At night at Ulthar, at the lake where the corruption is festering. Selene holds Austin at knifepoint.

“My death?” Austin wondered.

“Sleigh Beggies are treasures, in that you create an unending supply of magic, but your bodies are very fragile. Just being alive, you relentlessly absorb and generate magic. Eventually, your body will buckle.” Selene said.

“You’re well-versed in the matter, Selene.” Lyra said, mentally.

Selene sneered, her eyes gleaming with malevolence. "Of course, I am, Lyra. I've been studying all types of mages for years.”

Austin struggled against her grip, but Selene's hold was too strong. He felt a surge of fear as he realized the true extent of her plans.

"You're going to use me to create an endless supply of magic," he said, his voice shaking with anger and fear.

“Not really, but they keep you alive without taking any measures to help you out of danger, just to satiate their own curiosity.” Selene said. “Austin, they have no feelings. You can’t expect human kindness from beings that pretend to be human. They bought you with money and tied you down with that thing. It has a tracking spell on it. You must have suffered.”

Then suddenly, the pendant around Austin’s neck begins to float.

“We’ll set you free, the Vampires will keep you safe.” Selene asked as the stone of the pendant began to pop. And soon the pendant around Austin’s neck bursts.

With that, Austin rushes forward to attack Selene, getting a small cut from Selene’s knife. She lets go of Jade, who falls to the ground.

Jade said. “Ngh!”

“Jade, are you all right.” Austin asked.

“I live.” Jade said.

As Lyra, Jason, and Anakin stand guard in front of Austin.

“This place is our territory. I won’t have vampires wandering around here.” Lyra said.

“Why? Don’t you want to be set free?” Selene said.

“From what? If you mean Jason, you probably wouldn’t understand. Even if they were lying, he was the only one to ever call me family. I don’t care whether you were lying or telling the truth. He was the first person to value me. So until Jason lets go of my hand… I belong to him.” Austin said.

Selene's expression turned cold and calculating, her eyes narrowing as she gazed at Austin. "You're quite the loyal little pet, aren't you?" she sneered. "But you're mistaken if you think Jason truly cares about you. He's just using you for his own purposes, just like the rest of them."

Austin's face set in determination, his voice firm. "I don't care what your motives are, Selene. I know what Jason has done for me, and I won't betray him."

Lyra's expression softened, a hint of pride in her eyes. "Well said, Austin. You're one of us now, and we won't let anyone harm you."

Jason's grip on Austin's hand tightened, a small smile on his face. "We're a family, Austin. And no one messes with our family."

Anakin nodded in agreement, his eyes fixed on Selene. "Leave now, Selene. You're not welcome here."

Selene's face twisted in anger, but she knew she was outnumbered. With a snarl, she vanished into the night, leaving the group to breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Just then, the corruption begins to expand.

“Its bonds are coming loose.” Lyra said. “Do the cleansing now.”

“Right.” Austin said as he jumped on Lyra’s back.

“You don’t need to worry about it. Austin and I are going to handle it.” Jade said.

“It’s the final duty of the Queen to see that the corruption is gone. Is it not?” Lyra said.

Austin and Lyra walk toward the corruption. Austin hesitates before touching it, and it rushes toward them.

In the past, in the memory of corruption. Austin awakens on the floor of a pub with Lyra and Jade

Jade said. “Austin. Austin! Are you all right?”

“Yeah! But where are we?” Austin asked.

“A tavern from long ago. A place to eat.” Lyra said.

Austin stands up and looks around. He looks down at his hand.

“The neighboring town was beautiful. I heard there are a lot of beautiful women there, too.” One of the Patrons said.

“I can see through myself.” Austin asked.

Jade said. “It looks like we’re inside the corruption’s memories.”

Just then, Matthew enters the pub and looks around the pub until he finds the sorcerer.

“Hey, are you the wandering sorcerer?” Matthew said.

“Yeah, that’s me. I'm James.” The sorcerer said.

Matthew's eyes narrowed. "I've been searching for you, James. You've been causing quite a stir in the neighboring town."

James, the sorcerer, smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Ah, yes. I've been testing the limits of my powers. And I must say, the results are quite fascinating."

