Tsukihime Plus Period - Talk

Translation: Crimson

1/ Darkwood Kingdom 1 

'--all dead.'

She muttered, in front of the dreadful sight.



It was a dark forest.

Two hours since the nightmarish night had passed. Even though the sun has risen, the forest is still shrouded in darkness.

The forest is dark even in daylight, and it sheds blood repetedly in a shade of dark red as if it were the innards of some animal.

<span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Blood is flowing, just like that.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The trees of this forest secrete blood instead of sap.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was not made from the inside, but sucked from the outside.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">speaking frankly,

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">This forest can be called an alien world.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">A black forest that reaches 50 kilometers in diameter. It, with a mind of its own, 'moves', and sucks the blood of every single animal in the area.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">No man who had set foot upon this forest, which can be called an enormous predating lifeform on its own, has returend alive.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">A dense overgrow of tree branches.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Countless roots reach into the earth.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Blood flows from the end of each, and the forest growls, as if it were one bloodthirsty dark-red beast.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Inside it, human ability is powerless. The trees suddenly strike, becoming weapons of free form,

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">and even the air becomes poisonous, leaving nowhere to flee.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">A man engulfed by the forest has his fate sealed. No, the forest not only attacks humans, but the village itself,

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">and it wasn't rare for it to create a whole new forest in one night.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">A vampiric land that thinks, and wanders the world with the earth.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Forest dwellers call it the Demon of Schwartzwald.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">They call it the Disemboweling Forest of Einnashe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'---all dead, here as well.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the darkness, she is the only one alive.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">She has no baptismal name. Only the name 'Ciel' refers to her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ciel sets foot upon the miserable space.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The trees in the vicinity are definitely eliminated. Probably the final struggle of the collegues.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The trees around the square were all slashed, broken, and incinerated.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Scattered around the square are around ten dead bodies. Bodies with familiar faces.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The demise of the follwers, sent into the forest by the order of the Church.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">......in the end, a combat unit of 40 people wasn't even able to survive one night.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'......ten men could only eliminate such a small section.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ciel confirms the bodies one by one.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Each one is a first-class fighting monk, and a comrade who had trained together.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'So exorcists can be of no help within this forest... mages are not specialized in exorcism, but even to them, this forest would be a fatal place.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The combat units of the Church are not accompanied by exorcists. The ones that were sent to this forest are specialized in close combat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">There were some who used sorcery as well, but their circuits couldn't have operated. Because, in this forest.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'--the source of magical energy is dominated by Einnashe, yes. Wouldn't that be why Narbareck chose you in the first place?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ciel's movement stalled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fixing her eyes on the tenth body, she spoke to the person who appeared--no, he was there from the start, behind her back.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Merem. Are you the watcher this time?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Ahahaha... a watcher, that can't be appropriate.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">A lively laugh that doesn't match the scenery.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The one called Merem, does not reveal his form.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Do you know that I really care for my co-workers? Since I'm here to help Ciel for now, why not be friends?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Actually, Eins was supposed to come here, but I switched places. He can't possibly protect you,

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">and both of you could be killed. But Narbareck insisted on putting you in charge... so I followed in a hurry.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'You care for your co-workers? That's new... I'm just asking, but what did you do with Eins?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Ahaha, I ate him.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Merem said in an innocent tone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'It doesn't matter, does it? Just say Einnashe did him in. He was at a good age to retire, anyway.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">This kind of work gets tough both physically and mentally after 50, doesn't it?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'......I'm hearing this from someone whose life scales up to 4 digits, Merem.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'No, look. I'm Peter Pan, so I can't be measured by common standards.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'..................'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">After confirming all the bodies, Ciel started to walk towards the center of the forest.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Eh? What, you're going to do it alone? You know you can't use any sorcery in this forest, don't you?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The only thing one can trust here is his personal abilities. Supernatural powers that rely on exterior mana cannot be used.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">After all, everything in this forest is-'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Dominated by Einnashe, isn't it? I know that. This is a Reality Marble created by the Dead Apostle Einnashe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">You can't enjoy the world's benefits when the world around you belongs to your enemy.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'That's it. I mean, even if you are skilled in the martial arts. You didn't train yourself to master level.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The two factors that made you a member of the Burial Agency has no meaning here.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Without your sorcery and your immortality, you can't survive in this place.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Knowing this, and picking you, Narbareck's really got a rotten spirit.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'It's probably just a test. Without my immortailty, I am not attractive firepower. The director is indirectly telling me to die.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'See, you're stubborn. That's why Narbareck likes you.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'.....useless meddling. If you want to talk, than talk to those trees. They can attack people, maybe they can talk to people as well.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ciel leaves the square behind.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">And behind her,

