Night of the Living Dead



Night of the Living Dead is the story of a huge cast of characters trying to take down a criminal organisation to be able to return back to their normal lifes.

Content Warnings

 * Violence
 * Death
 * Mention of Suicide
 * Self-Harm
 * Discussion of Mental Illnes

The Reinactment
After Vincent van Dijk’s tragic death, Nyx Abreska, an embalmer living in Bergensee, was supposed to prepare his body for the funeral that was set to happen three days later. To Nyx's disbelief, Vincent’s body came to live again – but as an Undead, just a shell of the former private detective. Shocked about a dead body moving the first thing Nyx did was hitting him with the tablet his tools were on. Vincent, getting up and hiding from Nyx’s says that he has no idea who he is and what happened, leaving both confused with the situation. Nyx tells Vincent that all he can tell him is that he’s been shot, but has no idea for what reason or who did it. Nyx, who heard about Vincent’s former work before, decides it would be the best to search for hints of what happened to him in Vincent’s office. After searching for a while both found a tape Vincent recorded way before his death. He sends the two to an informant in the next city, and explains that he had a wife and a daughter that need to stay safe at all costs.

The place they were sent to turns out to be a strip club in a rather shady place of town and Nyx at first refuses to enter it, but understands that finding the reason for Vincent’s existence is more important than feeling a bit uncomfortable. Inside they meet Yvica, a former friend and colleague of Vincent. Shocked to see Vincent again, especially as an Undead invites both to his home to talk about the situation in more detail. At his place they meet another man – Raphael, who introduces himself as Yvica’s boyfriend. Talking about everything that happened so far Raphael explains that Vincent’s undead existence comes from a deep determination of his soul keeping his body alive. It’s the reason why Undead’s exist in the first place: they are unable to move on because they are tied to something their former self wanted to fulfill. Raphael mentions that he has seen this before - in his knight, Brynhild, who has been like this for 4 years already.

Yvica tells them about the Crypto Mafia, an organization that inflicts an incurable curse on innocent Elementals. It shows itself by causing the cursed Elemental to lose their mind, become very aggressive to the point of attacking anyone in their sight and an overall more feral behavior. Vincent, just like Yvica and Raphael, was part of an organization that works to set an end to the Crypto Mafia, but he was most likely killed by their leader. Raphael and Yvica believe that if the Mafia is taken down and their leader dies, Vincent’s Undead self will pass on and finally rest in peace.

With this information and Vincent being undead, the two are no longer safe being so close to Bergensee and Yvica gives them a list of contacts with phone numbers and addresses where they can hide until everything is settled. He also asks Nyx if he’s sure about going on this journey with Vincent, saying that he won’t be able to go back to his old life before everything ends. Nyx tells him that he grew up with a huge respect for the dead with his parents being embalmers as well and him taking over the business. He says that he can’t leave Vincent behind and feels like it’s fate that he awoke in the exact moment Nyx got ready to take care of him. Yvica understands his viewpoint but tells Nyx to at least think about it until tomorrow. For the night, both are allowed to sleep at the apartment of the couple.

The next day Nyx and Vincent are on their way to a person who’s place they can hide at: a police officer in a nearby town. Arriving at his location something seems off. The door is open and when entering the apartment Nyx and Vincent are met by a strong metallic smell. Nyx immediately realizes that it’s the smell of blood, walking futher into the room and is met by a horrible scene – the man they were supposed to find help in has been brutally murdered. He’s sitting on the kitchen table, a knife driven into his hand to keep him restrained and his throat slit.

Nyx, taking a closer look at the body realizes that this just happened recently, making him and Vincent leave the scene quickly in fear of the perpetrator still being around. Outside they bumped into members of the Mafia, who decapitated Vincent with a single hit of a still bloody machete, not caring about the undead man. Nyx on the other hand seems interesting to them, forcing him to come along with them. Feeling sorry for Vincent but fearing for his own life Nyx reluctantly agrees, following them to their car. At one of their hideouts Nyx gets introduced to Grigory Veselov, the head of the Crypto Mafia. Finding a liking to Nyx he promises him to not kill him – as long as he stays by his side to amuse the man. Nyx agrees, hoping for Yvica to find out what happened to him and Vincent and to look after them. At his time in his mansion, Nyx even witnessed a cryptofication progress, seeing how cruel the work of the Mafia really is.

A few days later there seems to be some loud noise outside, much to the surprise of Veselov. Being influential and feared he knows that even those who know of this place being a hideout for criminals would never get close to this place. Opening the door to see what’s going on Veselov gets struck by someone, who runs into the building and grabs Nyx, who followed Veselov to see what’s happening outside. Realizing what just happened, Veselov draws his gun and shoots at Nyx and the person leaving with him, having the bullet strike their arm. After running for a while and finally feeling save enough the two stop to take a deep breath, exhausted from what just happened. The boy introduces himself as Hieronymus, a young traveler from Galar who saw Vincent’s headless body crawling around and decided to help him.

Vincent, writing a short note for the boy, asked him to help his friend Nyx who was kidnapped by the Mafia. Not afraid of the shady organisation, Hieronymus did his best to follow Vincent’s wish and find out about the Crypto Mafia, locating their hideout and saving Nyx, even though his only weapon is an old-fashion sword. Nyx thanks him and asks him to bring him to Vincent, being finally freed from Veselov and the other members of the Mafia. Making their way to a cottage in the woods Nyx and Vincent meet again. Nyx even sewed Vincent’s head back on but instead of thanking him for finding someone who saved him he starts yelling at Vincent for leaving him alone like that, forgetting that Vincent had no chance of protecting him from someone with a machete. Vincent starts to cry and doesn’t understand why Nyx is so mean to him now, after all he helped save him, begging many people on the streets until someone was willing to help a headless man. Hieronymus explains Nyx a bit more about the Undead, helping him understand what exactly is going on in Vincent’s head and that it can’t be compared to a clearly thinking adult.

