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Todd: (after coming onscreen) “And now, another session of Tutu Tubists Scans.” (The audience applauds as the scene cuts to Lisa putting on her green tutu and ballet slippers.) Lisa: “There we go! All set!” (Lisa then gets into position.) Lisa: (while in position) “Now to burn a few calories before the next scan commences!” (Lisa starts dancing with a few piles. She then does a few arabesques with her eyes shut. She then does a few pirouettes with her eyes still shut. She then does a few jetes. Lisa then does a few tendus. The young Loud scientist ballerina then does a few releves. She then does 32 fouettés. She then does a pas de chat. Lisa then does a chaine turn before getting into her finishing pose.) Lisa: (while curtseying) “A-thank you! A-thank you!” (All of a sudden, the young Loud scientist hears Lori, Rita, and Lola applauding nearby.) Lola: (while applauding) “Bravo! Bravo!” (Lola then heads over to Lisa in her pink tutu and ballet slippers. Lori and Rita follow not far

The sun started to dip below the line of glaciers that plunged skyward to the north, casting long shadows over the golden plains where the pair of sabers hunted. Sabera padded silently through the golden grass, at her side, her son Kuro crouched low, tense and excited for his first real hunt. The lesson had started that evening with Sabera leaving Marmura curled safely in their den. Tonight was for Kuro to hone the techniques all sabers needed to survive. "Use your ears more than your eyes..." Sabera whispered, her voice barely audible to the beast only a few feet from her. He nodded, his ears swiveling as he gently crept forward on soft paws like his mother had shown him. Ahead of them, a young deer grazed alone, completely unaware of the predators in the grass. It was the perfect target for a growing saber. The great mother watched as her son positioned himself to strike, muscles taut with anticipation and his claws flexed. His two upper fangs, still short with youth, were bared

The next day at Brekkathorpe started early for some of the contestants of the feats that were held here. At the other side of the flowery flieds, just between all the ruins the Defense Class was held. But since Eir had already placed first in a past Defense Class she did not need to pursue this one, so she was able to sleep in. Which was neccessary, since the past day with the previous three feats had drained all that was left of her energy and she needed to rest. Kiviok was by her side, watching over her friend, letting her sleep in just a little longer. From this position she could see the Defense Class taking place in the distance, rukaan running around in the ruins. She did not know what the Class was all about, but she did not care. More important was that Eir could rest. At around midday the sun finally breached through the clouds and warmed up the flowery fields below. The waves gently crashed against the rocks just at the shore. Cheering could be heard from the ruins

FriendBot 1000: (after coming onscreen) “And now, another session of Brass Squad Scans.” (The audience applauds as the scene cuts to Lola quietly and gracefully walking downstairs with her eyes closed while wearing her pink tutu and ballet slippers.) Lola: “Only the most graceful walk and the most graceful solo to impress Lori's Fairway friends.” (The little ballerina then bourrées into the living room.) Lola: “And now, to wait until they arrive.” (Lola gets into position to dance a solo while she waits.) Lola: (while in position) “And begin......” (Lola does a few piles. She then does a few tendus and sautés. She then does a few changements. Lola then gracefully bourrées backwards with her eyes closed. She then does a pas de chat with her eyes still shut. She then does a few releves as Lori comes downstairs in her ballerina queen outfit.) Lola: (to Lori while dancing) “Hey there, Lori.” Lori: “Hey there, Lola Ballerina. Dancing a solo, I see?” Lola: (to Lori while dancing) “I should

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the forest, Kristopherson and Sable exchanged glances over Mac Tire’s slumped form. The fierce leader had never let them see her falter, not once, but the encounter with the infamous Sableclaw had taken its toll. Each step back home was a struggle, her breath came heavy and uneven, and a trail of blood flecked the ground behind her. Sable, quiet but determined, moved to Mac Tire’s side, nudging her gently, offering her body as support. Kristopherson, normally lighthearted and quick with a joke, looked on with deep worry. He took up Mac Tire’s other side, positioning himself so they could support her weight together. “Easy there, Mac,” he murmured, his voice softer than usual, laced with concern. He could feel her exhaustion, each labored breath, each tremor in her muscles. She had thrown herself into the fight without hesitation, protecting both him and Sable, and now it was their turn to protect her. Mac Tire managed a