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'--Ciel, you're leaving the Burial Agency, are you?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">A question is thrown, with murderous intent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'I've heard that such rumors are spreading.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ciel replied in an emotionless voice.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The one called Merem giggled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'So it is. Your objective was to regain your humanity by killing Roa. Since that has been accomplished, there is no reason to be with us.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Frankly speaking, you were invited by the British Museum, weren't you? Now that your next workplace has been arranged, don't you think this rumor is quite persuasive?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'......I am no mage. Even if something goes wrong, I won't be joining the Association.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Ah, that's fortunate. Since it's really dull there. I figured if someone like you, who already knows the taste of blood, went there he'd die of boredom.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Of course. Dying of boredom, you wouldn't want to die such a Dead Apostle-like death.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well--although you are more Dead Apostle-like than that Apostle over there in the first place.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'--'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Besides. I know that the rumor is just a rumor. I mean, if you were trying to leave, you would have left a year ago.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's been a year since Roa was exterminated. And you've been continuing the Dead Apostle-hunting. If your objective was in regaining humanity,

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">isn't it strange that you didn't leave a year ago?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'--so, what are you trying to say, Merem Solomon?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Eh? Well, I'm saying that you don't really care about being human or not. All you're interested in is killing vampires.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Like the others, you're no more than a killing machine. Ah, but I'm different. I'm just a kid who likes toys.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'--are you? Then don't bother with my affairs. Like what you said, I'm just a machine that kills Dead Apostles.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">So even if you're a co-worker, there's no guarantee that I won't assault you, is there?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Dead Apostle called Merem laughs, shrouded in darkness.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Then, Ciel, why are you still hunting Dead Apostles?'

<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="margin:6pt0in2.4pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">2/ op. 

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:4.8pt0in6pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">There is a Dead Apostle called Einnashe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">It is regarded as one of the ancestors, but the vampire had changed its matter of existance dramatically some 800 years ago.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The vampire called Einnashe follows a forest.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">There is a sorcery called Reality Marble, which materializes a person's mental image, altering the world temporarily.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The 'Living Forest' that Einnashe controls is a form of it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">However, while a typical vampire can only maintain a bounded barrier for a few minutes, and even the most powerful ancestors, a few hours, Einnashe maintains it for days.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The forest. The alien world called the Disemboweling Forest is elusive. It sucks the blood of hundreds of people, and then disappears,

