This chapter is brought to you by LACHATA by VANNER.

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Part V

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Nine was awoken by the mid-afternoon sun shining through the window.

He winced and held his head, the throbbing headache from a night of drinking had come to bite him back.

Where was he?

He looked around the room and saw the sheer curtains around the bed he was lying in.

There was the scent of floral incense heavy in the air.

Flashbacks of last night flooded his brain, and he closed his eyes once more.

There was a solo mission, and he was injured. Venus had wanted him to visit a healer, but he was so tired and he didn't want the kittens to see him like this. He had booked a room at the Peony Garden to nurse his wounds and drink himself sick.

Despite how much he pretended he was infallible and indestructible, Nine was very much human. While he rarely got hurt, there were some targets over the years who were much smarter than others.

Solo missions were easy since Nine only needed to trust himself. Group missions with Belwyn and the others meant he needed to keep his senses wide to ensure they were all safe.

He and his unit rarely took on missions together, anymore.

Belwyn was finally pushed to lead his own unit, and the same went for Otto.

Nine still worked with Mercury occasionally, though even those missions were scarce now that Mercury had risen in the ranks.

Everyone was growing up, including his kittens, and while he had been happy that they could all fend for themselves, now, the creeping dread that had grown in his chest.

It started with getting knocked in the head and being captured by the target.

Nine had gotten out successfully and completed the assassination, but he remembered something important that he hadn't thought about in the last few years.

He was in the body of Toby Calypto.

He was the stupid cannon fodder of a story called Poison-Lace Dagger.

He was meant to be an unlikable man who obstructed his cousin's path.

He was a man who would die at the end of the story.

Nine hadn't thought about the story in a long time.

But it was spring, and Jovette was about to turn eighteen. A year from now, the main storyline would start, and his little cousin could die.

The realization had Nine requesting any liquor the Peony Garden served. They gave him a wineskin, and he indulged in it.

He hadn't drunk himself sick since his roommates and the rest of his unit died off during the war.

Had the story changed enough to the point that Jovette and Rowan wouldn't do anything stupid?

Gods, he hoped not.

The relationship between their houses remained intolerant, but Jovette and Rowan were semi-playmates during their bouts to the city square.

Childhood friends or acquaintances tended to see each other as siblings, didn't they?

And last time he checked, he was sure Rowan was still in love with Rasa, as much as she was very much out of his league.

All would be fine, right?

---

[Three Months Later]

Tobus hadn't been the same since he came back from that mission three months ago where he hit his head.

When Mercury had made the comment to Otto and Sept, the two of them had looked at each other in concern before scurrying away to do... something.

To say that the brawls between the Calyptos and the Monttevis had been even more intense recently was an understatement. The fuse was being triggered with the heat of midsummer approaching.

Tobus seemed to be in the middle of it all, even more brutal in the ways he beat down the brawlers regardless of which House they were from.

Him being the unilateral winner of the fights seemed to incur even more resentment from the Monttevis, and they always came back for more.

Belwyn was concerned, and Mercury had to listen to him go on and on about how Tobus was regressing into the mindless violent boy he used to be.

Mercury did agree with some of his points. Tobus had been... very cold as a child. He was disinterested in interacting with anyone outside those he claimed as his, and the only thing he did outside of caring for his "kittens" was take on missions.

But he had been getting better over the years. Though he still wasn't very expressive, he let down his guard since his coming of age.

Belwyn took full advantage of that and tried to make some space for himself within Tobus' company.

He was, surprisingly, successful, and the puzzle toys helped, too. They were often seen drinking together after missions.

But now...

Tobus was no longer receptive since his head injury. The first week of his recovery had been the worst. It was as if he and Belwyn had a falling out, even though Belwyn didn't even know what he did wrong.

Tobus just... stopped speaking to them.

He put up his walls once more and he had a distrustful air about him that discouraged even Mercury from approaching him.

But Belwyn persisted, and the more he pushed, the more Tobus pulled away.