Knowing that they have to leave this place immediately Nyx takes care of Hieronymus wound and checks their contact information again. They find a name that sounds familiar to Vincent: Cass, who turns out to be Vincent’s uncle after contacting him via a phone call. They decide to meet up with him and make their way to the next city via bus, sending Cass a message so that he can pick up the three after they arrive.

Meeting Cass they realize that while Vincent was a private detective, Cass is just an ordinary man who happens to know a lot about the Mafia, the Cryptofication and the cure to it thanks to Vincent always trusting in him. At his apartment he tells them about Celebi, a Mystical Elemental who is the only one who should be able to undo the Cryptofication. In the past all reincarnations of Celebi were able to lift the curse the cryprofication is based on, making them the only hope for victims of the Mafia. Unfortunately the recent Celebi has been missing since his knight killed his older brother, the Crown Prince of Florafontana, running away with him to avoid punishment. Feeling safe with him, the trio decides to stay a while with Cass; something that causes Vincent’s old self to surface. He starts to leave at night to search for his wife and daughter despite not being close to Bergensee anymore. At one point Nyx tries holding him back from leaving and receives a handwritten letter by the sane Vincent. Knowing it has to be something important he keeps safe behind his smartphone case, making sure to not lose it. With more time passing they realize that Vincent’s old self surfacing is being too hard to control anymore and not wanting to involve Cass any further with the mafia, the three decide to leave again. Cass seems upset but agrees and brings the three to the bus stop, telling them how to make it to the next contact on their list. After entering the bus Nyx tells Vincent to wave after Cass, who does so like an excited child. Cass waves back to him with a sad smile, knowing this is the last time he will see his nephew alive.

Unfortunately, getting out at the next stop they get captured by the Mafia again who have been watching them since they entered the bus. Meeting Veselov again it’s clear that he doesn’t forgive Hieronymous for daring to step on his ground. Out of spite, he even destroys his sword, a memory of his deceased father, leaving Hieronymous unable to fight against him. During their time at the hideout, Veselov started to grow weirdly attached to Nyx, saying that he appreciates him and his company, treating him more like a friend than a hostage. Nyx, not taking his behaviour too serious, ironically asks him if he plans to marry him, something Veselov only gives a vague answer to.

Despite his friendly way of treating Nyx, his friends aren’t as lucky. Veselov constantly talks about how he should just cut Vincent into pieces and sell Hieronymus to Elemental Traders so that he and Nyx can be alone. Fearing for his friend’s wellbeing Nyx ends up doing everything Veselov asks him to, making sure Hieronymus and Vincent are safe. At one point Nyx loses his patience, telling Veselov that if he wants to sell Hieronymus as a slave, he will go with him. Disgruntled with Nyx acting up, he decides to make his threats real. On the same day, he sends both away to be sold at a bazaar, leaving Vincent behind.

Nyx and Hieronymus, terrified of what’s to come, cling onto each other, hoping not to get separated and promise to find each other again, even if they end up being split apart. Arriving at a black market and being put to show in a literal cage many people seem to be interested in both. They stick out from most Elementals with Nyx being a shiny and Hieronymus being a rare species only found in Galar. On the same day a strange man shows up, buying both. After being bought to his car Nyx and Hieronymus realise that he’s someone both seen before: Xerneas in disguise, buying slaves on the black market to free them in the end. He brings the two to his castle, a place where they can recover from the past few days and are safe from the doings of the Mafia.

Nyx asks Xerneas to look for Vincent as he’s still alone with Veselov and must be scared. Xerneas promises to bring him back but that it might take a while, something Nyx understands. Eventually, Xernas’s workers find Vincent a few days later, not whole but as a puddle of blood, meat and bones in a huge black plastic bag. Nyx and Hieronymus are devastated and bury Vincent’s remains close to the castle, wanting to at least give him a more respectful final resting place. The following night, Vincent comes to life again – as alive as an Undead can be. Hearing someone faintly say their voice at night Nyx and Hieronymous wake up, absolutely terrified being reunited with the reborn Vincent, still covered in dirt. They learn about a unique ability of the Undead: No matter what happens with their bodies, if you bury them, they will regenerate again. Nyx, getting over his first shock, hugs Vincent happily, bringing him to the bathroom and washes him in a bathtub- treating him more and more like a child, something Vincent enjoys a lot.

A few days pass and the three meet Yveltal, Xerneas younger sister. They’ve been advised to stay away from her, something the curious Yveltal refuses to do so herself. She follows Hieronymus along, making Nyx joke about her having a crush on him, embarrassing him a lot. After teasing both Nyx leaves them alone. Taking this chance Yveltal confronts Hieronymus with his past, telling him he’s at fault for his little brother being crushed and dying by a falling rock, going as far to say that his father would be ashamed of failing to protect his little siblings like a big brother should. Those words hit Hieronymus like nothing else before and he ends up running away crying, meeting Nyx on the way but avoiding him.

Nyx confronts Yveltal about what just happened, remembering that Xerneas told them to stay away from her. Not taking Nyx serious she starts to make fun of him and his caring nature, even teasing him about his own past. Nyx finally understands what happened between the two and angrily slaps her in the face, leaving a crying Yveltal behind to look after Hieronymus, not caring about what Xerneas would think of him treating his sister like that. He comforts Hieronymus, who confesses what he did to his brother back then. Nyx understands his feelings but tells him he doesn’t have to feel guilty, he was just a kid himself back then. He saw many people giving themselves the fault for the loss of a loved one during his job and not once he felt like it really way their fault, promising that Hieronymus father would have been the same if he was still alive. Hieronymus finally calms down, thanking Nyx for his kind words. Xerneas joins them with his sister and tells her to apologize. While he doesn’t approve of Nyx slapping her he understands why he did it in the first place, not being mad at Nyx for it at all. He even tells them that Yveltal should learn from this situation, knowing that actions can have unpleasant consequences.

