"I wonder how Juno even snuck out of that castle," Aster questioned, genuinely confused as to how she avoided all those guards.
Johan too was curious about how a little girl, especially the princess of the entire country, could evade being caught.
Throughout the night, Johan and Aster talked. Johan told the boy about his past, including his childhood, how he became a hitman, and even his last moments in his world. Aster also explained to the man how about how he met Juno and Matteo, and further gave context to the systems which governed this world like essence and the prophecy.
By the time the sun rose, Aster was visibly fatigued from not sleeping a single second. Despite what was about to happen to him, the boy seemed confident that he could figure a way out of this.
'So, what's your plan to escape?' Johan asked.
"You're a hitman right? If you know how to kill people without being caught, you should know how to escape a situation like this." He responded, placing his trust in the man. "When the time comes, can you analyze the situation and find a way I can get out without dying?"
'I cannot guarantee you that I will be able to do so.'
"After hearing about your past accomplishments, I don't really have any doubts." The boy smirked. "Plus, I made that promise to Juno, and I don't intend on breaking it."
'Where was all this confidence and bravado when we were discussing your chubby body?' Johan teased, to which the boy grew red in embarrassment.
"I'm sure I'll have time to become ripped after this."
'You should've gotten in shape earlier because I don't know if you'd even be able to run if you got away!'
The two argued, but it was not really anything serious. Aster then closed his eyes to salvage whatever sleep he missed out on, until he was abruptly awoken by a slow knock on his door.
Standing there were his parents and older brother. It also looked like none of them got very good sleep throughout the night.
Aster didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Despite his talk with Johan last night, he still had trouble digesting his new reality. Even with the guidance of his new friend, did he have the ability to evade his own fate? Would his last sight be of his family's sorrowful faces?
Sensing his unease, Johan attempts to comfort the boy.
'Don't worry too much, everything will work out once we get there,'
Now at the dining room, Elise runs up to her brother, giving him a warm hug.
"What took you so long big brother?"
Aster ruffles her sister's hair in response. "Nothing, let's just enjoy breakfast." He says, a smile forming on his face.
For the most part, breakfast was just like any other day. The family chatted normally, yet it felt like their time at the table dragged on for a little longer than usual.
"Elise, after lunch we have to go somewhere with Aster." Talia explains, her voice a little shaky.
"Am I coming?" The girl asks in response.
"No dear, you're too young to go. We'll be back soon though," Ignis replies.
"That's unfair! I wanna go!"
"Elise, listen to mom and dad," Aster interjects.
"Is this because of yesterday when you had that cool purple stuff around you?"
Aster smiled at how his little sister explained everything. "Yes, it is. When you're old enough, you can ask Makai more about it. Only when you're older though,"
Aster then wraps his sister tightly around his arms. "I'll miss you."
Elise was a little confused at what his brother meant, but she reciprocated the hug.
Makai and Ignis struggled to keep their composure while Talia could not even watch this exchange as she sat outside in the carriage waiting.
Now in the carriage, the four sat quietly, the sound of hooves colliding with dirt filling the cabin.
The carriage arrived at the front of the Castellion castle. Instead of excitement and anticipation like yesterday, Aster entered feeling nervous and scared.
If he were to escape, there's no doubt he would have an unthinkable amount of troubles ahead of him. Not only that, the life he has known would never be the same.
Despite his doubts and hesitations, he was determined to live. Shaking off his thoughts, he followed a butler down to the basement of the castle, his family behind him.
They eventually ended up in a dimly lit room where the King, Queen, and Victor were already waiting.
Despite being in the basement, the small room was clean, with wooden flooring and cobblestone walls. A lit fireplace was all that was illuminating the space.
Louis and Kaira walk over to Aster, both getting lowering their heads in front of the boy.
'Normally, it would be quite the accomplishment to get the King and Queen of a country to make such a gesture' Johan comments.
"Please, raise your heads." Aster speaks, a grin expressing his gratitude and appreciation.
"Words cannot describe our feelings about what has transpired." Louis starts, looking the boy directly in the eyes. "It is times like these where I really question the prophecy."
"Don't worry, I understand the influence of the prophecy. I understand that this is for the safety of not only the country, but the world itself," Aster responds.
Despite the potential destruction he may bring in the future, Aster felt he could be different. Maybe with Johan, he could rewrite history and go against this cursed fate of his.
"I am glad you have come to this realization." Victor simply states, drawing a blade. "I shall make your death honorable."
Talia had to be restrained by her husband, while Makai was dragged out of the room by the king and queen.
"You didn't want to say goodbye for a final time?"
"I think it's for the best." Aster says, opening his body up.
Victor then envelops his sword with water, a vortex forming around the metal. He then proceeds to thrust the blade directly at Aster's chest.
However, before the sword could make contact, a purple mask appears on Aster's face, covering half of it. His body begins to glow ominously. Victor could feel a surge of power instantly radiate throughout the room.
'Finally… it feels like I have a body.'