Austin's eyes widened as he realized what was happening. "Wait, Matthew? James? This is...this is a memory, isn't it? A memory of corruption?"

Jade nodded, her eyes serious. "Yes, Austin. We're trapped in the corruption's memories. And we need to find a way out before we get stuck here forever."

Lyra's voice was firm, her hand on Austin's shoulder. "We'll figure it out, Austin. Together."

As they spoke, the scene around them began to fade, the patrons of the pub disappearing into thin air. The group was left standing alone, surrounded by the eerie silence of the corruption's memories.

"What's happening?" Austin asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jade's eyes were fixed on the fading scene. "I think we're being pulled deeper into the memories. We need to find a way to control this, or we'll be lost forever.”

In the lively tavern, James noticed Matthew sitting alone at a table, lost in contemplation. Approaching him with a warm smile, James gently inquired, "Did you need some help?"

Matthew looked up, his eyes reflecting a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "You can tell?" he questioned, intrigued by James's intuitive perception.

James chuckled softly. "People everywhere depend on me when I'm traveling. Whether it's a bad harvest or a man trying to win the attention of a special lady, I've seen it all," he explained.

Matthew's face softened as he shared his heartfelt concern. "No, it's not for myself. My wife has always been frail, and she often ends up bedridden. I want her to become healthier. Do you have any medicine or anything that might help?"

James's eyes twinkled with a mixture of amusement and compassion. "Hmm? You must care a lot about your wife," he teased.

Matthew's cheeks flushed slightly as he replied, "Obviously!"

James laughed heartily at Matthew's earnest response. "That was a fast reply. You're an embarrassing man," he said, his laughter echoing through the tavern. "May I see your wife in person?"

Matthew's eyes lit up with hope. "Yes, please! Come soon," he exclaimed, his heart filled with anticipation.

As Matthew left the pub, James followed close behind. Austin, a fellow patron, watched them go, a concerned expression etched across his face. "He's no good," he muttered under his breath.

In the memory, the scene shifts to Matthew's house. James enters Mina's room, where she lies on the bed, her frail body weakened by illness.

"Yes, thank you. Get some rest. I'll go talk to your husband," James says gently to Mina.

"Okay. Thank you," Mina replies gratefully.

James walks out of Matthew's house, where Matthew meets him outside, eager to hear any news.

"Of course," Matthew replies, his voice trembling with anticipation.

Mina's cat, Fufu, stands on guard near the door, its green eyes fixed intently on James.

"What's wrong, Fufu?" Mina asks her beloved pet, sensing its unease.

James's expression turns somber as he addresses Matthew. "I don't think she'll get any better than she is. She won't last more than a few years. She was born that way. Can't be helped," he says regretfully.

Matthew's heart sinks as he hears James's words. "No...!" he cries out, his voice filled with anguish.

Grasping hold of James's robes, Matthew pleads, "M-Mina could even play outside as a child. She's hard-working in spirit, but she can't do much because of her health! She deserves better! I'll do anything for her! Please! I couldn't bear to see her die!"

James's eyes soften with understanding. "Hmm? Does your wife like cats?" he asks, changing the subject unexpectedly.

Matthew's confusion is evident as he replies, "Huh...? C-Cats? S-Sure..."

"I see. That's perfect, then! Have you heard that cats have nine lives?" James says enigmatic smile playing on his lips.

In the quaint, cobblestone town, where memories lingered and time seemed to stand still, a man emerged from his small abode, only to encounter a startling sight. Rats, numerous and ravenous, scampered out of the doorway, their beady eyes glinting in the dim morning light. The man, taken aback, could only let out a startled cry, "Ngh, more rats!"

The townsfolk, accustomed to the peaceful rhythm of their community, were abuzz with concern.

"Is it just me, or are there lots of rats lately?" inquired Woman 1, her brow creased with worry.

Woman 2, her gaze fixed on the scurrying rodents, offered a grim assessment, "I suppose the cats aren't doing their jobs."

Amidst the whispers and murmurs, a young woman named Mina made her way through the town. Despite her frail appearance, she insisted on venturing out on this fine day.

"Mina, are you sure you're well enough to be up and about?" questioned Woman 3, her tone tinged with concern.

