Soldiers, fishermen, cutthroats, and hunters filled the harbor to capacity. Manna's invasion of the neighboring capital spooked Mabure's lawless citizens, so many were planning to leave the town for greener pastures elsewhere. The only route out of Beldonne was across the River Ianthe, one of the largest rivers on the continent.

"Do you see him anywhere?" asked Ren, glancing around and scratching the back of his head.

Haruka couldn't see over the taller men and women gathered in the harbor. Her shoulders slumped and she replied with a dejected, "No…"

"Cheer up. We'll find him safe and unharmed." The bounty hunter flashed a sympathetic smile her way and ruffled her hair. "He's an Aegis Knight; he can take care of himself."

Otoya moved closer to his partner and whispered to him, "There are Mannan soliders everywhere. Why don't you keep the princess company while I ask around?"

"Sounds like a plan," Ren affirmed, nodding his head. He took the princess by the hand and led her to an unoccupied bench, offering her the first seat. The way she fidgeted with the hem of her cloak and kept looking around struck a chord within him. "Your knight's a lucky man to have a lady like you. Heh. I'd give my right arm to have someone worry about me like you do."

Haruka smiled in spite of her anxiety. "Ai isn't exactly human, but that doesn't matter to me. It never has."

"Er, what is he then?" Ren asked with some concern in his voice, furrowing his brows.

"He's a construct…a Weapons Doll to be exact. He's been with me since I can remember," explained the princess. Her fingers brushed against the silver rosary suspended from her neck with a sapphire stone at the center. "I worry about him because he's always talking about how 'expendable' he is. I don't want him to leave me…ever."

Ren lifted the cross and surmised, "Did he give this to you? You haven't stopped fiddling with it since we left the pub."

"He made it for me. Isn't it pretty?" Haruka's smile widened as she pressed the cross into Ren's open palm, showing it off proudly. If Ai were around then he'd scold her for being so vain. She laughed at the thought; he'd have that deadpan expression on his face, have his hands on his hips, and his beautiful eyes narrowed in her direction. "I've never been apart from him for this long."

Ren leaned back and thought for a moment. Weapons Dolls were rare, rumored to have powers rivaling the Watchkeepers of old. If he and Otoya were to invite this 'Mikaze Ai' onboard their vessel then maybe…

"What if I told you that Otoya and I could offer you passage across the river?"

Haruka blinked a few times with disbelief. "Y-You…You'd do that for us?"

"Well, I'd have to discuss it with our other associate, but yeah. You guys are in a bind, so I can't just sit back and do nothing while you get caught by those soldiers." Ren grinned, running a hand through his honey-colored hair. "What do you say?"

A third voice chimed in, "That sounds a little too good to be true."

Both Ren and Haruka turned around that instant. Behind them stood Otoya and the missing Aegis Knight, standing shoulder to shoulder with smiles on their faces.

"I told ya I'd find him, ne?" chirped the redheaded boy.

Haruka leaped from her spot on the bench and into Ai's open arms. Otoya caught a glimpse of Ren's shocked expression and laughed. The blonde narrowed his eyes and scoffed, "Lucky guy…"

"I told you to wait for me at the inn. Why did you disobey my orders and leave?" Ai firmly demanded as he pulled the princess away from his chest. "You could've been hurt or worse."

His lady pursed her lips and tears streaked down her cheeks as she vehemently rebutted, "What about me? You left without a word of farewell and I've been terribly worried! I-I thought someone killed you, those soldiers captured you or – "

"Crying isn't a fair tactic to win an argument, my lady." Ai frowned helplessly and took her into his embrace again, petting the top of her head. "We both make valid points, though. I suppose that makes us even, however…"

Haruka finished for him, "I won't disobey you again. I promise."

"And I won't run off somewhere without informing you of my intentions beforehand. Forgive me for doing so this morning," murmured the construct.

Ren cleared his throat and interrupted them, "I hate to break up a beautiful reunion, but there are Mannan soldiers coming in fast. We need to seek shelter."

"Y-You don't mean…?" Otoya swallowed hard and glanced at his partner warily.

Ai looked up from consoling the princess with equal worry. "Is this sanctuary of yours dangerous?"

"That's not it!" stammered the thief, waving his hands around. His mouth firmed into a thin line. "See, um, we're actually a three-man group, not two. Our third member is also the financier of every job and expedition we take on." Those red eyes narrowed and his mouth slanted to one side as he continued, "Playboy here is on bad terms with her at the moment. Remember what happened the last time you showed your face at the villa, Ren?"

