Chapter Text
Beneath the moonlight, the army gathered by Duchess Crusch Karsten, a medium-sized but battle-ready army, against what? The white whale, one of the 3 great beasts that plague the world, they marched ready to put an end to it all, Crusch had received information from Anastasia who was going with her, they marched slowly, nervous to face the whale, they walked and walked, until they finally reached the Flugel tree, but upon arriving there..... a surprising sight, the white whale......was dead....decapitated, Crusch and the entire army looked at it in disbelief, one of the three great beasts was dead, Crusch approached with her personnel and to everyone's surprise, who was there was the youngest candidate.....Felt..... she was sitting on the whale's head while staring at the stars, she seemed distracted and unconcerned with anything, she was covered in blood but without a scratch, Crusch was completely incredulous at this, Felt got a little distracted and noticed Crusch, she quickly turned to her.
Felt:Hello candidate to the throne..... did you also come to see the stars? I discovered this place after exploring the kingdom - Felt spoke calmly while looking at Crusch, who had snapped out of her shock.
Crusch:You...... did you kill the whale?
Felt:This fish? Yes, it was blocking my view of the stars, so I cut off its head... why was it an animal protected by the kingdom? - Felt asked a little worried, thinking she had broken some kingdom law.
Crusch:Don't worry..... this whale was a monster that ravaged the world.
Felt:Phew.... so I didn't kill a sacred being again by accident - Felt sighed with relief, happy to see that she hadn't accidentally killed another sacred creature.
Crusch:Wait.... what do you mean again?
Felt:Ah.... once I killed a deity from my homeland, my people worshipped a giant albino serpent, actually two, I killed one and left the other alone - Felt explained with tremendous calm, Crusch was surprised to hear that as she realized it wasn't a lie - By the way, what are you guys doing here?
Crusch:We..... came to kill the whale..... - Crusch said, pointing behind her and Felt soon noticed the duchess's army.
Felt:Oh........ it was your prey? Sorry, I didn't know, you can have the pieces..... there's the head here, the tail there.... a fin over there..... and another there - Felt pointed and soon realized that, perhaps, she had exaggerated.
After a while, Felt helped everyone collect the whale, which was a very time-consuming task because Felt had cut more than she should have, the night passed quickly and they soon finished loading the carts and decided to set off, Crusch offered a ride and Felt accepted.
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Now on a journey, Felt was very quiet and everyone respected that, Crusch and Felix kept staring at her wanting to ask questions, the young wolf understood and just looked at them.
Felt: If you want to say something, say it, you don't need to be afraid of me.
Felix: It's a bit difficult nya, after all, you killed the whale alone.
Felt: It wasn't difficult, I believe you should be able to do it too, after all, to be a candidate, you must be strong enough to kill a god, right? - Felt spoke calmly, looking at Crusch, who was surprised by the question.
Crusch: Felt-Dono, I don't believe we are capable of doing something like that, I at least don't believe I could kill the white whale alone, let alone a god - Crusch spoke sincerely and Felt looked at her with curiosity.
Felt: Then... why would you be a candidate? If you wouldn't be strong enough for that, then what's the reason for being a queen? - Felt asked, but not arrogantly or offensively, but Felix didn't seem to like what he heard.
Felix: Nya, don't you think that only strength is necessary to rule Felt-Sama, Crusch-Sama is more than just strength, she is a born leader, determined and intelligent.
Felt: That's quite useless in my view, after all, you can always be betrayed even by your most trusted ally, you are no exception neko - Felt spoke without showing any hostility, just coldness, before Felix could say anything, Crusch interrupted him.
Crusch: I don't believe that will happen Felt-Dono, Felix has shown the greatest possible loyalty to me, and also, it's not only strength that a leader needs, not here in Lugnica.
Felt: Lugnica is strange then, in Ashina only the Ashina clan were the leaders, they were supposed to be the pinnacle of power, but no one comparable to Isshin Ashina was born, not even my father and aunt could match him - Felt spoke with a slightly melancholic tone, but it wasn't noticeable.
Crusch: Well, here we resolve things more politically, so Felt-Dono, if you want to be a queen you will have to-
Felt: I don't want to, to be honest, I don't care, I just announced myself because I wanted to help Reinhard, as a candidate I prefer to stay in the shadows, I don't like unnecessary attention - Felt spoke without showing any emotion, she was sincere and that surprised Crusch, Felix, and even Wilhelm who was handling the carriage.