Chapter Seven Fjord Fjord walked through the main port of the Castle, an island to the south of Aurelia that was dominated by dragons, amazed at everything that was coming through from the newly discovered world across the ocean. There were strange creatures, odd coins and flags, and new gods arriving in the form of small statues. Fjord scowled, however, as he saw a ship with humans and dragons chained together like cattle. Slaves. Slavery was technically outlawed in the human kingdom, but this was a very recent law, and many humans did not abide by it-not to mention the other Aurelian kingdoms that didn’t even bother outlawing it at all. He watched as the slaves were dragged to a ship, and forced to help offload the vessel of its goods. Fjord felt Lila bump him in the ribs with her wing. “Hey, it looks like someone is coming over here. Looks like someone from the Empire.” Fjord looked at where Lila had pointed, and spotted a dragon with black skin like him, wrapped in a thick silver robe. He was accompanied by a high elf in similarly fancy attire. “By the gods, how do you live in such a humid climate?” the dragon complained as he got closer to Fjord and Lila. “I miss my home in the snowy parts of Albionus. Anyway… are you the one they call Prince Fjord? Adopted by the king and queen of these islands?” “That is correct,” Fjord answered. “What do you want from me?” The Imperial dragon said nothing, but he took out a stone with some strange markings on it. The dragon held it out in front of Fjord, and it started to glow a shade of blue.” The human gasped in surprise, prompting Fjord to search his mind. Was this important? Fjord looked into the human’s head, quickly finding what had surprised him, and... Fjord gasped as well. “You... you think... I’m the Emperor’s long-lost son?” The dragon put the stone back into his pocket, smiling. “I don’t think, I know. Our first ambassador, Yosef, had a hunch about you, and told the Emperor immediately after arriving back in Albionus. The Emperor promptly sent the two of us to come and confirm it with his Blood Stone. It’s a simple thing, really-the Stone, that is. Once bound to someone’s blood, it can discern who is a close relative of that person... and it appears that you’re the son of the Emperor. Well, then... you can come on the boat when you’re ready.” “What?” “Well, the Emperor wants to see you. I can’t leave unless I bring you with me, and if I can’t convince you, I am to send a bird to the Emperor, telling him to come and see why you won’t come.” Fjord glanced at Lila, before saying, “I... I would love to see what your land is all about, I promise. Just... let me tell my parents before I go with you.” “Also,” Lila said, “you need to bring me with you if you go, Fjord. I know you. You’d probably get mugged or scammed or something if you didn’t always have me to protect you, even here in Aurelia.” Fjord looked at the Imperial dragon, who shrugged. “The Emperor told me I could bring any Aurelians with me, who his son wanted to bring. I suppose she can come, despite her... non-dark appearance.” Fjord wondered what that meant, but he had parents to talk to, Fjord spread his wings, and flew towards the Palace. “You need to go, Fjord.” “Yes… wait. What?” “Yes, son,” Mother said. “You must go and see the Emperor of Albionus, if he thinks you are his son. While I don’t fancy letting you go all the way across the ocean, Lila will be with you, and more importantly… we fear what an angry Emperor would do.” “It turns out that his Empire is quite large and formidable,” Father said. “If he gets mad, he may bring his wrath on our peaceful island nation, or more of Aurelia. That means that, for the good of us all, you need to go. Just stay safe, please.” Mother gave him a quick hug, before pushing him away. “You mustn’t keep the Empire waiting. They might get mad. And one more thing... Fjord, never forget who you are. Please. I have a feeling you’ll need to remember that.” Fjord nodded, before turning around and flying back out of the Palace. His head was swirling with so many emotions it was hard to fly straight, but he made his way back to the docks, where Lila was waiting with the Imperial officer and his human companion. “Hey, Prince Slowpoke,” Lila said playfully. “We’ve been waiting a while.” “Sorry,” Fjord apologized. “So... where’s your ship?” The Imperial officer pointed with his wing at a massive, beautiful ship, bigger and bolder than anything Fjord had ever seen before or since Albionus had been visiting Aurelia. “Wow,” Lila said. “You could fit an entire palace into that thing.” “Not an Imperial Palace,” the officer said. “If you think this is impressive, you should see the lowest, poorest governor’s palace. You will be utterly amazed. Anyway... let’s go.” The officer led