22 Chapter Twenty-Two

The next two weeks passed painfully slow.

As soon as she had woken up, Makina had spent more than three days pestering Jiana, but to no avail. Unable to persuade the guild, Makina had taken to remaining in her room, something that made Lexi's job of watching her much simpler.

Banksy had taken the Mistress's task to heart and spent nearly every waking moment trying to decipher the Knight's orders, but to little avail.

Romeo, after being informed of the Mistress's request that he not leave the guild for reasons of safety, was promptly caught attempting to sneak out the next night claiming it was far more dangerous for him to cancel his dates for that night.

All five of them.

Cross, to his credit, did not attempt to leave the guildhall. He spent most of his time simply walking the halls, occasionally checking in on Banksy when he cursed too loudly, forcefully keeping Romeo from jumping from the windows in a mad bid for freedom, or stopping by Makina's room, though the girl refused to speak to anyone beyond the rare threat to "smite them for impudence" or something similar.

The Guild was tense, and things were only going to get worse.

"Cross," Alexis snuck her hooded head into his room. "The Mistress would like to see you."

Seated at his desk, Cross glanced up at his clock. "It's a bit late. What? Did Romeo try to sneak out again?"

"I'm not sure. It seemed urgent." Lexi shrugged. Even though her face was covered Cross practically could see her frown.

Cross sighed. "Yeah, right, then."

Standing up, he rolled his stiff shoulders and followed Lexi down the stairs.

"How's Makina?"

"Still refusing to leave her room," Lexi said softly. "She is rather upset at the Mistress's lack of action, it seems. Also that she is not allowed to leave."

"Aren't we all?" Cross muttered as they reached the bottom of the steps and approached the Mistress's table. Servilia sat beside her, a grim look on her lovely face.

"Cross, Alexis," Jiana greeted. "Please sit.

"What's wrong?" Cross said, sitting down across from Jiana, as Lexi took a seat to his left.

"Balan is dead," Servilia said with a tired voice. Lexi's eyes went wide and she glanced at Jiana who gave a small nod.

"Along with the others," Jiana added with a frown. "It appears they were poisoned some time ago, but the guards decided against informing us until receiving a response from the Capital."

"What does that mean?" Cross leaned forward.

"It means whatever they knew was worth killing them over," Jiana said. "It means those documents Nathan is currently deciphering may be more important than we thought. It means, we will continue to wait."

"Wonderful." Cross sighed. "Who is going to break the news to Romeo? I think if he misses another date he is going to have a breakdown."

Jiana laughed quietly. "I believe Romeo will survive a little more time. Self reflection can be just as important as interpersonal relationships." She looked back and forth between Cross and Lexi. "You both look tired. Go now, sleep. We can discuss this matter more in the morning."

Lexi nodded and stood up to leave. When Cross took too long to follow, she reached down and grabbed him by the arm, pulling him from his chair. Grumbling, he shook her off and followed after her, though at a decidedly slower pace.

"Would you like to spar tomorrow?" Lexi said as they reached their floor and she headed towards her room. She stopped at her door and looked back at him. "You've been restless lately, the exercise will do you good."

"I think you just want an excuse to beat on me because you're restless," Cross said with a hint of a smile. "Yeah, alright. But no crying when you lose."

"Of course. Sleep well, Cross," Lexi called back as she entered her room and shut the door behind her.

"Night Lex," Cross yawned, entering his room and falling onto his bed. Rolling over onto his back he threw an arm over his eyes and promptly fell asleep.

Only to almost immediately be woken by the pleasant feeling of someone stroking his hair. This feeling of pleasure, however, was soon replaced by one of concern, as he did not remember falling asleep with someone else in his bed, or even his room. Opening his eyes he found a pair of mismatched eyes staring down at him, one a dark blue and the other a deep red. Long, dark hair brushed against his face as the intruder tilted her head to the side and gave him an impish grin.

"Kosu," he murmured, sitting up and pushing her hand away from his head.

"You've grown up so much since I list visited!" Kosu hummed happily, unperturbed by his attitude. "You're getting so handsome. A shame you have so little interest in finding a girlfriend." She smirked and shifted around to his side, pressing a hand against his chest. "Then again, maybe that's for the best."

"Go away, Kosu," Cross sighed, falling back against his pillow and closing his eyes. He was too tired to deal with Kosu right now.

Far too tired.

"Must you always be so horrid to me?" Kosu pouted. She lifted her hand back to his hair, brushing the strands from his face. "And after I went out of my way to help you!"

Though he loathed himself for doing it, he went after the bait.

"How so?"

"Who do you think rocked the train that fateful day?" Kosu said, still pouting, "Honestly Cross, you never notice the things I do for you. I don't think you realize how much energy it takes for me to manifest myself into your world, much less move an entire train just to get your attention. I tried everything else but you were completely ignoring me!"

Cross sat up and turned to face Kosu. "Why?"

"Because I wanted to see you," Kosu said with a devious grin. She leaned in towards him. "Obviously."

Cross leaned back. "Why did you rock the train?"

"Always so serious," Kosu sighed, cupping his face and lightly stroking his cheek with her thumb. "Don't you ever think about having fun? Or at least being nice to me"

"Kosu."

"I mean, if it wasn't for me you would have just slept and slept and never would have met that sweet little Spirit Goddess. I can't believe you made me push you."

Cross froze.

Kosu's face lit up.

"Ah, yes. I know you've been curious so I'll let you in on the secret," she whispered, looking side to side with mock concern as though they may be overheard. "That girl truly is a Spirit Goddess."

"You're lying."

"Have I ever lied to you?"

"No, you haven't." Cross spoke the words through a scowl.

Kosu smiled, leaning in uncomfortably close, her nose brushing against his. "You know, I do have a reason for waking you up again, Cross."

Cross didn't move back, meeting her mismatched eyes. "Why?"

Kosu moved even closer until her lips were pressing against his ear. Her soft breath sent chills running down his spine. He closed his eyes in frustration. Rushing Kosu would get him no results.

"Your little Spirit Goddess." She grinned as she felt him tense. "She left the building almost an hour ago."

Cross opened his eyes, but Kosu was already gone.

"Damn."