An abrupt gasp of air came, as Nye's eyes instantaneously opened. She laid still, staring at the ceiling above her, as her heartbeat was rapid from shock. Her eyes danced around the room, trying to figure out where she was.

"This isn't Wynorex... Where am I?..." She whispered to herself, her breathing began to ease up along with her heartbeat. A few flashes came to her mind, from the monster invasion in Wynorex, and then the events that lead up to Finch injecting her with Nightshade. "Hold up...That's right.... I remember now..." Nye held her head, having a few more flashes of monstrous beasts swarming her, as she slightly shifted herself up on the bed. "Ugh...Then that dream...."

She lowered her hand, as she noticed something in her peripheral vision. There, sitting on the floor beside the bed that she rested in, she took notice of something. Nye began to relax, slightly shifting on the bed, to peer over easier. It was Jackyn, he had fallen asleep whilst keeping an eye out for her. He had his back to the bed, with his arms crossed, and his head resting against the fur that hung over the side.

Nye appeared surprised, maybe even relieved to see him there. "Jackyn?..." She spoke quietly, as she softly gazed his way.

As she peered over at him, Jack's eyes flickered open, but he still seemed relatively tired. He shifted his gaze over in Nye's direction, appearing like he was in somewhat of a daze. However, after a brief moment of coming to his senses, his expression shifted awkwardly. "I was wondering when you'd wake up... It's been weeks."

"I had no idea..." Nye furrowed her brows, turning away from him.

"How're you feeling?" He inquired, looking Nye over a bit.

"Honestly... I'm not sure... Jack?... Would you mind if we talked a bit?" Nye took a moment to speak up, her tone seeming different than usual. It was almost like she was ashamed.

Jackyn got on his feet, looking to her with an unsure expression. "What's on your mind?"

"Before I lost consciousness, I learned some information, that I was until now, unaware of... Lenault manipulated my actions, I was basically a pawn to trick the Templar.... I... I don't think I was ever intended to be the Queen of Fiends... I'm sure there's more to it, but I can't be for certain..." She admitted, seemingly gloomy in tone.

"I know..." Jack replied, deciding to take a seat next to her. His gaze wasn't focusing on Nye, but his attention was on her. Nye turned to him, seeming perplexed by his statement. Jackyn's blue irises glanced Nye's way, from his peripheral vision. "...I had a run in with my older siblings..." He began, glancing away once again. "They told me everything, your situation, the plan... They even tried to sway my judgment, despite the bad blood."

Nye looked to her feet, her mood was definitely more doubtful than before. She held her hand, staring to the cursed ring on her index finger. "I suppose whoever the real heir is wants you on their side... It would make perfect sense for them to claim whatever allies I had. I'm just some... illegitimate bastard... I played right into their plan..." Nye wrapped her arms around her knees, resting her face against them. Nye then closed her eyes with a sigh.

Jack peered back over to Nye, unsure how to respond. He shifted, moving his hand over to her shoulder, as if to comfort her. However Jackyn hesitated, withdrawing his action before he made any contact. "..."

"I've always been on my own, never having anyone... Everything I know, I taught to myself." Nye hid her face in her arms. Her tone sounded like her voice was cracking, almost like she was holding back tears. 'Then things changed...I made such a fool out of myself, and I can't take back what I said..." She spoke in a hushed tone, before she briefly paused. "I knew I should have remained on my own, it was a bad idea to take on the role of Queen... I just wanted so badly to have some sort of purpose... It was stupid to trust Lenault..." Nye went on, as if scolding herself, before her voice cracked once again." The truth is though... I've always been scared of being alone..."

"They used you like some toy; a key to open their path, and mislead the Templar. You always say that 'actions speak louder than words', and I think I've seen enough to know what the Cult of Ghestro is like. You know better than anyone, how hard it is to gain my trust. I don't care that you're not some Queen. Don't you worry, I'm never going to take their side over yours. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way..." Jackyn replied, turning to Nye.

Nye lifted her head, to look to Jackyn. She seemed happy to hear what he had said. "So the others made it out then?"

However, before Jack could reply, the door slammed open. Jackyn drew a knife, as he turned to the door quickly; only to spot Miles standing there. "Hey! I thought I told you to stay away from her!?-Nye!? You're awake!?" Miles went from angry to shocked within seconds, but he was relieved to see Nye's face.