Mina, ever optimistic, replied with a gentle smile, "Yes, the weather is nice today."

However, a sudden question from Mina shifted the conversation. "Hey, have you seen Matthew?" she asked, her eyes scanning the familiar faces. "I went to bring him a meal, but he wasn't in the field."

Woman 1, known for her quick wit, teased, "Maybe he's out meeting a woman," eliciting a surprised "Huh?" from Mina.

Before the playful banter could escalate, one of the women struck the other on the head, causing a startled yelp.

"Urk!" exclaimed Woman 1, rubbing the spot where she had been hit.

Woman 3, taking on a more serious tone, chimed in, "Don't be silly! Everyone knows Matthew's all about Mina!"

The Woman 1, realizing her faux pas, hastily added, "I was just joking!"

As the women continued their conversation,

Woman 2, who had observed Matthew's movements, spoke up. "I saw him go into the forest with an axe this morning," she said, her words echoing through the air.

Mina's heart skipped a beat. "Forest?" she uttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Driven by a mix of concern and curiosity, Mina resolved to venture into the forest in search of Matthew. As she entered the dense undergrowth, her voice carried through the trees, "Matthew! Matthew!" Little did she know that Austin, a young man who had been observing her from a distance, would follow her into the depths of the forest, his heart heavy with a foreboding sense of unease.

"Austin, are you okay?" asked Jade, her voice filled with concern. "You look really pale." Austin's eyes, filled with a mixture of fear and determination, met hers. "I have a really bad feeling about this," he uttered, his words carrying the weight of an impending storm.

And so, in the heart of the ancient forest, where shadows danced and secrets whispered, a tale of mystery, love, and danger was about to unfold. The lives of Mina, Matthew, Austin, and the townsfolk would be forever intertwined, as they faced the challenges and uncertainties that lay ahead.

In the forest, Mina finds a shed.

A shed? Has there always been a shed here?” Mina asked.

Austin shouted, "No...!".

As Mina prepared to open the door, she asked, “What is Matthew doing?” “Matthew?”.

Austin replied, "No!".

As Mina opened the door, she asked, "Matthew?".

As Austin reaches for Mina's hand, he is unable to grab it. "Don't look inside!" he shouts.

She asked, "Matthew? Huh?".

The shed's ceiling is hung with cats' and kids' corpses. Several live cats and kids struggle in cages. Matthew pulls a cleaver up and swings it at a body. He turns to Mina.

Matthew said. “Mina. Ah, you’re doing well today. Perfect. I just finished making this. It’s your medicine.”

Mina said “Medicine?...Matthew, what are you… What are you talking about?

Matthew said. Remember we had a sorcerer see you? He told me that this potion could make you better.”

Mina said. “Th-These cats…Th-These Kids. Where did they come from?”

“Please help us, he's crazy.” One of the kids said.

Matthew said. “Oh, they’re ingredients. They say cats have nine lives. Apparently it’s true.

He said I could make you medicine out of the cats’ lives. How unfair is it that these beasts have so many lives?”

Mina said. “Matthew! Hey, what happened to you?! How could you do such a terrible thing?!

You aren’t the kind of person who could do this!”

Matthew said. “Because… it’s for your sake.”

Mina said. “Matthew… Ah! I can’t move.”

James appears in the doorway.

“You don’t have to be scared. Drink that, and you’ll go from being weak to able-bodied.

You might even be able to live forever.” He said.

Mina said. “You… What have you done to Matthew?!”

“Hmm? I just had him trust me a little.” James said as Matthew uncaps the vial. “Don’t worry, it’s a magnificent drug.” as James opens Mina’s mouth. “So… be a mouse for me.”

As Matthew pours the potion into Mina’s mouth. She swallows and soon Mina falls to the ground.

Mina yelled. “Ah… Ahh…!”

Matthew said. “Mina, it’s okay. He said it only hurts in the beginning.

Hang in there, Mina. You’ll be well after this.I’ll be with you. So…”

“Mat… thew…” Mina said as she exploded into a puddle of black sludge.

“Oh dear, it failed. She lost her form. I suppose beasts are just beasts, after all.

