In 1252, the black hole appeared for the first time. The black hole is a phenomenon that appears and causes the affected surroundings to change. For example, if it hits a kingdom, the kingdom itself may be altered, either torn into the future or into the past. When this happens, people think it is bad, but it is worse. Every human who does not carry a curse or an ability dies. There are also other changes. A realm like Dukewood could become completely different. While Dukewood lies on the sea and clouds float above the kingdom, which normally should not be the case, the other kingdoms of Grimmhoth lie on clouds with the sea above them. The black hole can even cause other phenomena to appear. Animals begin to speak. This is how the city of Bremen was created in Weimarer. Many other phenomena can also occur, such as complete disappearance, destruction, or ground floating in the air. No one knows when the black hole appears, or how and why. However, there are several signs. First, people forget things that happened very recently. Second, the clouds turn dark. Third, bodies dissolve, as if being sucked in by a vacuum cleaner, torn apart and then swallowed. At first, it was even called the vacuum cleaner phenomenon. Another sign appears only at the very end: powerful thunderstorms, rain, or even tornadoes.
(Ten years ago)
Meliodas: Hello everyone.
That was how he greeted the students.
Meliodas: You have a new classmate. Her name is Fiona Hamilton. Be kind to her.
Fiona: Hmm.
They looked at her. She carried a cane and wore a hat. She had white hair and green eyes. The class stared at her. Some giggled, some said nothing.
Meliodas: Go ahead and sit down, Fiona.
Fiona: Yes, sir.
She sat down, but the students next to her moved away.
Student: Excuse me, but why does she have to sit here? She scares me.
Student: Yes, she does not look healthy. White hair at that age?
Student: Hahaha, she even uses a cane to walk. Do you age that fast?
Fiona: ...
Student: Hey!
Meliodas: Stop it. That is not how you treat someone new. Fiona had an accident, alright? A curse that cost her her leg, her right leg. That is all.
Student: Those eyes are so empty.
Meliodas: That is enough, everyone. Please welcome her and let us continue. Let us start with math. What is four times four?
Student: Forty four.
Student: No, twelve.
Student: Nope, eighteen, eighteen.
Fiona: Four times four equals sixteen. If you add four plus four plus four plus four, you get sixteen.
Meliodas: Correct, Fiona.
Student: Huh?
Student: Hmph, nerd.
(A few hours later)
(Patch) (Patch)
Student: Hey, look, she is coming. You know what I am going to do now.
He kicked the cane away.
Fiona: Huh!
(Crash)
Students: Hahahahahaha.
Fiona: Hmm.
Bob appeared.
Bob: Hhhrrrrrr.
Student: What is that?
Student: Her guardian spirit.
Fiona stood up.
Fiona: Hmm.
Student: Hhh.
Fiona: Move aside.
She shoved them away.
Student: Hmmm.
She returned to her room.
Fiona: Ghhh... ghhhhh.
She fell to the floor, holding her leg.
Fiona: Ugh... hahhh... hahhhh.
Purple smoke rose.
Fiona: Urkkk.
She went to her pain pills and swallowed them.
(Snap)
Fiona: Gulp... hahhh... hahhh... hhhhh... hahhhh.
(Back to the present)
A few days after the incident, Fiona was finally able to return after she recovered and Renni's poison disappeared.
Kafka: And?
Fiona: I am fine.
Kafka: What are you going to do now?
Fiona: Hmm?
Kafka: About Deadlock. I hope you are not holding back because Renni is involved.
Fiona: Hahh.
She lightly tapped his forehead with her cane.
Kafka: Ouch.
Fiona: I am not a coward, okay? I still have to do my job.
Kafka: But if Rita killed her family, why does Renni want to kill you?
Fiona: I helped. I never visited her again.
Kafka: Hmm.
Fiona: I should have explained things to her at least.
Kafka: Hmm... I think you should rest.
Fiona: And how is the annoying princess?
Barbara: I heard that.
Kafka: Huh?
Fiona: Hmm?
She stepped out of her carriage.
Barbara: Hmm... here.
She handed her the jacket.
Barbara: Here.
Fiona: Oh... my jacket.
Barbara: I had it cleaned. Well, my maids did. Sorry.
Fiona: Hmm.
She took the jacket.
Barbara: And... thank you for saving me.
Fiona: Hmm.
She flicked Barbara's forehead.
Barbara: Ouch.
Fiona: Sorry. I do not like it when people look sad like that. An apology is unnecessary. It does not heal my wounds and it does not bring back the days I missed.