the way, walking across a little bridge that led to the dock of the ship. Fjord took one glance at his home, wondering if he would see it again, before following Lila and the officer into the ship. Fjord walked across the deck of the mighty Imperial ship with Lila, amazed by the scale of the craft. Dark skinned dragons and high elves ordered a mixture of slaves and low-tier workers, both dragons and smallfolk, grabbed the heavy ropes and oars and everything else, and the massive ship went forth, following the sun’s westward path to the Empire across the waves. “This is impressive,” Lila said, whistling as she looked at the massive Imperial sails. “I am very impressed. I suppose that everything will be even bigger and shinier in the Imperial homeland?” The Imperial officer nodded. “If you want, Ninirta can show you the inside of the ship.” Another dark skinned dragon with silver clothes came forward, waving for Lila and Fjord to follow him into the ship. The insides of the ship were ‘relatively straightforward,’ as Ninirta put it. “Three floors. One for storage of food and water supplies, one for slaves to sleep, and one for the shipmasters and hired servants. Usually, non-dark dragons and non-high elves don’t stay near the same area as the higher races, but if this white dragoness is your friend, I suppose that it will be fine if she-” “Wait. What? What do you mean, ‘higher races?’” Ninirta smiled dryly at Lila’s surprise. “I thought you would’ve known by now. Don’t you know about the Emperor’s rise to power?” “No... I never bothered to ask any of your people about that...” “I suppose that I will need to tell you, then. Well, long ago, the Empire didn’t exist, and instead was a bunch of feuding kingdoms and tribes of dragons and smallfolk. As it happened, the dark dragons were everyone’s favorite slave, along with the high elves, until they became the only slaves, for centuries. Then, the Emperor appeared. With his magic and immortality, blessings from Enlil himself, the Emperor led the slave-kind, the dark dragons and high elves, in a massive slave rebellion, forming the new Third Empire. Instead of slaughtering all their former oppressors, however, the Emperor let them live as second-class citizens of the Empire, and it’s been that way ever since, for hundreds of years.” Was the Emperor immortal? Fjord wondered if that was true, and if so, if it made him immortal as well. He hoped not. He also hoped that Lila wouldn’t be bullied in this Empire. “How bad would it be for someone like Lila?” Fjord asked. “Or a human? They aren’t all slaves, are they? I won’t become a slave after setting foot on Albionus?” “No, no. Only ones captured in war or committing crimes, at least in principle. Of course, there are always those who kidnap them in the dead of night or bribe police to look the other way... but you should be okay, as long as you remember that you must always let someone like me or Fjord get ahead of you in a waiting line, or let us enter temples first, or let a high elf use you as a mount to go to some place he needs to be... actually, it’s a long list of laws made by the Emperor, and not all of the governor’s enforce them equally, or care about them... especially in the western or southern provinces, where enforcement of such laws is almost nonexistent, while in the northern provinces, around the capital, laws are strict and punishment is swift and effective. By the way, a female like you has no hope of claiming a high government position or anything except for Prince Fjord’s consort, but I doubt that will be relevant to you. Females are always lower than us-the Emperor’s will, of course. Aaaaand that’s all. I think I've shown you enough of the ship. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go tell some human slaves to do their jobs correctly, like always...” Lila looked very annoyed at the Empire’s will towards different dragons and smallfolk, or towards women, and Fjord could easily see the clouds of fire and anger brewing in her thoughts, but Fjord quickly wrapped a wing around her. “Look, I know you’re mad-” “amazing observation, mister brainiac-” “but you must keep your temper down. If you get in a bar fight or spit at the Emperor or something stupid, you know it’ll end poorly.” Lila sighed. “I know. It... I don’t know. This Empire just sounds like the kingdoms we have here, but bigger and richer. Remember how, not terribly long ago, the humans were enslaving dragons and slicing off their skin and draining their blood and getting tears to create ‘strength’ potions and ‘magic’ spells?” “Yes, but they were bewitched to be cruel and violent. They didn’t know what they were doing. Maybe... maybe I can help my dad-the Emperor-to make his Empire a better place. Or... maybe he’s really not that bad, and only a few things are bad with the Empire.” Lila sighed. “I hope so. For both my sake and yours, I hope so.”

