It had been a year since we left the Vermine Kingdom to find Komraad in his hometown. A lot had happened, and we met some truly amazing people, but it was finally time for us to settle back down.

 

We’d been traveling for months since departing Kurrbryde. Thankfully, the journey had been smooth and uneventful. Before we left, I had asked Komraad and the girls to keep quiet regarding the vision Raya and I saw in the meantime. I knew how important it was, but I didn’t want to give everyone something to worry about the moment we arrived home.

 

Upon reaching the Vermine Kingdom, we immediately went to the palace to return Princess Raya. Everyone in the palace breathed a collective sigh of relief when their Princess arrived safely.

 

We headed back to the orphanage afterward for a much-needed rest after the long trip. As soon as our carriage came into sight, Miguel, Amalia, and the orphans rushed out to greet us with massive smiles.

 

“Welcome home!” They greeted in unison.

 

“We’re home,” I responded, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders.

 

After we rested, Amalia and Miguel threw us a small celebration. We partied all night, recounting every thrilling and scary scenario from the past year. Having a casual, joyful night with our friends was a nice change of pace.

 

The night passed quickly. I wished it could’ve lasted forever, but the vision I saw through Raya kept nagging at me. We knew the great catastrophe would take place during the next solar eclipse, and knowing that looming deadline was truly scary. Overthinking it without any leads would only cause trouble, so for now, my only focus was the present.

 

Days eventually passed, and we slipped back into our normal lives. A day going by without having to fight someone felt like a miracle.

 

Amor was busy helping to make the Vermine Kingdom a better place for everyone. He was the last to hear of our arrival. As a welcome gift, he gave us a special card that allowed us to buy anything inside the kingdom using his money.

 

I used that opportunity to have a fun, normal day with Komraad and the girls. They deserved a treat after everything they’d been through.

 

“Who’s up for a family bonding day?” I announced, trying to sound cheerful.

 

“We are!” The girls responded in unison, their eyes sparkling with excitement.

 

“As long as there’s food involved, then I’m in,” Komraad chimed in, already looking hungry.

 

We quickly changed our clothes and went into the kingdom. Using Amor’s card, we visited different stores, bought various items, and even tried eating at a fancy restaurant for a change.

 

Even though we’d been gone for a year, the residents still recognized us. Everywhere we went, people called us heroes and thanked us. Being appreciated felt great, but the attention was overwhelming and started to disturb our quality time together.

 

To avoid the crowd, we ducked into a fancy clothing shop. It also gave me the perfect chance to see the girls in cute and adorable dresses.

 

“That clothing shop looks interesting. Why don’t we stay inside for a bit? We can look for new clothes while we’re at it,” I suggested, my eyes practically begging them to agree.

 

“Oh, that’s a great idea, Mom,” Fae responded happily.

 

“I’ve always wondered if bright colors suit me better than black,” Rein mused.

 

“As long as I don’t have to wear a frilly dress, then it’s fine,” Astrid said firmly.

 

“Pfft, these are all the clothes I need,” Komraad boasted, pointing to his simple gear.

 

Yeah, 'cause I’ve never seen you change clothes before! I thought sarcastically.

 

We went inside, and the store was vast and mesmerizing, filled with clothes we’d never seen. It was wonderful, but overwhelming. The girls had a hard time choosing. The store owner noticed and personally assisted them, picking out clothes that would best fit their physiques.

 

One by one, they entered the fitting room and emerged in new outfits. Each of them looked amazing and adorable. Even Komraad was forced into something formal, and he surprisingly looked good.

 

I was so busy admiring everyone that I hadn’t picked one myself.

 

“How about you, Mom? Have you picked a dress yet?” Fae asked.

 

“Oh, I’m not really into fashion, so it’s fine,” I responded, waving it off.

 

“Hmph, it’s unfair. We want to see you wearing a dress too,” Fae insisted.

 

“Fae’s right. You always wear that black dress. I bet you’d look good in other clothes,” Astrid added.

 

“Now that I think about it, when you transform into your human form, you’re already wearing that black dress. We’ve never seen you take it off,” Rein observed.

 

“Maybe it’s her skin, that’s why she can’t remove it, ha-ha!” Komraad joked.

 

“N-no, it’s not! I can remove it anytime I want!” I shouted, flustered.

