It Was All Arranged [R. Sakamaki]

Their Final Night

Thousands of guests had been bound with rope and shoved helplessly against the walls of the extravagant ballroom. Many sobbed, others were silent but most were flabbergasted. The royal family stood together, a petrified expression upon Christa's usual calm face, a rage-filled one on Subaru's as he stood in front of his mother, gripping his sword tight. Ayato was in front of Yui, his hand gripping hers and Laito was staring in pure shock.

"I thought you were dead," Subaru hissed as the current King and Queen entered the room, Kanato close behind them.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the new King." Their enemy spoke, his voice rich with amusement as he stood with his three minions behind him. Athena did her best to remain calm when she spotted Shu, but she felt her goosebumps rise and her stomach churn as his pretty little eyes met hers. Kanato frowned at his oldest brother as he took Athena's hand in his, squeezing it every five seconds. "You're safe." He whispered. "Here, Teddy will protect you." She said nothing as Kanato slipped the thick plushie into Athena's arms. She's held Teddy many times before as she sewed his dismembered limbs back on… but now felt different. He was heavier - much heavier and she noticed some poor sewing around Teddy's neck. She squeezed Teddy tight as Kanato moved to stand in front of her, the body which was usually concealed with Teddy exposed.

"It's been a while," Reiji said after a long while, "how has Hell been?"

The long-haired man chuckled as his golden eyes pierced his son. "Splendid, I was reunited with your Mother."

"I would expect you to see our mother there but not Beatrix," Laito said with a furrow frown, "technically she did nothing wrong except neglect her son."

"Ah," Karlheinz sighed, leaning his head back as he looked up at the painted ceiling, "Cordelia… she's as spiteful as ever." He smirked, looking back down at his sons.

"Let's skip the smalltalk," Reiji said, eyes sliding towards a grinning Kino, "I see it was you who stole my documents."

"No Sir," Kino beamed, "Ritcher here released me from my cell a few minutes ago."

Athena's eyes travelled to Ritcher, causing an ick to tickle her spine as the ancient man smiled eerily her way.

"Of course," Karlheinz began, "I was surprised when it was Shu who wished to revive me - I always thought it would have been one of my Mukami boys."

"I had some help," Shu said, stepping beside his father with a wild smile on his face, "the Queen's lover - of course." Athena's eyes widened as she stared at Shu. The whispers in the hall were getting louder and she could feel the world crumbling beneath her feet as Ruki Mukami sauntered past her, the arrow removed from his now bandaged shoulder. His eyes met hers, guilt and shame evident in them before he bowed his head.

"Yes," Shu said, "Ruki started out only helping me to save his brothers… but then his love for the Queen got too much and he started to become lovesick. Love makes us do cruel things. He wanted the King dead - so he could have his wife." She shook her head, the words sinking in as she stepped back, stumbling as she did so. "His attack on me was orchestrated - though he needed a push for it to be realistic. So I drained you, Athena, I nearly killed you." His smile was sadistic as he turned his gaze to Reiji who was scowling at the five men opposing them.

"There's five of us here," Karlheinz smirked, "there's five of you. Let us duel."

"That shan't be necessary," Athena spoke up, stepping in front of Kanato as she held Teddy tight, "is it really worth spilling blood over? Is it not the Bat Clan's own rule that a previous King cannot be reappointed as King?"

"It isn't for me, Dearie," Karlheinz grinned, eyes flickering to Shu who smiled at her.

"Then why must you all fight?" She asked, "A simple duel would suffice."