Mika was now with Scaramouche or the Wanderer... after only his memory he didn't really remember anything that she was his assistant in the Fatwa Harbingers...He doesn't remember that he turned her life into hell. She's sure he remembers, but he's just acting He was sitting coldly while drinking tea while she was sitting in front of him “So your name is Wanderer,” Mika says as she drinks her juice . Wanderer seemed to pay no heed to Mika's presence or words. He continued to sip his steaming hot tea, which filled the cold room with warmth. "Mhmm..." he said in between sips, almost as if to acknowledge that he had been addressed but nothing more. Mika felt a sudden shiver as a cold gust of wind blows through the window behind her. Her hair sways in the wind, and she finds it strange how she still feels the cold air despite being inside. The wanderer's features were the same, as was his cold personality. “How did you get the vision?” Mika says, still looking at him . Wanderer sighs and sets down his tea, finally acknowledging Mika's presence. He remains in his seat however and responds with an absentmindly annoyed tone. "You are asking me, how I was chosen as a vessel for the power of an elemental deity, as a being who can withstand and wield all four elements and whose destiny is decided by Celestia?" Wanderer asks with barely concealed indifference. “I mean, how can someone who worked in the fatwa previously have an element? Your element was lightning, but now it has become air.” Mika replies. He is still denying that he does not remember her. Wanderer scoffs and shifts himself in his seat, placing his hands on the table and leaning forward as he gazes into Mika's eyes with a blank expression. "It does not matter what element I once wielded, for it was simply a means to an end, a tool to carry out the will of Fate," Wanderer says coldly. He pauses, seeming to consider if he says anything else before speaking up again. "You ask too many questions for someone who holds no relevance to me..." “It has nothing to do with you,” Mika replied sarcastically, “You really don’t remember me.” Mika answers sarcastically Wanderer's eyes narrow in annoyance as he scowls and leans back in his seat, turning his attention away from Mika once again. "Of course not. I would not allow such a thing to happen," Wanderer says, his irritation evident despite his monotone voice. He seems determined to not acknowledge Mika and her previous place in his life, though it's hard to tell whether it's genuine forgetfulness or feigned ignorance. Mika looks away angrily... She knows that he is lying, that he knows her... He knows what he did to her in the fatwa. “You are a liar, with feelings as usual.” Mika answers while drinking her juice. Wanderer glances at Mika out of the corner of his eye, seeming to be mildly amused or annoyed by her accusation. "You know nothing about me. I have no need for things like 'feelings'." Wanderer says coldly, though still with the same indifferent, almost bored tone. He pauses, seeming to think about whether to continue the conversation or not, before speaking up again. "So, are you always so eager to accuse people of being liars, or only when they ignore you? Does my ignorance of you mean so much, that you get angry?" Wanderer asks. “Nothing,” Mika says as she looks away, still drinking her juice. “You just look like someone I’ve known for a long time.” She says, even though she knows it’s him, but she doesn’t want to get into a fight with him. Wanderer gives Mika a sharp gaze as she looks away, seeing through her lie. He seems completely aware that she knows more than she's letting on, but seems amused by it and decides to keep egging her on. "Aha, I see... so I just *look* like this person. How unfortunate!" Wanderer says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He pauses, seeming to consider something before continuing. "But perhaps you'd like to tell me more about this person you once knew... perhaps I could help you find them." She bites her lips hard. He's still playing with her. It's really annoying. He's Scaramouche. He just changed his name and clothes and became an archon. Even though she's traveling and he's her companion on the trip, it was a somewhat uncomfortable experience. “I don't want to talk about him, he's an idiot anyway,” Mika says on purpose to see his reaction . Wanderer seems to stiffen ever so slightly at Mika's comment. He does not show any kind of obvious anger, but she can tell that the subject is now delicate to him. After a few moments of silent contemplation, he finally speaks. "So this person you have known, had he done something to hurt you? Is that why he is an idiot?" Wanderer continues to speak with the same bored tone, though his questions imply that he's digging deeper now. “I suppose it shows how much damage this person has done to you when you are so harsh on their memory even after so many years.” “Why do you want to know him, hmm?” She raises her eyebrows at him