Crusch: That... is something surprising, I thought being a candidate would be a good life opportunity for you, since you have nothing, forgive my lack of kindness, but the way you speak makes it seem like you came from nowhere.
Felt: And I did, I have nothing and to be honest, I don't even desire anything, after all, I've spent years and years fighting and killing people, death doesn't affect me anymore, I don't even have a name, Felt is a name I made up, like my father.
Wilhelm: And who would your father be, my young lady? - Wilhelm finally spoke, his curiosity about the girl growing.
Felt: He goes by the name Subaru Granhiert, he was that man I was talking to yesterday.
Crusch: The most famous mercenary in the kingdoms is your father?! Then how have we never heard of you?!?!?
Felt: Long story... and I think I'll have to tell it later - Felt stood up and soon opened the carriage door and climbed onto its roof - ... We have company.....
In front of the carriage where Felt was, there were others, which were soon destroyed, causing the carriage where Felt and the others were to stop abruptly. Without delay, Felt jumped from the carriage and soon pulled her katana from her waist and tried to cut someone. Her blade touched a man with white hair and clothes, yellow eyes, and a thin appearance. Felt looked at the man in surprise because he didn't seem to suffer any damage.
???: What disrespect!!!! This is a violation of my rights!!! Is this how you greet a stranger? Attacking them as if they were a monster?!?!?! What a horrible way to greet and-
Felt: Oh, shut up - Felt soon pointed her left arm and a flamethrower was fired from it with full force. An explosion happened and Felt was pushed back a little but soon recovered.
???: This is an affront to my rights!! Not only did you attack me, but you tried to burn me!!! - the man spoke as he saw the flames dispersing, Felt looked at this in surprise.
Felt: What a... irritating thing - Felt spoke and soon noticed a cut coming towards her and quickly dodged it to avoid being hit. She jumped and stood next to Crusch and her group.
Crusch: Identify yourself!!!! And state the reason for your attack!!!! - Crusch spoke, drawing her sword, and the man seemed irritated and sighed.
Regulus: What an affront to my rights, but well, it would be rude if I didn't introduce myself, I am Regulus Córneas, a member of the Witch Cult, representing Sloth, and I-
Crusch: I've heard enough!!! - Crusch immediately used her technique and tried to cut Regulus, but when Regulus was hit, nothing happened again.
Regulus: Again?!?!?? What's wrong with you people, attacking a good man for no reason?!?!?! - Regulus spoke irritably and threw another gust of wind that cut off Crusch's arm, surprising everyone.
Felix quickly went to help Crusch while Felt and Wilhelm prepared themselves, but soon they heard sounds of people falling. They looked behind them and saw a young man named Lye, the archbishop of Gluttony. Felt looked a little worried and then sighed.
Felt: It seems I'll have to take this seriously - Felt soon put away her katana and took the scabbard on her back. She removed the scabbard and held the scabbard with the odachi still in it - You three, close your eyes - Felt spoke and soon everyone closed their eyes, and then Felt held the hilt of her odachi and soon drew it.
From the odachi's scabbard, a blade that seemed rusted emanated a dead red glow. Just by seeing the first part of the blade, Lye already fell dead on the ground. Regulus looked at this in surprise, but soon he looked at the blade. Felt was drawing the odachi from her scabbard and its horrendous blade was finally shown, the killer of immortals, the weapon capable of killing the divine dragon... the mortal red blade.
Regulus: What... weapon is this?
Felt: The mortal blade, a weapon so powerful that few beings can wield it... I didn't expect to see another immortal, to be honest... I'd better get rid of you quickly then.
Felt disappeared without warning and appeared in front of Regulus. The latter was surprised and dodged. He couldn't tell why he dodged? But he did, and it was good that he did, because Felt cut off his right arm. Regulus was incredulous about this. It didn't take long for the pain to course through the archbishop's body and make him scream.
Regulus: Damn you!!!!!!!! You bitch!!!!!! This is a violation of my rights!!!!! To all OF THEM!!!!! - Regulus screamed furiously but soon noticed Felt coming towards him again - BASTARD!!!!!!!!
