May 11, 2022

The day before this all happened, the Marked had begun their investigation into the archives on 𒀭𒀝 searching for Temen’s Vessel of the Mind, the second piece to the all-powerful God potentially hellbent on enacting the Ends of the Worlds. They learned that another crime had been committed: the God Nabu, God of Scribes and one of the very few Gods remaining willing to speak to Nammu, was forced into a comatose state. The investigation bore very little fruit and so The Marked returned home disappointed.

In [The Kiss] server, The Flower Maiden caught up with everyone. After exchanging pleasantries, she told them about her new estate.

“I am just chilling in my new estate on my bed.” Maiden says

“You got an estate?” Luna replies, excited for her friend

“Don’t worry about it. Lets just say I have friends in places. What have you all been up to?”

“I'm chilling in my room playing video games and trying to reduce stress. Not gonna lie, this whole thing with the pantheon's gotten me a bit messed up.” Luna explains

“That’s fair. Anyway I can help out? Would you like some company?” Maiden asks

“I’m good Maiden, thanks though.”

“Ok. Just holler if you need something.”

“Okie dokey. Might have Krystal head back to 𒀭𒀝 to continue investigating.”

“May I join?”

“Won't be for maybe an hour or so.” Luna says, busying playing Pokemon with Krystal.

{-Sorry Maiden, just rocking Lunes's shit right now haha-} Krystal says smugly

“That is fine. You two have fun. Going to do some decorating. Need to explore more of the rooms and get them furnished. Any furniture you recommend? Prob can only get dark colors so stick with that.” Maiden explains

“Depends on how fancy or whatever you want it. Like my bedroom's basically a massive arcade with bean bag furniture and a california king bed. It’s maximum comfy.” Luna says

“Fair”

“Also depends on what you’re using the rooms for” Spider says

“Prob make it fancy, I’ll decor the entrance first.” Maiden says

“Where’s your estate? On Earth?” Harmonia asks

“Nope, I’m not willing to tell but I am willing to play the guessing game. Have some fun with it. And no it is not on earth. Well… Maybe. Need to read up more on this place.” Maiden says

“A hell?” Harmonia guesses

“Ding ding ding. One point for harmonia!”

“Which hell? Or do we need to guess that one too?” Harmonia asks

“I dooo wonder 😏” Peyton smirks.

“Girl being all vague”

“What? Why not have some fun with this?”

“Fair enough haha. Hm. I know two hells but I think Luna’s mentioned more.”

“Correct. I know of four Hells. There's Metamorphosis, with all of the furries; Sisyphean Hell with Abaddon; Tartarus, that’s the one that’s all frozen over in places; and then there was one time I fell into the Hell beneath the Dies Lucis Hotel. That last one, we don't really talk about. It was just an excuse to fight a boss.” Luna explains.

“I see.”

“I do wonder, I do wonder.”

At this point, [The Kiss] began to feel something was off about Maiden.

“I mean, is there a Hell in This Dark Black? The world and I And Me?” Luna asks

“Not that I know of.” Maiden says

“Didn’t you make a deal with Dolos Peyton?” Knight asks

“A long time ago. But I think he has forgotten about me.” Maiden responds

“You didn't make a deal with Byleth did you?” Luna asks

Unfortunately, Maiden never responded to this question and instead swapped gears.

--

Maiden decided to meet up with everyone at Harmonia’s house directly instead of talking through Discord.

--

A door with flowers surrounding it appears and comes into view as Maiden steps out, waving to Luna.

“Hello Luna” Maiden says

“I’m here too” Knight says while laying on some grass.

“Oh. Hello Knight”

“Hey”

“How have you been?”

“Been pretty good, lost my soul. How are you?”

“I am well. That seems like a predicament.”

“It’ll be fiiiiiine.”

“Sure. Sure it will” Maiden looks to Luna “And what about you? How are you doing?”

Luna is busy typing notes on various things in the Worlds. She wasn’t aware of Maiden’s presence.

“Oop, sorry, I didn't see you there Maiden.” Luna says

“You are fine”

“I'm alright, just doing my usual duties.” Luna explains. “Archival stuff. Kinda boring."

“That is fair, want to take a break and take a walk or something?” Maiden asks. It’s been a while since Luna’s been able to enjoy a walk with friends. She transports her laptop into her bag of holding, swapping them out for her weapons, just in case.

“Um, sure.” Luna says, slightly nervous.