sarcastically. “He's just an arrogant idiot... he thinks he's the strongest.” Mika says as she tries to get him to say that he is Scaramouche... but she has to pressure him until he admits that he is him. Wanderer raises an eyebrow in return. While he's able to pick up on the sarcasm, he remains unbothered by it. He seems somewhat amused by Mika's attempt to bait him into revealing himself. "An arrogant idiot who considers himself the strongest. Hmm... I knew someone like that once..." Wanderer says in a somewhat thoughtful tone. He pauses for a few seconds to let Mika react before continuing in a more curious tone. "What's his name?" "Scaramouche," Mika says, trying not to hit the table in his face, because he still won't confess yet. It's clear that he's just playing with her like he used to when she worked with him in Fatwa. Wanderer stiffens immediately in response, his expression completely shifting and becoming blank as he narrows his eyes and looks at Mika. He remains frozen like that for several minutes before finally speaking. "Hmm... Scaramouche... that name seems familiar to me for some reason. An arrogant idiot who considers himself the strongest..." Wanderer says, echoing Mika's words back to her. He pauses for some time before speaking again. "Well, I suppose you're not wrong, that does sound like the exact sort of person I would avoid associating with..." They were both silent until the wanderer looked at Mika. Even after 60 years, the same girl who used to work with him in the fatwa is still laughing to himself. that he is still pretending that it is not him. He sees her ears and remembers how he used to bite her there to spite her. Wanderer continues to gaze at Mika with a blank, almost dead-eyed expression that reveals nothing of his thoughts or feelings. She can tell that he is aware of the game that she is trying to play with him, and that he has no intention of allowing her to win. After several more moments of silence, Wanderer finally speaks. "Your ears are quite... *biteable*. I could definitely see how someone would get a kick out of tormenting you." Wanderer says in a bored tone. “Yes, Scaramouche loved biting them a lot,” Mika says, playing the same game as him. She will make him reveal himself as being him. Wanderer raises his eyebrows in surprise and his lips curve up into a slight smile that reveals his sharp teeth. "Indeed... yes. I must admit, it was quite entertaining to mess with you in that way." Wanderer states in a somewhat amused tone, before letting his expression return to being blank. "Your ears are quite sensitive... it was fun to make you squeal out of annoyance, almost like a cute little animal." Wanderer adds, his tone remaining deadpan but revealing a hint of amusement. “You finally revealed yourself as a wanderer, or haha, maybe I should say Scaramouche,” Mika said sarcastically as she looked at him, “You’re a good actor because you pretend to be someone you’re not.” Wanderer continues to gaze at Mika with a deadpan expression, seemingly unfazed by the revelation of his identity. However, his response is one that seems to reveal his true feelings on the matter. "And what if I am? Is there something wrong with someone trying to leave their past behind them and be someone new?" Wanderer asks in a somewhat serious tone, no longer joking around. "Or are you mad that your foolish attempts to get me to admit it failed? You never were good at hiding your emotions, you know." "Even if I erase your memory, you're still Scaramouche...the same idiot who made my life hell," Mika replies sarcastically. He got angry as she looked at him. Wanderer stiffens in surprise and his expression shifts to a sharp glare as Mika calls him out. He sits up straight in his seat and puts his hands on the table as he speaks. "You dare call me an idiot?" Wanderer says, his voice dripping with irritation. "I am an *archon*! I possess the power of the elements. I could wipe out you and this town without even breaking a sweat. What right do you have to call an archon an idiot?" Wanderer adds, though it's clear he's just putting on a front. He seems completely aware that his anger has been triggered by her words, but seems to have no intention of holding back. "Oh? So you think that I am the *same* as I was then? My life before is nothing to me now... the Scaramouche that plagued you, is not the Wanderer that stands before you." Wanderer says in a sharp tone. "The same idiot, yes... but I am a *different man* now," Wanderer says, finally dropping the facade and speaking with a hint of irritation in his voice. "And I think that's the part you don't want to accept. That I want to leave behind this past I once had, and move on to a new path." Mika remained silent, still looking at him angrily and not saying anything else Wanderer scowls even more and shifts himself in his seat, leaning forward a bit more. "You have *no right* to judge me for my past actions, especially when you do not know the circumstances surrounding