?

-----Unknown POV

Seeing the recent development in Leuce's world sure has been entertaining to watch. I let it slide considering this is her world, and she still seems to be managing it somewhat. But to bring the others down there with her? 

?: "Leuce..."

I honestly never expected her to find a way to pull it off, but despite being the first, she still doesn't realize that her actions have consequences. Right now, Erytheia's world is already beginning to collapse. As much as I like destruction here and there, I don't want this to be the cause of the end.

Long ago, I decided to leave them be, but I can't stand by idly any longer.

...

-----Mai's POV

After finishing the final checks on Fabian, I now leave him to the maids as they soon carry him back over to the bed. It's safe to say that the maid who was being held hostage wasn't here right now. I know other's will berate him for it, and demand him to apologize, but maybe I should check up on her as well.

Mai: "Hah."

Maybe Kaede's right. Before I never would've cared about other people to this extent. Before it was only Lilith and Selene, but now I'm worrying over everyone else as well, especially Yui. Maybe I'm more human after all. And for some reason, that thought brings a smile to my face as I watch the two maids finish tucking Leon into bed.

?: "Leuce."

Suddenly, a strange voice enters my mind which instantly freezes my body in place. It's a voice I've never heard before, yet for some reason I feel an immense amount of fear enter my body just from him speaking my name as I feel as though my skin has turned stone cold.

?: "You're actions have been tolerable thus far, but recently you've gone too far."

Mai: "W-who are you?"

I speak with my thoughts, still unaware who exactly this person is.

?: "I normally shouldn't be talking with you at all. But you're leaving me with little options here."

Mai: "What do you mean?"

?: "Erytheia. Her world. Talk about timing... Ever since you brought Erytheia and the others down into your world, Erytheia's world been falling apart, and it'll only be a matter of time until the other worlds also collapse."

Mai: "What?"

So this is someone that knows of our situation? But their voice doesn't sound like Galatea's... Far from it... So who is exactly is this? I feel as though it was just us overseeing the worlds, it never crossed my mind that we were also being watched,,,

?: "Bring them back. Or else you leave me no choice."

Mai: "What choice would that be?"

?: "Three days."

Suddenly, the tension in my body leaves as I find my knees bucking before collapsing to the ground.

Maid: "Are you all right?!"

Mai: "I-I'm fine, haha."

What the hell was all that about... Three days? Three days until what? At least this gives me time, but what that guy's asking is a bit too much. I finally freed the others from their eternal work, and now this gets thrown my way?

Mai: "Hah~"

Maid: "Come, we'll take you to your room. Rest up."

And with the assistance of the two maids, I get escorted to a guest room as I lay down on the bed given to me.

Staring up at the ceiling, I go over what just happened once more.

Mai: "Three days..."

Whatever is happening in three day's I'm sure it's nothing good. I'm sure it won't affect me... Probably. But what I worry the most is how it'll affect Kaede, and especially Yui... I've already screwed up her life enough as is, and now I can't help but worry if I'm just making things worse.

Mai: "If I only have three day's then I have to prepare."

.....

...

In the middle of the night, I enter Yui's bedroom after sensing her presence. If I'm to prepare, I'd want to make sure I don't screw anything up with Yui. But after spending all this time around Yui, I can't help but wonder what I ruined... And so, after some time deliberating whether this was the right decision or not, I gently peer inside her memories. She squirms in her sleep restlessly as I do it, as very quickly, I start to see tears begin to slip out from her eye lashes. In contrast to Yui's obvious pain, the memories I find are all but pleasant ones.

Images of Yui when she was little, reaching for the leaves while on her father's back. Her expression there was but pure happiness. Elementary school, where she became quite popular with the other kids it seemed. Even in high school, her popularity didn't cease as she became quite the rising star. And then Kaede... It was then that the memories I have of Kaede overlapped with the memories I'm seeing from Yui. Or at least that's what I thought.

I soon came to a divide... This must've been the time where I took Yui's soul along with Kaede's. How foolish I was. And that feeling only rose the more I reached deeper into Yui's memories. Memories of her growing up in this world, memories of memories, remembering her past life. Slowly I felt my own tears begin to form as I desperately try to stop myself. But the tightness in my chest grew too much as I quickly backed out, before trying to calm myself down. 

Mai: "...I'm sorry."

And so, I continued to prepare through the night, using this time as a good of an opportunity as ever.

...

I'm not sure what's gotten over me, but I just desperately need to know what else I've ruined. I take in as much as I can from everyone in Yui's and Kaede's lives as I feel my body growing heavier with the weight of it all.

And soon, the sun began to rise, marking one day gone already. I got through a lot, but not everyone was asleep...

Kaede: "Hmm? Oh, Mai. I'm guessing you're finished with Leon?"

Mai: "Y-yeah, I guess."

I eye up Mell who's at Kaede' side as she gives a bright smile my way. I take the opportunity to give her a gentle pat on the head, using this as a perfect opportunity to delve into her memories as well.

Mell: "Hehehe."

She's so precious. Unlike Yui who was crying in her sleep, Mell is just gleaming with joy. But that only makes this feel even worse. Knowing how happy she is, knowing that I might've screwed up her life as well...

Kaede: "You're becoming more and more human by the hour it seems."

Mai: "Ah-haha. Maybe."

Thankfully Fleur and Faye, the other vampires remained asleep which made all the core members now done. But I guess I'm still not done... After looking into everyone, I feel the need to continue.

Kaede: "Mai?"

Mai: "Ah, yeah?!"

Kaede: "...You're acting strange."

Mai: "Am I? Hehe, I'm not sure about that."

Kaede: "..."

It was then that Kaede raised her hand, specifically her finger as her nail slowly grew into a long, sharp, dagger-like nail.

Kaede: "Don't make me do this."

Mai: "Alright fine! I got contacted by... Someone... Or something."

Kaede: "What?"

Mai: "I don't know! But whoever it is... They know about me and what I've done. And it appears I don't have much time."

Kaede: "What do you mean?"

Mai: "...Three days. That's all I got told."

Kaede: "...So something is happening in three days? Is it another war?"

Mai: "No... I don't think this in regards to this world."

I watch as Kaede face fills with mixed emotions as I can tell she's trying to figure out what I mean. But really, I have no idea myself.

Mell: "Mom?"

Kaede: "It's okay."

She comforts Mell who seems to have grown worried over this suddenly serious talk.

Kaede: "You're scaring me, but I'm sure whatever happens in three days, we can beat it."

Mai: "Right..."

I like your optimism Kaede, but I really don't think this is as easy as it sounds. I still recall the instantaneous fear that froze my body in place last night... It's rare for me to ever feel like that. I almost felt powerless. But I made a promise to myself that I'll make things right... I have to. And if it means taking everyone with me, then so be it.