 

“Madam, I have the perfect dress for you. It’ll fit beautifully with your long, luscious black hair,” the store owner suggested, holding out a gown.

 

I was embarrassed, but I finally succumbed to the pressure. “F-fine, I’ll do it!”

 

I entered the fitting room and changed into the suggested dress. I expected to look awkward, but I was surprised by their reaction. They were all in awe when I came out. I even noticed Komraad blushing while staring at me. “W-what are you looking at?” I asked, flustered.

 

“G-gah! I ain’t looking! Something was in my eyes, that’s all!” He stammered, turning away in embarrassment.

 

Everyone giggled. After we were satisfied, we bought the clothes and proceeded with our plans. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, and seeing them happy warmed my heart. But a growing sense of uneasiness started to develop, knowing that all of this peace could end at any moment.

 

The girls noticed the sudden change in my demeanor. I thought I was doing a great job hiding my worry, but they still caught it.

 

“Mom, is something the matter?” Fae asked.

 

“Oh, it’s nothing. Don’t worry about me and just enjoy our moment together,” I responded, forcing a smile.

 

I was ruining our family bonding. Even if I didn't tell them, they knew something was bothering me, so they decided to take action.

 

“Mom, I saw a library earlier. It’s been a while since I last read a book, I was hoping I could read some,” Rein suggested thoughtfully.

 

After her suggestion, the atmosphere around me changed instantly. That’s when the girls knew their hunch was right.

 

“Oh! That’s a great idea!” I responded, genuinely happy.

 

“I hope they have a medical book I could read,” Fae added.

 

“Maybe they have a book with sword techniques,” Astrid said excitedly.

 

“Count me out, I’d rather find more food,” Komraad said, heading off.

 

I truly am blessed with amazing kids. I knew they sensed my worry and suggested the library so I could find leads about the vision Raya and I saw, specifically concerning the Titans and the chosen ones.

 

Komraad went to find more food while the rest of us went to the only public library inside the kingdom.

 

The library was an awe-inspiring circular stone tower, crowned with a broad bronze dome. Inside, tall shelves lined the curved walls in orderly rings. Stained glass windows filtered soft light onto the stone floors.

 

Upon entering, the librarian immediately recognized us. She came out of her desk to personally greet us. “W-welcome to the library. Please feel free to browse anything as long as you maintain silence,” she said awkwardly.

 

The librarian was a young woman with short, puffy hair the color of polished bronze, and a pair of delicate, round glasses.

 

“I see, thank you for the heads-up,” I responded.

 

“N-no, I should be the one thanking you! You saved our kingdom without asking for anything in return. Because of you, we commoners were given the same rights as the nobles. If you need any help, I’d be more than honored to assist you,” the librarian said excitedly.

 

“I’ll keep that in mind, Ms…?”

 

“Lisa, my name is Lisa,” she answered with joy.

 

“I see… thanks again, Lisa,” I responded with a genuine smile. I’d never been appreciated in my previous life, not even by my parents, so having someone genuinely thank me was a wonderful feeling.

 

We began exploring the library, overwhelmed by the sheer number of books. I realized we might not find what we needed on our own, so I decided to ask Lisa for help.

 

"Uhm... hello again, is it okay if I take up your offer now?" I asked.

 

“Absolutely! Anything for the person who saved our kingdom,” Lisa responded with enthusiasm.

 

“Do you know where I can find books about the Titans and the chosen ones?” I asked directly.

 

It took her a moment to think. “Hmm... Aah yes! I believe I know where it’s located. Please follow me, I’ll lead you to it.”

 

Lisa led me to the second floor and the book I had been looking for.

 

“I’m sorry, but this is the only book that contains the information you were looking for. I hope it’s still going to be helpful to you,” Lisa apologized.

 

“This is more than enough, thank you so much,” I responded.

 

I immediately sat at the massive reading table in the center and began devouring the book’s contents.

 

After hours of reading, I learned a lot about the origins of the Titans and the chosen ones:

 

Exactly one thousand years ago, a war between humans and demons ended when humanity's hero defeated the Demon King, sacrificing his own life.

 

The world was destroyed in the aftermath. The hero’s ally, the Witch of Creation, saved the world by creating the seven Titans in exchange for her life. Their sole purpose was to restore the world using their bestowed magic, making it fit for human life again.