Barbara: Huh?
Fiona: I mean that I am not angry at you, except for the jacket thing.
Barbara: Hmm.
Fiona: Thank you.
She walked on.
Barbara: Hey, wait. Where are you going?
Fiona: I have to go to the hotel. Goodbye. Naomi and Cosette are waiting for me.
Barbara: Oh...
She returned.
(Knock) (Knock)
Naomi: Fiona, you are here.
Fiona: Hello, Naomi.
Naomi hugged Fiona and held her cheeks.
Naomi: Are you okay?
Fiona: I am just tired.
Naomi: Good, get some rest. I will prepare your bed.
Fiona: Thank you, Naomi.
Naomi: No problem.
After the bed was prepared, Fiona took off her jacket and changed into her sleeping clothes in the bathroom.
Naomi: Okay.
Fiona: Where is Cosette?
Naomi: Oh, Cosette? She will be back soon. She just went shopping.
(Knock) (Knock)
Naomi: Hmm?
Fiona: Huh?
Naomi: That must be her.
She opened the door. It was Cosette.
Cosette: Hello.
Naomi: There you are. Come in, Fiona is back.
Cosette: Really?
Cosette ran in, saw Fiona, and hugged her.
Cosette: Fiona.
Fiona: Hey, my little one. Were you worried?
She stroked her head.
Naomi: She did not sleep for days because she was worried.
Cosette: Mm.
Fiona: I see. Then you can sleep next to me tonight.
Cosette: Really?
Fiona: Mm.
Fiona lay down on the bed. Cosette lay down next to her and rested on Fiona's chest.
Cosette: Yawns.
Fiona: Good night. Hey Naomi, you should rest too.
Cosette: Let her sleep here.
Naomi: But it will be too tight, Cosette.
Fiona: Hmm, take the sofa. That should work.
Naomi: Oh, okay.
She did and lay down on the sofa nearby.
Cosette: Soft snoring.
Fiona: She already fell asleep.
Naomi: Mm... we were so worried.
Fiona: Sorry.
Naomi: It is okay. Let us rest now.
Fiona: Mm.
They fell asleep. Cosette on Fiona's chest and Naomi on the sofa.
(A few hours later)
Fiona woke up. She carefully got up so as not to wake them.
Cosette: Zz.
Fiona: Hmm.
She noticed Naomi's blanket was about to fall and quickly adjusted it.
Fiona: There.
Fiona went to the kitchen and closed the door.
Fiona: Hmm... I need to talk to Meliodas, but I do not know how to find him. Maybe someone knows who can help me. You have been watching us for a while, Gerrard.
Gerrard opened the window.
Gerrard: You noticed me.
Fiona: Of course I did. What do you want?
Gerrard: To see how you are doing.
Fiona: You mean how Naomi is doing.
Gerrard: Ugh... blushes.
Fiona: You have your eye on her. Anyway, I need your help.
Gerrard: Before that, how did you notice I was here?
Fiona: When you hide, hide your face properly. Do you have any idea how much you scared me?
(A few hours earlier)
Naomi: Get some rest.
Fiona: Okay... hmm?
She looked at the window.
Fiona: Ugh.
She saw him staring at her with wide open eyes.
Fiona: Damn, what does he want?
(End of memory)
Gerrard: Sweating. Sorry. Sometimes I really act like a bird.
Fiona: Still, thank you for worrying.
Gerrard: You want my help. Why?
Fiona: I want you to find someone for me. Meliodas Ainsworth. Here is a photo.
She gave him a photo.
Gerrard: Okay.
Fiona: Find him. I need to ask him some things.
Gerrard: Is it about Deadlock?
Fiona: Looks like you know about it.
Gerrard: Of course. We also heard that you were shot.
Fiona: I see. Listen, I think the Dark Bride wants peace after returning. That is why we must defeat Deadlock. For that, I need your help, and Meliodas' help.
Gerrard: Okay.
Fiona: About Naomi...
Gerrard: Ugh.
Fiona: You can visit her. I feel like you are a true gentleman, and that is exactly what Naomi needs lately.
Gerrard: You are not angry?
Fiona: No. If Naomi wants it, it is fine. Have you met before?
Gerrard: Not really.
Fiona: Good. Finish this mission, then you can meet her.
Gerrard: Mm... okay. Then climb on my back. I will take you there.
Fiona: Really?
Gerrard: Yes.
Fiona: Okay.
Gerrard: Hold on tight.
She climbed onto his back.
Gerrard: And go.