Regulus attacked with several wind blades and created a large cloud of dust. Felt soon used the iron hat of her prosthesis and defended all the blows. After the barrage of blows, Felt dispelled the shield and made a cut in the air, but soon noticed that Regulus had left. Felt soon sheathed the mortal blade and turned her gaze back to the others.
Felt: You can open your eyes now - Felt spoke in a calmer voice and soon they opened their eyes.
Crusch: That mortal blade... was it with it that you killed the whale? - Crusch asked curiously, remembering what Felt had said. She soon sighed.
Felt: Yes, I used the mortal blade to kill the whale, the killer of immortals and gods, just looking at it a mortal can die.
Wilhelm: In that case... how did you not die?
Felt: Oh... I am immortal, so the blade doesn't kill me that easily, but you would have died if I hadn't told you to close your eyes... at least you three heard - Felt spoke, looking further back. Crusch, Wilhelm, and Felix also looked and... they were startled.
The entire army that had gone with Crusch, all those lives that had sworn loyalty... dead... without cuts, without injuries... everyone had died just by seeing the glow of the blade... only Crusch, Wilhelm, and Felix survived. Felt simply apologized and said she would take responsibility, but she said that would come later as they would need to have a long journey, as even the terrestrial dragons had died. That day a massacre happened... that day... they saw that Felt was an unprecedented danger.
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In the village of Arlam, Subaru was walking with his family; they were having a happy time, just like every day.
Subaru: So, what would you like to do today? - Subaru asked with a smile on his face, Elsa seemed to think for a moment.
Elsa: How about we go eat something sweet? I'm craving something sweet.....or more than one sweet.....can I eat about 10 sweets? - Elsa asked a little embarrassed, and Subaru chuckled a little.
Subaru: Of course, my love, we can eat as many sweets as you want.
Meili: What would you like, Mommy? There are some crepes nearby.
Elsa: That sounds good, let's go.
The Granhiert family was heading to the place that sold crepes, when a man accidentally bumped into Subaru. The man apologized and continued walking. As the man walked away, he looked at his hand and..... where were his fingers?
Subaru: Looking for this? - Subaru showed a clearly cursed dagger, his left hand covered in blood.
Before the man could run, Subaru appeared right in front of him and plunged the dagger into the man's stomach.
Subaru: You better tell me who you are, or your curse will kill you, but luckily for you, I know how to remove curses. If you tell me, I give you my word I'll remove it - Subaru spoke in a calm and smiling tone, the man listening to this became slightly desperate.
Cultist: I won't say anything, you damned mercenary!!!!! You mercenaries have already hindered our mission to spread the witch's love too much!!!!!
Subaru: Oh! A cultist, thank you for revealing yourself - without delay, Subaru pulled the dagger from the man's stomach and then cut his throat. He let the cultist's body fall and then looked at Elsa - It seems we have to postpone our outing, darling, could you inform Emilia that we have problems? Meili, take care of the defense, summon your majus.
Meili: Hai!!!!! - Meili immediately went to the forest to call her majus, and Elsa sighed.
Elsa: I just wanted a little sweet..... - Elsa said annoyed, and Subaru chuckled a little.
Subaru: When this is over, darling, I promise to give you all the sweets you want - Subaru gave his wife a quick kiss and then headed into the forest as well.
In the forest, Subaru moved through the trees in complete silence. He ended up seeing some suspicious people and quickly eliminated them. He might not have been absolutely sure, but he was 80% sure. If they were civilians, he could make an excuse saying it was a cultist. After a while of moving through the forest, he reached a more open area and then saw a group of cultists, led by a man with green skin and green hair. Subaru immediately recognized him as Betelgeuse, an archbishop of the cult. Subaru analyzed the surrounding area and then thought of a plan. He grabbed a smoke bomb and threw it into the middle of the group of cultists. The bomb immediately exploded and confused many cultists. Subaru then unsheathed his ninjato and jumped into the middle of them. Without delay, he began to cut down several cultists, always aiming for the throat and eliminating them quickly. After a few minutes, he turned to Betelgeuse, who was trying to hit him with an invisible hand, but to his bad luck, Subaru dodged and moved away. The smoke cloud dissipated, and Betelgeuse finally saw who killed his group.