"Miles." Nye looked away, still seeming ashamed. "Aye. Where are the others?"

"Downstairs. Are you feeling alright?" Miles inquired, briefly glaring to Jackyn.

"I'll manage." Nye replied, with a nod.

"What happened back in Wynorex, when we got separated?" Miles continued, in concern.

"It's a long story... I think it's best if we gather everyone, so I can let you all know the situation together." Nye insisted, she was having a hard time looking at Miles.

"Alright... Hey, you sure you're okay? You're acting weird." Miles asked in a concerned tone.

Jackyn got up, and grabbed Miles' by the back of his jacket; forcing the cat to the door.

"Get your hands off me!!" Miles demanded, struggling as he was dragged from Nye's sight.

Nye was staring in confusion briefly, before the door closed behind them. Once outside the door, Jackyn looked sternly to Miles. "Oh, cut the crap. If you went through the same shit that she did, you'd be acting strange too!" He flared his fangs, as he scolded Miles with a hushed tone.

Miles pushed Jackyn back, his hand immediately grabbing to the hilt of his blade. "You need to stay out of this! I told you to leave her alone!"

"Just let Nye rest, and she'll explain everything when she's ready. So shut up!" Jackyn sneered, before walking down the stairs.

Miles stood, watching Jackyn head over to the bar. "...He needs to leave." Miles gritted his teeth, trembling from adrenaline.

Somewhere, deep in the slums of Skyworld, the canine Leashed, Grave, had dragged the man's body into a rickety old hut, carrying a small sack with her. The hut was barley being held together, with how decayed the wood work was. Many holes lined the walls, and dust seemed to be everywhere. The only thing inside was a tattered blanket and dirty old pillow laying on the wooden floor. Nails were coming up with the uneven floorboard, and there was cobwebs that lined the room. It was cramped inside, but seemed to make a decent shelter.

Grave dropped the man, onto the make-shift bed, before deciding to sit down, with her back against the wall. She sighed, pulling her beanie off her head, and placing it to the ground. Grave then pulled the draw strings on the sack, and reached inside to take out a half eaten apple, that was already starting to rot. Looking to the fruit, she begrudgingly took a bite from it. She glanced up, upon seeing the man shift from his position.

"Ugh..." He groaned.

"Eh?!" Grave gawked over to him, seemingly stunned.

The man shifted, propping himself up, but was struggling. He must have been in a world of pain. "Dammit..." He winced, peering over to Grave through one half shut eye, as he managed to sit up.

She had dropped her apple, staring at him, awkwardly. He only had glanced to her for a second, before focusing to his injury. The man pulled to the knot, undoing the wrap that Grave made on him.

"I don't know if you wanna do that. You're bleedin'." Grave quirked a brow at him, carrying a surprised expression.

The man only glanced her way for a moment, before carrying on with whatever it was that he was doing. "Then why don't you lend me a hand? I'm sure that you brought me here for a reason."

"Well, I dunno about that." Grave muttered to herself, quietly with a crazed expression.

"Whatever then..." He muttered, flipping his wrist forward to expose the inside of his hand. Blue flames immediately lit in the center of his palm, like a matchstick.

"Ack! FIRE!? W-What the HELL are you DOING!?" Grave panicked, getting to her feet,

"Don't worry about it." He replied, calmly as he decided to shift again, reaching his arm around to connect the flames with his broken wing. He managed to endure the pain, as he cauterized his wound. It was too much though, and he fell to his side, squinting from the burning on his back. Sweat was rolling down his cheeks, and he was clearly very fatigued.

Grave rushed over to him, scrambling in confusion. She was taken back from this, staring at him like he was an idiot. Then she noticed what he did to his back, shifting her mood to surprise. "The bleedin'... It... It stopped. Hehe..." She muttered softly, as she dropped to her knees. She was struggling to grasp the concept of what he just did.

The man glanced up at her through droplets of sweat from the overexertion. His single wing shifted behind his back, weakly, as his breath staggered momentarily. "Why does it matter? You're just some stray."

"H-Hey! I am NOT a stray! I-I had an owner, alright!? A scholar!.. She was sick for a long time, and..." Grave retorted, seeming flustered by this. "Now I'm alone."

The man didn't seem to expect that response, deciding to close his eyes. "Sorry."

"I just thought that maybe we could help each other, since we're both outcasts, ya'know?" Grave turned back to him, with a shrug and an unsure smile. "My name's Grave Kesmer."

