by the crowd," he said. "Then why are you going in alone?"

Did he say that? Huh. That was a long time ago. "It's different."

"How different?"

Jonah didn't answer immediately. He was racking his brain for a reason. What's different this time? He was willing to help Senior Riddle's plan in finding the culprit back then, so why he kept hiding from him in his? "I... W-Well he..."

Jack kept staring at him and Jonah could feel the anxiety. Why? "Look." Jonah tried to pull his hand. "If you kept me here any longer, we'll be losing our chance to save them."

Jack was silent for a while before finally loosen his grip, letting Jonah pulled back his hand with a click of his tongue. Jonah gave Jack a sideways glance. "So? Are you coming or not?"

Jack blinked. "What?"

Jonah just shrugged. "There has to be a reason why you're out here, right?"

Staring at the captain, Jack sighed. "I did say, I want to help you, but in the end, I didn't do anything."

A small smile grazed Jonah's lips. "It's alright." His eye averted down. "To be honest, I would like to have as little people as I could."

"Why?"

Jonah opened his mouth, only to close it again, shaking his head. Looking forward, he took a deep breath before jumping through the mirror.

"Jonah!" Jack quickly took out his phone, sending an emergency message to Trey, Jack followed the captain.

The Mostro Lounge was empty around this time and Azul would normally be questioning the lack of customer. But of course, nothing was strange tonight, for this is a special occasion.

Jade came up beside him and leaned down next to his ear. "He's here."

Azul sighed through his nose. "Send him in." Jade nodded and once again walked away. It was only a matter of seconds before he heard the sound of more than one person's footsteps stopping a few feet behind him and it wasn't Jade because he returned to his position on his right.

Azul closed his eyes and put down the cup of tea he was drinking. "Welcome, dear client." Spinning his barstool, he rested his elbows on the bar behind him and one leg crossed on top of the other. Once again, he found himself staring at the familiar one-eyed boy and his white wolf friend. One of the pockets of his coat was glowing in yellow light, signing that he brought his letter as a temporary counter charm.

Jonah looked calm and collected while Jack was looking at him suspiciously. Azul chuckled. "Now, now. Don't just stand there. Why don't we sit down and chat for a while?"

"Where are they, Ashengrotto?" Jonah asked and Azul held himself back from huffing in annoyance.

"Are you really that worried about that meddling crew of yours?"

Jonah clenched his hand on his side. "I said this once and I'll say it again." His eyes narrowed, glaring at him. "Mess up with my crew and I'll launch a canon at you."

Azul glared back at him. He let out a tired sigh. "Fine then." With a loud snap of his finger, the kitchen door was kicked open. Floyd strode out, waving his glowing magical pen. Ace, Deuce, and Grim stumbled in, groaning in pain.

"Captain!" Ace screamed as Floyd brought them down to their knees. "We're sorry! We didn't mean to-"

"Aah~ You're noisy!" Floyd whined as he waved his pen again, pulling the anemones even harsher.

"Guys!" Before Jonah could run up to them, Azul tapped his cane to the ground, silencing everyone and gaining the captain's attention once again.

"Now, now, captain," Azul smirked. "Don't let them distract you?" Without looking, he picked up his cup of tea again. "How about we just discuss your unfortunate problem?"

Jonah and Jack glanced at each other, before turning their attention back to Azul. "Alright."

The two underclassmen walked toward the bar. Jonah setting himself right next to Azul while Jack sat behind him. Jonah rested an elbow at the table and cupping his chin on the palm of his hand. "Let's just cut the case, Ashengrotto," he stated. "You know why I'm here."

Azul hummed. "Yes. You want me to free all those 225 poor clients that Jade and Floyd worked so hard to gather." He clicked his tongue. "Though isn't it a tad bit rude to just waste all their hard work? Besides, I'm not making them do any work that goes against labor standards. They agreed to my terms before signing the contract. You can't just nullify a contract just because you think they're pathetic. In other words..." He picked up his cup again and brought it to his lips, eyes narrowed at Jonah. "You are too late."

Jonah frowned. "Which is why I purpose a compromise. I want to make a deal with you."

They could hear the noises of protest coming from the three anemones but both of them agreed to ignore them. The corner of Azul's lips curled up. Chuckling, he said, "This is what I like about you, Captain Argentum. Your unpredictability is quite astounding." He put down his cup, the smile never left his face. "However, it seemed we have a bit of a problem."

"Are you talking about the collateral?"

"Unfortunately, yes. You do not possess a beautiful voice nor are you a royal country's only heir. You are but a simple human. If you wish to ask for something big, the collateral must be of equal value."

Jonah took a deep breath before letting it out through his mouth, an attempt to calm this beating heart. This is it. There is no going back after this.

... I'm so sorry, Riddle.

