<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Day 18th of Month 4: Gless - Grand Cathedral</span></span><br/><br/><br/>The sound of clashing swords echoed inside a training room within the Cathedral.  Among the other knights perusing the facility, two were rigorously honing their skills, sparring with each other in a graceful dance of swordsmanship.  Their expertise in wielding the Judgment Sword awed all of the other knights within the room, earning themselves a crowd of spectators.  Clearly from a spectator's point of view, both seemed to be equally matched, but the reality was that Fiona found herself struggling to keep up with her Vice Captain.  Alfrei's attack patterns were relentless, his offensive rhythm overwhelming her defenses almost too easily, yet he was only using one sword.  Against her better judgment, Fiona decided to back off from the flurry of furious sword strikes, jumping away in hopes of getting some much needed breathing room.  However, as she initially thought, her decision proved to be a poor one.  Alfrei took advantage of her momentary loss of footing; he closed in and ducked away from Fiona's futile reprisal, sweeping at her feet with his right leg before they could even touch the floor.<br/><br/>How was he so fast?!<br/><br/>He had cleanly toppled her over.  Fiona found herself downed, back first and dizzied while staring at the ceiling; the tip of Alfrei's sword pointed at her neck. "I.. yield.." she mumbled beneath gasps for breath.  Right after her words of surrender, the room was instantly filled with applause from the spectating knights.  Though they may not have been watching Seraphs in a mock duel, the knights still witnessed spectacular swordplay, one worthy of acclamation.  Alfrei sheathed his sword back to its rightful scabbard and offered a hand to help Fiona back to her feet. She reached for his hand and pulled herself up, thanking her Vice Captain before fixing her ruffled hair.<br/><br/>He was confident that Fiona was ready but... Alfrei looked at her with worried eyes.  He had been tasked by their Captain to evaluate her if she was fit to return to active duty, and it was not going well.  She may have asked him not to hold back before the start of their match but now.. Alfrei was just glad he chose not to oblige.  He thought she was ready, now he was not so sure given her recently poor display of overall effectiveness.  She was better than this—a lot better.<br/><br/>"Is something bothering you?" he questioned her, arms folding above his chest. "Your movements are sluggish, your decisions are all over the place and your defense is..." he paused, pretty sure that Fiona got the idea.<br/><br/>The female knight simply eyed her Vice Captain before proceeding to the bench where the two of them kept their stuff.  Alfrei followed behind her.  She pulled out a towel to dry some of the sweat she had worked up in their mock duel.  Truth is, she was hesitant to answer his question.  He too experienced something on the night of the fifteenth...<br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div>"Brother! When will Master Guilford and the rest of your squad come to visit?"  Alexa chirped happily while walking ahead of Alfrei through Danaon's local market.  She seldom got the chance to go grocery shopping at night with her older brother, making her feel grateful that he was here now to carry the basket for her.  <br/><br/>"We haven't seen them in like... forever you know?  And I still have to meet this Fiona lady.  Rumor has it that she's very pretty and graceful too! Maybe she can teach me ladylike manners and all sorts of stuff..." she yammered on, peeking left and right through each stall they passed with her now expert eyes for finding good produce. <br/><br/>The merchant stalls were about to close, and they were tasked to buy everything they needed for a week unless they wanted to wait another few days before the merchants restock their goods. Business was hard enough for these merchants now that they were required to contribute for the war effort, and going to Lindela is not really an option at this time.<br/><br/>Alfrei trailed behind his younger sister, listening not to her words per se but to the sound of her voice. He was out of it. Lately his thoughts have been wandering more towards the future. How would this war turn out? Where would they be after it? Will he even survive this? Captain even had to resort to asking Lord Rannulf for guidance in the practice of the Old Sword, much to everyone in their squad's disbelief. Did Captain Guilford not think that the caliber of today's knights were enough to win? Is he even giving it everything he's got to help out their Captain? Or is he just another deadweight that pulls everyone down? Alfrei sighed. His thoughts would have wandered more had it not been for the increase in weight to the basket hanging on his left arm.