Betelgeuse: You!!!!!!! The demon of Kararagi!!!!!
Subaru: You remember me? Great, I can skip all this nonsense talk and introductions - Subaru spoke in an apathetic tone and then sheathed his ninjato and retrieved his nodachi from his back.
Without saying anything else, Subaru advanced with a thrust, and Betelgeuse defended with his invisible hands. Subaru took advantage of the momentum and stomped hard on the ground. With that force, he jumped very high and spun in the air, attacking twice with his nodachi. Betelgeuse managed to dodge narrowly, but as soon as Subaru landed on the ground, he moved quickly and then swung his blade, splitting the archbishop in half. As he fell to the ground, Subaru plunged his blade into the bishop's head. He stared at the dead body and then sighed. He then withdrew his blade and cleaned it. He sheathed it and was about to get some gunpowder to burn the body, but then he felt a headache, he fell to his knees feeling something strange.....a horrible sensation.
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Within his mind, Subaru felt Betelgeuse trying to take his body, he looked around and saw nothing but darkness, until he saw the bishop appearing among the shadows.
Betelgeuse:Demon!!!!! You will not stop the witch's love from spreading!!!!!!!! I will make you see how her love changes people!!!! Accept this love!!!! - Betelgeuse spoke while moving uncomfortably, Subaru just watched but he smiled.
Subaru:I'm sorry......but I already have a passenger with me, and he doesn't accept annoying visitors.... - Subaru spoke with a smile and Betelgeuse was confused.
Before the spirit could say anything, the environment around them was engulfed by scarlet flames, Betelgeuse was startled but before he could react, a flaming arm grabbed him and without delay he was crushed and turned to ashes, there was no scream, spasm, or plea for mercy, it was too fast for that, Subaru soon felt Betelgeuse's presence disappear, he took a deep breath and looked ahead, the creature in front of him was something....difficult to describe, it seemed to have a thin and malnourished appearance, its skin gray as if it were soot, wrapped in this malnourished form, red fur with fire around it, between this fur, cold eyes like hell were visible, on its back there was a blade....a single blade that pierced all the way to the chest.
Subaru:I never thought I'd say this....thank you.....Shura......
Shura:お礼は結構です。あなたのためにやったわけではありません。ただ、ホストを共有するのが好きではないだけです - the creature spoke and then disappeared, the flames vanished and again.....darkness in that space.
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Subaru opened his eyes, he looked around and realized he was back in the real world.
Subaru: That was close.....who would have thought Shura would help me....but I still didn't want to have this thing in my mind......I should go back before Elsa and Meili get worried - Subaru soon got up and started walking to the village, his job there was done.
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A few weeks had passed and at the Van Astrea mansion, Felt was taking care of some paperwork, with Honō sleeping by her side. She finished organizing some things and put down her pen.
Felt: More paperwork done, the idea of being a ruler is really... boring. I hope I don't win this competition - Felt said, slightly bored. She was made an assassin, not a writer. She was pulled out of this thought when she heard the door opening.
Reinhard: Miss Felt, are you busy? - Reinhard entered the room holding a single letter.
Felt: No, Rein, I just finished my work - Felt said with a smile, but then she noticed the letter - What is this?
Reinhard: Oh? This? It's a letter from an admirer of yours - Reinhard said while handing the letter to Felt, who immediately opened it.
Felt: "Dear Felt, I would like to express my appreciation for your courage in speaking about the knights' weakness. Your concern for safety is magnificent, and I would like to demonstrate my admiration with this letter and with some gifts," signed your admirer...... I really have an admirer? - Felt said, slightly surprised. Reinhard looked at her with a smile on his face.
Reinhard: And not only that, he sent this too - Reinhard pulled a box from... from his pocket?
Felt: ......Where did you get the box from?
Reinhard: Don't think too much about it, take a look - Reinhard opened the small wooden box, and inside were several red lilies and in the middle, a dagger. Felt picked up the dagger and looked at it curiously.
Felt: A.... dagger? - Felt stared at her gift. It was a silver-bladed dagger with a black handle and a.... heart at the end of the handle, which was a ruby - What a.... curious appearance..... well, a gift is a gift - Felt immediately picked up the dagger and tucked it into her waist - Well, remind me later to send my thanks. How was the search?