With a calm voice, Jonah spoke, "Then how about I give you my free-will?"

*BANG!*

"DON'T YOU DARE!"

All heads turned toward the entrance of the cafe where Riddle stood, face red with anger, his staff already pointing at Azul. "[OFF WITH YOUR HEAD]!"

Floyd laughed, jumping in front of Azul. "[Bind the Heart]~" he announced with a sing-song voice. A magic circle appeared in front of him, acting like a shield that suddenly reflected the upcoming red magic circle, shooting it back at Riddle. The Heartslabyul Prefect's eyes widened, but Trey suddenly appeared, pulling him behind the vice prefect and pointed his magical pen at the magic, screaming, "[DOODLE SUIT]!" He turned Riddle's reflected magic into playing cards.

"Hahaha! This is fun!" Floyd suddenly ran fast toward them and jumped. Trey's eyes widened, unable to dodge the kick from Floyd. It was shockingly strong, sending him to the side, his back hitting the wall with a gasp.

"Trey-" Riddle screamed, but he was cut off when suddenly Floyd's hand found itself around his neck, cutting his breath as he was being lifted up from the ground.

"Hey, hey, Goldfish~" Floyd cooed, tightening the grip around the smaller boy's neck. "It's a bit rude to barge in a very important meeting."

Suddenly a gush of wind hit Floyd in the stomach, forcing him to let go of Riddle, making him fall to the ground. Cater ran toward the coughing prefect, still armed with his magical pen.

Jade stepped forward, a magic circle already appearing underneath his shoes. With one flick of his magical pen, he sent a water rope toward Cater. The orange-haired senior threw himself on top of Riddle, shielding him from the attack. However, the rope managed to tie itself around his hips and lifted the boy from the ground, sending him flying toward Trey.

Jack already shot out from his seat and punched Jade in the face. The senior staggered back, a cruel smile grazed his lips. Floyd had already got up, throwing his own punches and kicks at Jack who attacked back.

Jade glanced toward the three anemones. "Now. Don't slack off." He waved his wand and the anemones on Ace and Deuce head started to wiggle. Both of the Heartslabyul students suddenly threw themselves toward Riddle, but the prefect jumped out of the way, pointing his staff toward Jade and shot out a ball of fire, only to be counter with Jade's own ball of water.

Jonah jumped off from his seat. "Stop it!" he screamed. "Stop it now!"

"Hold a minute." Azul also stood up and put a hand on Jonah's shoulder, making the boy underneath him freeze. "Pay attention."

"Prefect Riddle! Watch out!" Ace somehow found himself grabbing a broom and started swinging it at Riddle who blocked it with his staff.

Trey and Cater finally got up and Cater immediately shot a wind-magic to throw Ace away from Riddle until he hit a table. "I'm sorry, Ace!" yelled Cater.

"It's okay..." Ace groaned in response. Jade waved his pen again, this time sending Deuce with his punches. Trey jumped in front of Riddle throwing, blocking Deuce's punch. However, Deuce suddenly punched him in the stomach, sending Trey to the ground. Cater pointed his pen at Deuce, but suddenly Grim came flying toward him, mouth open and teeth sharp. The controlled cat latched itself onto Cater's side biting it, earning a scream of pain from the senior. He tried to hit Grim on the head but the cat wouldn't let go.

"Cater-" Riddle was cut off with Ace suddenly tackled him, positioning himself behind Riddle, a knee on the prefect's back and pining both arms behind his back. Deuce kicked Trey on the stomach, forcing him to lay on his back, and pressed his foot onto the greenette's chest.

Floyd and Jack kept exchanging punches and kicks until Jack managed to kick Floyd to the ground, but the Leech boy managed to regain his composure quickly and swept Jack off his feet. Quickly, he tackled Jack and pressed his magical pen on Jack's side, sending electricity coursing through the wolf-boy's vein.

"You see, captain?" Azul's hand found itself grabbing Jonah's jaws as the boy shut his eyes, didn't have the heart to see the outcome of the battle. "On my ground, you don't have the power." Azul's lips curled up into a cruel smile. "So, how about we return to our discussion, shall we?"

"Jonah Argentum, stop this!" Riddle screamed even though it was futile to try to escape. "Don't you dare make a deal with him!"

Azul guided Jonah back to his seat and stood behind him, his hand never left his shoulder. "Now then. What was your collateral again?"

Jonah gulped. His eye gazed onto Riddle and suddenly he felt guilty, despite he was so confident before. Jonah closed his eye and took a deep breath. Without opening his eye, somehow it helped to steady his voice. "For my collateral... I'm giving you my free-will."

Several gaps were coming from the others but Jonah tried to ignore them. "If you win, then you can do whatever you want with me. Make me your anemone forever if you must. I won't run. I won't try to fight back or escape. I'm basically useless outside of you. And everything that I have left will be yours."