"Vaugn Taiko... Honestly, you'd be safer on your own." He quickly dismissed the offer.

"Pfft! As if! Templar catch me, it's all over. Hehehe!" Grave cackled, with a manic tone.

"Ookay. You're nuts." Vaugn rolled his eyes a bit, looking away from her with a soft sigh of annoyance.

"I take offense to that!" Grave barked back at him. However, she saw his hand coming at her, which caused her to immediately flinch.

Unexpectedly though, Vaugn placed a hand on top of Grave's head, between her ears. This caused her to shut up, and stare at him with a flustered blushing expression. He just sort of looked to her, his eyes examining her facial movements in silence.

"You can't take care of yourself, can you?" Vaugn finally spoke up, still looking to Grave.

"..." Grave turned her head away from him, shaking it in embarrassment. "No. I get into too much trouble. I can't really help myself though... Hehe, It's so much fun." She smiled, in an unstable way.

Vaugn shrugged, "Seems I'm stuck with you then."

"What!?" Grave was taken by surprise.

"It would be cruel of me to leave a mentally unstable girl on her own." Vaugn scratched his head, feeling the guilt. "Might be better this way. I don't think I'll ever fly again, I can't even retract my wing like this." He admitted.

Grave's tail started wagging, as she reached for his clothes on the ground. "Is that a promise, Master Vaugn?" She held out her pinkie to him.

"...Sure." Vaugn replied quietly, hesitating before he begrudgingly made the pinkie swear hand gesture with her.

As their hands backed off, Vaugn watched as Grave drew closer, with his shirt in her hand. The canine helped him shift his body, so that she could help get him dressed. "You take care of me, and I'll take care of you." She smiled, finally getting the shirt situated on him. Vaugn only sat there, his expression hardly readable.

Meanwhile, back around Knothole sanctum; Miles and the others were awaiting Nye to join them. He was sitting with Zyron, who seemed to be keeping an eye on Solitaire. He was concerned for her, but unsure what to do. The feline beside him, was impatiently fidgeting with his katana however. Ashe wasn't too far from the others, but he was clearly avoiding Solitaire. She would glance his way, holding back tears of frustration, but she knew nothing would ever come out of it. There was a heavy amount of tension between them all, but most notably between Miles and Jackyn. Jackyn kept the furthest from the others, knowing he was clearly unwanted amongst them.

Runfaust and Molliana were with them as well, carrying on their tasks within the safe house. A few others were guests there, but they seemed to eavesdrop more than they should be. Jackyn had his eye on them, watching for any suspicious movements. Nikolai was also looming about, lingering mostly upstairs, away from the guests.

As the stairs began to creak, eyes shifted to them. Descending their way came a figure in a black coat, it was Nyghtmare. Her usual confidence was absent, rather, she appeared distant in thought. The few other guests' eyes turned to her as well, before whispering amongst themselves. As Nye reached the bottom of the stairs, those patrons had already stood up and left through the front exit's stairwell. She glanced their way, watching the front door close behind them. She wasn't sure what to think of it however.

Solitaire got to her feet upon seeing Nye, walking over and hugging her. "Blimey, you're alright."

Nye hesitated, before returning the gesture. "Aye." Miles and the others watched as the hug broke, seeing Nye look to them all. "I'm sure all of you are curious what happened that night in Wynorex." She said, taking a seat on the last few bottom steps of the stairs.

Solitaire decided to take a seat next to her, as Runfaust and the others who were at a distance, came to sit at the closer tables. They were all eager to hear Nye's side of the story. Jackyn however, remained at a distance like an outcast.

Miles stood up, his hands to the table. "It was his fault, wasn't it!?" He snapped, pointing his finger angrily in Jackyn's direction. "He ambushed you guys, and killed Finch! Didn't he!?"

Zyron and the others had turned to Miles, surprised by his outburst. Jackyn only peered over with an annoyed expression, as Nye rose to her feet suddenly. "This was not Jackyn's fault!" She retorted, getting the feline to timidly sit back in his seat. Nye sighed, crossing her arms. "I don't think Finch is dead, but the fiends that swarmed us was not a mistake. Someone else is controlling them, and... Finch tricked us into believing he was one of us. He was part of whoever's plan it was, and lead me deep into the caverns."