Xerneas even wants them both to take their mind off for a while and decides to invite them to go with him to his monthly dark crystal extraction, followed by going out for a drink with his agent Darivan, his brother Marivius and Marivius’ boyfriend. Leaving Vincent with the disabled Elementals to have fun at the castle Nyx and Hieronymus join Xerneas in the early evening. While Nyx himself refuses to try out the dark crystal extraction Hieronymus is more brave, saying it only felt a little funny. Xerneas explains to him that Marivius, one of the Elementals they will meet up with later, actually uses the dark crystals for his art and this is the only legal way for him to obtain them.

Meeting up with the other three they get introduced to Drew as well, a boy Hieronymus age, excited to have someone his age around for once. The six have a great time together, despite Nyx getting very drunk and being a bit hard to handle. The more time they spend at the castle the more Nyx becomes paranoid over Veselov still being out there, saying he will not leave this place until everything is over. Hieronymus, being a traveler by nature does not want to stay in the same place for possibly years and says he will leave the castle in the next few days, leaving Nyx behind. The thought makes Nyx cry and instead of comforting him, Hieronymus believes him to be overreacting and leaves irritated, trying to cool off while working out. Instead of communicating they end up avoiding each other, with Nyx searching for comfort in Vincent, who doesn’t really seem to understand what’s going on with the two.

Not being able to handle the tense mood anymore Hieronymus confronts Nyx, saying that he thought about everything and that he can’t leave Nyx behind and wants him to come along – protecting him at all costs, even if it costs him his own life. Nyx reluctantly agrees, but remembers that Hieronymus lost his sword the last time they got attacked by Veselov and needs a new one. The next day the three travel to a small town near Xernea’s Castle. Nyx brings Vincent and Hieronymus to an old-fashioned shop dedicated to swords and other traditional weapons, letting Hieronymus pick a new sword, no matter the price. After a while Hieronymus finds one he considers to be perfect, reminding him of the one his father gifted him. He promises Nyx to take good care of it and never forget what he did for him by getting him a new sword.

On their way back to the castle they encounter a strange person who calls himself Dr. Amino, a psychic type who uses his magic to let all kinds of sharp instruments float around him. He shows a huge interest in Vincent and with a single strike of his weapons decapitates Vincent to add his head to his head collection and leaves quickly, with Nyx, Vincents body and Hieronymus following them. They see Dr. Amino enter an old abandoned mansion, making their way inside as well, being met by an awful smell but no sign of the strange man. Searching for Vincent’s head Nyx enters a room, filled with many heads in different stages of decomposition. Barely being able to take the smell he looks into a box – finding Vincent’s head rested on a pillow. He grabs him and runs out, only to be met by Hieronymus fighting off Dr. Amino attacking him with the sharp instruments around him. Nyx yells for Hieronymus to leave, who only gets distracted and hit in his shoulder with a scalpel. Nyx runs to him, grabbing him with his free hand and the two leave, followed by Vincent’s decapitated body protecting the two from more attacks by being struck with the sharp objects thrown at them.

Making their way back to the castle Hieronymus starts to lose more and more blood and starts to slowly lose consciousness. Trying to put pressure on his wound Nyx starts to panic, afraid of Hieronymus dying. After walking for a while Veselov shows up who has been watching them closely since they left the castle, promising Nyx to help his friend if they come with him. Being left alone with an almost dying Hieronymus and a decapitated Vincent Nyx agrees, getting inside his car with the other two.

Arriving at a mansion Veselov immediately gets his personal doc to take care of Hieronymus wound to keep his promise to Nyx. He even goes as far as giving him a blood transfusion of his own blood – being able to do so because both men share the same, rare blood type. After Hieronymus wakes up again and finally gets to see Nyx, Nyx confesses what he asked Veselov to do to save him. He says he’s sorry but tries to explains that Hieronymus life is more important than sharing blood with the enemy, only for Hieronymus to be disappointed and angry in Nyx. During their fight Veselov visits the three to take Nyx with him again and jokes about him and Hieronymus having an unbreakable bond now. Nyx and Veselov leave, giving Hieronymus time to calm down.

Thinking about the situation while Vincent gets his head back sewn on he realizes that Nyx only tried to save him, asking for forgiveness the next time they see each other. Nyx still feels guilty but is glad that Hieronymus understands him now. They make up and promise each other to leave by their own accord this time, trying to think of a plan.

Nyx, spending most of his time with Veselov in order to protect his friends, learns more about the cruel leader of the Mafia. He lost his wife to a Freedom Fighter many years ago and hasn’t felt sympathetic for anyone since then- until he met Nyx. Nyx begs him to not talk about his life since he doesn’t want to feel sympathy for such a terrible man, something Veselov completely ignores. He believes his feelings for Nyx is real and forces Nyx to accept them.

A few days later Veselov brings in a new Elemental to be cryptofied, a young shiny Charizard named Gawain. Nyx wants to help him and manages to make Gawain tell him about himself, saying he’s forced to be here just like him. Gawain tells him to look for his brother Stacy in Ferrum, knowing he will be able to help them if they get in touch. Nyx promises he will find and help him and plans to break out of the mansion with his friends soon.

Before Gawain is bought away and cryptofied he says that he trusts Nyx and hopes to see him again soon. Not being able to stop the crypotofication Nyx leaves to see Hieronymus and Vincent, telling them about what just happened. A while later Nyx sees a bunch of people entering the mansion: all well dressed men and women, bought here to take a look at the new cryptofied Elemental, deciding on if they want to buy him or rather wait for the next one. Knowing that the faces of these people will be important, Nyx takes his smartphone and takes photos of the potential buyers.