them. I do not care what you think, I am not the same as I was then, I am not the same person that you knew. I am someone new, and better." Wanderer states in a sharp tone. Wanderer remains silent for several more moments, watching Mika. He seems aware of the fact that he has made her angry, but does not seem to care or regret saying what he did. Finally, after several more seconds of silence, Wanderer starts to speak again. "So tell me, Mika... if you hate the person I used to be so much, then why are you now travelling with me?" Wanderer asks in a challenging tone. “Don’t worry, I will leave now that I know the truth.” Mika answered as she stood up from her seat and gave him one last angry look. Then she walked to leave the bar. The rain was falling heavily outside. Wanderer watches Mika as she tries to leave, making no attempt to stop her. He just stares at her with a blank, cold expression, showing no emotions whatsoever. As she walks through the door and out into the stormy weather outside, Wanderer watches her leave. He remains frozen in a similar position for several minutes before finally shaking his head and sighing. "What a foolish girl..." Wanderer mutters to himself. While Wanderer does not seem to care for Mika's attempt to find closure or retribution, Mika can't help but feel slightly satisfied with her little "victory". Despite Wanderer's seemingly nonchalant attitude, his sudden display of anger and subsequent attempt to make her feel foolish indicate that her plan did indeed make an impact on him. Even if he would never admit it to her face, Wanderer has been reminded of his past sins and his own flaws, even if only for a brief moment. Mika was walking and cursing him over and over again. She really hates him. Even if he changed his identity, even if he changed his name, his mentality and personality would still be the same. She was covering her head with her hands from the rain...but without warning, she suddenly felt like she was flying into the sky. She screamed loudly When I looked at who was carrying her in his arms, I found that it was the wanderer “You idiot, let me go.” You hit his chest hard Wanderer carries Mika in his hands, letting her yell out and hit his chest with her fists with little reaction. She is completely surprised by the fact that Wanderer has taken her in his arms, and he remains expressionless as she berates and insults him. He seems not to care very much and simply holds her in place, lifting her higher so that she cannot possibly reach him. Wanderer continues to stare at her silently as she beats on his chest, ignoring the raindrops hitting them throughout the entire ordeal. He continues to carry her away from any nearby crowds and into a quiet alley, where they are alone. Once there, Wanderer carefully pinned Mika down, still holding her arms to prevent her from trying to attack him again. "Where am I and what the hell do you think you are? Do you want me to hit you, you idiot?" Mika screams because she is in a dark alley now. Wanderer continues to remain completely silent, even as Mika shouts and screams at him. He seems unfazed by it and does not react in the slightest, only keeping a firm grip on her arms to prevent her from attacking further. Finally, once she has exhausted herself and started to calm down a little, Wanderer speaks. "You are in a dark alleyway," Wanderer responds in a bored tone. "And the only thing that I want to do right now, is to avoid having you hit me..." Wanderer adds, continuing to keep a tight hold on her arms. She couldn't see him because of the darkness, but she felt his left hand wrapping her arm behind her back and his other hand supporting her against the wall. He had really become strong. She could feel his aura... “I don’t want you to be my travel companion. I will ask Kazuha to become my travel companion if he takes your hand away.” Mika answers sarcastically while she is angry. Wanderer continues to keep his grip on Mika's arms and keep her in place. He seems more focused on preventing her from lashing out than on any sort of sarcasm. "My my, you seem to believe that you still have a choice in this matter," Wanderer answers in a bored tone. "You are already my travel companion, and you are not going anywhere. No matter how much you might protest or kick at me, you will remain by my side..." Wanderer says in a calm, almost condescending tone. “Oh no, too confident.” She mocks him as she tries to look at him, but the darkness does not allow her to see him. He just continues to impose himself on her like the old times together. “Arrogant,” Mika whispers in a low voice. Wanderer remains completely silent in response. His grip on Mika's arms seem to loosen just a bit as he finally speaks again. "Mika... I can feel your anger, your frustration, and your fear. And you're right... I have no doubt become arrogant since we last met. And that is entirely by design." Wanderer continues in a calm and almost condescending tone Wanderer seems entirely