He spread his wings.
Gerrard: So?
Fiona: Tell me, your ability. What exactly is it?
Gerrard: Haha. It is complicated. I was cursed by eating the flesh of a monster, a great bird called Berneteu, which in the old language means flying bear.
Fiona: I see.
Gerrard: There is the castle.
He landed softly.
Gerrard: Well then, miss.
She climbed down.
Fiona: Thank you.
Gerrard: Wait here.
He went inside. A few minutes later, members Namelia, Berteran, Dante, and Zhen appeared.
Zhen: May I ask what this woman is doing here?
Berteran: That is the woman who tried to stop Mother from awakening.
Namelia: Hey, hey. Well then. You must be the detective, Fiona Househould.
She stood in front of Fiona.
Namelia: Very brave of you to show up here.
Fiona: Move aside. You have bad breath.
Namelia: Ngh.
Zhen: Pfff.
Dante: Pfff.
Berteran: Hahahahaha. I take it back. I like her. Finally someone said it.
Namelia: You bitch.
Zhen: Okay, okay.
She held Namelia by the dress.
Zhen: No need to be angry.
Namelia: I will kill her.
Zhen: You cannot kill her. She has Holle's blood, which means she is immune to our blood. Holle is the daughter of Cinderella, so she also carries Cinderella's blood.
Fiona: Hmm.
Zhen: My name is Zhen. I have many last names because I was adopted many times. Just call me Zhen.
She had long black hair and empty eyes.
Zhen: Hmm?
Fiona: I see. Forgive me, but are you blind?
Zhen: Exactly right. How did you know?
Fiona: You talk to me, but you look at the tree.
Zhen: Sweating. Oh.
Fiona: Hmm.
Zhen turned toward her.
Zhen: Like this?
Fiona: Now you are facing me.
Zhen: Oh, sorry.
Fiona: Hmm.
Zhen: I can sense from the smell of your spirit that you are not a bad person. But I feel a lot of regret and pain.
Fiona: Hmph.
Zhen: A person's spirit does not lie.
She held Fiona's cheeks.
Fiona: Hey, what are you doing?
Zhen: Sorry. I just wanted to know how warm you are. I cannot see you, but I know what you look like. White hair, green eyes, about 170 centimeters tall, 59 kilograms, a virgin, smelling of strawberries. Strawberry scent usually belongs to someone who is broken, yet still tries to protect friends and loved ones.
Fiona: Hmm.
Zhen: May I kiss you?
Fiona: What? No.
Zhen: Oh, too bad. That way I would know how you taste. Maybe next time.
Fiona: Sweating. Forget it. There is a better way.
Zhen: Hmm?
Fiona put her finger into her own mouth, then pulled it out and put it into Zhen's.
Zhen: Mmph.
Fiona: There you go.
She pulled it out.
Zhen: Hmm. That is also a way.
Dante: Sweating. What the hell.
Berteran: I want to try too.
Dante: You simp.
Berteran: I like hot women, and she is super hot. Damn, look at her figure. Too bad her upper body is covered. Why does such a pretty woman wear long pants and hide her chest?
Dante: Because people like you exist.
Berteran: I would still sniff her armpits.
Dante walked away.
Berteran: Huh?
Dante: Please do not talk to me.
The door opened. The Dark Bride appeared.
Dark Bride: Well, well. There you are, Fiona. What a nice meeting.
Fiona: I wanted to talk. By the way, your member wanted to kiss me and that guy wants to sniff my armpits. Are they all like that?
Berteran: Ugh.
Zhen: Oh.
Lilly: Hahahaha. Wait, armpits? Which sick one. Berteran.
Berteran: Why me?
Dante: Because it fits.
Lilly: Anyway, forgive this greeting. Zhen is the one who wanted to kiss you. She is not a lesbian, she just says weird things because she is blind and wants to know everything. Last time she even tried it on me. I took care of Zhen when she was one year old. Because she was blind, she was adopted and returned many times. Five times in eight months. I even breastfed her.
Fiona: What? You have milk? You are not a mother.
Lilly: Born that way.
Fiona: And how are you? You barely...
Gerrard: Hey.
Dante: Ugh.
Berteran: Shh.
He made an X with his hands.
Berteran: Do not say it or we die.
Fiona: Sweating. Okay.
Lilly: Barely what?
Fiona: Barely... fingers.
Lilly: I have nine.
Fiona: Sweating. You should have ten.
Lilly: I lost one because that idiot Berteran played with the ashes of the moon princess. It melts your body fast. Even I cannot regenerate.