Knowing that they have to leave the mansion as quickly as possible Hieronymus and Nyx check all windows and doors. Every single one of them is locked to avoid anyone who isn’t part of the Mafia to leave the inside of the mansion. Thinking about it Nyx mentions that Veselov always carries a key and that he and his doctor seem to be the only ones able to move freely. Nyx says that he can manage to grab the key from Veselov and that now he and Hieronymus have to find his sword, the only weapon the three have on their side. Searching each room of the mansion they find a huge cabinet with many different weapons seemingly from those who tried to stand up to the Mafia and got killed. The cabinet is locked as well and having no idea where the key to it could be, Nyx says that he hopes that Veselov has this one with him as well. Hearing the buyers leave with Gawain, Hieronymus and Nyx split up again as well, promising to meet again at night with the keys.

With a clear goal in mind Nyx starts to pretend to like Veselov back, to making him let his guard down. Being able to steal his keys the following night, he leaves the room to check on the cabinet, trying out every single key. Finally it opens and Nyx grabs Hieronymus sword, leaving to tell both him and Vincent that they can finally leave again. Happy so see each other they open one of the windows and leave, running as fast and much as they can. After a while Nyx is clearly out of breath, saying he can’t go on anymore. Desperate to make the distance between them and Veselov as big as possible Hieronymus tells Nyx to get on his back, willing to carry him until they make it to Ferrum. Despite being embarrassed about not being able to keep up with Hieronymus and Vincent Nyx agrees and lets Hieronymus carry him until they reach the new city, far away from Veselov and his doings. While searching for Stacy the three meet someone Nyx is very familiar with: his ex boyfriend who moved from Bergensee to Ferrum to study architecture a few years ago. He introduces himself as Findus and while he’s happy to see Nyx again he wonders about who the undead man and the young Galarian are. Vaguely explaining the situation and not mentioning the Mafia at all Nyx tries to make him go away who instead offers them their help. Not being too happy to meet his ex on his journey Nyx accepts his help, knowing Findus is someone they can trust.

They stay at his place for the night and Nyx, feeling uncomfortable with having Findus and Hieronymus there with him, takes Vincent to the bathroom to wash him as an excuse to leave. After an uncomfortable silence Hieronymus asks Findus about him and Nyx. He seems especially curious about what kind of person Nyx was in his teenage years, who’s known to tease Hieronymus for being “only” 19 years old. Findus tells him many stories and at one point mentions Eros, the only one of his brother’s Nyx was close with and that he committed suicide after years of depression when Nyx was only 14 years old. Seeing how shocked Hieronymus is by this revelation Findus realises that this is something Nyx didn’t tell him before, asking him to keep it a secret for Nyx’s sake. Finally Hieronymus understand why Nyx is so bad with being left and why he was so desperate to not let him die. Findus also gives them a lead to Stacy, telling them that he’s studying Fitness Science and that they should look for him at the northern part of their campus. Coming back with a clean Vincent Findus asks Nyx to help him prepare dinner for the four of them. Nyx agrees, growing more comfortable with having Findus around again. Alone in the kitchen Nyx even kissed Findus, realizing he still loves him as much as he did when they were still together.

The next day, just before they leave, Nyx suddenly pushes Findus away, telling him he hates him for being an incredibly egoistical person and leaving him behind to study in another Kingdom – not because he doesn’t love him anymore, but because he fears for Findus life, since Veselov was still out there and wouldn’t accept Nyx having a love interest that isn’t him. Nyx leaves with Vincent while Hieronymus stays behind to talk with Findus. After a short silence Findus says that he can’t deny the things Nyx said about him, knowing that following his dream of becoming an architect really hurt someone who’s more family-oriented like Nyx. Hieronymus understands what Nyx was trying to do and promises Findus that he will get in touch with him again, knowing he didn’t mean what he just said to him. Findus seems confused but says he trusts Hieronymus and wishes them good luck on finding Stacy at the campus.

Searching for Stacy at the university they meet students who take the same course as him. According to them he wasn’t on the campus for a few days already. Being told that he lives together with his brother and a friend at a dorm close to the university. The three make their way to the dorm, hoping of finally finding Stacy. Looking around they finally see someone who fits the description of him: a young strong man with tattoos, even pleading with a police officer to keep looking for his little brother who went missing a few days ago. After the police officer leaves the three approach Stacy and tell him they know about what happened to his brother. Glad to finally have someone to help him, Stacy brings them to his flat, where they meet his friend and roommate Amaryllis.

They talk in detail about what happened to Gawain. The cryptofication, what is brother told Nyx and the buyers. Nyx even shows him the photos he took of the Elementals willing to buy Gawain and Stacy recognizes one of the buyers as a rich man living in Ferrum. The five make their way to the most expensive part of Ferrum and recognize the man who’s just getting out of his car. They approach and confront him who acts like he has no idea what they are talking about. Not believing him a single word, Nyx decides to open his car to check the inside only to be attacked by Gawain jumping out of it as soon as the door opened. Not wanting his brother to hurt anyone Stacy gets between the two and knocks Gawain out, saving Nyx from any harm. Amaryllis even helps him get up again, comforting the crying boy. Not wanting to lose a lot money the man grows furious with the five getting in his way. Saving themselves from any more trouble, Stacy grabs the unconscious Gawain and leave back to their apartment.

They lock Gawain in his room, and then discuss how they could make him normal again. Nyx tells them about Celebi and Stacy recalls that some students actually said they’ve seen someone followed by a man with a sword around. Curious, Nyx, Hiero and Vincent go on their way to find him.