Reinhard: "Search" is a strong word. I just asked if Miss Emilia had really hired Mr. Granhiert.
Felt: And what did she say?
Reinhard: She said yes, she hired him.
Felt: Great, we'll go there now - Felt immediately stood up and went to the door, but something stopped her - Ah, right, Honō is coming with us.
Reinhard: Leave it to me - Reinhard went to the old owl and picked him up in his arms - Let's go, Honō.
Honō: U.....
Then the three went to fetch a carriage. Felt felt that she should finally talk to her father..... a real conversation this time.
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In the carriage, Felt stared at the road, consumed by thoughts, she was.....worried, after all it would be the first time she would talk to her father, she still remembered Subaru saying he had changed.... but no matter how much she tried, she couldn't forget that Owl, it was strange, the man who claimed to be her father was so different from her old father, she didn't know how she should react to those words.... it was something so...... strange.
Reinhard: Miss Felt, are you alright? - Reinhard spoke, fiddling with Honō, Felt snapped out of her trance and looked at Reinhard.
Felt: Just thinking about how to react to the new lifestyle he adopted.
Reinhard: Him?......ah! Your friend, right? Mr. Subaru.
Felt:......Yes.
Reinhard: Do you mind telling me how you know him? I remember you saying you came from Ashina and didn't know anything about the other kingdoms as Ashina was a very isolated land, so how do you know Mr. Granhiert? - Reinhard asked curiously, Felt closed her eyes remembering the past.
Felt: He......was my master, when I was a child he found me and raised me, he taught me everything I know, reading, writing, hunting, stealing.....killing..... he was a very strict man, often his training could have cost me my life....... but I can't judge his actions, Ashina was a dangerous place, at any moment a conflict could happen, so we had to be prepared for everything - Felt explained a little of her past, Reinhard listened to everything with attention and pity for his lady, but then a realization.
Reinhard:......He is your father then.
Felt: Yes.....Subaru Granhiert is my father.....and it's time to talk to him.
After this small revelation, the journey continued in complete silence, they passed through the village and soon arrived at the mansion, without delay Felt got out of the carriage and Reinhard followed right behind her, holding the old owl, upon arriving at the door Felt knocked and waited a few minutes to be attended, and who opened the door was Ram.
Ram: Can I help you?
Felt: Yes, we are looking for Co-digo, Subaru Granhiert, an old acquaintance of mine - Felt made up an excuse and Ram looked at her suspiciously, but then noticed Reinhard behind her.
Ram: They are in a nearby village, if you want I can take you there - Ram offered and Felt just nodded.
Felt: Please, sit next to our driver and you can guide him - Felt said and turned back to the carriage and Ram followed her, when she got close to the carriage she looked at the driver, it was a young man with green hair and noble clothes - Ezzo, Ram will show you the way, follow her instructions, understood.
Ezzo: I can't believe I'm being forced to be your personal driver - the young man complained, Felt just rolled her eyes.
Felt: Shut your mouth and just do what she tells you, you didn't have anything better to do today anyway - Felt said, getting into the carriage, and Ram soon sat next to Ezzo.
Ezzo: There wasn't anything better.....you didn't even ask - the young man complained and soon he was driving the land dragon.
The journey was not long, without losing much time they arrived at a barrier that Ram managed to open thanks to a necklace she wore, halfway through a boy with blonde hair and a scar on his face appeared, stopping the carriage.
???: Hey, I don't know how you got through but I recommend turning back, if y-
Ram: Garfiel, they are guests and we have the literal sword saint in the carriage, no fights today, understood? - Ram spoke firmly and Garfiel was surprised to hear that the sword saint himself was there.
Garfiel: Alright.....you can pass, but I'll be keeping an eye on you - Garfiel said, approaching and hanging onto the carriage.
They continued on their way and soon arrived at the village, it was quite run-down and poor, without delay Felt got out of the carriage, but right behind her, Honō flew towards a cabin, surprising everyone, Felt soon understood and went to this cabin, she opened the door and there he was, in front of her again.....her father.
Subaru: Honō? How did you find me?
Honō: UW!!!!
Subaru: I missed you too - Subaru said with a smile as he looked at his old companion.