Gerrard: That is a lie. She cannot cook and cuts off her little finger by accident.
Lilly: You are dead.
Gerrard: Oops.
Fiona: You cook?
Gerrard: No.
Lilly: Yes.
Fiona: Sweating.
Gerrard: Mother, please let me cook. You will hurt your beautiful delicate hands.
Lilly: Oh, okay.
Fiona: Huh?
Gerrard: That is the only way to make her stop.
He whispered to Fiona. They went inside.
Lilly: So, Fiona, what do you want?
Fiona: You know I was shot.
Lilly: Yes.
Fiona: The attackers were Deadlock. They shot my chest and stomach. One of them is a member named Renni.
Lilly: Okay.
Fiona: Years ago, when I worked for Dark Umbrella, I spied on her family with a person named Rita. Our task was to kill the Salvatore family if they were criminals. When we proved it, Rita killed the parents and wanted to kill Renni. I stopped her.
Lilly: Oh, so you killed her.
Fiona: Exactly. Renni never forgot and later joined Deadlock. How she can move despite her glass curse, I do not know.
Lilly: And what do you want from me?
Fiona: I want you to help me destroy Deadlock and help Renni, to save her before she truly becomes a murderer.
Lilly: You want to save her even though she shot you?
Fiona: I should have protected her better.
Lilly: Hehehe. Okay, sit down.
Fiona sat down.
Lilly: Listen. I want a quiet life with my family, without interfering, without hurting anyone, whether bad like Deadlock or kind.
Fiona: Hmm.
Lilly: But I am worried about you and Cosette. So I will help you a little.
Fiona: Hmm?
Lilly: Zhen was once a member of Deadlock.
Fiona: Ugh, is that true?
Zhen: Yes.
Fiona: I see.
Lilly: She can help you. She is blind, but she uses her nose and senses.
Fiona: Thank you.
Lilly: If you need more help, tell me. We are friends now, right?
Fiona: Hmm. Yes. Except the guy who wanted to sniff my armpits.
Berteran: Sweating. Hey.
Dante: She called you a bum.
Lilly: One more thing, Fiona. I want Cosette to stay with me. You too.
Zhen: Hmm?
Lilly: It is safer. Bring Naomi too.
Gerrard: Ugh.
Fiona: Okay. I will ask them.
Lilly: Okay. Hurry back before dinner with Cosette and Naomi.
Fiona: Okay.
(A few hours later)
Cosette: Huh, wow.
Lilly: Oh, there she is. Cosette dear.
She hugged her.
Lilly: You are so cute.
Cosette: Hehehe.
Fiona: Then I am off.
Naomi: Fiona, where are you going?
Fiona: I have to work, Naomi.
Naomi: You just got back from the hospital.
Fiona: Still, Kafka is waiting. Zhen, come with me.
Zhen: Okay.
They walked and stood in front of a street.
Zhen: Uh.
Fiona: Hahh.
Zhen seemed nervous. Fiona knew why and held her hand.
Zhen: Huh?
Fiona: Come on, I will help you.
Zhen: Oh, thank you.
They continued.
Zhen: That is kind of you. I thought you did not care about others.
Fiona: Hmm.
Zhen: Hmm.
Fiona: Were you born blind?
Zhen: No. My mother and stepfather did not like my eyes, so they poured hot water on them.
Fiona: Ugh.
Zhen: Hmm?
Fiona: That is why you are with Lilly.
Zhen: Yes.
Fiona: Hmm.
Zhen: There is no wound. That surprises you, right? Lilly tried to heal it. She could heal the burns, but not my eyes.
Fiona: Hmm. Strange. You have beautiful eyes.
Zhen: Huh?
Fiona: I said you have beautiful eyes. Big and gray.
Zhen: Oh, thank you.
Fiona: How old are you?
Zhen: I am 29.
Fiona: What? I thought you were younger.
Zhen: Because of my high voice? You are cute.
Fiona: What exactly is Deadlock?
Zhen: I told you, I was a member.
Fiona: But you said Lilly adopted you as a child.
Zhen: One day I left the family because Mother disappeared.
Fiona: Wait, 29, but Lilly has lived for centuries.
Zhen: 29 before I drank Lilly's blood. Technically, I am 200 years old. If you drink Lilly's blood, you are cursed. I am actually a vampire.
Fiona: What?
Zhen: A shadow vampire.
Fiona: Shadow vampire?