It was painful to look at, and it left Mercury stuck in the middle of it all.

He couldn't pick a side.

He just couldn't.

Even if it was Tobus' fault for not communicating his needs.

Fuck. If the reason for this whole thing was because of something stupid, he would challenge Tobus to a duel for stressing him.

"Mercury," a voice called out.

Mercury stopped and turned.

His cousin, whom he hadn't seen for several years (except for that one time in the auction house where Tobus was being sold) greeted him with a smile.

"Pluto," Mercury replied with some confusion. "You're back. How was the sister city?"

"It's been good," he answered. "Uncle decided it was time to move back to Vesna. How has it been?"

"Oh, you have no idea. Hey, how do you feel about a drink with me and Venus?"

---

Tobus Arcadia of House Calypto was... a lot of things.

To his men, he was the perfect example of a Calypto, considered to be the best of the best, the master of the Calypto Twin Daggers, and the Distinguished Protector of House Calypto's Heir.

He was the first in his generation to take the Protector's oath, swearing his fealty to the future Lord Calypto, Lady Jovette.

As a part of the Calypto Mercenary Guild, he had the highest mission success rate in all of Vesna and was known to kill swiftly with no mercy. Lord Arcadia achieved many great things in the field, bringing plenty of honor to the Calypto name.

To his foes, Tobus Arcadia of the Calypto House was a fucking bastard. Cold, violent, and quick to draw his daggers at the smallest slight against his House. He was a beast that no one wanted to cross, and though he was slow to anger, there were lines that couldn't be crossed.

---

Nine perched himself on the balcony of the Peony Garden. He had taken shelter here, away from the noise and the people.

It was almost time for the story to begin. He wasn't sure when, but he could feel it in his bone.

His memory, which was sparked by the hit to his head, had reminded him of the beginning chapters.

Jovette and Rowan would fall in love during a mission together.

Lord Eartha had sent his invitation, and Jovette had received it.

Nine had been ordered to oversee them, which was a major change to the original story. He was relieved, but there was trepidation in his heart.

"Wine, Lord Arcadia?"

One of the women at the brothel brought a wineskin over, but Nine shook his head.

He would not drink himself into a stupor again.

Once was enough for him, thank you very much.

The sound of lyres and lutes filled the room.

Delicate and long fingers strummed silk strings, and Nine pushed down the spark of envy as he closed his eyes to listen.

His hands were rough with callouses and scars. The hands of killers had no business making gentle music or painting pretty pictures of sunsets and constellations.

He had more important things to focus on.

Like completing his missions and protecting his kittens.

He should want for nothing and only think of his duties and loyalties. He should focus on the next mission, the next kill, and the next duel and brawl.

There were so many things he needed to worry about now that the deadline approached. Since when was he concerned about the story in the first place? He never looked to be any different. He didn't act like Toby Calypto.

He was always Nine. That should have been enough to lessen his worries.

Yet...

What if...

Fate and destiny were stronger than that of his existence?

Tobus promised himself that once it was all over, he would explain.

Once Jovette and Rowan survived to the end, he would tell them.

The sun was slowly making its way down the horizon, grazing upon evening.

Nine saw this as his cue to leave and paid a few extra coins to the musicians before he drew away from the balcony and gathered his belongings.

He clipped the daggers he had tossed aside on the bed back onto his belt and grabbed his red coat, checking the pockets and folds for the hidden weapons he always made sure he brought with him when out in the streets.

After he made sure everything was in place, he turned to the women.

Nine inclined his head, "Thank you."

They smiled.

"It was a pleasure, Lord Arcadia. Shall we see you next week?"

Nine made a noise in assent and left.

---

Quin and Juno wandered the alleyways of Vesna, like cats prowling in the shadows.

Today was Toby's day off, and they had been entrusted by him to patrol the city.

One thing that Toby was learning after being lectured by Lord Calypto about his lack of sleep and rest was delegation. Quin and Juno were happy to pick up the slacks, having recently become senior members of the Calypto mercenaries.