Ferrum is surrounded by old farms that have been left abandoned since the war but are still places someone could easily live in, so the three start searching there. At the third location, they see someone walking outside and when trying to talk with them just runs off to the farm. Hieronymus, Nyx and Vincent follow them inside, only to be met by two Elementals standing on top of the old stairs. A tall and strong man armed with a sword staring down at them with an ice-cold expression and a little boy, hiding behind him. Worried for the boys saftey the man threatens to kill them if they come any closer in a really loud voice, scaring Nyx enough to make him run outside screaming followed by a just as scared Vincent, leaving Hieronymus alone with the two.

Hieronymus lies his sword down as a sign that no one has an intention of hurting them and tries to explain the situation to the two. After listening to Hieronymus words the two introduce themselves as Celebi, the Prince of Florafontana and Rayquaza, his personal knight. Walking downstairs and taking Hieronymus sword he tells him to get his friends, wanting to see for himself he can trust them. Hieronymus gets Nyx and Vincent back inside, who introduce themselves as well. Taking a better look at Celebi they realize something that changes the whole situation: Instead of being a young adult he’s just a child and has never lifted a curse in his lifetime so far.

Nyx still decides to call Stacy and inform him that they found Celebi and that he and Amaryllis can bring Gawain over, following Celebi’s wish to at least try to help him. The two arrive with Gawain and seem shocked by meeting Celebi in person, having no idea that he’s only 12 years old as well. Knowing the story of what happened with the Crown Prince the mood seems tense, something even the young boy realizes. Wanting everyone to trust Ray he explains that he couldn’t have hurt his brother back then since Ray spend every night and day with Celebi, even the day his brother was killed. He trusts him with more than his life, not wanting Ray’s sickness to be used against the relationship of the two. Speaking with unusual dedication for someone his age everyone agrees to trust the two, leaving Gawain with them. Not wanting to leave and making sure Gawain will be alright Hieronymus, Nyx and Vincent stay with the other two. Ray even gives Hieronymus his sword back as a sign that he trusts the three to be around him and Celebi.

Celebi, despite his fear Gawain, tries his best to heal him with the few things he learned at the palace. Overwhelmed and scared ends up crying, something Nyx can’t stand watching. Instead of making him stop Ray treats Celebi with respect, saying he trusts in his powers and that he just needs time to learn. Upset by someone so much older than Celebi “forcing” him to take on such a huge responsibility Nyx goes between the two, saying someone like Ray shouldn’t be close to a child. Taking his words very personally and as an attack on who he is as a person Ray starts to yell at Nyx who doesn’t back down despite hurting the man with his unthoughtful statement, only making the fight of the two worse. After Ray leaves the room unable to keep up the conversation Celebi follows him, wanting to comfort him. Hieronymus asks Nyx what he was thinking saying such terrible things to someone who seems to clearly have some problems of his own, only to be met by Nyx saying that when he was Celebi’s age he suffered a lot under his brother’s sickness as well. While understanding where his feelings come from he tells Nyx that he can’t project his own past on those two who clearly love and trust each other and have been together every single day of their life for 5 years by now. Realizing the weight of his words Nyx joins Ray and Celebi, asking Ray to forgive him for his behavior and saying that he has no right to judge the connection of the two. Ray seems to understand and accepts his apology. Still, the relationship of the two stays tense, mostly to their personalities being polar opposites.

With Celebi slowly learning how to lift the curse Hieronymus is motivated to learn as well: he asks Ray to teach him everything about being a knight. After a while Ray and Celebi realize that Hieronymus feels for Nyx like Ray does for Celebi, something that embarrasses Hieronymus at first. Yet, he wants to learn as much as he can from Ray in order to protect Nyx like he promised to back at Xerneas castle. He seems very dedicated and Ray agrees to train him, even though both he and Hieronymus knows Nyx will no longer need him as a knight as soon as the Mafia doesn’t exist anymore.

Several days pass and with each try of Celebi to heal Gawain, he brings back more and more of the old Gawain, even being able to talk again, proclaiming how he’s in pain and doesn’t want to hurt anyone, begging Celebi to not give up.

On the last day, Celebi successfully lifts the curse. Gawain says that he can’t feel the pain anymore and feels like a huge weight has been lifted from him. Exhausted from the past few weeks, teaching himself how to heal someone by trial and error, Celebi seems incredibly happy about what he did. Ray tells him that everyone is proud of what he managed to do by himself, bringing him to Nyx and Vincent, telling them about what just happened. Incredibly happy about the news he asks Ray to bring Gawain downstairs and calls Stacy and Amaryllis to come and get Gawain.

After a while Stacy and Amaryllis show up, hugging the healed Gawain tightly. Stacy can’t thank Celebi and the help of everyone else enough for saving his brother and the three return to Ferrum, finally being able to live a peaceful life again. Not sure what to do next Nyx, Hieronymus and Vincent tell Ray and Celebi to come along with them to Xernea’s castle. Ray seems not too fond of the idea, saying that traveling is dangerous because Celebi and him are still searched for by Florafontana’s guards. Hieronymus reminds Ray that he isn’t alone anymore and that he, Nyx and even Vincent will do their best to protect Celebi, not letting anyone believe the lies that have been told about Ray. Thinking about it for a while Ray agrees, saying he trusts the three enough to make their way to Viur with them together. After getting all their stuff they leave, making sure Ray and Celebi don’t get recognized as parts of Florafontana’s royal house on their way.

Arriving back at the castle after a few days of traveling Xerneas welcomes the group, happy to see Nyx, Hieronymus and Vincet again and invites Ray and Celebi happily to stay at his castle. The two gladly accept the offer despite Celebi being a bit scared of Xerneas extroverted personality. Alone with Nyx and Hieronymus Xerneas mentions that Marivius asked about them again- wanting them to see the first draft of his new play. They agree and a few days later make their way to Marivius mansion.