They’re easier to process than humans, but I guess their strong instincts means they have strong curses, too. Looks like I’ll have to go back to figuring out how to condense souls.

Thanks for the valuable research data, Mister.” James said.

Matthew said. “I am perplexed. Why must this be so, Mina? Why? Why?

Mina, Mina, Mina, Why do you act in this manner, Mina?”

“Whoops, he broke. Love’s amazing, huh, Miss?” James said as he left the shack.

Matthew said. “Why? Why? Why? Why?!I know. It wasn’t enough.

I still need more. More… more, more. I need to gather more. I need to gather… more.”

Matthew exits the shack. He turns to see Fufu.

Matthew said. “Oh, Fufu. I’m glad you’re here. Your precious Mina is in trouble.

So… Okay?” as Matthew takes an axe to kill Fufu, but he attacks first, biting Matthew’s throat. Matthew falls to the ground.

“You aren’t human anymore. You’re a demon. You were deceived by a vampire into becoming a pitiful demon yourself. I can’t let you live. I can’t let you die in peace.

I was chosen to be the king. I also do this for those who died.”

In the present. Austin sees Matthew’s body surrounded by the corruption.

“Where is Mina? I’m so lonely without you. Mina… Mina…” Thought Matthew.

Tears stream down Austin’s face.

“Austin.” Lyra said.

“I’ve made you see something terrible, haven’t I? I only intended to have you erase us, but you have a powerful gift of sight. I’m sorry.” Mina said.

“What do you mean by “erase”?” Austin asked.

“I mean what I said. Make us not exist. The souls of all living things are part of a cycle.But Matthew and I have forgotten how to return. As have the cats.” Mina said.

“The cats?’ Austin asked.

Mina said. “The souls of the cats who bore a curse from their murder. We’ve all forgotten how to return. So I want you to erase us.”

“I can’t. You are innocent in all this. You don’t deserve to be erased!” Austin said.

Mina said. “You must. You have to. All that awaits us if we lose our chance now is an even more painful, endless void. You’re the only one who can help us right now.

“I’ll lead the way, then.” Lyra said as she transformed her human from.

“Queen Lyra.” Austin said.

“This is my ninth life. I’ll be returning soon. I should be able to guide you to where you belong.” Lyra said.

“No! You can’t! Your daughter will be sad!” Austin said.

“Death is always sudden.Sooner or later, it comes to all. The last leader, and the one before, all sacrificed their souls to hold off the corruption.Compared to that, being a guide isn’t difficult.

I have good memories with her. That’s all I need.” Lyra said.

Mina said. “Thank you.”

As Lyra begins to leave with Mina following behind.

“What should I do?” Austin said as he sees a vision of a field of flowers.

“Wait!” Austin said.

Mina and Lyra stop in their tracks.

“Jade, with your power, with the wind to carry seeds far away…” Austin said.

Jade said. “You’re right. Seed to soil, flower to seed.

That is the pact of the soil and the wind. Those whose time it is to return, to the place where they must return. Humans sure are silly and clever. You’re amusing.

That’s why we can never get enough of you.”

And soon Magic begins to surround the group.

“I won’t erase you. Don’t worry. She’ll take you there.” Austin said as Mina takes Austin’s outstretched hand. “So picture it in your mind. Dandelions, sending their seeds off into the air.”

Soon, the corruption begins to dissipate. “There, they set roots and sprout.

The wind blows toward where you need to go.”

A gust of wind blows, and Mina is transported to a field of blue flowers. A small distance away, Matthew stands facing away.

Mina said. “Matthew!”

Matthew said. “Mina!”

Mina said. “Matthew!”

Matthew runs to Mina, and the two embrace.

Matthew said. “Ahh… Mina. Where were you?”

Mina said. “Matthew. Let’s go, Matthew. Thank you, Austin… the Robin mage. I pray that you don’t come here anytime soon.” Mina and Matthew dissolve into flower petals that float away with the wind.

“I was an unnecessary child. No one wanted me. I was kicked out and wandered endlessly. And finally…” Austin said as Jason and the others appeared in the field. “I might have found a perch, but…when am I going to die?”

Six: Austin’s powerful answer

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