{- Lunes, be careful. -} Krystal warns

“Can I join?” Knight asks

“I don't mind it.” Luna says

“Sure” Maiden says

Harmonia steps out of the house and joins the three of them on their walk. Maiden compliments Harmonia’s new looks, as it’s been quite a while since she’s seen her.

"Thanks," Harmonia grins at her, showing her sharp, pointy teeth. "So, shall we get goin?"

“Of course.” Maiden begins walking into the forest behind Harmonia’s house. Everyone else followed along.

--

Maiden and the group emerge on a walking trail in the forest.

“So, how have you all been? It’s been a while.” Maiden says

"I've certainly been." Harmonia says bitterly, but not pointed at Peyton.

“Same” Knight says

"I mean I've been about the same since we saw each other a couple days ago." Luna snarks a bit

“Of course. What have you all been up to since I have been gone?” Maiden asks

"Got crucified, helped kill a demon prince or two, fell through like 3 dromen domains which apparently fucked something up then got chastised like a child about it in my own home despite not knowing picking a fucking rose would fuck shit up-" Harmonia stops herself. "Yeah."

"Surviving. Got myself a sick new magical girl form... and past that, been doing the same ol same ol. Archival efforts of the Worlds, trying to be useful." Luna says

“Got tortured thrice and survived something that would’ve killed me if not for an intervention.” Knight says

“Oh, well that sure is something. You guys need a hug or something?” Maiden asks

"If you want." Harmonia shrugs

"I'm good, thanks." Luna replied

“Eh?” Knight just shrugs.

“I’m good then” Maiden puts her hands behind her head humming a tune “You have any questions for me? It’s only fair.”

"What you been up to?" Harmonia asked

“Just traveling around, fighting some creatures, dealing with gods. You know. The normal.”

“You seem a bit more mellow then you were the last time I saw you.” Knight comments

“Yea. I guess you’re right. Lets say I don’t really care much about many things right now. Seeing a lot of people die kinda does that to you.” Maiden says

“Do you need a hug?” Knight offers

“No. I’m fine, thank you though.” Maiden seems to really be in a “I don’t care about life” mood. Something seems off but they can’t tell what.

"Fair enough." Harmonia looks to her as if trying to examine her, trying to figure out whats goin on in her mind. "Well you always have refuge here. The house isnt attacked as much anymore."

"Please don't jinx it..." Luna mutters.

To Maiden, she asks "Still working with the Lost Help Need investigation?"

“Hm? Yep. Still pushing strong. A lot happened. A broken has turned rogue, the clown that you met is dead and Mr. Bliss died. So that’s upsetting” Maiden seems a bit sad at the name of Mr. Bliss. Seems she is still not over that.

"I uh heard about Mr. Bliss's passing. I'm sorry Maiden." Luna says with sorrow in her voice.

"I see... I'm sorry." Harmonia is still watching Maiden, trying to figure out whats wrong.

Luna senses something off with Maiden, but she is unsure what and cannot put her paw on it.

“Yea… but I’ll find the killer. Things will turn out for the better.”

She seems like a different person. This is Maiden but seems that events have changed her. What exactly has changed is unclear.

"So it is revenge youre after?" Harmonia asks

“Yep. Killed a friend of mine so that’s what’s going to happen. Beside. The Broken needs a purpose. That’s what I am going to give them” Maiden replies

"So your motivation has changed. From helping to hurting, right?”

“I guess you can say that. But of course there people that need help, and I’ll help them to an extent I can. Of course”

Harmonia nods. "I'm not judging you. Its funny, isn't it? How much we've changed since the beginning?"

“Indeed it is. Interesting how that happens.”

“Change is inevitable with the passing of time, just depends on how stuff changes.” Knight comments

“It’s true.” Luna says

“Indeed” Maiden continues to walk. Everyone is enjoying the fresh air and vibes together.

"In any case, it's really nice hearing from you again. It's been a few months." Luna says

“Indeed it has. Good to hear from you too. Btw, nice look.” Maiden replies

"Haha thanks. I'm a demon now."

“Might be getting a new look myself soon as well. Who knows.”

"Oh? Is someone from This Dark Black giving you a makeover?"

“Nope. That would be cool though”

"That it would."

Maiden looks to Luna. Seeing if she figure out what’s going on. Unfortunately, Luna still has no direct evidence of any foul play. She turns back with a serious look. “What?”