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">going into a state of hibernation for a couple of decades. Einnashe shows its form only around once in 50 years.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is why the Church hasn't been able to seal it, even though it repeats mass homicide.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">No, to speak the truth, they have no way of destroying Einnashe in the first place.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Out of the 27 ancestors, ones that rank in the top 10 cannot be destroyed by ordinary concepts.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">For if one is to compete against a being that lives in an illusion, one must use an illusion that surpasses it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">And this time.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Einnashe is active again, and two towns have already been exterminated.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Church has sent first-class combat units out of dignity.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The result is obvious. The Church has failed again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Also, the Church is not the only one that is interested in Einnashe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are many organizations that are trying to negotiate, or capture Einnashe, one of the most powerful of the Dead Apostles.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">They, too, sent their elite into the forest, but the result was the same.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Einnashe does not distinguish friend from foe. Everything that sets foot upon his alien world has no more meaning to it than food.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Even so, there are many humans who wish to enter the dark forest.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">One of the reasons is related to immortality.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the center of the dark forest, there is a giant tree, and in that throne of Einnashe is a fruit of vivid red.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">A singe fruit holding the condensed blood of hundreds, thousands of animals that had lived in the forest.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">One who eats that fruit can gain temporary immortality.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">That is, similar to a light trap.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Countless humans enter the dark forest, lured by the fruit of immortality.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">This year, it has been 4 days since Einnashe has appeared again, and the number of hunters that have entered the forest goes over a hundred.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">only four remain.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Numbers 5 and 7 of the Burial Agency, the prized anti-vampire organization of the Church.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">A wind magus from the Mage's Association, who has visited the forest as a hunter.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">And, one other.

<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="margin:6pt0in2.4pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">3/ Black Sheep 

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:4.8pt0in6pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">They walk the forest.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Four days after entering the Disemboweling Forest. Ciel still hasn't been able to grasp the true colors of this forest, nor the location of its central area.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Although it only reaches around 50 kilometers in size, the Disemboweling Forest is constantly in motion from the start. A forest walks inside a forest.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">To find the center of a disemboweling forest that never stays in the same area is not something that can be done in three or four days.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'So, we're lost again. Wouldn't it be better to take some appropriate rest here?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Anyway, it'll be safe if we make a clearing by knocking the trees down to their roots.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The voice of the one called Merem is heard behind Ciel's back. Even if Ciel had looked behind, she wouldn't have seen a shadow of a man.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ciel walked on in silence.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Her robe is torn here and there, and her breath is scattered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Four days after entering the forest. It was the result of 46 hours of combat with trees assaulting from all directions.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Eh, are you listening to me? It's no use just wandering around the Disemboweling Forest. For now, it's best to take a rest, to recover your stamina.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ciel walks on.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Really. Ciel, why don't you listen to what I say?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Because I don't like you.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Wha, that's so mean~'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">A merry voice burst out from behind.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">In this forest, where a moment's lack of tension could get oneself impaled, he was the only cheerful one.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">And, his presence was lost, just as easily.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'--Merem?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ciel stopped her feet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">A loud boom was heard some hundred meters ahead.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'--Merem!'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">She runs toward the source of the sound.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the end, no matter how she tried to deny it, she had a tenderness inside that cared for her collegues.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">And that allowed her to stay as herself.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was a ruined wasteland.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">There was a large patch of wasteland in the middle of the forest, as if a meteor had fallen on it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The ground was dug deep, so much that even the roots would surely have been blown away.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'--unbelievable. This is, like.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Like someone just scooped the ground away with a giant spoon, she muttered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Okay, now we could rest in peace.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">An angel-like boy stands in the middle of the ruin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Merem Solomon.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">This boy was the 5th of the Burial Agency, and one of the 27 Ancestors, just like Einnashe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The two sat around a bonfire.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Looking up, the sky was already dark.... although there wasn't much of a difference, since it was dark inside the forest during the day as well.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well, maybe the stars could make a difference.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'It's okay. Einnashe won't move around anymore. It's about time for it to start making the fruit.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Merem, who was making noises with his rings, spoke out. The boy wears rings in every single finger.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'......a rare thing, for you to use your beasts in front of someone else.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Hm? Ah, well since I haven't been giving it enough food lately. The soil of Einnashe makes good food.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Besides, I wanted to talk to you like this. Since you're talking, I should prepare the stage, shouldn't I?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Talk--what, about what we were saying earlier?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Eh--no, not that, but..... yes, um, you know. You, said you met, a year ago?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The boy mumbled, avoiding Ciel's eyes, as if he was ashamed of something.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'It's about her, is it?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The boy flushed furiously. Ciel was amused, rather than surprised.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'This just makes no sense at all. You're already like a traitor of the Dead Apostles, and now you're on her side.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Where did the wise and cool Merem Solomon go off to?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'That's my left hand. I only show my true self to you and Narbareck. You see, our organization values experience.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">It could get quite tiresome in many ways if I show myself.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">anyway, is it true that the princess won't be returning to her castle?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The boy spoke in an uneasy tone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Church has a morbid hatred for vampires.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">It is known that they will do whatever it takes to eliminate vampiric beings that were once human--that is, Dead Apostles.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">That's because while they can tolerate demons, they cannot accept beings that their god is not involved with.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">However, to hunt down a heretic is to acknowledge its existance.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Therfore, an organazation keeps a darkness within in order to protect itself.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">An agency that exists not to solve a contradiction, but to eradicate it, to say it wasn't there.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">That is the darkness in which she resides.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The darkness requires not faith, but just force, to protect the organization.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Out of those forces, these two can be called extraordinary.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The woman called Ciel was once tainted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The boy calls himself Merem is the target of elimination itself.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">And, the two share a common situation.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'......Hm. Then it should be about time for her blood crave to take over.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The boy muttered, expressing regrets.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Is that so? From what I've seen, she didn't seem to have reached that stage.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Well, the True Ancestor are different from other vampiric creatures. They suck blood because of psychological reasons, not physical ones.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">That is, the incentive is emotional.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, their hatred against humans and their love for them may actually be quite similar.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'......Hah. You mean that for a True Ancestor, the more emotionless one is, the longer he lives?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Yeah, since nature has no emotions. Ones belonging to nature only have a will to stay beautiful. That's why the world is so--'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">and suddenly, the boy broke his speech.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Merem......?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The boy does not answer.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">His dazed eyes, seemed to be gazing far beyond the darkness.

