Lethe touched the ground and scanned the situation in front of her.  All five cadets were now on their feet and staring at Gil.  No eyes flickered in her direction. Hmm.  She had just turned to assess the scene--two redeemed Sinners near the dead end and one by the entrance--when awed whispers caught her attention.  She looked back at the speakers; two cadets were standing in front of the other three and Gil was practically smirking at her.  Her head tilted to one side in confusion.  Was there something funny about her approach?<br/><br/>She nodded her head in acknowledgment at the other Seraph’s words.  He didn’t have enough power to heal five cadets?  That was troubling.  And another example of the High Council favoring Gil’s squad over hers.  Whatever he wanted to discuss, she hoped she’d be allowed to help with it.  But she was glad she’d sent her team ahead of her; it sounded even more likely their break would be cut short.<br/><br/>Wait, why was he winking at her?  Words of wisdom?  She had arrived after they’d finished!  What could she add?  Before she could protest, Gil had already walked past her towards Deimos.  With an uneasy smile, she walked towards the two cadets.  Healing first, scramble to think of something worthwhile to say during that reprieve.<br/><br/><span style="color: silver"> “Excuse me.”</span>She requested, placing a hand on Cadet Seven.  He stuttered something in response, but it didn’t sound like a negation.  She gathered her magic and then let it flow into the other Pure.  His eyes closed, his body relaxing as her magic washed over him.  Cadet Eight was still staring at her with wide eyes as if a Pure Sinner was standing behind her.  Somehow, most people seemed to have this reaction to her; it was a bit depressing.  When she finished healing the first Cadet, the white-haired Knight turned her attention to the other.  Although his eyes were still abnormally large, he had offered his palm to her.<span style="color: silver"> “Thank you.”</span>She placed her hand in his and resumed the healing spell.  Cadet Seven was now staring at her drowsily.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~</div><br/>Deimos nodded in acknowledgement of the other Knight’s presence, face turned towards the blue-haired Seraph even as his eyes roamed the area.  “There has been an unusual influx of Sinners near the borders.”  He paused in contemplation but then added.  “Captain Kobayashi’s squad has been taking heavy injuries; we spent half a month buffing up their ranks.”  An amused smirk suddenly appeared on his face before it was smoothed away.<br/><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~</div><br/><br/><span style="color: Silver"> “First, thank you for your help in taking up the armor.  It is brave souls like yours that illuminate the darkness and raise the fallen back into the Divine Light.  However, bravery must be tempered by caution; rushing into a fight allows ambushes to occur”</span>Lethe nodded at the man imprisoned by the entrance of the alley.<span style="color: Silver"> “And unnecessary injuries.  You should all strive to improve your situational awareness, not one of you noticed my entrance although neither Deimos nor I took pains to hide our arrival.  Coordination is also key in becoming a successful Knight.  Although each of you are strong, it is teamwork that will enable you to overcome previously insurmountable obstacles.  From your injuries, I’m assuming you did not first designate roles for each member.  Preparation and hard work are your keys to victory; remember, you are only as good as your last practice.”</span>The white Knight paused in her lecture, seeing glassy eyes staring back at her.  One of the girls sniffed with a heavy swallow; another Cadet’s lip trembled.<span style="color: Silver">”However…”</span>She drew out the word, trying to determine her next words.<span style="color: Silver">“remember that we criticize not to cut you down, but to build you up.  We see weaknesses that could be taken advantage of and lead to--critical injuries.”</span>She probably shouldn’t scare the Cadets off by mentioning death.  In truth, she had the feeling that she should wrap this up before she crushed their dreams.<br/><br/><span style="color: Silver">“You were all fortunate enough to have Master Guilford oversee your training.  Master Guilford is the most skilled Knight I’ve had the pleasure of working with and leads the strongest Squad among the Pure; I would strongly recommend that you take to heart whatever advice he’s left for you.  Also, I must congratulate you all; few cadets are able to take down three Sinners at once.  My squad had moved to intercept but it appears we were superfluous.”</span>She smiled brightly at the group before turning to address her squad member:<span style="color: Silver">“Deimos.  Please assist the cadets in restraining the redeemed ones and prepare them for transport.  They will need to recover at a Church and I would like to see if we can help them with whatever issue let Sin creep into their heart.”</span>She bowed to the cadets and then turned to walk back to her fellow Seraph.<br/><br/>No longer facing the cadets, Lethe let a silent sigh fall from her lips.  Even after all the speeches she had been forced to make over the years, she was still uncomfortable with the attention.  She was just a Knight one step away from Sin; Guilford would be much more appropriate for such public displays.  But then there would be no Knights to spread the Divine Light throughout Palaugrim, because she was too untrustworthy.  A tap on her hand shook her from her circling thoughts.  She looked up in time to catch a glimpse of yellow irises before Deimos passed her.  She had the best squad members,<span style="font-style: italic">ever</span>.<br/><br/><span style="color: Silver"> “There was something you wanted to discuss, Gil?”</span>