 

After fulfilling their role, the Titans fell in love with humanity and wanted to experience life themselves. They sacrificed their physical bodies and created new creatures in their image, giving birth to the seven great races: the Beastkin, the Featherlights, the Cottontails, the Dragonscales, the Serpentines, the Seafolks, and the Fairies.

 

Each Titan loved their creation and bestowed upon them their unique power, choosing one representative from each race as a guardian, thus, the birth of the chosen ones.

 

Over time, the seven great races grew exponentially in power, leaving humans at the bottom. Conflicts caused the races to distance themselves from each other. Humans had to adapt to survive, eventually creating kingdoms and figuring out a way to use all the magic of the great races, allowing them to stand against them.

 

The story ended there. Learning this history helped me understand this world better. I was shocked that the one who created the Titans was just a human witch. More importantly, the Titans created the great races with unity in mind. 

 

This gave me hope: there was still a chance for the great races to be united once again. Someone just needed to step up to make it happen, and I was more than willing to be that person to ensure my daughters and friends have a bright and safe future.

 

Now that I had the knowledge, my original idea back in Kurrbryde was validated. The only way to stop the great catastrophe during the upcoming solar eclipse was by uniting the seven chosen ones. We had only nine months left to make it happen.

 

We already had one chosen one beside us, and we knew the location of one other, we just needed to find the remaining five and convince them to work together. It wouldn’t be easy, but with Komraad and my daughters by my side, I knew we could accomplish anything.

 

I returned the book and approached Lisa again. I requested a detailed map of the world, as we would desperately need it to locate the other chosen ones. Lisa happily retrieved a map from storage and lent it to me.

 

I headed back to where the girls were reading.

 

“Hi girls, having fun reading?” I asked.

 

“Oh, Mom, I’m glad we came here! I read a lot of books about plants and medicines,” Fae responded excitedly.

 

“How about you, Mom? Did you find what you were looking for?” Rein asked.

 

“I did, thanks to the librarian helping me. Uhmm… girls? Can I ask you a question?” I asked, holding the map.

 

“Sure, Mom. What is it?” Astrid responded.

 

“I know we’ve been through a lot already, and we recently went back to our normal lives, but are you girls up for another adventure?” I suggested, my heart pounding.

 

The girls looked at each other and smiled widely.

 

“You don’t have to ask us, Mom. No matter where we are or what we are doing, as long as we are together, then that’s all that matters,” Rein answered with firm resolve. The other two nodded in agreement.

 

Komraad just came back from his food streak and overheard the end of our conversation. “Hell yeah! That’s what I’m talking about. I was starting to get bored just sleeping and eating all the time, so count me in!” He chimed in.

 

“Phew… What was I even worried about,” I muttered, relieved.

 

“So, what are we gonna do next?” Komraad asked.

 

I stood firmly with confidence and smiled. “Fufu… I’m glad you asked. This one will be the hardest and most dangerous yet. Are you still all up for it?”

 

The girls all looked me in the eyes and smiled. “Of course!” They responded in unison.

 

“Hell yeah! Dangerous is my middle name!” Komraad shouted in excitement.

 

“No, it’s not!” The girls shouted at Komraad sarcastically.

 

After coming to a full agreement, I explained the plan: we had nine months to find the remaining chosen ones and persuade them to stop the upcoming great catastrophe. We weren't going for fun, but the idea of going to a new place, meeting new races, finding new companions, and discovering something new still excited all of us.

 

We left the library to head back to the orphanage and prepare for our adventure immediately. We’d stepped up our game this time, and it put me at ease knowing I had the people I trusted right beside me. We’d also improved a lot during our stay in Kurrbryde.

 

I was planning on telling everyone about the vision as soon as we got back. We’d need all the help we could get, and the ideas and feedback from Amalia, Miguel, Zion, Keith, and May would be invaluable.

 

We were on our way back to where we parked our carriage when we suddenly saw a small old woman wearing a babushka and holding a cane struggling to cross the street. As always, our first instinct was to help her.

 

We were moving to offer assistance when I noticed something very familiar and ominous around her.

 

“S-stop everyone! Don’t approach her!” I shouted in panic.

