Loading User Commands:
[X] Push her away.
[X] Custom

---

"I will protect you," whispers Koakuma. A single tear drops down to the floor as clings closer to him. This gesture is genuine, and the moment she says it, Grey realizes that her concern and kindness is honest.

But something is wrong.

Grey slowly pushes the little devil away and parts from her arms. He smiles at her puzzled expression, motioning for her to stay silent. Grey holsters his weapon and carefully takes the Stradivarius violin from its case. He cradles it gently in his hands and prepares to draw its bow.

[~Make this a good performance...]

He hesitates for a moment and glances around the room. While well-lighted, the chamber seems to lack life. The room seems out of theme compared to the rest of the Mansion. Something is missing. He almost gasps aloud when he realizes it.

There is not enough color.

Grey closes his eyes as he prepares to play. For some reason, the image of Remilia comes to mind. The vampire seems to be smiling at him. Though he hears it only in his mind, her words are clear.

"Let me tell you a secret, Grey," says Remilia. "Fate doesn't exist."

The chamber echoes with sweet music as he begins to play. He has never heard this piece before, but he continues playing as if it is the most natural thing to do.

[~Fighting against Fate, are we? How interesting...]

This music, too, is full of incredible power. He can feel a thick aura spread across the room. But it isn't coming from the spirit of the Stradivarius, nor is it coming only from himself. Somehow, he feels that his hands are being led by several others.

[~The servant of time...]

Sakuya. She must still be battling in the library above. Under that cold and hostile demeanor lies a genuine concern for the inhabitants of the Mansion. Up to now, he doesn't understand why the chief maid trusts him, even when he can't trust himself.

[~The guardian of knowledge...]

Patchouli. Even while she fights against them, he can't help but remember her kindness. She was patient with him, taking time to explain what he needed to know. The magician went out of her way to protect him, even if it risked her health.

[~The keeper of fate...]

Remilia. The Mistress of the Mansion doesn't hesitate to fight where the others cannot. Mysterious and powerful, she entrusted him with the task of investigating this incident. And while it sounds strange, he feels like she, too, has saved his life before.

[~The child of purity...]

Flandre. With her monstrous power, she keeps the intruders at bay in the basement below. The little sister's odd and unpredictable behaviour often discourages him from approaching her, but he can't help but think that she only means good when she acts.

[~The custodian of balance...]

Meiling. She leads the fairies as they defend the gate. He hasn't had much opportunity to speak with her, but she seems to be friendly enough. While a little bit too carefree, she seems to be quite reliable when she is needed.

[~The puppet of friendship...]

Koakuma. This little devil holds many pieces in this game, and she may very well be the main cause of this whole mess. She seems to believe that she is doing the right thing. And while confused, he can't help but feel that she truly cares for him.

He can feel them all. Their combined determination continues to guide his hand as he draws the bow to bring forth music and change into the world. But there seems to be something missing.

[~Your own hand...]

Grey understand now. He is part of this as well. Without hesitation, he puts his own heart into the music as he continues the composition. All together at once, the seven souls form a Septette.

He opens his eyes, and behold! The room is bathed in a multitude of different colors. The place ripples with their will as he continues to play. He can feel the music influence every corner. With this power, even Fate can be defied.

But there is still one thing that hasn't embraced this music of life.

Koakuma has crumpled down on her knees as she struggles against the music. Her face is full of confusion. She still doesn't understand. Tears begin to drip down to the floor as she weeps openly.

"W-why does it have to be this way?" cries the Koakuma. "I only wanted to protect those I cared about. I-I never wanted to hurt anyone!"

"Koakuma..." says Grey quietly.

"B-but I've done terrible things," she continues. "Unforgivable things..."

She continues weeping until the music stops. After a few minutes, the magician's familiar stands herself up. She dries her tears carefully before giving Grey one last smile.

"I'm sorry," she says. "Please don't hate me."

She whispers one last thing to Grey. Before he can reply, Koakuma flies into a smaller room of the chamber and shuts the door. The clicking sound of the lock echoes into the lonely chamber.

His eyes widen in shock as his brain recognizes the last word she whispered.

"Goodbye."

[ ] Go after Koakuma.
[ ] Don't go after Koakuma.