As Dawn rose and the two were able to move to Brunono's shop, the folks in Candartha were set on doing their daily activities. Stolas and Solomon were able to learn about its customs, with the former tempted on trying to compete with the residents in order to accomplish their tasks faster, while Solomon had to set up small plagues of locusts to come out of Candartha and watch over the box, seeing that Lupina was nowhere to be seen outside. Meanwhile, Zazel and Harvard were within the same room, with folks growing concern due to their absence. The guards were quick on investigating, only to see the two preparing themselves as they face their respective problems. Harvard would have a spell casted to create two arms, both of which had the Beldam's face from his dream, and set up another spell to create claws, acting as personal boxing gloves to go to town on said hands, tears and jam galore. Zazel, meanwhile, would notice the guards and approached them, already dressed before anything else. "Take me to the Goddess, please. I need to come clean on something."
They were getting closer and closer towards their destination, yet the Guards still obliged and allowed him sole entry, the Goddess already set on keeping an eye out for the building, before seeing the little Devil. "Oh! Hi there! Do you need something? A snack? Juice?" Her motherly-like tone was present even in her divine disguise, but Zazel took a deep breath.
"Actually... It's something serious." He'd state, prompting Faya to quickly dispel the illusion after the Guards left, letting the two return to their normal selves. "...To be honest with you... we kinda lied about your brother's death."
"You did...?" Faya's eyes widened a bit, confused yet concerned, as if she already knew what the answer may be.
Zazel took a deep breath once again before speaking. "...It was me. Your brother was hunting me down by someone else due to a different death entirely. He was paid to kill me and... I had to retaliate. I'm... I'm very sorry fo-" his words immediately cuts off as Faya swooped in, with him raising his guard as he assumed he was going to fight her then and there, but instead was met with a strong embrace. Tears came down on her eyes, yet she pets the Devil as if he was troubled. Zazel was stunned, for the most part, but provided a pat on her back and some proper comfort. She was finally able to learn the truth and properly grieve. Even saying such words felt like a dagger was drawn against his tongue, but he knew what needed to be done.
"Sniff... Thank you. I never thought your friend would cover for you in such a manner... you must've been...Must've..." She couldn't keep her composure properly as she cried, knowing how he was used.
"Terrified? Yeah, I was. He was a strong man... and he was probably the best brother you could've asked for, huh?"
"The best." She'd allow her magic to course through, her sleeves wiping away the tears she had.
"If you feel like you need to kill me for such actions-" Faya choked upon hearing Zazel's words, immediately looking at him face to face.
"KILL YOU!? For self defense!? What kind of madness are you speaking about?" Zazel would be surprised, but Faya was quick on petting his head again. "You were targeted and had to fight back. While, yes, I would want my brother to be alive, knowing that he was aiming for the kill... I can't really bring myself to say it wasn't expected. Arthur has been known to such dangers. It's why he's considered 'the Destructor' here. He destroys whatever tries to harm another. I create that other back to completion. You are unfortunately what his eyes targeted, and to that, I cannot fault you for protecting yourself." Her words were as calm as ever, even after such a breakdown. Zazel can't help but wonder what kind of woman was she to be so forgiving. He'd accept such a human embrace again, amazed at this kindness.
Meanwhile, Harvard's training was interrupted by Criollo, as the Guard watches the boy battering the picture he's drawn, now a torn mess. "So, you're taking their advice, are you?" The Guard asked, prompting a surprise out of the boy
"Huh!? How did-" Harvard questioned, but Criollo merely raised his hand, pointing towards the other beds. "...You overheard us..."
"You didn't really made it all that quiet. At least, when you were doing repairs on Candartha's rooftops. What exactly is making you so afraid?"
"...You don't need to worry about that. I'm already set on facing my problem. I've been doing that anyway so..." Harvard kept punching, even with a small, visible shake from his claws. Criollo raised his eyebrow as the boy paused himself, taking a break, trying to look around in the room for anything to drink. The Guard simply cleared his throat as he'd pull out a bottle of orange soda, most likely acting as actual juice to chug down.
"Do you have any plans on how to face the Beldam, then?"
"Evolution worked before. Should be able to use it again if I need to."
"And yet it killed your legs before."
"I'll be fine-"
"No. As one of the Elite Guards of Candartha, I demand of you for this: Have a plan when facing the beast." Such an order would make the child slow his strikes, his visible annoyance prevalent. It wasn't that he was told not to. It was that he was right. "You have already seen the damage it can do if you rush in blindly. That's not how you bested me. That's not how you succeed."
"...GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!" Harvard slammed his fists at the ground over and over, cracking its chocolate flooring, as he'd get himself up. "I'M TRYING! Ever since I was told of her, my mind can't think clearly! She was a threat to my mom, and I'm worried that- That-... Y'NOW!!"
"That she'd somehow be harmed?"
"By using me as bait. If what they said was true about melting kids, she'd probably make me into a cocktail and let my Mom know about it. She'd kill me first, then use everything in her power to prove that she can be better."
"...But this is not your Mother's fight." Such words paused the boy, making him confused. Criollo continued. "Your mother has already fought her, correct? She bested her. If the Beldam truly thinks that, then that is not a Beldam. That is a child. A child that couldn't grow. While she may know OF you, she won't USE it."
"...Did you... met the Beldam as well?"
The Guard nodded as he'd look towards the image. "Three years ago, in fact. I fought as much as my doughy body could handle. Rather than be afraid, I made sure my blades are sharped, all to ensure I can meet her again. She was a worthy opponent, another trial that I must conquer. Perhaps when she's gone, I may have a chance to live free again. A chance to ensure all other candies that exist here are just as free."
Harvard's eyes widened as he looked out of his room, seeing them prepare themselves as they arrived on Brunono's shop's doorstep. He could see the small children worried, even crying in some cases. He could see the owners close up shop and hide away, acting inanimate like how Flourence was. They lived in fear for those bigger than them. Stronger than them. Harvard felt like his appetite disappeared, but Criollo was quick on patting his shoulder, comforting him. "...So that's why..."
"We don't wish to be eaten? Of course. But even such a simple answer as that is not enough. There are many reasons why this is our home. Our House. It's what made us. It's what protects us. It's what US as creations."
"...I'm-... I'm sorry for trying to eat you guys."
A smile was made on the Guard's face as he began to lead the child out, letting them act as the faces for the Shopkeeper. "I accept your apology. Now... Let's go face that monster together. Do you have a plan, now?"
"...I think so."