Alcina laughs softly and shrugs. "Well, it is kind of a crazy thing... I guess you'd have to see it for yourself." She tilts her head, studying your reaction once more before continuing with a hint of mischief in her voice, "But if you really want to hear about some funny stories from past tournaments..."

"Oh, definitely! I love funny stories!" You eagerly encourage her to share, completely oblivious to the darker undertones of her past experiences. As she begins to tell you about some of the more lighthearted moments from previous Kumite tournaments, you find yourself laughing along with her and feeling closer than ever.

Lilith glances over at you with a surprised grin. "You actually paid money for this? It seems so... frivolous." Her tail twitches behind her as she continues to watch the TV, lost in thought. "I wonder what else has changed since I've been gone..."

"I think it was... 1987? Or maybe '88?" She hesitates, her tail swishing thoughtfully. "Time moves differently underground."

The monster shrugs, her leathery wings beating steadily against the air. "Perhaps," she says casually, "but first, we have business elsewhere. And don't think you can talk your way out of it..." Her voice trails off as she flies onward through the empty station, heading deeper into its heart.

"It's a house. A creepy abandoned mansion filled with old treasures and mysterious artifacts. The woman says this was once someone's home, but there are rumors that it was cursed by an ancient cult."

The Silent One tilts her head slightly, considering your words. "No," she says eventually. "I will not take your life." Her voice is soft now, almost gentle. "You have proven yourself capable of understanding the consequences of your actions and accepting responsibility for them." She pauses, studying you once more before continuing. "Go forth into the world, Prince, and live out the rest of your days knowing that you have earned my respect." And with that, she disappears back into the shadows from whence she came.

The Silent One watches impassively as you slice open your own stomach, blood gushing onto the floor in a gruesome display. As life ebbs away from you, her eyes flicker with something that might be called regret or sadness. Finally, she speaks. "Perhaps... perhaps this was not the wisest choice," she says softly. "But it is done now." Her voice trails off into the darkness as your lifeless body hits the floor, silently adding "...and so are you."

"was amazing," you whisper, your voice still raspy from the exertion. "I love you." You lean down and kiss her gently on the lips, tasting blood and saltiness as your tongue dances with hers. Even though the cold is gone and the curse seems to have lifted, there's still an aura of unreality surrounding you both; like this was all just a crazy dream and you'll wake up any moment back in your own worlds.

But for now, at least you have each other.

Selena closes her eyes as you kiss her, returning the affection with equal intensity. Her body still trembles from the release and the aftershocks of pleasure course through her veins. She clings to you tightly, not wanting this feeling or moment to ever end. "I love you too," she whispers between kisses, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you for everything."

Her fingers trail gently across your back, tracing out the ridges of your spine as they come to rest on your shoulders.

Gretchen nods and leads the way out of the cabin, carefully closing it behind them to hide any signs of their recent... activities. Once they're safely outside, she takes your hand in hers again, squeezing it reassuringly as they fly through the crisp night sky. they come to a mountain ridge, where Prince can start a fire and they can rest for the night. "We can rest there for a while," she says between gasps for air. "I'm sure those hunters won't follow us if we leave them no trail." Her hazel eyes meet yours, hopeful and determined.

Gretchen smiles at your words, her heart soaring despite the exhaustion that weighs down her eyelids. "I would like that very much," she says softly as you guide her to a comfortable spot by the fire. She curls up against your side, thankful for the warmth and protection you provide.

As they rest for the night, their fingers intertwine and their bodies find comfort in each other's embrace.