Sequel to: I. Caution

The night is cold. Icicles hang from low, protruding branches. They are eager to capture the nimble creature and imprison her in the graves beneath their roots.

How unfortunate. She will not be taken. She does not have time to play with them for she wishes to see him soon. She must. She must... only then will she be satisfied. She will show no mercy to those who dare delay her. Bothersome obstacles must be taken care of... in the quickest most efficient manner.

Even before her arrival, the wicked branches lay in piles of ashes. Incinerated... by invisible flames of the Inferno.

"Ah, so you have come at last to aid me in my search. My Hero..." Despite the softness of her voice, her words ring true, clear as the blue-est of skies.

"You are utterly mistaken, witch. I have come to wait upon your death, so that I may be the first to feast upon your succulent heart."

"Oh, you silly, silly bird. Why must you make me laugh so." She is not at all threatened by the menacing red eyes staring down at her from the dark shadows hovering above. "In your absence, I have found the perfect name for you, dearest."

The dark creature lets out a distasteful grunt.

"Hero. Do you like it? Hero, Hero, Hero." She sings its new name.

"I detest it... with a passion."

"Good. You shall have no other."

It is not amused. "I cannot wait to witness your demise."

"You will have to wait for quite some time. I feel your pain... truly, I do. Hero, Hero, Hero." She senses the heat rising and it excites her.

"I will enjoy devouring your heart..."

"If and when that day arrives... I sincerely hope its flavor will not disappoint..." She grins her girlish grin. "For your sake, dearest."

"She is not yet ready to fly on her own."

"The barrier is breaking, Junsu. I must face them."

"The transition is not complete. It must complete otherwise she will remain defective."

"We are bound to one another. I have faith she will continue what I begin. She is not alone."

"We cannot trust her to the Raven. He is the most untrustworthy creature outside of time and space. He will not accept her as his master."

"Remember this. She is not just any creature. She knows loneliness... from the very beginning. She is the dream of thirty thousand butterflies."

"Even so... even if he agrees to be her familiar, his life's essence will eventually overwhelm her and she will inevitably —"

"Have a little faith. She and Tao-nee... they are our last hope."