 

“Why, Mom? What’s wrong?” Fae asked, confused.

 

“Something is wrong. If she’s a normal person, then her Ember isn’t supposed to be pitch black,” I explained.

 

“You’re right. There’s something sinister about her smell,” Komraad added, sniffing the air.

 

“W-who are you?” I asked the old woman, instantly wary.

 

The old lady stopped walking and suddenly stood straight. “Ugh… caught already? What a shame!” She said, her voice didn’t match her appearance, it sounded very young.

 

We all assumed a defensive position.

 

“Girls, get behind me and Komraad!” I instructed.

 

“Mom, I know that voice! She’s Saro! She’s the demon who teleported Princess Raya away. Ms. May fought her and lost!” Astrid pointed out frantically.

 

“She looks different, but her voice is the same. She’s probably possessing another body,” Rein added.

 

“This is bad, Mom. We’re in the middle of town. If a fight breaks out, we can’t prevent casualties,” Fae pointed out.

 

She's right, we don't want to cause trouble for the town's folks just when they started recovering from the previous demon invasion, I worriedly thought.

 

“W-what do you want?” I asked, sweating, trying to stall.

 

Saro laughed menacingly. “Our grand scheme has been delayed because of your appearance. We can’t have you people roaming around freely anymore. Our boss saw your family as a threat, so she sent me to stop you from getting involved any further.”

 

“Grr… let’s see you try!” Komraad said, looking irritated. "Hey Ina, let's kick this demon's ass!"

 

“Wait… something is off. My instinct has never been on such high alert. If the demons wanted to dispose of us, they should have sent at least hundreds, but there’s only one standing in front of us,” I analyzed, trying to find a loophole.

 

Saro laughed menacingly after hearing my speculation. “Ha! Right again… you really are something else, aren’t you, cat?” She then clasped her hands together in front of her chest, where her Ember was located, and began chanting.

 

“I offer half of my remaining life force,” she muttered, her eyes glowing faintly black.

 

Hearing her words, I knew she was about to do something terrible, and I immediately tried to stop her.

 

“Komraad!” I shouted.

 

“On it!”

 

Komraad instantly moved, attacking at the same time I did. But we were a second too late.

 

[Forbidden Curse Technique: A Sorrowful Departure.]

 

In an instant, thick black mist appeared and enveloped Komraad and the girls, all except me.

 

“Gah! What is this?!? I can’t move my body!” Komraad shouted, struggling.

 

“Mom, something is wrong. I can’t use magic!” Rein said in a panicked, strained voice.

 

My heart leaped in my chest. “Don’t worry! I’ll figure something out and get you all out!” I assured them.

 

“M-Mom, hel-”

 

Before I could even figure out a way to save my family, the black mist had completely consumed them, and they were gone instantly. Time slowed as I watched them vanish.

 

“Noooo!!!” I shouted in pure despair.

 

We had just been discussing our upcoming adventure. We just had our very first family outing. And now they were gone without a trace. All I could do was stand and watch them be taken away from me. The shock was so profound my knees gave out. “W-why is this happening? Tell me… tell me this is all just a dream!” I muttered, sobbing uncontrollably.

 

“Ahh… I was planning on sending all of you to your doom, but I suppose our curse really doesn’t work on you,” Saro said without a trace of guilt, still standing in the street.

 

Hearing her voice brought out the worst in me. For the first time, rage and fury completely took over my mind, and before I knew it, I was holding Saro by the neck. She wasn’t fighting back because she had exhausted herself using the powerful forbidden curse.

 

“You Demon! What did you do to my family?!” I demanded furiously, my voice dangerously low.

 

“Haha! I sent them to a place they won’t survive! I have no clue where they might be! Some of them might already be drowning at the bottom of the sea, or some of them are inside a volcano, or freezing on a snowy field! The possibilities are limitless!” Saro explained, laughing menacingly through my grip.

 

Her response fueled my rage, making me finally snap. All I could think about was how to make her pay for what she did. Thankfully, Raya saw everything through her clairvoyance. She flew as fast as she could and arrived just in time to stop me from taking a life.

 

“Ms. Ina, please, stop! There’s nothing you can do anymore. The demon has already stopped possessing the old lady,” Raya shouted, grabbing my hands.