<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="margin:6pt0in2.4pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">4/ Red Ram 

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:4.8pt0in6pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">And, a battle draws to an end.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">A dark forest.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The mage Forte has been defeated by a nameless opponent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'--I ask, for your name.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Forte spoke, hidden in the shadows of the trees, posed to break from this location immediately.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The mage was not wounded. Even after a complete and utter defeat, her body didn't have a single scratch.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">However, the battle was concluded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Forte understood that it was impossible to compete against this oriental.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">To be honest, she couldn't belive she was still alive, that she wasn't killed outright.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was as if all this, hiding in the shadows and hearing his name, was just a delusion, as if she was already dead.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The oriental said something, but it was impossible for Forte to understand. Since she never was interested in Japanese,

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">even the pronounciation wasn't caught clearly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">But still--Forte inscribed that poorly heard sound into her mind.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The one that forced her, a swordsman as well as a mage, who could stand her ground even against the dogs of the Burial Agency, into defeat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The name of the unknown killer.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">And the mage departed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">She left like the wind, in the same manner in which she appeared.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'--ha.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">A sigh, and he winds the bandages again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">In his hand, there is only an antique knife. Other than that, some light clothing that is lacking somewhat in resistance.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Even in this unearthly, demonic ground, his attire was as simple as that of the boy called Merem Solomon.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Indeed, with you as an escort, even Nero would have been exterminated.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The voice spoke out without any sign of disturbance, as if it already knew his presence. The voice spoke English, which he couldn't speak at all,

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">so it was somewhat difficult to understand what it said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Pleased to meet you, Satsujinki. Though we were to meet in the near future, I never imagined we would meet today.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, what brings you this deep into the mountains? From what I've heard you don't seem to agree with Apostle-hunting.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'It just happened, did it. You're quite similar to Ciel. Well, since in your case, all your actions are based on the princess--