The bounty hunter laughed sheepishly and clapped a hand over the back of his neck. "It's been four months, Otoya! She's forgotten all about it by now."

"She never forgets anything, and I don't blame her. You're not the most faithful guy in the macrocosm," deadpanned Otoya, crossing his arms. "But I don't think she'd turn you guys away if you came to her for help. She's cranky sometimes, but she's not heartless."

Ai reluctantly agreed, "We'll take whatever help we can get at this point." He wrapped his arm around the princess's shoulders instinctively. "And you have my gratitude for keeping Her Majesty from harm thus far. Thank you." He took a deep bow.

Otoya blushed and bobbed his head, elbowing Ren to do the same. "It was our privilege. Ne, Ren?"

"Let's get going," answered the blonde, shooting a displeased look in his partner's direction.

The group crept through the back alleys of the city, just beneath the prying eyes of Mannan soldiers and their paid informants. The city emptied at a faster rate than Ren or Otoya anticipated, and that increased their chances of being spotted.

"Wait here. I'll see if the coast is clear," Otoya stopped them at the corner of the old church, peering around the wall. Two soldiers stood in the road, talking to each other with stern expressions etched into their faces. "Hmm."

Ai drew his sword and stepped past Ren. "Time is of the essence now. We'll have to deal with them."

"Otoya, stay with the princess. Mikaze and I will handle these two." Ren pat his friend's shoulder and smiled sympathetically. "I'm sorry 'bout the dirty look earlier. I…"

The redhead stopped him with a smile. "I know you didn't mean it. Now go."

Ren's body glowed as he chanted something under his breath and placed his hand firmly over the bracelet he wore on his left hand. The red gem glittered and heeded his command, relinquishing the weapon within. Ren slowly pulled a dual-bladed scythe out of the bracelet's gem, whipping it through the air once it was completely out.

"What?" he huffed, returning Ai's curious stare. "I'll take the one on the right. Eh?"

Ai replied with a brief nod and rushed in like a shadow unseen, Ren trailing close behind him. The soldiers weren't aware of their presence, and by the time they actually saw them, it was too late. Ai kneed his target in the chest and quickly slit his throat. Ren swung his enormous scythe in a single arc and severed his target's head from his body.

"The river," suggested the construct, nodding in its direction.

They dragged the bodies over the edge of the dock and dumped them into the river. Their blood was covered with dust and kicked into the wind, destroying any evidence of their deaths.

"Otoya! It's clear!" Ren hollered and waved to his partner.

The alleys went on forever behind the city's ruined buildings. After winding through the hidden trails, they arrived at a stately villa and manor on the eastern side of town. Otoya briefly spoke with the gateman and they were allowed through. A manservant greeted them at the door and ushered them inside immediately.

"Welcome back, Master Otoya, Master Ren," he said, bowing to them. "I will inform the Mistress of your arrival. Please wait in the foyer a moment." He ascended the grand staircase and disappeared in the corridor above.

A crystal chandelier hung overhead, and sunlight played off the stained window panes. Elegant furniture and expensive antiques were arranged around the room in perfect taste. It almost looked like the palace.

"You have more nerve than I imagined, Jinguuji."

Everyone looked up at once. A slender, pale woman with long, navy blue hair stood on the stairs. Her violet eyes were fixed on Ren in the center of their group, narrowed with disgust.

Otoya piped up, "We're kinda in a jam, so um…"

"Hm?" The woman spotted Haruka and her expression changed completely. She climbed down the staircase and parted the group. She studied her for a moment and smiled. "You must be the runaway royal they've been searching for."

Ai stepped between them. "I can explain everything, ma'am."

"That's not necessary," she said flatly, raising her hand to silence him. Her features softened as she bowed to Haruka. "I am Hijirikawa Masako, heir to the Royal Treasurer's seat. You're safe in my household, Your Majesty. I assure you."

Haruka released a sigh she'd been holding since they entered the mansion. "Thank you so much for opening your home to us! Oh!" She pulled Ai over some and held his arm as she spoke, "This is my Aegis Knight, Mikaze Ai."

"I echo my lady's sentiments. You're most kind," he said with a slight smile, bobbing his head respectfully.

"Jii, prepare some food for our guests, and a bath for Her Majesty," Masako ordered her servant. She turned to Ai and Haruka, adding, "Please think of my home as your own. If there's anything you need then speak to Jii."

"Uh, why don't we go to the kitchen, guys? You're probably starving!" Otoya sang, taking a silent cue from his partner to skedaddle. He looped his arms around Haruka and Ai, leading them out of the foyer in a hurry.