“You seem tense. Everything ok?” Maiden asks

Luna releases her shoulders, trying to not look so stressed. Something about all of this bothers her though

"Yeah, I'm okay.” Luna does not look okay.

“Ok. What’s up. You are not ok. I can tell.” Maiden asks

Luna exhales.

"Look, I don't understand what's going on, but I hope whatever you're doing, it's the right thing."

And with that, she returns to her normal cheerful self. Just needed to get it out of her system.

“And what would that be? The right thing?” Maiden asks curiously

"Just... don't worry about it."

“Ok. If you say so.”

Luna's not even remotely ready for pursuit. She just continues walking with a hop in her step. Just walking outside, with friends. Knight and Harmonia stay silent. Maiden continues to walk in silence as the dress covers her hand. The dress touches the ground as they come upon a tree and sit to take a break. Luna hops up to a low hanging branch and relaxes.

“So you got a mansion? That’s really cool.” Luna says

“Yea. Pretty big and neat” Maiden replies

"That's cool. I'm shocked you were able to find one to live in, in Hell no less. Normally Hell isn't exactly considered a viable living space, unless it's like Metamorphosis Sloth. Or the Dark Shores." Luna explains

“Indeed. But it keeps me safe and gives me place a call home. So that is nice.” Maiden responds

“Safe?”

“Never mind… no need to worry.”

{- I hate when people say that -} Krystal grumbles.

“You know, when people say ‘Don’t worry about it’ it just makes someone worry about it more.”

Luna notices something on Maiden’s hands as she turns on “This Town” on her headphones. “Oh. Sorry to make you worry. Just word choice. Seriously no need to worry”

"mmm... alright. Just know that if you're ever in danger, you can ask us to help." Luna says

“Of course. Thank you” Maiden hums her song playing as she relaxes, closing her eyes

Luna jams out to the Umineko OST.

“So… the gods and their ways. Weird what happened with Nabu don’t you think? Who you think could have done that?” Maiden asks out of nowhere

"No idea. According to Themis, only a powerful demon or a great sorceror would be able to kill Buck or put Nabu into a coma. Unfortunately, I don't know of any sorcerors... do you?" Luna replies

"Hmmm. Not that I know of"

"And they would need to enter the Pantheon to even access Nabu..."

"Hmmm I do wonder who could It be"

Luna looks directly at Maiden. “I wonder…”

Maiden looks directly at Luna. “Any theories?”

Luna felt like she was being challenged to solve the mystery right then and there. Regardless, "Unfortunately, I am unable to provide any theories. All I have to work with is a bad feeling, the fact that Byleth knows who murdered Buck and Ningirsu, and what Themis told us. And that Byleth has no motive to directly murder Buck. He wants to know where the other vessels are, so much so that he traded info on the vessels for info on Buck’s assailant.”

"Indeed. It is weird... hmmm. What bad feeling do you feel?" Maiden asks

"That it's one of the Marked who made a poor deal with Byleth." Luna responds.

"Oh? Why do you think that? Who do you think it is?" Maiden asks.

Luna takes a deep breath as Krystal suggests presenting her theory. “A Great sorceror. Meaning perhaps a mortal. And I don't know who it is. I just…”

“You just…?”

"It's just... what's with your hand? I noticed there was something on it." No turning back now.

"Hm? No its nothing, just have not washed off in a while"

"How? You live in a mansion in Hell."

“So?”

“It’s gotta be fairly opulent. Must have running water.”

"Never checked if there is water in hell"

Luna knows she’s lying. If this is Tartarus, there are absolutely water sources in this Hell.

“So? Your point?”

"Simply put, you're hiding something from me." Luna simply grins, the Umineko music in her head hyping her up.

“So? You probably hide things from me.”

"So far, I've been fully forthcoming. The only thing I hid was getting tortured a week ago because I didn't want to worry you." She takes a breath. "In any case" Luna pulls out a handkerchief. "If you want to prove to me that what was on your hand isn't anything to be concerned about, then please, clean them off." She hands her the handkerchief.

Cole appears near them but invisible, watching them while floating so that neither of them could sense him.

“I’m good. Thanks though.” Maiden responds

“Resistant are we? Unfortunately, that’s all I have for evidence. I cannot force you to reveal your hand.” Luna says.

"Fine. You want to see my hands? Hand me the handkerchief" Maiden grins as well.

Luna watches as she cleans them off. She realizes what the substance was on them. Ash.

“I see. What’s the ash from?”

