Death, it changes an individual should it happen, fabricated or for real it didn't matter. Guilford cringed at the word. There was a sharp contradiction to the concept of death and Lethe's perspective about it against her actions now. Back in Jenault, when Bryn died, she said that death always happens. At the same time, she was also the one who taught him not to run away from it. What was she doing now? The Seraph sighed, he wasn't dead but she was still running away.<br/><br/>Now his thoughts took a slide down a different path. He was contemplating on cause and effect, if he actually made the right choice (not that he actually had a choice) in the matter. Gil knew it was for the greater good. That's just it though... 'for the greater good' but at what cost? The one person he cherished the most was on the opposite side of the weighing scale this time. Duty demanded another part of him, this time around it was the last bit he held on to dearly, the one thing he thought more precious than his own life, his happiness. It was all...<br/><br/>A knock on his doors interrupted his thoughts as purple eyes glanced towards the sound. For some reason, he didn't welcome the visitor. He couldn't find himself to even say a simple 'come in' or even any word for the matter. Behind the door he could feel Abel, it was all this man's fault. Just why did he have to decide for him? He was no longer their Captain, he was a Seraph yet this old man had the nerve to dictate his actions? Just because he's older and was his former Captain still doesn't give him any right! All because he thought it could be justified by the concept of 'for the greater good'? Gil's hand that was previously tapping on his desk curled into a fist, knuckles turning white at how tight he clenched it. When the door swung open, professionalism took over him in a near instant.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Congratulations on your reinstatement Captain Abel. What brings you here?"</span>it was monotonous, hardly any trace of interest whatsoever in his words.<br/><br/>The older knight hesitated, sensing that the Seraph was in a sour mood. It wasn't usually this easy reading Guilford but now... he shut the thoughts out before they lingered elsewhere. "You convinced me to sign up again. Did I come at a bad time Gil?"<br/><br/>Yes you did. He wanted to say that but chose not to, professionalism tying the man in his seat.<span style="color: #0080FF">"No. I was merely taking a break."</span>he said as his eyes flicked over to the Faith on his desk that remained untouched. His thoughts wandered over to the nickname he was given. Lethe was the first one to ever call him Gil. She said his name sounded too formal even for casual conversation so she decided to give him that nickname. Now that this man had pulled her away from him because of his 'theatrics', he didn't deserve the right to call him that.<span style="color: #0080FF">"By the way, now that you've been reinstated, it's <span style="font-style: italic">Master Guilford</span> to you."</span><br/><br/>Abel's brows twitched but before he could think of anything else as to why his former subordinate was pulling rank on him, he sighed. Now that he had met Lethe and seen Gil this way, he could only assume that things aren't working out as well as he was expecting and that this was mostly his fault. "Forgive my insolence Master Guilford." he bowed in apology.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"How can I help you Captain?"</span>the Seraph asked, dismissing the apology mindlessly. He knew he shouldn't blame him, but he still didn't want to be in this man's presence now of all times. He wasn't sure if he could keep his calm for long, he was feeling like he was moments away from exploding on him.<br/><br/>"It's about..." he paused briefly, deciding to choose his words carefully. These two are in a volatile state right now. "Master Lethe. She agreed to undergo my training. I was hoping you could help me understand her better." he continued.<br/><br/>So it was about her. Guilford figured that Lethe might have given him the passive/formal treatment as well. He resisted the urge to sigh. This is Abel's doing! His fault! Why does he have to be the one who helps this old knight fix it? He should figure it out for himself!<span style="color: #0080FF">"I know her just as much as you do Captain. When we were made Seraphs, our responsibilities did not bring us any closer. If anything, we drifted apart because of it."</span>it was half the truth. They have gotten a little bit closer than they were back in Squad Seven but never close enough to completely understand each other. It was probably because he never had the strength to cast duty aside to get to know her better.<span style="color: #0080FF">"We're in the same boat."</span>he added.<br/><br/>"I see. Thank you for your time Master Guilford." The old knight bowed in respect before turning to head towards the door.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Sorry I couldn't be of any help Captain."</span>No, not really. He was glad not to help. As a First War knight, he should be aware of what he shouldn't have done. Faking death, even for a good cause is one of them. Abel should resolve this on his own and learn from his mistake.