"Er, I might be. Why are you looking for 'im," I retorted cautiously. The boy looked me up and down, "I have an invite for the man, for the vernal celebration at South Window. It is courtesy of Master Bleary Tomlin." I was surprised, to tell the truth. Sure, after our run in with the Kobold Mafia, we'd hung out a couple of times drinking, but actually inviting me to one of those ultra-formal state dinners. Ok, I was a super fun guy, but this was really weird. "Yeah, that's me," I muttered. The lad grinned, "Good, I'd despaired of finding you. The gala is in three days at the mayor's house, you shall be expected." With that, he handed me an invitation and walked off.

Rei entered, rubbing her eyes. "Who was that," She asked drowzily. "Some kid. He gave me an invitation for a formal dinner at Mayor Granmeyer's place," I said, examining the aforementioned item. "It's for me and a 'guest'," I went on, "If it's from Bleary, he's probably gotta reason for all this. We probably should go." She nodded. "Do you have any attire for an event such as this," Rei inquired, knowing full well that I didn't. "Nope," I muttered, also knowing what she was leading me to. I'd have to go 'shopping'.

*Two days later*

I turned around, allowing Rei to critique the clothes I was currently wearing. She nodded, "Hmm, I like them. What do you think?" I gazed down at them. The black tunic wasn't bad, except for the puffy sleeves, and the brown vest I had on over it was, I must say, very spiffy. For pants, I'd chosen some baggy brown trousers and, at my insistence, had exchanged the leather belt for one made out of some hemp rope, which I thought added a touch of flair to my wardrobe. I grinned, "They fit. Though these sleeves make me look like a panzy." Rei laughed, a tinkling sound that I never got tired of hearing. "A manly panzy, that is," she added, "Though, you'd fit in more wearing some breeches and tights..." I was going to have none of that. "Uh uh, no way. I would sooner die than wear tights. Besides, they make my legs look big," I said, aware that my legs WERE big, but it was the only excuse I could think of to prevent me from suffering the indignity of looking some courtier narcississy.

Rei held a hand up in surrender, "Don't worry, it's fine." I nodded, brushing some imaginary dust off of my sleeve. "So, have you picked out something to wear," I asked, gesturing to the racks of clothes that the tailor had brought out. Rei looked confused for a moment before she responded, "That's not necessary. I still have the Kimono of Ultimate Beauty and Timeless Gracefulness at Perennial Arrangements." That was true. Plus, none of the clothes here were especially good quality and compared to the kimono, they were mere rags. "Ok then, shall we go," I asked, parodying a bow and offering my arm. Rei took it and we went home to gather the necessities before we set of to South Window.

*A day after that*

We arrived at dusk, more or less on time for the feast thing. I decided to go the whole nine yards and, using a month's pay, hired a carriage to take us to the mayor's place, even though it was only like a five minute walk. Once there, I hopped out and offered a hand to Rei, grinning all the while. I guess I could see why some people could put up with the clothes. Pretending to be a noble was fun in a stupid kinda way. I escorted her to the entrance and a man stepped in our path. He was a bullish man, his head sprouting right outta his shoulders. He was quite evidently one of the doorsman. He looked me up and down (I was gettin' that a lot lately). "I'm very sorry, sir. Only those who are invited can attend," the guard said arrogantly. I chuckled, "How astute! You have a good head on your shoulders, it's too bad it's not on your neck."

As Rei and I went in, we were greeted by Bleary. Dressed in a tux, he looked a lot like a kid forced into his Sunday best. He saw us and grinned. "Hey, I'm glad you two made it," Bleary told us. I nodded, "Thanks. Any special reason we were invited?" Bleary's grin widened. "No, I just thought you'd enjoy a break," He said cheerily. Well, so much for my conspiracy theories. Just then, two men came over. One a blond man wearing various reds and pinks and the other a dark-haired man dressed in a brown kimono, katana thrust through his belt. I wonder if he came from Harmonia like Rei had. Meanwhile, the blond prissy guy had strutted over and was in the process of introducing himself to Rei. "It is always a pleasure to meet such a delicate flower, especially one so beautiful. I am called Louis Francis Marcois de Bienville." I looked at Rei to see what her take on this was. All the color had drained out of her face and she somehow convinced that Louis guy to leave. "My name is Hideko," the dark-haired man bowed to us, "I hope you enjoy this evening's festivities."

With that, Hideko turned and walked off. He paused for a moment and, without turning back, said, "It's good to see you again, Rei." "Who was that," I asked, trying to figure out what relationship the two shared. Rei didn't answer, so I looked to Bleary. "Him, eh, he's Hideko Shiitake. He came here as an emissary of Harmonia, I think," Bleary responded, totally missing what had occured between the two Harmonians. I wasn't satisfied. Bleary led us on to our seats at the table before he left to greet some more friends or something. We sat there, saying nothing, for a couple of minutes until Rei excused herself and walked out onto the veranda. It hadn't occured to me that she might have a...significant other back in Harmonia. Sure, I'd gotten fond of her, but was I ... it was possible... However, throughout my musings, it didn't escape my notice that Hideko followed Rei outside.

Rei watched the dark sky, marveling at all the stars out tonight. It was funny, she thought, how one took such things for granted. She didn't turn when she heard the footsteps, she knew it was Hideko. It couldn't have been any other. "How have you been, Rei," he asked quietly.