“Just experimentation. Trying to see if I could find anything in the ash.”

“In the ash? What ash?” Luna says, trying to catch Maiden in a lie.

“I think you know.” Maiden says

"Oh right. Gods that Cypress was creepy. I don't understand. Ends claimed there was a whole grove of it yet there was just the one." Luna says with a little bit of confusion in her voice.

"Weird it is indeed" Maiden examines the handkerchief Luna gave her, but it’s an ordinary previously clean handkerchief from Walmart.

"So? You’re not mad? About me looking at his ashes?"

"Wait, Buck's ashes? I thought you were referring to the ashen ground beneath the Cypress..."

"Is it not one and the same?"

"No. The ground was ashen before Buck was murdered."

"Well I got someone's, or Bucks ashes and inspected it"

"Why would you investigate the ashes in the first place? And did you learn anything?"

"Sadly not, and who knows what could have been in or about them.”

“I see. Unfortunately, that’s my only piece of evidence.” Luna lies. She got exactly what she wanted from Maiden.

At this point, Krystal got a notification of activity in 𒀭𒀝 and decided to head up there herself while Luna was in pursuit. Luna told her to be careful. Maiden also disappeared from the forest with a sigh.

--

Up in 𒀭𒀝, Archaicjinn, the leader of the Rebirth Dueling Squad, asked for Maiden and a certain chant she uttered in the Vast Meadow.

“Hey Maiden, what is this and where did you learn it?”

“Bound and pliant

Will be gone

Mind reliant

on silver tones

May you be deafened

To its release

Become my puppet

Eternally”

“Don’t worry about it” Maiden replies.

Jinn steps closer. "Forgive me for being a bit forward but my trust is running a little low recently.. What was that chant?"

Krystal appears in the Barracks watching Jinn argue with Maiden. "Wait what's going on?"

"Just from that language it seems demonic." Jinn says.

"I said don’t worry about it" Maiden responds, a bit firmer.

“Worried about it a lot.” Krystal says.

"We have full transparency here... We always have... That's the only way this works." Jinn says.

"It's true Maiden. So where did you learn that chant?” Krystal agrees with Jinn. Perhaps this is the lead Luna needs to solve this.

"Also wasn't it you that Buck called the name of as his last words... A call out or maybe an accusation?" Jinn wonders.

"Well I hate these accusations being put on me"

"And we're sorry, but our friend was murdered."

"And he was mine, so why would I kill him?" Maiden responds

“Because someone wants him dead. Byleth.” Krystal says.

“So? Your point?” Maiden requests.

Krystal takes a deep breath and finally explains their theory, one that both Luna and Krystal were ready to present in the forest. "Hmm. Our theory is simple. Byleth or someone else promised you power, the power to enact the revenge you feel is needed to save your friends in This Dark Black. The chant Jinn referenced sounds like a spell."

"And you think little old me would do that?" Maiden responds

"The Flower Maiden from before? No. The you now? The one who witnessed your friends dying. The clown and Mr. Bliss's deaths... Yes. This new Flower Maiden. You even told us in the forest you were interested in revenge.”

"That could very well be motive... You are also connected to two events here. The chant, and Buck’s dying words.” Jinn says.

"So? I was checking up on him." Maiden says

At this point, something about Jinn changed. He grinned as he let out a laugh. Pulling his sword out, he attempted to strike Krystal without any warning. “You really are foolish Luna. Really are.”

Krystal was able to dodge the strike. “Yo what the fuck Jinn? And I’m Krystal, get it right!” Krystal quickly left 𒀭𒀝 to let Luna know what happened.

In the meanwhile, Jinn and Maiden began their plans to destroy the Archives. They head to another room. Maiden blocks the entrance off with Hellfire and prepares a horde of demons to block anyone’s path. “Byleth, I’m here. Let’s go.” They went to another room. Once again, Maiden uttered the Hellfire spell, except this time it targeted Jinn accidentally, setting him ablaze. It’s enough to wake him up from whatever control he was under, making him scream without end as his clothes and beard burn to nothing. With adrenaline, Jinn launches himself at the Maiden attempting to burn her to a crisp as well, his Marked Rapier set aflame.

"You.... You... Will burn .. With me!" Jinn exclaims

He manages to get in a strike, tackling Maiden to the ground. Maiden attempts to murder Jinn, striking her sword at his heart. In his mind, he pleads to the Gods. "God's above and below... Know my act.. Feel my rage.. Let it not be for nothing..."