Everyone, outside of Nye and Jackyn, were flabbergasted by this. They held the look of shock in their faces. Ashewyn turned to Nye, seeming the least surprised by this. "So there was a conspiracy going on. I knew it!"

Nye nodded. "Aye... but that's not all." She said, looking away from them. "I had no idea, and he took advantage of the situation, injecting that toxin into my body. I fell numb, vulnerable, and at the mercy of his words. He told me, that I have been nothing but a tool to mislead the Templar. This ring...." She motioned her right hand, uneasily. "It's nothing more than a cursed replica of Lenault's. I'll never be able to remove it..."

"What do you mean by, misleading the Templar?" Solitaire looked to Nye.

"Finch told me, that I am nothing more than a bastard... I'm not the true heir... So they used me to trick the holy knights into believing I was the Queen of Fiends, to protect their real leader...." She admitted, seeming ashamed of it. This caused everyone to appear in shock, but Nye glanced back to them. "It's only a matter of time before they try to sway you. I'm not the true queen, so I understand if you choose to join them."

There was a brief silence in the room, before Solitaire stood up behind Nye. "Bleeding hell Spooky, do you really think any of us would do that to you, after all that we've been through? When we first met, I didn't understand anything about this world. I lost all the mates and family I had. I was alone, but it was you who took me under your wing; not 'this real heir'. You're not too shabby of a leader, and you're my friend."

Nye had listened to the whole explanation, seeming happy to hear Solitaire's response. "Solitaire."

"Nye." Miles spoke up, getting Nye to look his way now. "Remember our first encounter? You knocked some sense into me, and then took me in, despite the trouble I gave you. Besides that, I know we're fighting for everyone's freedoms, and I wouldn't side with anyone other than you. I think I've told you enough of how I feel, maybe too much." Miles admitted.

"Miles." Nye nodded with a soft chuckle, also glad to hear Miles statements, but caught Zyron looking her way. "I don't believe we've properly met."

Zyron shook his head. "I know. My name's Zyron. Your friends saved my life before those fiends attacked. If it wasn't for them, I might not be standing here today. I made a promise that I would stick around to help, so I'm not going anywhere either."

Nye smiled, "Glad to have your aid, Zyron."

Ashewyn got to his feet, with his hands in his pockets. "They all have a point Nye. Doesn't matter if you're not the Queen, you're still our leader, and our friend. You've got a reason to keep fighting. I knew there was something else going on, but my old man didn't believe me." He glanced over at Runfaust, before looking to Nye again. "We need to stick together, more than ever now."

"Ashewyn." Nye seemed to be feeling much better now.

Nikolai appeared beside Nye, looking up at her. "Mistress." He said, which got her to peer his way. "It is true that my ancestors were loyal to the Ghestro family bloodline, but it does not matter that you are the Queen or a bastard. You're still a Ghestro, and I chose to serve you, so I will stand by my decision."

"Thank you, Nikolai." Nye replied, with a smile.

"You have our support as well, Mi'lady. It's hard to fathom how the true ruler would plan something so under minded, but I know that I want no part helping a person like that. I said it before, and I'll say it again. You hold authentic integrity." Runfaust smiled to her. "With the events of late, we should make Knothole your new headquarters."

"I'd appreciate that, Runfaust." Nye accepted, graciously.

"Daddy's right, we'll do what we can to help too. I'm sure others will join our cause too." Molliana added, in a soft tone. "What about the scary man who brought you here though? He saved your life."

"Hm?" Nye seemed surprised, glancing over to the corner where Jackyn was. He glanced to her, before looking away abruptly. This made Nye softly smile. "Jackyn is on our side, don't worry little one." She said, but noticed the portrait of Lenault upstairs, with made her face become more serious.

Elsewhere, up in the land of Skyworld, Kloud was proceeding alone down the halls of the castle. The sun had already set, and nightfall had arrived. He was passing a window, glancing down into the training yard. There he noticed his fellow knights testing the recruits' skills. He stopped for a moment, to observe them. Flint was keeping his eyes on Trigger still, watching her take out all the targets in the range. The other humans of her group seemed astonished at her skill.

Flint had turned to her with a cheerful grin. "Say, you ain't half bad sweetheart. You're a pretty good shot, but I wonder how good you are at handling a 'blade'?" Flint licked the corner of his lips.