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">indeed, you're after the Fruit of Einnashe as well. That's fine.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The fruit would surely supress her blood crave to a good extent.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">He responds to the sound of 'Ciel'.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Just for an instant, however.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">He lays his hand on the freshly wrapped bandages.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Wait. I have no intention of fighting you. Since as of now, there is no way for you to defeat me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Such pointless actions are not advised. For now, your power should act against Einnashe.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The fingers stop, extended over the bandaging.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Wonderful. You're honest, unlike Ciel. Judgind from what I've heard, I had imagined an emotionless killer,

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">but you're a lot better. A purpose that goes out in two extremes, two completely different systems of thought.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">A contradiction that cannot exist without such methods is quite beautiful. Well, since I happen like inadept humans.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">A small laugh.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">He finally understood that the voice in the darkness was actually nowhere near him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Well, I'll guide you to the lair of Einnashe..... but before that, will you tell me one thing? 800 years ago,

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">the princess definitely exterminated Einnashe. Why, then, is he still alive?'

<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="margin:6pt0in2.4pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">5/ Darkwood Kingdom 2 

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:4.8pt0in6pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Merem......?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'--hahah. That's a rather ridiculous coincidence.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Light returned to the boy's eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Merem, who had been like an empty shell for some time, exhaled deeply.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Coincidence? Merem, what coincidence?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Eh? Oh, I was just off for a moment to hear the truth. How Einnashe can maintain a Reality Marble for days, and such.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'? Heard, from who?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Mm-, that's a secret. However I'll tell you the details. That's like, such a pressing story.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ciel, did you ever hear about what type of Dead Apostle Einnashe is?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'......no, I've heard that the Dead Apostle Einnashe became prominent some 800 years ago, but I do not know of its identity.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Yeah, Einnashe is like Zelretch. He's a mage who turned himself into a vampire. A powerful hypnotist,

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">so much that his abilities could be called memory remodelling. He was a cautious one, and he rewrote the memory of every single human that got to know him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Even the princess was fooled into thinking 'There is no Dead Apostle called Einnashe'.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">But that was just once. Einnashe remodels memory by making the target 'understand'.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">There was a mage who can sink thoughts into the subconscious, making it impossible to recall.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The princess eliminated Einnashe with his help. That was 800 years ago.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'......800 years, then that would be when she was still hunting Dead Apostles by the order of the True Ancestors.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">If she eliminated him then, she would have destroyed the whole lot of them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Then, didn't the entire clan called Einnashe get totally wiped out?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Yeah, that's what happened. However, for some reason the princess made a big mistake.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">She left Einnashe's dead body and returned to the castle, but she left it under some tree.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'......? Some tree, what's that?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Well, a carnivorous plant. If you were in Japan, you'd have heard of such things?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Like gajumal or jubotko, stories of trees that suck blood. Ah, he also said cherry blossoms drink blood as well.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well, anyway, the corpse was under that tree, and the tree accidently sucked Einnashe's blood.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">You know the rest. The tree that sucked the blood of a powerful monster such as Einnashe.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">It became a transcedental lifeform that moves around, assaulting people, and it grew steadily.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'--that leaves me speechless. Unbelievable. That idiot, had a screw loose from the first place, did it.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Ahahaha. Yeah, he showed the same sort of appreciations well.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The boy laughed innocently.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Eh......wait a second, Merem. Someone who knows such a truth that only she could know, and talks about it just like that. Um, it's just a maybe, but......'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Yeah, it's the one Ciel was talking about earlier. He was quite surprised when I mentioned you, as well. Like whoa, Senpai is here as well, or something.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ciel flushed, becoming as red as the boy did earlier, and took a breath.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Ah, um, Merem, that--'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'If it's his location, it's simple. He was closer to Einnashe than we are. So I gave him some guidance.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Anyway, he says he's here to destroy Einnashe.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'What......!'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ciel rises to her feet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">And at that moment.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Eh--no way?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The whole forest shook, and suddenly, one of the boy's legs ruptured.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">If there was such a thing as a god's beast, then it would refer to something like that.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">A dark mass. A silhouette like a whale stood up from the middle of the forest.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Were there so many birds in this forest of death? A flock of wild birds, big enough to cover the stars, fly up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The black whale, made a sound like a scream.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Something was clinging at an alarming rate, starting from the legs of the giant beast.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was a group of trees, literally running over the black skin of the whale.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The enormous beast, which had the size of a mountain, was covered entirely by trees in less than a minute, and halted, becoming a new part of the forest.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The beast that would stomp and crush the world was, however, defeated by the corrosion of the world it should crush.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">No.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was no match in the first place.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Argh--that thing, doing quite well......!'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The boy presses down the ruptured right leg.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The forest continues to shake.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Perhaps it's the excitement of consuming such a giant lifeform, the trees supress a strong desire to move around.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Merem, that was--!?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'No, this is bad--of course, it lives purely on instinct. Looks like it noticed that something capable of killing it has come near.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">That Disemboweling Forest is about to kill every single living thing on it.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'!'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">From that, she understood the whole turn of events.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Holding the few black keys that are left, she stares into the depths of the forest. Inside, would be her target.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Not the target to destroy, but the target to protect.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Merem, where's the core of Einnashe.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'There, around 3 kilometers in distance.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The boy speaking is missing a hand. Clearly not satisfied with just being attacked,