Azul was silent for a while. He glanced toward Riddle. The prefect looked devastated and angry at the same time. All of them were but it seemed that Riddle was affected the most. Azul looked down to Jonah again. "And how am I going to be sure that you will keep the end of the bargain?"

Jonah glanced up at him. "I am the captain of my word. I won't back down from a promise." He averted his gaze elsewhere as if he was considering something. "But if you need to confiscate something from me first." He took a deep breath and let it out. "This shall do."

Without warning, Jonah stood up and turned around, grabbing Azul's collar and pulling it harshly toward him. At the same time, Jonah leaned forward, crashing his lips on to Azul's in an impromptu kiss. "Mmph?!" Azul's eyes widened and his fingers twitched in disbelief. The room suddenly fell quiet, too shocked to react. The kiss itself was clearly amateurish. No tongue or nibbling involved. Jonah just spontaneously pressing their lips together. It was really awkward and slightly uncomfortable with their angle. Before Azul could even do anything, as quick as it came, Jonah pulled back, staring at the shocked face of the Octavinelle Prefect.

"What?" Jonah asked with a twitching smile, despite his pink-tainted cheeks. "Did I caught you by surprise? Or Maryanne was wrong and this was also your first kiss?"

Azul pushed Jonah away. There was a light blush on his cheek as he wiped his lips with the back of his gloved hand. "What do you think you're doing?" he muttered.

"Like I said," Jonah spoke, now sounding surer than before. "I'm risking everything on the line. And I mean everything. My power, my freedom, my first kiss, everything." He glared at Azul. "Will this be suitable as my collateral?"

The room was silent, waiting for Azul to respond. The Octavinelle Prefect let out a chuckle. "You'll gonna regret this."

"I'm willing to risk it," Jonah answered with a smirk. He stepped back, sitting the chair once occupied by Azul. "I've said my part, now I want to hear your condition."

Azul sat on Jonah's previous chair. "I think I have the perfect challenge for you," he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "In three days' time, I want you to steal a certain picture from the Atlantica Memorial Museum in the Coral Seas. It is the commemoration picture of Prince Rielle's visit taken 10 years ago."

Jonah raised an eyebrow at him. "A prince's commemoration picture?"

Azul nodded. "It is positioned right near the entrance, so historically, it is of little importance. It is just that, a simple picture. It won't cause a huge panic even if it's gone missing."

"The Atlantica Memorial Museum in the Coral Seas is quite the famous tourist spot where you can see a lock of the King's 'Silver Hair' and even the infamous 'Mermaid Princess's Cork-opener'," Jade added. "It's not like we're making you search for something impossible at the bottom of the sea."

"Oh, yeah~" Floyd laughed, twirling his pen between his fingers. "I remember going there during our elementary school field trips~"

"Sounds simple, right? Just swim to the museum, take the picture, and bring it to me. You can use any methods, but I want that picture in my hand before the sunset on the third day." Azul picked up his cane and tapped the ground. Suddenly, a golden parchment appeared in front of Jonah's face. "So, do we have a deal?"

Jonah picked up the contract, reading it to make sure there wasn't any possible loophole that would bring him at a disadvantage. He glanced back to his fallen friends, all of them looked like they were pleading for him not to do this, especially after knowing what he's sacrificing. Somehow, Jonah managed to pull a genuine smile for him. "Sorry, guys. But it's the only way."

Ignoring the cries from the other, Jonah picked up the feather and signed his name at the bottom of the paper. Azul couldn't stop smiling as a violet magic circle appeared behind Jonah's signature, sealing the deal. It shone one last time before it folded itself and flew toward Azul's hand.

"[It's A Deal], Mister Argentum!" Azul shouted proudly. "If you succeed in doing the job, I will release all 225 of the servants that I have working under me right now. But if you don't, well." He chuckled, lips pulled in a cruel smile. He once again reached for Jonah's chin, his thumb purposely caressing that soft lips of his. "You belong to me!"

Jonah glared at him. "I won't lose to you."

Azul chuckled. "Give me a show that I won't regret, Captain." He stepped back, that smile never left his face. "Oh. And you better hold your breath."

Right when he said that, the invitation letter in Jonah's coat burnt out and suddenly Jonah found himself unable to breathe again. He tried to cover his nose and mouth but small bubbles managed to escape. Azul snapped his fingers, finally letting Ace, Deuce, and Grim off from their victim. Jack was the first one to run off, quickly pulling Jonah in bridal-style and ran out the door before the boy drowns again. Trey slung one of Cater's arm over his shoulder while the orange-haired boy tried his best to stay away despite the blood loss. Riddle was the last one to get out. Before completely stepping out he gave Azul one last glare.

"This is war."