Unlike Otto and Sept, they had no intentions of joining the Vesna ranks.

"Juno, I swear, those Monttevi men have been shit-talking about Toby."

The twins skillfully climbed a wall in unison.

Juno shot his brother a deadpan look, "They haven't even done anything to warrant a brawl today."

Quin scowled, "Yes, but I heard them at the bar calling Toby a whore. Toby saved his ungrateful ass during a mission, and he called him a whore."

"What."

"So, let's go make them angry and have them attack first. Then we can claim self-defense and show them who's superior."

Juno wanted to agree with his brother, but he had taken one too many beatings from Toby after getting involved in a couple of brawls, so he hesitated.

"You know the rules, brother. Toby would be disappointed if we tried anything."

Quin grew quiet as his reasoning. The other was right. They would disappoint Toby's expectations.

Reluctantly, he resolved himself to finish the assigned task given to them and resigned to a peaceful day.

However, a peaceful day it was naught, for two blocks down, as the twins made their descent onto the wall of another alleyway, they stumbled upon men from the Monttevi House.

"Look there! Enemies of our House!"

Juno rolled his eyes, "I really wished you would stop copying Lord Calypto's dramatics."

"No time! Hand me some liquid wax. I'm going to dump it over that Abram bastard's head."

Before Juno could stop him, Quin had snatched the liquid wax from his satchel and poured the entirety of its content onto the Monttevi man.

There was a hushed silence that followed.

But then--

"Calypto!"

"Pull out your knife, Juno!" Quin threw himself off the wall like an angry housecat and drew his short sword.

Juno groaned and took out his knives before diving into the fight. He covered his brother from a powerful slash.

The Monttevis were excellent swordsmen with sabers and claymores. It would be too easy for their enemies to overpower them.

Juno knew he and his brother were not like Toby. While the man's daggers can take down an army, they were far more feeble, like kittens not yet weaned off of their mother's milk.

A sword nearly took his head. Juno ducked and parried the weapon, trying to overpower the bulky Monttevi swordsmen and failing.

At the same time, Quin was pushed down.

"Quin!"

Juno's mistake of not paying attention to his opponent cost him.

The Monttevi swordsmen disarmed him quickly and raised his sword above his head.

Juno closed his eyes.

Oh, gods, he was going to die and it'll be all Quin's fault!

A thread of murderous intent suddenly swept through the alleyway, thick and suffocating.

Like animals sensing the presence of a powerful predator, all brawlers froze in place.

A flash of red descended from the rooftop.

The appearance of Toby was akin to a war god, domineering and oppressive.

The illusion was broken when Nine used his momentum to strike, knocking out several Monttevi men as if they were no better than fodders. He was like a silent killer in a sea of red and blue, incapacitating anyone who got in his way.

---

Nine honed in on the man who dared to harm his kittens.

See those swords pointed so close to Juno's throat, he acted on instinct. His daggers were drawn and he was prepared to dye them in blood.

"Tobus!"

A cry rang out.

Nine was inches away from slicing the man's throat, eyes cold with predator instincts, but Belwyn had suddenly appeared in front of him, his speeding matching his as he blocked his attack with his claymore.

The sword shook from the sheer weight of Nine's attack, but Belwyn was stubborn and held on.

"Get out of the way," Nine commanded.

He met blue eyes and didn't look away.

"Tobus," Belwyn said, "Drop your weapon. We're done."

He spoke to him as if he were a wild animal on a rampage, trying to coax him away from a prey that knew not it was prey.

Nine glared coldly at him and put more force into his daggers.

Belwyn's eyes flashed with an emotion he couldn't decipher, and his voice broke slightly as he called him again.

"Tobus."

"... Toby?"

A small tug on the edge of his coat broke his focus.

Nine met Juno's eyes. The kitten had thrown himself to the ground when he previously sensed the blade coming for his head.

His kitten was safe, despite looking ragged and beaten. There was a small cut on his cheek, but he was safe.