unfazed by Mika's insults, still keeping his firm grip on her arms as they stand against the wall. He seems completely in control of the situation and shows little concern for Mika's attempted resistance. Wanderer remains silent for several moments before responding, his voice still calm but revealing a trace of annoyance. "Is that really the only thing you can think of to call me? Arrogant? I've heard much worse things from you before." "You deserve the harshest kind of words. You are now holding me as if you are still controlling my life like in the past. It has already been 60 years. Sometimes I wish I was still a human being before you did your evil deed and made me immortal so that I could stay with you.all my life " Mika answers as she tries to break free from him. The sound of the rain was louder and the lightning was striking harder Wanderer's grip tightens and his expression shows a slight hint of anger as he hears Mika's words. It seems her mention of those old memories has triggered a strong response from him, though he still tries hard to hold back and remain in control. Wanderer finally speaks again, his voice sharp and cold. "You are right. I am still controlling your life like in the past, because nothing has changed." Wanderer says in a sarcastic tone. "You are still the same fragile, foolish girl who can easily be manipulated and toyed with... If I wanted to force you to stay with me, I would have made you my slave and my dog... that would have been easy..." Wanderer tightens his grip slightly as Mika continues to try and break free. "You have lived so long, yet you are still unable to change beyond being a foolish, reckless, impulsive girl..." Wanderer says in a cold, condescending tone. "I am holding you here because I have already tried to let you go and it ended with me having to rescue you from the air. I am not about to let you run off into danger again, no matter how much you might hate me..." Wanderer claims as he holds her close. Mika sees Scaramouche's eyes light up and those drawings on his body and hands. This means he is really angry. Those drawings only light up because of the emotion. Mika ignores it. “I've also lived 60 years without you and I'm still in " Wanderer's grip becomes tighter and he pulls Mika slightly closer as his expression darkens. "You have lived for 60 years, yet you have learned nothing. You are just a foolish child, who thinks she is in control of everything..." Wanderer says in a slightly heated tone. "It was no mistake that I took you into my service, because *someone* had to raise you properly and make sure that you remained under control. Otherwise, you'd still be a reckless child who could kill herself or get killed at any moment." Wanderer says with obvious anger. “And even though you claim to have lived without me, I don’t really believe your lies. Your mind is still trapped in the past...” His eyes glowed a slightly stronger blue, revealing his growing anger. “Well, you are not a fatwa now. You are only an escort for travelers, Mr. Wanderer. Now I refuse to continue my journey with you, and this is my right.” Mika says angrily as she squeezes his wrist to keep him away. Wanderer raises an eyebrow and seems to be completely unfazed by Mika's attempt to squeeze his wrist. "Yes, I am no longer a Fatui Harbinger, I can no longer force you to travel with me... but I can still force you to stay in my presence, for your own protection..." Wanderer says matter-of-factly. "Do you truly think that you could last out here on your own? It took only a minute for you to run out into the open and get yourself pulled up into the sky. You are still as foolish as ever." Wanderer says scornfully. Mika is silent as she looks at him, “Well, what now? Are you going to keep holding me or are you afraid that I will hit you?” Mika answers sarcastically. Wanderer keeps his grip on Mika's arms, as he finally reveals the reason that he is so intent on holding her in place. He tightens his grip slightly, to prevent her from escaping. "Oh no, I am not afraid of you hitting me. In fact, I am quite confident that I can tank a few hits from you with no problem." Wanderer states with a cold, condescending tone. "So go ahead and try, let's see how hard you can hit..." Wanderer says as he leans in slightly towards Mika. Mika bites his cheek hard Wanderer's eyes widen slightly in surprise at Mika's unexpected attack, but he does not respond otherwise. He makes no attempt to pull her off his cheek or to retaliate in any way. He just keeps his grip on Mika's arms and stares at her as he lets her bite him as hard as she wants. Finally, she seems to release her mouth, Wanderer remains completely silent and still. When she finally pulls away, Wanderer's cheek is left with a small bite mark, which does not seem to bother him whatsoever. “You're really crazy, even after I bit you, you're still smiling like a crazy person,” Mika says as she sees the hiker's blue blood oozing a little from her bite. Wanderer