<br/><br/>"You're not <span style="font-style: italic">really</span> listening to me are you?" Alexa looked at him suspiciously, eyes narrowing along with a mild pout easily becoming visible on her pretty lips.<br/><br/>When it came to Alexa, Alfrei knew better than to open a box of excuses.<br/><br/>"Sorry Lexy, I've got a lot on my mind lately..." he came clean, frowning a little at his own thought; "lately" may have been an understatement.  Dismissing the thought before he adds another to the pile, Alfrei turned to look at the stalls further down the market lane.  He had set his mind to get on with their groceries when his eyes caught an unusual image in town.  There was a cloaked individual standing at the far end of the market lane.  Puzzled, the blonde knight stared at the figure for a while.  He was not sure what it was but something about that individual seemed off.  A chill ran down his spine.  If his guess was right, that cloaked figure also had their eyes on him. Turning his gaze away from the cloaked figure for a moment, Alfrei pulled his younger sister behind him protectively. However, when he turned his gaze back to the general direction of the figure, Alfrei was caught by surprise..<br/><br/>The figure had closed the distance between them and was already poised to cut him down with a sword. Reflexes kicking in, Alfrei dropped their basket of groceries and raised both arms defensively, crossing them before his face in an attempt to block the blow with his life to keep his sister safe. As much as he hated to admit it, he closed his eyes in anticipation of a slash that never came, to be replaced by a cold gust of night wind instead.  Alfrei dropped his guard, eyes still closed and seemingly running out of breath at the moment that appeared like his end.<br/><br/>"Brother!! What are you doing?! You're wasting good food!" an angry Alexa scolded him.<br/><br/>When Alfrei opened his eyes, there were no signs of that figure. He was still alive and surprisingly uncut; it was not a dream, he was wide awake! That cloaked figure was definitely there and for a moment, he was sure he had met his end. "S-sorry Lexy... here, I'll pick them all up for you.." he apologized, all the while searching for that figure while picking up their purchase.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">What was that?</span></div></blockquote><br/><br/>...and such a strong manifestation too. "It's probably my body still trying to adjust after being out of active duty for a month." she said, shaking off the thought of Alfrei's strange account on the night of the fifteenth.<span style="font-style: italic">So it manifested differently for individuals who have divine magic?</span>she immersed herself in thought, continuing to dry off the sweat in her arms. Realizing that her Vice Captain isn't buying her excuse, Fiona smiled at him and handed him a bottle of water. "Sorry Vice Captain, I think I may need to see Lady Cora about my condition after all." she said, scratching her head as she did.<br/><br/>It was probably for the best. Alfrei thought for a few seconds before nodding in approval, "By all means. We're worried about you. Please ask Lady Cora if she can do something—we badly need you back in active duty." he said but only received a nod from his female squad mate.  He watched Fiona find her way out of the training room, shaking his head when she was finally out of sight.  Something was definitely up and he could feel it in his gut.  Alfrei was in the middle of contemplating if he should tail Fiona around when another knight approached him, asking for sword lectures if he still had time.<br/><br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________</div><br/><br/><br/>A conflicted female knight aimlessly walked through the halls of the Cathedral.  Fiona found herself juggling two thoughts in mind; should she contact Irene of the Guardians for help? Or should she talk to the Seraphs?  The female knight soon found herself on her way towards the infirmary before she even realized.  Why?  There was no actual need to go see Lady Cora because she was fine!  She just couldn't focus on anything because of<span style="font-style: italic">that</span>night.  Out of all the spells and rituals in existence, only perverted ones could actually disturb the Divine Realm, and she knew exactly which one caused the ruckus on the night of the fifteenth; The Rite of Creation.  Gritting her teeth at the reminder of her capture, Fiona spun around on her heels and began walking the other direction.  None of this would have happened if she hadn't been so stubborn about staying on the outside.  Irene was right all along.  Her childish tantrums would only cause pain and suffering.  This was all on her, as well as everything that was about to happen in the future because of her foolishness.<br/><br/>Some Pristine Knight she was...<br/><br/>Had she realized sooner what Eve's laughter meant back in Santa Olivia, had she known that her ward reacted negatively after taking an attack from her, if she only knew... a closed fist lashed out reflexively, striking the defenseless wall on her right and surprising the Scribes wandering about doing their business.