It’s a cute play- about a girl who works as a taxidermist and a ferret that got awakened to be alive again. Of course Nyx and Hieronymus realize who the inspiration of this play are and can’t wait to tell Vincent, knowing he’d love to hear about being a cute animal in a play for children. After the show, Marivius asks Nyx to come with him for a moment- and gives him a black jumpsuit, with many veils and pretty patterns, resembling a wedding gown. Apparently Marivius was forced to sew this for Nyx by an anonymous letter. He usually doesn’t make clothes for Elementals but with the way the letter was worded he was scared of what might happen to him and Drew if he didn’t follow the instructions. He understands that Nyx is freaked out but asks him to just take it along with him, not talking about it with anyone. Nyx agrees and brings it back to the castle, acting like nothing strange happens when asked about what’s inside the bag Marivius gave him.

The next few days at the castle seem normal. While Celebi and Vincent play with the other disabled Elementals closely watched by Nyx, Rayquaza and Hieronymus train together to improve Hieronymus sword fighting abilities. Spending a lot time together Nyx even tries to make Ray talk about his past, curious about his life outside of being a knight. Ray blocks of all tries of a conversation with him, annoyed by Nyx and his invasive personality. Despite his mysterious demeanor Nyx realizes something about Ray: that he’s just an Elemental like everyone else they met so far, with his own past and feelings. Knowing that Celebi plays a crucial part in healing those affected by the Crypto Mafia Xerneas teaches him how to use his healing magic better whenever he has time, mentioning that he used to be a student of Celebi’s last reincarnation – an old man who died during The Great War.

A few days later Nyx is invited to a line-up at the police to identify members of the Crypto Mafia. Nyx seems scared at first but agrees to come along when Hieronymus tells him he will follow him everywhere, knowing that it’s important to use the information they have to help bring the Mafia down. Dealing with the police Hieronymus is asked to leave his sword behind, giving it Ray to make sure it’s in good hands.

Arriving at the police station something seems off right from the start: Instead of being bought to the main station they are supposed to meet with the officers at a small station close to a highway, almost looking abandoned. Being bought to one of the interrogation rooms Nyx and Hieronymus see many familiar faces: every single one of the man In the line-up is someone they have seen working for Veselov. Wanting to leave quickly both get held down by corrupt police officers, who clearly enjoyed putting both in such a disturbing situation. Forcing them to come along Nyx and Hieronymus are forced to get inside a car waiting outside, being met by another familiar face: Veselov’s private doctor who set everything up.

He explains the two that after they left something happened with Veselov and that he’s in a bad place. Giving Nyx the fault for this he though of a plan to make him leave the castle again and bring him back to Veselov, hopefully helping him come back to his mind again. The closer they get to the hideout the more the temperatures drop around them, even seeing snow outside. Despite it being spring, the whole mansion is covered in ice, something that confuses both Nyx and Hieronymus.

Being met with Veselov again sinde the mansion they see that he’s nothing like he was before. Looking miserable he’s overjoyed by seeing Nyx again, hugging him tight. He seems to have a hard time walking, revealing deep cuts on one of his legs, each of them for every day Nyx was gone. Nyx seems worried but Veselov explains to him that thanks to the pain he was able to finally master his ice magic, freezing the whole place over.

Veselov’s doctor leaves with him again, telling Nyx and Hieronymus to get used to living here from now on. Nyx gives himself the fault for the decrease in Veselov’s health and says that he wants to stay with him from now on to make sure he doesn’t kill himself, ending Vincent’s life as well. Hieronymus realizes that Nyx seems to see a chance to make up for not being able to be there for his brother in the past and tells him to snap out of it. The goal of this journey was to finally let Vincent rest in peace after all and that they shouldn’t keep a rotting body alive. Nyx seems hurt by Hieronymus words, leaving to Veselov. He joins him in his bedroom and makes him an offer: If he ends the doings of the Mafia he’s willing to marry him and spend the rest of his life with him. Happily, Veselov agrees and says that he will prepare everything for their weeding, even reminding Nyx of the beautiful wedding gown he asked an artist to make for him.

After a few days spend with Hieronymus trying to make Nyx change his mind Xerneas arrives with help at the mansion to save the two. Veselov, Nyx and Hieronymus make their way to the door, hearing the familiar voice talking to them from the outside with a megaphone, mocking Veselov and his desperate tries to keep the two hostage. Knowing that Xerneas is way more powerful than him Veselov doesn’t seem to know what to do in this situation. Not wanting to lose Nyx again he decides to kill him instead, making sure he stop leaving him again and again. Saying goodbye to him, he shoots an ice magic spell at him. Not being able to react in fear Nyx is saved by Hieronymus, who manages to push Nyx to the side only to be hit himself. He loses consciousness with a huge, frosted wound on his chest and his hair slowly turning white.

Hearing that something just happened inside, Xerneas finally comes in, stopping Veselov from hurting anyone else with his own magic. Checking on Hieronymus who’s being held by a crying Nyx he realizes that he needs help immediately bringing both back to the castle, leaving Veselov behind to be arrested by the APDP.

At the castle he puts the still unconscious Hieronymus in a bathtub with warm water. He explains to Nyx that his heart has been struck by ice and that he needs to pull it out with his healing powers while also keeping his temperature up. He warns Nyx about it not being a nice sight who refuses to leave the room, not wanting to leave Hieronymus alone now. Starting with the treatment Hieronymus begins to scream and wince in pain. Worried, Nyx joins him in the tub to push him down with his whole weight, making sure he doesn’t hurt himself. After this Hieronymus finally wakes up again, bought to an infirmary to recover, having to go through the same treatment again tomorrow. Nyx joins him and the two talk. Nyx tells Hieronymus that he feels guilty about Hieronymus almost dying from Veselov’s attack. Hieronymus only tells him that he swore to protect him such a long time ago and that he would never give up on that, no matter the danger. Knowing that Hieronymus has to rest Nyx leaves him after a while, meeting Ray outside the infirmary.