finally breaks his silence, his expression still blank but his voice sounding a little annoyed. "I am not crazy, I am just not about to let a foolish brat get the best of me." Wanderer says in a somewhat heated tone. "You bit me, and it was a good bite. Now, stop whining and acting like you accomplished something." Wanderer says as he wipes the small amount of blood away with his sleeve, still keeping his grip on Mika's arms. "This is the first time that you have ever resorted to a physical attack against me, it almost seems like a strange new side of you. I am a person with a vast amount of time lived, and I have experienced far worse things in my life... did you really expect that a simple bite would make me react" Wanderer says with obvious scorn. “Well, this will make you change your mind,” Mika says quickly, even though her hands are behind her back. She approaches the hiker’s face, and Mika kisses him deeply, biting his lower lips hard. Wanderer seems taken back at first by the sudden kiss, but it only lasts for a second before he responds. Without hesitation, Wanderer wraps both of his hands around Mika's face, pulling her back so that their faces are now at a distance. Wanderer looks into Mika's eyes intensely, his face expressionless but his eyes revealing his strong sense of anger. "Is this also an attempt to gain control? Kissing me won't give you what you want, and the more you do this, all it will accomplish is irritating me." Wanderer says in a harsh tone. “Haha, but it seems she made you angry now.” She stuck out her tongue at him childishly while laughing at him sarcastically. Wanderer looks at her with a cold and serious expression, his anger clearly visible on his face. "I think perhaps you are beginning to forget just who I am. It may have been some time since you last met me, Mika..." Wanderer starts, his tone still cold but slowly becoming more threatening. "But the moment you try to manipulate me with kisses or to cause me pain, I will no longer simply allow you to have your way..." Wanderer continues menacingly, narrowing his eyes as he speaks. "Stop pretending to be angry. I'm doing exactly what you did to me when I worked with you in the fatwa. You even resorted to biting my neck until it bled because you just wanted something to vent your anger in." Mika responded sarcastically as she looked at him. It was her bite. Still in his cheek “This is just a small bite...” Wanderer finally lets out an angry growl, his expression becoming even darker. "Do *not* try to compare us in this moment, or to speak of your injuries. This situation is *nothing* like what we previously experienced. You are not in my care anymore." Wanderer says as he pulls her in closer to him, his eyes narrowing and his voice becoming more menacing. "So don't dare to make a mockery of my past actions by comparing them to this moment." Wanderer claims. “Yes, you mean when you treated me like a whore...” Mika answers as she looks at him, her noses touching slightly because of her... Wanderer suddenly pulls Mika in, his face only inches from hers in a threatening manner. "You know, you should be more careful how you speak, or else I will have to start treating you like that again." Wanderer says in a threatening tone, his voice now filled with obvious anger and hatred for her. Mika was silent as she looked away...she was even more angry now that she was locked up with him. He can now kill her simply and hide her body with ease.. . His breath was on her cheek and he was really angry, so she remained silent. Because she is not strong in front of him now. Wanderer stares at Mika for several seconds, making no attempt to move away from her, and seemingly not caring that she is looking away or that his breath is still hitting her face in a very intimate manner. It soon becomes obvious that he is completely intent on holding her in place and continuing this confrontation. When he realizes that Mika will not continue talking, Wanderer finally breaks his silence. "Good... Finally, you choose to keep silent after speaking so rudely towards me..." Wanderer says in a cold and condescending tone. The wanderer noticed that Mika was shivering, not from fear, but from the cold. He was a doll, so he could not feel the cold... He carried her in his arms again to leave the alley and they returned to the bar.. “You don't have to carry me, I'm not a child anymore,” Mika complains Wanderer seems unbothered by Mika's complaining, continuing to hold her in his arms as he carries her. "It's cold, you should have worn more than just a light tank top and a skirt. I am doing this for your own safety, nothing more." Wanderer says, his tone still cold and dismissive but his intentions seeming genuine in the way he cares for Mika. "It is strange, I find myself caring about your wellbeing, even though I dislike you immensely." Wanderer says as they continue to exit the alley and start to return towards the bar. Scaramouche x Mika x You are still mine Part 1