<br/><br/>What good would self-loathing do?  She grilled herself in silence.  Nothing.  Absolutely nothing.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"It's all my fault..."</span><br/><br/>Tears of anger trickled down from her eyes.  She was grinding her teeth so hard she could already taste a bit of blood in her mouth;  the very same blood that served as the catalyst to their doom.  Should she rely on the Seraphs to fix her mistakes?  If they learned of the truth behind her, could they forgive her?  Now that she had set the final cog that would slowly grind the gears of this world towards destruction, would they even want her to stand and fight by their side?<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic">"It's okay Fiona, you can take your time. Just know that you can talk to me whenever you're ready."</span></div></span><br/><br/>Such kind words, kindness that was mistakenly given to her by her Captain.  She did not deserve it!  Wiping the tears from her eyes haphazardly, Fiona pushed herself through a group of Scribes that were just about to approach her and ask if she was fine.  She may have been a tad forceful for knocking a few of them off balance but right now, there was only one thing on her mind.  She should take responsibility. This was the least she could do.  She owed it to everyone that got involved in her life to atone for her mistakes.  If there was any way to make this right, she would gladly pay the price, no matter how high it is.<br/><br/>Storming out of the Grand Cathedral, Fiona made her way to a more secluded area where nobody frequents by this time of the night. The secondary training grounds used by cadets behind the Cathedral itself was just the place she needed.  Making her way to the farthest corner of the grounds, Fiona slipped behind the equipment cabins and took a deep breath, making sure there was nobody around before lining her index fingers with magic.  She drew numerous seals in the air, merging them one by one until they began to flicker and vanish in thin air.  She held her breath in anticipation, with only the sound of wind blowing accompanying her in her silence.  Several minutes later, the air in front of her began to distort, signaling Fiona of the coming of the one she summoned.  A breath later and a cloaked woman came out of the distortion.<br/><br/>"Irene." Fiona greeted her, tone neither commanding nor submissive.<br/><br/>The cloaked woman pulled her hood down, revealing her long black hair and pale face to the female knight.  The expression she carried with her was akin to that of resentment, reflecting it the most through her eyes that seemed to want to bore a hole through Fiona.<br/><br/>"Now do you understand why we came for you?" the Guardian snapped at her, but heard nothing from the other.<br/><br/>Unable to hold her gaze, Fiona could only avert her eyes from Irene's accusing ones.  She knows.. she knows all too well but deliberately chose to ignore it.  Now that they were faced with a dire situation, she ended up calling her for help, of course she would be pissed!  All Irene ever did from the beginning was try to avert such a catastrophe in the making.  But she was too blind to see, too prideful to admit that she would do more harm than good on the surface world.<br/><br/>"It's no use crying over spilled milk, Fiona." Irene said to her, walking towards the wall of one equipment cabin and leaning her back against it.  "This world will crumble." she sighed, "You know full well that these islands will not survive another war with the God of Sin." she blatantly pointed out with a huff of disgust.<br/><br/>Alarmed by Irene's words, Fiona's eyes widened in surprise.  There might have been some truth in her words but that would only happen should the Guardians-her people-choose to once again stay neutral!  Now was definitely not the time to cling to their ridiculous ideology!  More than anything, it was a time for them to intervene!  "I.. I know that!" she retorted, hands curling to fists from her guilt.  "That's why I summoned you! To ask for help!"<br/><br/>"Hah!" Irene spat and rolled her eyes, "That's rich!" she crossed both arms above her chest and glared at Fiona,  "Now you want my help? What did you think I was trying to do in the first place huh?! You stupid brat!" Irene lashed at her,  "Are you going to ask me to kill the God of Sin for you? Don't be ridiculous!" now she had her back off the wall and was facing Fiona, looking at her with rage-filled eyes,  "Who do you think was the most promising Guardian candidate before me huh?" she asked her but didn't wait for an answer, "That's right, it's you! And yet..!" she yelled at the female knight, catching herself before saying anything more.  Irene deflated, as if all the lashing out she did sapped her strength in an instant.  "Just... look at what you did..."<br/><br/>Stupid... brat?  Perhaps.  Perhaps Irene was right to call her that.  She had not thought about the bigger picture at all, forgetting her origin and placing her desires before anything else.  Not only was she selfish, she was also a fool.  Even so, that doesn't change the fact that all she ever wanted was to change this world for the better!  That fire in her has yet to die out.  "Don't you think I know that already!? That this is all my fault?!  Do you honestly believe that I couldn't realize the gravity of my own folly?!" the tears she fought back earlier were now winning, trickling down freely from her eyes,  "I would go kill the God of Sin myself if I could!  But I know I cannot do it on my own!  Do you know how that makes me feel?!" the strength in her legs gave and Fiona found herself falling to her knees. The clarity of her vision continued to remain blurred from the tears that kept falling.  "Because of me... because of me the people that I have come to love will all suffer! And I am powerless to stop it!" she burst out into sobs, hands clawing and gripping the dirt on the ground as tightly as she could.<br/><br/>"Please... Irene... help me..." Fiona discarded her pride, begging the Guardian before her. "If my life is what it takes to make this right... I would gladly give it up..."<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"What's the point in winning if you die in the process?"</span><br/><br/>A startled Irene jumped back instinctively while Fiona felt a sense of recognition.  That voice!  Fiona's eyes widened in shock.  Why was he here?!  She turned her head to look behind, only to spot a blurred silhouette of a man leaning his back against a cabin wall.  Seconds later, the familiar silhouette became clear, revealing Akira's form for her eyes to see.  He had his hands in his pockets, nurturing a solemn expression while keeping his gaze away from her.<br/><br/>"Sorry. I couldn't stand seeing you fall so low." he said, still not looking at her.<br/><br/>"W-what are you doing here?! You're not supposed to be here!" Fiona hissed at the man.<br/><br/>"I'm a former scout. My specialty is gathering information, and now that I am not enlisted, I only gather intel on<span style="font-style: italic">people</span>and things I deem<span style="font-style: italic">important</span>."<br/><br/>People and things he deemed.. important?  Fiona swallowed a gulp of air.  What did he mean by that?  Still, Akira might have heard things he shouldn't have!  She must take action.  "How long... have you been there?" Fiona asked, her tears coming to an abrupt halt.<br/><br/>"Long enough." he responded coolly, "Listen Fiona, I'll only say this once. This is not your fight alone." he stated with resolve before turning a hard gaze towards the Guardian who have just now eased out of the defensive.<br/><br/>"The same goes for your people too.  If the God of Sin has truly been revived, no place in this world will remain unscathed." he finished and turned to walk away.<br/><br/>"W-wait! Where are you going Akira?! You can't tel--"<br/><br/>"To re-enlist." he stopped and looked back.<br/><br/>When their eyes met, Fiona found herself unable to speak a word.  Within the short time they had spent together in training and casual meet-ups, this was the first time she had ever seen Akira look so serious.  She was drawn to his gaze for it was strong and determined, fiery even.  Had it not been for Akira's voice, she didn't think she could have snapped out of her little moment on her own.<br/><br/>"I said I'll only say it once, don't make me say it again.  Talk to Gil and Lethe, Fiona... or I will."<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________</div><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Day 18th of Month 4: Lindela - District 5 (Night)</span></span><br/><br/><br/>An exhausted Lance sat back on his office chair, deflating as quickly as his body settled in, relaxation being the core idea in mind.  He had done everything he could for this day, even squeezing in personal training in the little free time he could afford.  He was anxious.  Lance recalled the accounts he gathered from the divine magic capable knights that Gil and Lethe asked for.  Though varying in terms of detail, every single one of them had an experience related to the night of the fifteenth.  Even with all that information in hand, he was still unable to figure out the possible cause.  But what bothered Lance greatly was the fact that their Seraphs seemed to be drawing blanks as well.  He had sent the findings out a day ago and was waiting for word from either Gil or Lethe should they come up with something.  Of all the things he hated, one of them was being in the dark, unable to tell just what their enemy did.<br/><br/>His thoughts however, were pulled away at the sound of a knock on his door.  It was two hours past midnight, who could possibly want something from him at this time?