Ray heard the news about what happened to the two and wanted to check on his student. Nyx tells him about what happened and for the first time since they met Ray begins to laugh, despite never even once smiling before. He says that Hieronymus learned well and that he will be an excellent knight in the future. Nyx, not understanding what Ray is talking about just gets angry with him, demanding to explain him why he would laugh when Hieronymus almost died there. Ray tells him about everything Hieronymus entrusted in him: that he wants to protect and be there for Nyx like a knight would, even if it means to die in the process. Nyx finally understands Hieronymus feelings. After a few more sessions of the painful healing process Hieronymus seems to be stable enough again to pick up his training. Xerneas explains to him the long-term effects of his near death experience: a visibly large scar on his chest, being more sensitive to the cold and a pain in his heart that might come and go. His hair will stay white as well, being a very visible reminder of what happened to him. Hieronymus, still in the infirmary finally decides to confess to Nyx what he was thinking back then, telling Nyx the exact same things Ray did before in his place. Nyx says that he accepts Hieronymus as his knight but doesn’t want him to act reckless anymore. Hieronymus promises him to stay alive and never leave Nyx alone. Instead of a traditional oath Nyx gives Hieronymus a short kiss on the lips, bounding the two as a knight and his charge.

Little did he know this whole situation would also awake other feelings inside Hieronymus… which Ray immediately notices. Whenever he catches Hieronymus acting around Nyx like a teenager who just got his first crush he hits him on the head, calling him out for acting like an unprofessional knight.

The next weeks were careless and happy for everyone with Veselov being in jail and no longer a threat for Nyx or anyone involved and the Mafia close to being destroyed. Everyone except for Vincent, who came back to his conscious self and pitied his own life, how much pain it was, and how his body slowly decayed. Nyx was devastated hearing this from Voncent himself, not wanting Vincent to die but eventually accepted that it wasn’t up for him to decide when it was his time to go.

With a few more days passing Nyx says that he finally feels save again, wanting to leave the castle to finally be reunited with his family. To make sure that Veselov is still behind bars he asks Hieronymus to come along with him to the APDP, wanting to see that man behind bars with his own eyes. Not sure about the whole thing Hieronymus agrees to Nyx requests, asking Xerneas to bring them there. Meeting with Isabella von Snowington there she shows them the locked away Veselov – even being restrained so he can’t hurt himself anymore. Knowing they are safe now Nyx and Hieronymus stark making plans to return to their old lifes, even if it means parting ways now. To their surprise the two get a call from someone familiar. Yvica and Raphael who just heard about Veselov imprisonment. Wanting to hear what happened exactly they invite Nyx, Hieronymus and Vincent to a date at a café close to the castle in the evening. Nyx agrees, saying they look forward to meeting the two again.

Arriving at the café at said time Nyx introduces Hieronymus to Raphael and Yvica. They seem glad that Nyx and Vincent were able to find such a strong alley in Hieronymus, thanking him for taking care of the two. Inside the café the five start to talk about what happened in those past months ending the story with Veselov’s arrest. After a short silence Raphael points out that if the Mafia truly was gone, Vincent wouldn’t be alive, meaning that they still operate and the three aren’t as safe as they thought. Hearing this from the two Nyx seems disappointed and scared, saying he can’t do this anymore. Yvica promises him that he just has to wait some longer and that everything will turn out fine in the end, who doesn’t seem to believe a single word he’s saying.

On their way back to the castle they are surprised by someone they have almost forgotten about, Dr. Animo, the head collector. Angry about Nyx taking part of his collection he spend his days looking for the three, finally catching up with them today. Using his psychic powers he slams a knife deep into Nyx’s back who starts to lose a lot blood from the wound. While everyone seems frozen in shock Raphael reacts quickly ordering Hieronymus to put pressure on Nyx wounds to stop the bleeding and run ahead to Xerneas Castle, saying that they will catch up with them after taking care of the enemy. Hieronymus nods, takes Nyx and starts to run, feeling Nyx bleeding out and going numb in his arms on the way.

Dr. Amino, who seems to enjoy the pain he caused the group, mocks them and jokes about which head he should take first. Just as he’s about to use his weapons again someone strikes him in his head with an axe, killing him instantly. This someone turns out to be Veselov – saying that he wants his love to be bought back to life as soon as possible and leaves again. Arriving at the castle out of breath Hieronymus ignores everyone asking him about what just happened, making his way to Xerneas. He begs him to bring Nyx back to life, regretting that he let him die in the first place. Being bought back to life Nyx starts crying to the surprise of both Hieronymus and Xerneas. Trying to comfort him Nyx blocks off Hieronymus and asks him if his life really is this worthless because he, unlike Vincent, just stayed dead instead of turning into an Undead. Hieronymus reassures him that that’s not the case- and that he couldn't have been revived in that case, which would have been a way greater loss.

After Yvica, Raphael and Vincent arrive at the castle they tell everyone what happened after Hieronymus and Nyx left, explaining everyone that Veselov must have escaped. Calling the APDP it turns out that they had someone corrupt help to make Veselov break out and are still investigating how this was possible in the first place. Understanding that with Veselov outside again Nyx and Hieronymus are in great danger now and have to enter a witness protection program. They have to leave to another country and take on new identities, leaving everything and everyone behind.

Shocked by the news Nyx grows quiet, not talking with anyone for the rest of the day. Eventually Yvica and Raphael leave, saying they will get in touch with them again right before they leave. The next night, Nyx asks Hieronymus to talk with him alone, leaving Vincent to play with Celebi and Ray. Alone Nyx asks Hieronymus to sleep with him, who doesn’t understand why Nyx would ask him something like that. He tells him that he knows that Veselov will get him again and marry him, not wanting to lose his first time to a man like him but rather someone he trusts. Hieronymus refuses despite his feelings for Nyx, saying that he can’t think clearly right now and would just regret it in the end. Nyx, understanding what he just asked Hieronymus for seems embarrassed about it and leaves to get Vincent again, wanting the three of them be together tonight. When picking up Vincent he thanks both Celebi and Ray for everything, who seem confused by Nyx behavior.