 

Hearing her voice made me snap back to my senses. Saro was already gone, and Vermine Knights arrived alongside Keith to investigate and help the innocent old lady who had been the demon’s victim.

 

Tears suddenly fell as I realized I had nearly taken an innocent life and that I might never see my family again. This was the most devastating thing that had ever happened to me.

 

Sob Sob

 

“Raya, they’re gone. My family is gone. What am I supposed to do now?” I asked in utter despair, leaning on her for support.

 

Raya hugged me tightly, then stood up with firm determination, giving me hope. “Ms. Ina, we need to put our faith and trust in them. You know them longer than me. You also know that through all the hurdles you’ve faced with them, all of you have always managed to overcome it, no matter how hard or impossible it was. All of you made it this far because you have good hearts and strong wills. What happened today is just another one of those hurdles, and I’m sure they’ll come out of it even stronger than ever, just like always. I don’t know if it helps, but I know that no matter where they are, they’ll overcome anything and find a way back to you, because you are family,” Raya assured me with genuine passion and belief.

 

Raya’s words felt like a needle, restarting my heart. A burst of hope and faith glimmered within me. Everything she said was true. Komraad and my daughters were strong, even stronger than me. I had to keep my faith in them and trust that they would overcome this ordeal and make their way back to me.

 

My sorrow suddenly turned to a fierce, protective determination. “You’re right, Raya. I have to keep believing in them. I know that wherever they are right now, they won’t give in to despair, so I will do the same too.” 

 

I stood up and wiped my tears, holding my head high. 

 

“I don’t care how long it’ll take. I know I’ll see them again one day, and once I do, I’ll give them the warmest hug ever,” I declared, fueled by new hope and complete faith.

 

Even in the face of despair, hope will shine through, and no matter where we are or what we do, we will always keep moving forward as one, united by heart and by soul, for that is what it means to be a family.

 

…

…

…

 

From a distant corner of the world, in the heart of a vast, tumultuous sea, lies a tiny, isolated island. At the center of this desolate land stands a formidable stone fortress, its walls crafted from dark, black stone.

 

Within the fortress, narrow, dimly lit corridors twist like veins, leading to a grand throne room. 

 

Inside this ominous chamber, seven demons, each possessing a human host, were gathered around a circular table. Chalices of deep red wine rested in their hands as they murmured among themselves, engaged in a matter of great importance.

 

Standing apart from them, shrouded in darkness near the rear of the room, was a woman garbed in a thick black witch’s robe and wide-brimmed hat. She stared intently at a massive demonic gate that stood tall and ominous.

 

As the demons continued their discussion, the chamber doors creaked open. Saro stepped inside, fresh from the success of her mission. She had successfully torn our family apart. This time, she repossessed her previous human host.

 

“Phew… that was intense,” she muttered, stretching as she crossed the threshold. “I’m back, Boss,” she added, directing her words to the witch who stood vigil before the massive demonic gate.

 

“How did it go?” The witch asked without turning.

 

“Mission accomplished,” Saro answered confidently. “Though, just as you predicted, the curse didn’t affect the cat.”

 

“I see… What about the other key to our plan?”

 

“One of her daughters has it.”

 

“Good. That means our plan will still proceed as always,” the witch responded with calm certainty.

 

She finally turned from the massive demonic gate to face the demons at the table.

 

A demon with the flamboyant voice of a middle-aged man leaned back in his chair with a smirk. “Fufu… If it had been me, I would have simply ended their lives on the spot.”

 

Another demon abruptly stood, her voice sharp and tomboyish. “Idiot! That would’ve completely ruined everything we’ve worked for!”

 

“What was that!? You're looking to start a fight, bitch!?” The flamboyant demon snapped.

 

“Bring it on!” She retorted, fists clenched.

 

Another demon interjected, confident with a brat-like attitude. “Jeez, stop fighting! If you don’t, I’ll have no choice but to kill you both!”

 

The tension was rising quickly, until the witch intervened. She lifted her chalice and gently tapped it with a piece of silverware.

 

“Now, now… There is no need for discord,” she said with a measured smile. “This is a moment for celebration. Rejoice, for it is only a matter of time until the imminent return of the Demon King.”

 

Saro took her place at the table. As one, the demons rose, lifting their chalices high.

 

“For the Demon King,” they declared in unison.