Maiden tries to dodge. “Hey Byleth! Little help here! Or would like me to do this by myself?”

“Burn… and soon we shall both be ash.” Jinn wraps around Maiden. “SAY THE SPELL!”

--

Back down in the forest. Harmonia had walked back home.

“Fucker.” Cole grumbles as Maiden disappears.

“Cole???” Luna exclaims

“Hello Luna.”

“Where the fuck did you come from?” Luna asks

“I was here for a good 15 minutes. I was just invisible.” Cole explains

"Oh so you've witnessed me going against Maiden then?"

“Yeah.”

“I don’t want to believe she would be foolish enough to accept Byleth’s deal, but the evidence keeps piling that way.” Luna explains, feeling a bit hurt that Maiden would betray them.

“Isn’t Byleth the one asshole from that one Hell that tried to talk to me in that heaven place or whatever?” Cole asks

“Yes, he is the King of Hell in that World.”

"I hate that guy, and it doesn't surprise me that maiden would accept a deal from him if they did."

"It's just murdering Buck and putting Nabu in a coma seems out of her league." Luna says

“Does it though?” Knight asks

"Not if it was for power. Maiden has always talked like they don't have any, so I’m willing to bet they might have done it for power" Cole explains.

"...Okay. That's a good point. I noticed they've been acting jaded as of late as well. More interested in revenge." Luna says

“Probably wanted to test the new power they got.” Cole says.

“Well Krystal is on the pursuit up in 𒀭𒀝. Hopefully I hear from her soon.”

“I might join in on it.” Cole says

At this point, Krystal rejoined Luna’s mind freaked out. Cole listened in on her testimony.

{- Yo Lunes, we have a problem -} Krystal says, still scared.

“Huh?” says Luna.

{- Jinn just attacked me -}

“Wait what???”

“No, the fuck he did not.” Cole says, angrily.

{-Cole, Jinn called me a fool and attempted to slash. I jumped out of the way and came back down here.-}

"I'm gonna beat his fucking ass" Cole says, enraged. His eyes shift to pink as he clenches his fist.

“I don’t think it’s him though. Jinn’s like my best friend.. Best human friend anyway.” Luna explains, confused that Jinn would attempt to attack.

“Well then we have a lot of questions to ask, don’t we Luna?”

“We do. Here I thought the boss battle would be Maiden, but no, it’s my best friend.”

Luna takes a deep breath and clicks the app on her phone transforming her to her MG form. The dress she wears is basically an exact replica of Akemi Homura’s from Puella Magi Madoka Magica. A light purple flame-like aura surrounds Luna, something everyone else can see except her. She is genuinely angry.

Cole smirks. “I’ll meet you there.” He disappears.

Luna follows suit and travels up to 𒀭𒀝 to confront the boss. “BRING IT BYLETH!”

--

Luna and Cole appear in the Barracks, drawing their Marked Broadswords. They attempt to move into the Archives to give chase, but a wall of Hellfire blocks their path.

“Fuck.” Luna says.

“Luna, do you think my ice spell works here?” Cole asks.

“Maybe. Try it!”

Cole kneels in front of the Hellfire and recites the chant given to him by the Goddess Khione.

"Khoine, harken to your servant

Harken to a noble soldier

Harken to the twenty and the twenty one

Share my gift upon the fields

Share my sight upon my allies

Share your Wrath for the Cursed Fates

Robbers of sweet Sais

Share the wrath of every Mother for stolen Daughters

Call down the freezing shards that pierce all!"

The ice successfully extinguishes the Hellfire. In its place, however, was a massive horde of demons continuing to block the entrance into the Archives.

I FUCKIG LOVE WARHAMMER

Cole stands up and sighs. “Well fuck.”

“What the fuck.” Luna says incredulously.

“What do we do now?” Cole asks

"Good question. We have two options. We escape and not die to a bunch of goddamn enemies, or we fight." Upon saying this, Luna readies her Broadsword preparing to rush into the melee.

"Luna do you know what the voices are saying?" Cole asks.

“I dunno. Probably murder?” Luna responds.

“Blood.” Cole rushes into the herd laughing maniacally. Luna joins him, though much quieter though just as relentless with her attacks. A battle ensues. They are incredibly outnumbered and outmatched but are fighting ferociously. Gem, who just arrived, joins in the brawl, helping Luna and Cole.

“What’s going on?” asks Gem.