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________________</div><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><div style="text-align: center;">Grand Cathedral Training Grounds (day 18, early morning)</div></span></span><br/><br/><br/>Squad Eight assembled in the training grounds even before the cadets did. They were shocked at their little corner that was specifically converted to their Captain's specifications. Just by the looks of it, their faces dropped for they knew that it was going to be one hell of a training session.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"I sincerely hope all of you are well rested."</span><br/><br/>The squad turned to find their Captain carrying what looked like training uniforms for them all. With a puzzled look, the members of the squad tried to figure out why their Captain wanted them to wear light clothes for training. It was better wearing the leather armor like those of the cadets. The answer soon revealed itself when Guilford dropped the uniforms to the ground. Squad Eight's jaws fell when the training clothes left a deep dent on the grassy ground.<br/><br/>"You can't be serious Captain?! Are you trying to kill us?" Hyuga dejectedly commented.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Enchantments made it possible. These are weighted uniforms for all of you. I want you all to wear them all day starting today until your training is complete. I only have one condition about these. You are only allowed to remove them when you're going to sleep."</span><br/><br/>He could hear grumbles and muffled complaints from his squad and he didn't like it, they were too soft. If a Second War is really inevitable, and if these knights really wanted to even have a chance at survival, they needed to resort to the ways of the First War knights. The way he and the others that survived did things, the hard way.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"I don't want to hear complaints. I will increase the weight enchantment if I hear or see any form of complaint from any of you. Change into these and get moving."</span>he ordered and turned to his newest addition.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Fiona, you can wear yours later. You're sparring with me first."</span>he said and turned to the sparring grounds.<br/><br/>"How come she gets to sp--" Natalia's voice was drowned out before Guilford turned to face them. He saw the guys covering her mouth with vigorous effort, effectively shutting her up. Regardless, Gil fired his holy magic at the pile of training uniforms and boosted the weight enchantment. He was dead serious and they should understand it. When he started back towards the sparring grounds, the last thing he heard was his squad berating Natalia for her actions. It's going to be a long day for those guys.<br/><br/>Fiona wanted to chuckle at the scene but retained her poise when purple eyes glanced her way.<span style="color: #0080FF">"You're not getting a free pass from those weighted clothes you know."</span>Fiona bowed at the words, she knew well enough to recognize seriousness and determination. "Of course Lo--"<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Captain."</span>he cut her off.<span style="color: #0080FF">"This is the last time I will remind you of it. You're a knight now, not a noble."</span>Fiona's bow dipped more. "Apologies Lo-C-Captain." she struggled with the words. Guilford only sighed and took his position in the sparring grounds. The last time he set foot here was when he fought Lance because the other wanted to settle things. Nostalgia was threatening to slow him down but Fiona's movement helped him grasp his composure firmly. He took position, wooden sword in hand and looked at his newest knight.<span style="color: #0080FF">"You better not disappoint me with your skill Fiona."</span><br/><br/>The other, though confident with her swordplay gulped at the words when she suddenly felt overwhelming pressure coming from her Captain. The look he had in his eyes was fierce, like he was really on the battlefield. Before Fiona realized it, she was already trembling and was moments away from being paralyzed just by the man's intent. She thought to overcome it by taking her stance but soon found out she was shaking too much to even move. To add to her fear, Guilford became a blur in her eyes. A whelp pierced the air and moments later, Guilford was towering over Fiona who just fainted and plopped to the ground. He scooped her up in defeat and laid her down in one of the benches. He was shaking his head sideways while headed to the other members of his squad. Did he go overboard? Did he scare her too much? No. That was how it used to be back then. With his squad only at this level, he knew they would get steamrolled by any decent squad from the time of the First War.<br/><br/>Changes need to be made. He would have to submit revisions and suggestions later to the council about training methods not just for the cadets but for every knight. He could work that out later, for now, he will oversee his squad's training.