Shadow vampires are vampires who can control shadows. These shadows are black with red eyes, called Crimson. Shadow vampires are the strongest vampire race. They can regenerate even if their heart is pierced. They can only be killed if both the heart and the shadow of the heart are destroyed. The shadow of the heart is not in the body but in valuable objects. There are many types of vampires: shadow vampires, ice vampires, blood vampires, and vampire elves.
Zhen: So, what are you planning?
Fiona: I want to go back to the place where I was attacked. They say the culprit returns to the crime scene twice.
Zhen: Why would she return?
Fiona: Because she knows I would do it. Renni would think I come back.
Zhen: Oh. I am confused, but okay.
Fiona: Yeah.
They went to the same place.
Zhen: Hmm.
Fiona: This is it.
(Crash)
Zhen: Huh?
Fiona: Hmm?
Renni: Ugh.
Renni tried to run away.
Fiona: Hold my cane.
Zhen: What? Okay.
Fiona: Thanks.
She followed Renni.
Renni: Damn. I was careless.
Fiona: Renni, wait.
Renni: Hahhh.
It was a dead end.
Renni: Damn.
Fiona: Stay where you are.
Renni: I will jump down.
Fiona: Then do it.
Renni: Ghhh.
Fiona: I know you are afraid of heights.
Renni: Ghhh.
She jumped.
Fiona: What? Wait.
Fiona grabbed her hand.
Renni: Ugh.
Fiona: Are you crazy?
Renni: You actually tried to catch me.
Fiona: Ugh.
Renni's glass ability appeared.
Renni: Hehehe.
Fiona: Ghhh.
Renni: If you let go, I die.
Fiona: Oh, I see. Okay.
She let go.
Renni: What? No!
Renni closed her eyes, then opened them.
Renni: Huh?
Zhen: Got you.
Renni: What?
Fiona: You got her?
Zhen: Yes.
Fiona jumped down.
Fiona: Ouch.
She picked up her cane.
Renni: Uh... Fiona.
Fiona: So, I think it is time to punish someone for the pain.
Renni: Mm, Fiona.
(A few minutes later)
Renni: No, no.
Fiona: And now, your greatest fear.
Renni: No.
Fiona: Go.
She stuffed broccoli into Renni's mouth.
Renni: Mmm.
Fiona: I knew it. You hate broccoli.
Renni: No.
Fiona: Tell me who Deadlock is.
Renni: No.
Fiona: Oh, okay. How about broccoli soup?
Renni: Ugh.
It smelled awful.
Fiona: By the way, this broccoli is long expired. I took it from thrown away vegetables.
Renni: Okay, okay. What do you want to know?
Fiona: Why did Deadlock kill Count Heinz?
Renni: I only know someone paid for it. A count.
Fiona: Hmm.
Zhen: Figures.
Fiona: Do you know his name?
Renni: No.
Fiona: Then open your mouth.
Renni: Ghhh. Stein. Friedrich Stein.
Fiona: Hmm. Why?
Renni: No idea.
Fiona: Open your mouth.
Renni: No, I really do not know.
Fiona: Fine. She does not know.
Renni: Hahh.
Fiona: Good.
She put the plate away.
Renni: Phew.
Fiona: Now tell me who the leader is.
Renni: No.
Fiona: Next try.
Renni: Hey, what?
Fiona: And...
(Tickle)
Renni: Hahaha, stop.
Fiona: Then say it.
Renni: I am not a child anymore.
Fiona: Then stop laughing and say it.
Renni: I do not want to die. They would kill me. Fiona, please.
Fiona: Hmm.
Zhen: Hmm.
Renni: Hahhh.
Fiona: Hmm.
Fiona sniffed her own hands.
Renni: Huh?
Fiona: Ever heard of showering?
Renni: Hey, I have been outside for three hours.
Fiona: No excuse. Then good luck, Renni.
Renni: What?
Zhen: Hmm?
Fiona: Zhen, give me the knife.
Renni: No, no, no. Fiona, please.
Zhen gave the knife. Renni closed her eyes.
(Slash)
Renni: Huh?
Fiona: Hmm.
Fiona cut the restraints.
Renni: What?
Fiona: I have what I want. You can go.
Renni: Huh?
Fiona dropped the knife, poked Renni's forehead.
Renni: Ow.
Fiona: Take care of yourself, Renni.
Renni: Huh?
Fiona left the building.
Renni: Fiona.
Zhen: Hmm.
Zhen also left.
Zhen: Is that a good idea?
Fiona: I cannot kill her.
Zhen: Hmm.