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">it seems that he has already sent another beast in the direction.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'I'm going. Will you be able to protect youself alone, Merem?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'It's okay. I'm not alone.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Of course, it was a stupid question.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ciel replied briefly, and ran off.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Severing countelss assaulting branches, she headed to the core of the dark forest.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">What happend after that, would be needless to say.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Since it would be what anyone would imagine.

<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="margin:6pt0in2.4pt;line-height:16.5pt;">'''<span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">6/ ep. '''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:4.8pt0in6pt;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">They leave the forest.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The sun, which they haven't seen for a few days, glows a dazzling white.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Ciel, you let him go. The Church had ordered his capture as an important reference.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'But you let her go. The director sent out orders to dispose of her on sight, did she not?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The two halted at the exit of the forest.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">After staring at each other in the eye for a few seconds,

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Well, I'll let it pass this time.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Yeah, let's forget about it.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">And they walk.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">It seems the boy's leg is still immobile. His movement is akward, so much that he couldn't walk properly without her assistance.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'---'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The two walk in silence.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Suddenly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Ciel, if there's a chance, that would be now.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The boy spoke such words.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'-'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">She stops her steps.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The boy's intentions are incomprehensible, but his words speak the truth.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">There is no watcher on her, and her only companion cannot move properly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">If she is to dissapear, like a cat without her leash, now is the perfect chance.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">After taking a deep breath.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Forget about it. The opportunity has left a year ago.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">She says, and starts to walk with the boy in her arms.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Hm. That's just acting calmness, isn't it.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Yes. However, since this is the first time, it would be an impudence to stop before I can't bear it anymore.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">giving up just because I'm fed up with it, is rather childish.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Hm, that's like paying the price of your sins? It's funny, since that sounds quite human.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Eh. Do you envy me, Merem?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'......yeah- in a way. About as much as you envy me. However, then how long does it last?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">You're not saying that sin lasts until you die, are you?'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'That would be convenient...... But I don't think so.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Since I don't even know what my sin is, in the first place.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Until it is certain, I will confront the darkness within me, she says.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The boy, gazes far.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'What, then it's a damned bond that lasts a lifetime, isn't it? Don't you know the simple truth?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">That nothing can be cleared before it comes to an end?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">He says, in a rather exhausted tone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Indeed... those words carry a weight when you say it, Merem.'

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">She giggles like a boy, but she doesn't stop walking.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">like that, she returns to her old workplace.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The boy doesnt know. He doesn't know that she had always wanted to escape, that she repeats the same things over and over again in each task.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the end.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The woman called Ciel goes searching for her sins until her old nest itself is gone.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0in;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Afterwards, whether the sin comes in the end or not, will be another story.....

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