Meili: Dad, do you have a pet owl? - Meili said, approaching the owl, which stared at Meili, judging her.
Subaru: Yes, my daughter, Honō is his name - Subaru knelt down and placed Honō within Meili's reach, who picked him up without any problem.
Meili: Hi Honō, my name is Meili - the little Granhiert said with a smile and hugged the owl, which accepted the gesture.
Felt:'He.....never let me hug him' - Felt thought, surprised to see Honō accepting affection from Meili.
Elsa: Oh Ram, why is the sword saint here? And who are these two? - Elsa asked curiously seeing that trio, Subaru turned his gaze to them and stood up, leaving Honō with Meili.
Felt: I just came to have a discussion with him, nothing too alarming, just to finish a matter we didn't finish before - Felt said, approaching Subaru, who was smiling.
Subaru: Sure, can we talk outside?
Felt: Preferably - Felt said and soon left the house and Subaru went with her.
Elsa: Guys, nice girl, she arrived, called my husband to talk and didn't even introduce herself - Elsa said with a sarcastic smile and Reinhard laughed a little.
Reinhard: Sorry about that, she's a bit too direct.
Elsa: Just like my husband.....my name is Elsa by the way - Elsa turned to Reinhard and extended her hand.
Reinhard: Reinhard, but I believe I don't need to introduce myself since, well, it's quite difficult to remain unknown when you're an Astrea - Reinhard shook Elsa's hand, and she laughed.
Elsa: Indeed, impossible not to know you.
While everyone was talking inside the cabin, Subaru and Felt were face to face again.
Subaru: So, what did you wish to talk to me about, daughter?
Felt:......I just wished to return Honō to you, nothing more, he seemed a bit bothered staying with me - Felt tried to make an excuse but Subaru just looked at her with a smile.
Subaru: Daughter, what is the real reason you came to me? Do you wish to talk about something?
Felt: I.......I......I just wanted.....to get rid of that old owl, he is useless to me, you need him to use some of your strongest techniques, but now that I've returned your spirit to you, I will retire, goodbye father - Felt said and walked past her father, Subaru listened to this and let out a sad sigh.
As Felt was going to the cabin, Emilia came out with Garfiel. She was going to the sanctuary but she ended up calling Subaru and Felt to go with her. The shinobi found the request strange and soon asked the reason, Emilia said that she needed to complete the sanctuary's challenge, otherwise no one could leave there, Subaru and Felt sighed, realizing where they had gotten themselves into, soon they went with Emilia and arrived at the so-called sanctuary, they saw Emilia entering the sanctuary and after about half an hour, Garfiel said that Emilia had failed the test and Subaru along with Felt entered the sanctuary, but as they stepped in... both fainted....
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Subaru's eyes opened, he looked around and soon noticed an open field, next to him Felt was sleeping.
Subaru: Felt... Felt!!! - Subaru shook his daughter, who slowly woke up and looked around.
Felt: What... place is this?
Subaru: I don't know, but stay alert, we don't know what might happen.
???: Maybe a therapy session? You guys need it - A woman with white hair said, gaining the attention of the shinobi, both looked at her and already put their hands on their swords - Whoa whoa!!!! Calm down, I'm not an enemy of yours!!!! - she said, raising her hands.
Subaru: And who would you be?!?!?!?!
Felt: And what place is this?!?!?!?!
Echidna: First of all, my name is Echidna, and second, you are in the sanctuary or my tomb.
Subaru: Tomb?... I wasn't informed of any tomb.
Echidna: I imagined not, after all it would be difficult to make you work for Roswaal if he said that he protected the tomb of a witch of sin - Echidna said with a smile, while Subaru and Felt were surprised by that revelation.
Felt: And what does a witch want with us?
Echidna: It's good that you asked, I just want to help you, how about a little conversation session? After all, I know you have a lot to discuss, and I, feeling generous, am willing to help you understand each other... after all... Ashina was quite an experience, wasn't it? Great Owl Shinobi and Divine Heir Wolf Shinobi - Echidna said with a smile while both froze seeing how she called them - Now... how about you sit down?
Echidna soon showed them two chairs and, even though they were hesitant, they decided to sit down, maybe... it was a good conversation... or maybe... a terrible idea.
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Continued.