"Fine. You?" Stiffly.

"Why are you so cold? That is no way to treat a lover."

"Lover? We were friends... I never loved you." Rei met his gaze defiantly.

"I know, I was merely making an analogy. Love does not exist. Our lives are proof of that, or don't you remember?" Hideko grinned, knowing the pain he was inflicting and savoring it.

"I remember... I remember my parents being slaughtered right before my eyes. How can you serve them?"

"True, they do murder others, but only the weak, the ones that deserve to die. I serve them so that I can become strong. So I can forge my own destiny."

"And what about the other children? Do you wish them to share our fate?"

"They are inconsequential, but that is beside the point. Who is that man you're with and why?"

"He is my master...though he wishes it not."

"Your master? Don't make me laugh. Your only duty is to the Temple of the Silver Moon."

"He beat me in a duel and spared me. Honor dictates that ..."

"Honor is nothing. A lie devised by the weak to keep the strong in check."

"Regardless, Amada is my master now."

"If honor is the only thing keeping you, I can arrange..."

"No! You will NOT arrange anything."

"If he is as good a man as you say, will he release you from your bond?"

"...Probably, but I won't leave him."

"Then it is settled. You know the price of betrayal." It was a statement, not a question.

Rei stared out into the abyss of midnight

"May I ask why you choose to die?"

"I've learned much in the short time I have known Amada. One of them is that life doesn't have to hurt, being with him made me realize that. I've also thought about my mission and I just can't do it. I can't resign others to the hell that I wake up to every day. Amada is my salvation from the memories, from the pain."

"Oh, that's all very well, but what is your attachment to this fellow?"

"He is no mere 'fellow'. He is twice the man you are."

"How ironic. Enjoy being with him, while it lasts, your very presence jeopardizes his life."

She couldn't help it, her hands gripped the rail tighter. He was right after all...

I was in the process of draining a tankard or two when the room plunged into darkness. Off to my left, a man screamed and something wet and warm splattered across my cheek. Suddenly, a cacophony arose as everyone tried to get up and flee, succeeding only in tripping over each other and heightening the pandemonium. I remained seated, still gripping a goblet and hoping someone turned the lights back on. My prayers were answered as the darkness receded and light returned. I blinked a couple of times and was further startled by a woman screeching in hysteria. "Dear God! Murderer," the lady shrieked, frantically pointing past me. I spun around, ready for anything, but even then, my blood ran cold. A woman stood over the former Louis de Bienville, now only a bloody heap of flesh slouched across the table. For a moment, no one moved. The only exception being the murderess, who looked around the room, her gaze resting on me briefly. Even then, no one dared stop her as she spun on her heel and strode out as if nothing had happened. Everyone was stunned, me in particular, the woman was Rei.

"If I come with you, do you promise to let Amada live?" Hideko had not a trace of compassion in his body, but bargaining was something they both understood.

"Hmph, fine. We must leave immediately."

"I wish to bid him farewell."

"Why? It is not like you matter to him. Unless he bedded you, of course..."

"Amada is not like that."

Hideko frowned. To him, emotions were nothing but excuses. It was the tangible things in life that mattered, that was all. "Whatever. We leave now. Besides, the guards should be searching for you soon."

"What do you speak of?" She asked, as the lights from the hall behind her were extinguished. Rei spun around, but was halted by an iron grip on her arm.

"Hold still. In case you refused, I arranged it so it would appear that you murdered a guest."

"What?! How could you? What will Amada think of me now?"

"If you don't come with me now, he will think nothing more. I promised only to spare the fool's life if you returned to Harmonia with us."

She paused for a moment before reaching a decision. "May I write a letter, explaining the truth."

"My, you sure have gotten soft, Rei. You may write this letter once we are away from here."

It couldn't have been. Rei would never had committed such an atrocity. True, I had not known her long, but this...this just couldn't be. I had to find her, to hear from her own mouth if everything was as it appeared. I jumped up and ran to the veranda, somehow knowing I'd find her there. She was speaking with that Hideko guy, just as she had been earlier. Yes, maybe it was all some big misunderstanding! Both of them turned at my approach, Hideko had abandoned his facade of nobility and formality for his natural look: sinister and purely evil. I stumbled to a halt as his hand slid to his sword, after all, I was unarmed. Out of nowhere, a feminine figure detached herself from a shadow, walking over to stand beside Rei, sword drawn. It's fair to say I gaped as what had really occured hit me. The woman standing next to Rei was identical, from the lustrous black hair to the graceful posture she had adopted. Still, I could have easily have told the two apart. Rei's twin had eyes as dark as coal and just as dead. Rei was as surprised as me, maybe more. "Meia, you're alive! I thought you slain alongside mother and father," Rei gasped. The woman called Meia nodded and smiled grimly and lifelessly, much like a cold-blooded killer's.

"She can't talk, see the scar on her throat? When your parents were killed, Meia was maimed for...being less than cooperative," Hideko interjected darkly, grinning from ear to ear, "Amada, don't stop us and we won't kill you, much as I'd enjoy breaking you on the rack." I shook my head, "No, no one kidnaps a friend of mine, ever. I'm definitely not going to look the other way while you do." Meia took a step forward, raising her blade above her head. I crouched in a defensive posture, ready to fight to the death if necessary. "No! Amada...you should leave," Rei said, pleading with me to do as she asked. I couldn't believe her.

"Rei..."

"Please."