All was well.

Nine relaxed his stance and fell away.

He picked up Juno by the back of his shirt, silently inquiring about his well-being.

Juno only offered a shaky smile.

"Kitten," Nine said, letting him go once he regained his bearing.

"... Yes?" he asked, nervous.

"Go."

With a simple command, his kittens scattered up the walls.

They better be heading back to the estate.

Nine sheathed his daggers and turned to Belwyn.

"Explain, Peacemaker."

---

Ouch.

He called me Peacemaker.

Bel and Tobus have known one another for many years, yet...

What happened to you?

Did the head injury knock something out of place?

The way Tobus was looking at him now was like... everything the people around them expected their relationship to be.

Tense, rivalrous, and violent.

Bel knew where to draw the line, and working with Tobus was already a line too far for some people.

Tobus was unaware, but Bel had heard the rumor mills.

When the two of them were first paired for a mission, Lord Eartha nearly had to quell a riot between their families.

Tobus was the prize warrior of House Calypto and Bel was a valued member of House Monttevi. No one was happy with their pairing.

Yet, throughout the years of working together within a unit, Bel felt Tobus cared. Not only for the mission but also for those under him.

He was not, as he had once believed, a killing machine. Yet, it was difficult to differentiate Cat, the agent, from Tobus of Vesna.

If not for the children--who weren't truly children anymore--and the many cats, who was Tobus Arcadia?

He was a man who liked puzzles and went to the Peony Garden for everything except sex. He liked the music that the women there played, and he always took naps in the afternoon at the same exact time.

Bel knew all of this from hard-earned interactions and observations.

In spite of the rumors, Tobus was patient and had a high tolerance for many things.

It was rare to gain his ire, and now that one of his men had caused him to snap, Bel didn't know if he could prevent the man's murder.

"It was them!"

A daring one shouted before clamping his mouth shut.

"It..." the man paused once he gained both Bel and Tobus' attention.

"Go on," said Tobus.

The man swallowed nervously and continued. "Quin ambushed us. He attacked us first. We were only defending ourselves..."

Realization struck Bel when he saw the waxy substance covering Abram's head as if someone had spilled it on purpose.

There was a small change to Tobus' expression, an irritable twitch.

Bel wondered how Tobus was going to handle this misunderstanding.

"Go."

Similar to how he had ordered his men, Tobus dismissed Bel's with the ease of a unit captain.

He has never seen his men run as quickly as they did, with their metaphorical tails tucked between their legs as they sprinted away like small dogs.

There was quiet, and they were lucky Lord Eartha hadn't been summoned to lecture them.

Bel looked at Tobus, and Tobus looked back.

The silence was daunting, and he didn't know how long he could bear it.

Tobus blinked and looked away.

Bel sighed.

"Sorry."

What?

"You..." Bel paused.

Things were hard enough as it was after Tobus started pretending they were strangers.

No matter how much Bel tried to gain his attention, the other refused to even speak to him.

"I'll see you at the tower," he said.

"Yes," came the answer.

Bel watched Tobus climb up the wall and disappear into the shadows without a sound and shook his head.

He was going to make his men run laps after this.

---

The author has something to say:

This is a little awkward to say, seeing as this chapter was supposed to be the first chapter of the story, but I just reached 50k words.... Don't worry, the story will continue until I get to the end. Daily updates will be kept up, as well.

Interesting fact: Bel and Tobus had a very tense relationship in the original outline, and they would have fought in this scene. Like, an actual full-on duel full of distrust and dislike for each other. But due to the story escaping me, we have... this. Not a rivalrous quarrel, but a lovers quarrel. Hahahahaha.

I keep telling myself that the plot development will be smoothed out in the next revision and trying not to add ten more unnecessary chapters to explain the actions of the character. This is a draft. This is a draft. This is a draft. I just need to write the story from beginning to end. Sob sob sob sob sob sob. In other news, after 24 chapters of backstory, we are finally back on the outline. yayyy... orz.