Trigger gripped the hilt of her sword. "You're about to find out if you keep at this, beast." She sneered, coldly.

"That idiot..." Kloud shook his head, before he shifted his attention from his friend, noticing that Ayame was absent. "Where's Ayame? Wasn't she supposed to be in charge of this?" He muttered to himself.

Kloud turned from the window, hurrying off down the halls, and located the Knight dormitory. It was the sector where the higher ranked Templar lived inside the castle, but he continued until he reached a room. Kloud halted, knocking on the door.

"A-Ayame?" He called, in a nervous tone. He received no answer, but Kloud was uneasy about this. His eyes trailed down to the fancy looking doorknob, gently opening the door. It slowly cracked open, as he peaked inside. "...Ayame?" He called again, in somewhat of a whisper.

Hearing no reply, Kloud decided to enter her chambers. He cautiously went through to the neatly organized room in the back, peering over to where her elegant styled canopy bed was. Behind the see-through fabric that hung over the bed, was Ayame. She was laying on her silk fabric, seeming in slight pain as she held her head. Kloud drew further in, approaching her bed, as he watched her laying there.

He seemed nervous, as he pushed aside the curtains, leaning in to hover over her. "Ayame?"

Her eyes opened, shifting immediately in panic. Her eyes met his, causing her to regain her composure. "How... Why are you in my chambers!?" She snapped, sweating a bit from being startled.

"I was worried... about you..." Kloud gasped, stumbling forward. His hands landed on the fabric that she rested on, his face only inches away from hers now. "I'm t-terribly s-sorry!! I-I-I-I-I didn't mean t-to..." He fumbled over his words, as he grew more nervous, blushing violently.

Ayame was somewhat stunned from the accident position her placed them in, her face a bit flustered. "You shouldn't... be in here..." Ayame averted her eyes.

Kloud's heart was nearly beating out of his chest, as he struggled to move, or get any words out. "I-I know...but what happened to you? A-Are you hurt?"

"Just a minor headache. I'll be fine." Ayame sighed. "Kloud, you do realize what's going to happen now, don't you?" Ayame spoke quietly.

"Uh...N-No, I don't..." Kloud stammered, furrowing his brows as he looked down to the girl he secretly loved.

"You failed Aoba, even with the aid I enlisted for you. Your knighthood is on the line, and it's my fault. I was too hard on you, and I only wanted to help you become stronger. I knew you weren't a turncoat, but now you're at the mercy of the grand master. For that, I apologize." She admitted, resting her head back onto her bed.

"Ayame... P-Please don't say that, I-I would never put the blame on you. I can't do much of anything right as it is. If I become a fallen angel, then it can't be helped. Between the dangers of the Angel of Death, that witch, and now the Queen of Fiends... Aoba needs all the numbers he can get. If I'm lucky, maybe he'll just demote me... It doesn't matter though..." Kloud tried to reassure her, but let out a sigh as he closed his eyes. "I just..."

Ayame looked to Kloud, trying to read him.

"I just wanted to... be closer with you..." Kloud admitted bashfully, as his eyes opened, nervously meeting hers.

Ayame was taken off guard, as she gently shifted to place a hand to his face, causing Kloud to jump slightly. "I've been waiting a long time to hear you say that."

"You... You have?" Kloud blushed, since he was not anticipating that response. Ayame smiled subtly, pulling Kloud closer to her. Kloud was startled, feeling her lips brush against him. "(Am... Am I dreaming?.. Why would she want a pusillanimous guy like me?..)" He pondered, unsure if this was fantasy or reality.

Kloud couldn't help himself, as he fell deeper into the kiss; letting his tongue brush the inside of her mouth. He felt Ayame's hands slide underneath his shirt, to pull it off, over his head as the kiss briefly broke.

"You can do better than me, Ayame... I'm not good enough..." Kloud spoke softly, as he briefly pulled away.

Ayame reached her hands for his face once again, looking to him. "You may be clumsy, but you're far smarter than any man I know. Don't belittle yourself, okay?"

Kloud took her hand in his, smiling as he looked to her. "Anything for you, it that's what you want."

Kloud let her finish removing his shirt, before the kissing resume. Ayame took his hand, allowing it to wander up the side of her legs, brushing his fingers against her skin under her skirt. He continued to passionately kiss her, as his body pressed against hers. The view panned just outside her room, where Elliot stood by her door with a disgruntled expression...