Ripples

Balance V

Includes mentions of death
~~~•~~~

"What in the world could she possibly have to do there?" Was the question that rang in Claude's and Jennet's minds. As if to try and search for an answer, they simply stared at Athanasia, occasionally glancing at Lucas.

He could only shrug. Even he didn't know what the princess wanted, mostly because he didn't want to know.

"Sister... if there is anything that you need from that house, my shadows can take care of it," Jennet offered with a shy smile. For a moment, her heart beat excitedly, as if this was finally her chance to shine in front of her sister. There hadn't been much of a chance to showcase the strength of the underworld yet, although they have been investigating where her father was, so this was a fortunate event. At least, she thought so. "No, I was just curious about where you grew up! Besides, won't it be better to fool them into thinking that I am in their grasp?"

"It's much too dangerous. I won't allow it," Claude instantly declared, slamming his teacup down on it's plate. The delicate porcelain cracked, and everyone around him tensed. A malicious aura surrounded Claude, projecting his anger even if the anger was not directed at any of them. "Those dogs will only keep barking and annoying you. It's best to have them come here if you prefer."

"I can't investigate Anastasius that way! If only I had a way to leave this palace without anybody knowing," Athanasia cursed, only to nearly smack herself at her stupidity. Of course she had a way. How could she not when she had an overflowing amount of mana? With that, even though her father had rejected her idea, a bright smile blossomed on her face. Claude's eyes widened, the malicious aura vanishing as they were all captivated by her happiness. "If papa thinks so, then I won't worry about it anymore. Papa knows best after all."

Beneath the radiance of his one and only sun, Lucas turned away and suppressed clicking his tongue. He couldn't help but wonder, "what is she up to? What is she going to do?"

His frustration soared when he visited her late at night, which was routine at that point after so many lives. However, this time, crickets greeted him rather than the warm smile of the sun, accompanied by a letter that read, "I'm exploring the kingdom and will be back by early morning. There's no need to look for me, I'll be fine, and don't even dare to tell Papa about my adventure."

The young mage sighed, feeling distinctly confused. He was not sure whether he should be concerned, panicked, or annoyed. Worse yet, he could not figure out why she was so desperate about this. Considering the fact that Blackie still loved to lounge in her room and search for Lucas, he knew that Athanasia wasn't intent on running away. However, the only other explanation concerned him.

"What does she mean by ending this even if she becomes useless? What does she intend to do outside of this palace?" Lucas ruffled his hair, resting on his princess' bed. He knew that she wouldn't try and take over the underworld, not when her sister already governed over that place. He knew that the princess did not need to worry about the slums, not when they already revered her very existence. So he knew, just as they all did, that there could be only one reason. "Athy, you dumbass, are you looking for Anastasius?"

Athanasia sneezed in the middle of the marketplace, covering her mouth with her brunette hair. In order to walk around without a worry, she had changed her appearance to have straight, brunette hair and obsidian eyes. It seemed like it worked splendidly as well. None of the vendors recognized her as the princess, which would have been a far cry if she had kept her appearance, what with her regular public visits.

"I wonder if Lucas has read my letter yet," the lonesome princess thought, approaching a display of bright lanterns. Although she did say that she would rather become useless, she couldn't help but care about what those closest to her would think. If she were to choose between being a numb, lonely princess or a princess as she was, she was ready to choose her life with everyone. "The cycle isn't even bad. I get to live life with everyone again and again. What could possibly be wrong with that?

In the first place, why am I so exhausted?"

"Young lady, are you lost?" Athanasia froze, a cold chill running down her spine. And when she turned, meeting eyes as dark as her disguise, she felt her breath catch. "Eyes dark as death."

"Oh, no, I'm not lost," she replied, laughing softly. Briefly, the princess wondered if it would be difficult to ensnare him, only for guilt to crash against her with the brutality of a bull. Why should she use him? Should she even care? He's simply a murderous man, so why should she even care? "How come I can excuse Claude when I can't excuse this man?" "I'm just wandering around."

"I apologize for being presumptuous then." The smile that blossomed on his face felt foreign to the man, and even his frozen heart rebelled as if it could not figure out from where it originated. And when she laughed softly again, a gentle chime in the boisterous place, Anastasius wanted to follow her. To him, she was like a beacon.

"Not at all, kind sir. It is, after all, rather odd to find a young maiden alone, especially in the middle of the night." For some reason, despite knowing what he had done and could possibly do again, Athanasia felt comfortable in his presence. Whether it was because she was simply exhausted of the cycle or uncaring for the concept of death, simply seeing him did not scream "danger" in her head. "Lucas is right, I have changed. Perhaps, I've gone insane."

"Are you not afraid, young lady? The streets are dangerous." With that, the smile on Anastasius' face grew colder, and obsidian eyes turned to gaze upon the people surrounding them. And yet, despite the validity of his words, the princess simply laughed, knowing that the only threat with her was him. "You savage man, you're as useless as Claude once was."

"Not at all. I frequent the streets in the evening, and I believe that it is a gorgeous place to visit. However, you make a great point that it is becoming rather late. I believe that it is time for me to leave." Athanasia smiled and began to walk away, satisfaction gleaming in her scheming obsidians. By some divine fortune, she had met him on her first night roaming around. She had predicted that it would have taken days, if not even a month, but it seemed that fate truly was planning on messing with them. Or, at the very least, perhaps her favor was for the benefit of the princess.

Whatever it was, she didn't care. The night was growing old and she needed to go back home. Surely, they'll meet again, if only because fate would force them to.