An awkward silence followed their abrupt departure. Masako walked a few feet away from Ren and spun on her heel to face him like an enemy on the battlefield.

"Is there something you wanted to discuss with me? Is that why you sent Otoya out of the room?"

Ren started in a small voice, "Look, Masako, about our last job…"

The blue-haired beauty folded her arms and cocked her hips to one side. "What about it?"

"Argh. I…I acted like a real jerk. We had a thing planned and I skipped town to…" His throat dried up when he looked up and spotted tears forming in the corners of his friend's eyes. "Masako…" He moved to close the distance between them and take her into his arms, but she quickly tore away from him.

"Don't. Please," she half-pleaded with him in an angry voice. Her knuckles turned white because she was holding herself so tightly. "I already told you; we're not doing this anymore. I'm tired of it."

Ren felt her words strike a physical blow. "I understand then…for now. That doesn't mean I'll give up on you, though." He walked past her and his hand momentarily brushed against her cheek. "I promised you when were kids: we will marry someday."

Masako sincerely wished that she could just give up on him without a second thought, but that was impossible. She fell in love with a sweet, streetwise rich boy who became a scurrilous scoundrel of a man. There were times when she saw that little boy emerge from Ren. He'd smile at her, laugh, promise her things.

"Ugh…" She turned away from the kitchen door and climbed the stairs again. "I wish I had enough sense to despise you, Jinguuji. I truly do."

After a night of much-needed rest, the motley crew gathered in the mansion's study to discuss the terms of their arrangement. Masako sat at the head of the long table with Haruka to her right. Ai sat next to the princess with Otoya across from him. Ren, however, sat at the far end of the table, far from Masako as she instructed him to do so.

"What manner of beast are we hunting?" asked Ai, arms folded over his chest plate.

"That's why we asked for your help. Um, it's a big job for the three of us even, and – "

Ren cut Otoya's babbling off and got straight to the point, answering, "It's a demon called a Glasya Labolas. It's been terrorizing villages in the mountains since it made its nest there."

The construct's eyes widened a little, frightening the princess; she'd never seen that look of incredulity on his face before. He leaned forward and rasped, "I thought they were extinct? Wiped out in the ancient war?"

"I wish it were so, Master Mikaze, but the evidence points to the existence of such a monster. I have many documents and eyewitness accounts of its handiwork. It must be stopped," Masako stated, gesturing to several parchments and scrolls in the middle of the table. "Many others have taken on the bounty and died. We need your help, Aegis Knight."

Ai glanced at his ward and saw the hopeful, fearful expression she wore. He sighed and placed his fist over his sword's hilt, pledging, "You've all risked your lives to bring us this far, and you'll be ferrying us across the River Ianthe. I'll help in any way I can."

"I'll look after Her Majesty personally. I guarantee her safety." Masako stood from her chair and the others followed.

Otoya interjected with a grin, "You've got nothing to worry about with Masako protecting her! She's the best mage this side of Beldonne!"

"You're a mage?" Ai asked the woman, casting a skeptical glance her way.

"Not just any mage," Ren continued Otoya's praise of their leader, "she's a direct descendant of the former Arc Mage. Few magi have been able to match her power during our travels together."

Masako pulled away from his hand on her shoulder and scoffed, "I don't need you to remind me of my abilities." She took the princess's arm and led her away from the group for a moment. Once they were out of the study, she took Haruka aside and spoke quietly to her, "Don't worry about your friend. I sense a powerful magic at work within him. He wouldn't go down so easily." She gasped when Haruka hugged her suddenly.

"Thank you so much for everything you've done. I…" Haruka breathed deeply and held her tears at bay. "I hope I can repay your kindness someday, Miss Masako."

The mage laughed. "Please, just call me Masako."

"Only if you call me Haruka! Deal?" The redhead smiled and extended her hand.

"Deal." Masako shook her hand.

The vessel chartered for their voyage across the river looked like an ordinary fishing boat. Its appearance successfully averted any suspicion and after the crew loaded everything onboard, it casted off.

The crew bustled around the deck of the ship, checking equipment and attendance. They seemed to pass over a hooded figure near the starboard side, though. No one questioned who they were or what their purpose served. Masako and her guests were already inside the ship's cabin, unaware of their presence also.

A smile passed over the shrouded figure's lips as they went below deck and sought refuge behind some crates. A lovely, smooth voice echoed after, "I've found you at last, Your Highness."

Notes: This update is long overdue. Sorry. Yes, I will be continuing this story very regularly now, so stay tuned for more~