Luna, focused on slashing and not dying, responds in tow. “Double cross. Betrayal. Jinn and Maiden.”

Just then, Nammu appears and utterly vaporizes the horde.

“ENOUGH!” commands Nammu.

Exclamations of awe and wonder erupt between the Marked. Gem could not believe Jinn would betray us. Upon noticing Nammu’s presence, they all stopped what they were doing and waved hi. It was kind of an awkward scene.

“Hurry! Jinn is in great danger!” exclaims Nammu

"Honestly, I have no idea what the hell is up with Jinn, but I'm pretty damned sure Maiden took a deal with Byleth." Luna says while rushing to Jinn.

---

The Marked arrived at where Jinn and Maiden were tumbling around on fire. Jinn managed to land a strike on Maiden’s arm while the chaos erupted. Maiden attempted one more strike into Jinn’s heart, but due to her damaged arm, she was weakened and only able to slash Jinn’s chest. It is a very deep wound, one that may end his life.

“STOP THIS IMMEDIATELY!” commanded Nammu!

Luna and Cole rush to Jinn’s aid..

Gem stabs Maiden in the back, it goes through her chest, forcing her to her knees. “AH!”

“Stop fighting everyone.” commands Nammu.

“Heheheheh..” Maiden disappears, escaping further harm.

Adrenaline courses through Jinn’s mind, though almost completey numb. “Themis… bring her to justice.”

Cole offers to heal Jinn but is stopped by Nammu. “Please allow me.” She touches Jinn. He is quickly stablized and his wounds heal slowly but surely.

“I don’t understand something though. Why would Jinn attack Krystal?” Luna says, still in shock. She thinks about the chant he performed. “Unless… he was possessed by Maiden? Jinn, am I right? Were you possessed?”

“I-I-I lost time. I accused Maiden then next moment I was set on fire. It..It wasn’t me..”

“I know it wasn’t.” Luna says.

“I would never attack you. I was trying to figure out who to bring to justice.” He turns his attention to Nammu, who even repaired his clothes and beard. "Thank you Nammu... I thought I was dead for sure... I even made peace with it."

“I would not let you die if I could help it.” Nammu says.

"I will alert the others of Maiden’s betrayal" Cole says as he sheathes his sword and stares at the floor.

Jinn turns his attention to Gem. "You have her blood on your sword... Save it... It can be used for binding magic.."

“Ahh o-okay um should I use a cloth to wipe it or?” Gem lets go of Jinn and holds her sword up.

“The cloth should work. I will research.” Jinn says, taking the cloth.

Luna messages the Kiss server to let them know of Maiden’s betrayal.

"I have sent a alert to the others Luna, there is no need to tell them again." Cole says.

"I know, but they were asking for details." Luna explains.

"I will have to edit the automatic responses to include details next time then" Cole replies

“...yeah, probably.” Luna rolls her eyes. Classic Cole moment.

“Oh Gem, [The Kiss] server is for people who live with Harmonia and those affiliated with our group. Basically just an in-house messaging system.” Luna explains to Gem, who seemed confused as to who they were messaging. Gem understood.

"its very.....fun to say the least" Cole says

“Fun… isn’t the word I’d use for it.” Luna feels a comically large bead of sweat drop from her head.

“Maybe chaos?”

“Chaos. But that’s just part of living in an apocalypse I guess haha.”

Jinn slowly makes it up to his feet, his wounds and even his clothes are healed and mended. “Thank you… all of you.”

“Not a problem.” Cole nods.

“Just happy you’re right.” Luna says, with a few tears dropping. "Anyway, I'll be back in a bit. Turns out fighting a bunch of demons makes you hungry.” with that, Luna disappears while waving goodbye to her friends in The Marked.

"I'm just glad we now know who the imposter is.. Before we discovered any more information. That in itself is a victory. Byleth has shown his hand and lost his leverage." Jinn says while picking up his sword and inspecting it for any changes. Thankfully, none were found and it seemed intact.

"I have things to attend to" Cole says before disappearing as well.

Jinn grins and turns to Gem “What do we know about maiden's powers?”

“She was obsessed with how Buck died.” Gem says

“Indeed she was. But she doesn’t hail from a World in which I am familiar.” Jinn explains.

“I wonder how big stinky got her on his team?”

“Good name, and I’m not sure..” Jinn laughs at Byleth’s new nickname

Gem wipes off her blade with a cloth and gives it to Jinn to examine. “Thank you Gem.” Jinn says.