Later that night when everyone is asleep, Nyx takes his wedding gown and leaves the castle, sitting on a bus stop a few streets away from it. After a while he feels someone touching his shoulders. Not having to look behind him to know who’s doing this he calls out Veselov’s name, who happily lifts Nyx up and brings him to his car. Talking with him in the car he tells Nyx that coming back to him is the right decision and that they will have a beautiful wedding the next day.

Arriving at the familiar mansion he brings Nyx to a bedroom, leaving him alone. The next day someone knocks on Nyx door, a maid, supposed to do his makeup and hair. She has sympathy for Nyx and his reasoning, who desperately tells her everything in hope of being told it was the right decision but calls him naive, thinking someone like Veselov would keep his word. Asking her why she works for him she gives him a simple reason: just like him she’s scared of what Veselov is able to do to her and her famlily.

The marriage ceremony is a short one with the only guests being those closest to Veselov, leaving Nyx feel vulnerable and alone the whole time. In the evening Veselov takes Nyx to the bedroom for what a just married couple would do. The next two weeks Nyx spends all his time with his husband, asking him again and again when the doings of the Mafia will finally stop, just like he promised to him back then. Veselov, who never had any intention of following Nyx’s wish, tells him to just wait a bit longer – trying to keep him sane by making him believe he was able to change him to a better person.

One day Hieronymus, Vincent, Ray and Celebi show up to save Nyx, breaking the window in one of the rooms. Hieronymus climbs in ready to search for Nyx, who just enters the room to see where the noise was coming from. Their eyes meet and Nyx tells that all of them have to leave again saying that he has everything under control. Hieronymus doesn’t believe his words, walking up to Nyx and hugging him to make him come back to the castle with everyone else. Alarmed by the noise as well Veselov enters the room, shocked to see everyone there to save Nyx from him. Angry he uses his ice magic to make the temperatures of the room drop below zero, freezing everything over. He threatens to kill everyone, himself and Nyx included, if they don’t leave.

Not backing off despite his feet being frozen on the ground to stop him from moving Hieronymus tells Veselov to leave, saying that he can’t keep up with two knights. Amused by Hieronymus confidence he grabs Nyx and turns around, wanting to leave the room with him. Ray yells at Hieronymus to use his chance, who draws his sword and stabs Veselov in the back.

He lets go of Nyx and falls over, slowly dying. Nyx, knowing what this means, runs to Vincent who just enters the room through the window and hugs him one last time before he turns into ashes, leaving Nyx alone with the other three. Starting to cry Hieronymus comforts Nyx, saying that Vincent can now finally move on and that he doesn’t have to be sad anymore. Helping him outside Nyx even gets a hug from Celebi, who’s just as hurt about losing Vincent. Knowing that he has to be strong with such a young boy around Nyx tells him that what just happened is the best for everyone, making himself believe these words as well. The four leave to the castle, ready to tell Xerneas, Yvica and Raphael that the Mafia finally met their end.

Recovering from everything that happened Nyx and Hieronymus stay together with Ray and Celebi for a few weeks before getting ready to leave to Bergensee again. Knowing that they are save now Hieronymus prepared something for Nyx: with Xerneas help he called Findus to come to the castle knowing it will help Nyx to feel better again. Happy about seeing him again Findus and Nyx make up and decide to move back together to Bergensee after Findus finally finishes his studies in Ferrum in half a year. Hieronymus tells Nyx that he doesn’t have to be alone during that time, saying that they will live together until Nyx’s boyfriend is ready to come back to him. Nyx begins to cry, thanking both boys for being so kind and caring for him.

Getting ready to leave the castle Nyx and Hieronymus get to talk with Ray and Celebi again. They mention that Xerneas did his best to talk with the Royal House of Florafontana, finally being able to prove that Ray didn’t murder the Crown Prince back then. After several months on the run the two are able to go back home to their own castle. Celebi seems incredibly happy to be able to see his mother again and Ray mentions that he himself has some business to take care of. The four promise each other to stay in touch and meet again soon, despite the distance between them.

Finally arriving back in Bergensee, Nyx and Hieronymus decide on meeting with Vincent’s wife, still having a letter adressed at her Vincent gave them such a long time ago. Making their way to his house with Bergensee’s old-fashioned trams they soon find Vincent’s old home, knocking on the door. The two are met my Anastasia, who doesn’t seem too happy to see two strangers infront of her. After Nyx tells her that he was the embalmer that went missing together with her husband’s body she lets them in, hoping to get some answers. After explaining everything that happened in the last few months Nyx gives Anastasia the letter, saying it’s something Vincent wanted her to have. She reads it and begins to smile.

In the letter Vincent told Anastasia how much he loves her and his daughter Rose. He also praises Nyx and Hieronymus and how they did everything they could to make sure he’s finally able to move on. At the end of the letter he asks Anastasia to ask the two in his place to become the godparents of their daughter because he trusts them more than anyone else. The two happily accepted the offer and Anastasia introduces them to her and Vincent’s daughter, a 5 year old girl, already curious about the strange guests. The two stay the afternoon to talk about Vincent and his life and how much he did to stop the doings of the Crypto Mafia.

Main Characters

 * Vincent
 * Nyx
 * Hieronymus

Supporting Characters

 * Celebi
 * Rayquaza
 * Raphael
 * Yvica
 * Xerneas

Side Characters

 * Gawain
 * Stacy
 * Amaryllis
 * Findus
 * Yveltal
 * Marivius
 * Drew

Antagonists

 * Grigory Veselov
 * Dr. Amino