<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"Captain... may I talk to you?"</span>the voice echoed behind the wooden door.<br/><br/>Yulia.  Lance figured it was probably work related; just when he thought he was done for the day too!  Lance took a deep breath and straightened himself in his chair.  He cleared his throat before inviting her inside.  The wooden door slowly creaked open, revealing his Vice Captain who looked distraught.  She was not in her knight armor but in her sleeping garb.  Her blonde hair fell loosely beyond her shoulders, as opposed to its normally neat arrangement when she was on duty.  It was surprising that she would present herself like this to him, immediately telling him that whatever Yulia needed to talk about, was not related to their current business.  Lowering the one brow that managed to rise, Lance dropped the professional air, motioning for Yulia to close the door behind her.<br/><br/>"You don't look too good." he pointed out before easing back in his chair once more.  "So, what did you want to talk about?"<br/><br/>Upon closer inspection, Lance took note of Yulia's eyes; they looked as if she had just finished crying.  Her silence only served to heighten Lance's already growing worry.  He watched Yulia slowly approach his desk and take a seat on the chair before it.  She was unable to look him in the eyes, or more accurately, she was trying to avoid their gazes from meeting. "Yulia..." he was just about to say he was not good in guessing games when his attention was drawn to Yulia's right arm coming over his desk.  Her hand was balled to a fist, and when she opened them, he heard a<span style="font-style: italic">thunk!</span>on wood.  Lance's eyes widened in horror when Yulia pulled her arm back, revealing the object she dropped in front of him.  That object was something he instantly recognized.  How could he ever forget it?  It was the half-wing pendant that belonged to Yael.<br/><br/>"How did you—"<br/><br/>"Why do you have that, Captain?" Yulia still managed to cut him off even with a voice so soft it sounded almost like a whisper.  Unable to respond immediately, Lance watched her take off her own necklace and placed it beside the first one; their pendants matched.  Together the pendants formed a pair of wings, undoubtedly signifying freedom.  "I was cleaning your desk a few days ago when I found this beneath some documents." her voice was dead of emotion, "That belonged to my brother..." she trailed off, snapping her gaze right at him with a visible scowl on her face.  "Just who are you exactly!?" she hissed, uncaring if anybody else could hear her.  But Lance could only offer silence in response.  Irritated, Yulia lashed out, "Why won't you answer me!?"<br/><br/>The day he feared the most had finally come.  Lance turned his eyes away from Yulia's condemning glare, attempting to find solace from the two pendants on his desk; particularly from the one owned by Yael.  Yulia asked who he was?  Well, the answers were simple, he was the man who got her twin brother killed in the line of duty, he was the same man who did not have the nerve to step forward to let her know, he was the man who chose to run away from it all to live in seclusion because of his guilt!  Who was he exactly?  A Nobody.  He was just a worthless Captain who never deserved the trust of his subordinates.<br/><br/>Yulia was just about to condemn him more with her words but suddenly stopped when Lance reciprocated her stare.  There was so much sadness and guilt in his eyes that his anguish easily pierced through her anger.  The next set of words from him rendered her completely speechless..<br/><br/>"Lance Fitzherberg, former Captain of the twenty-third squad during the first war," he began sorrowfully, "the man who got your twin brother killed along with the rest of my squad... the one who did not have the heart to face you..." he trailed off, a tear sliding down freely from his right eye, "I am the man who caused you so much pain.  The very same man who was the coward that ran away." he admitted in all honesty.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________</div><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Day 19th of Month 4: Gless - Grand Cathedral, Squad Eight Quarters</span></span><br/><br/><br/>Today there were only three people enjoying the hospitality of squad eight's quarters.  Guilford was as usual, tied to his chair behind his desk perusing some documents.  Hyuga on the other hand was preoccupied with his research.  Only Alfrei had nothing in particular going on for him so he opted to polish and maintain his weapons in silence.  He was waiting for his Captain to finish but judging from the expression he had while reading through the documents, Alfrei figured that it would take a while.  The sound of rustling papers from both his Captain and Hyuga were the only things breaking the quiet air in the room every now and then.  Finally unable to hold his tongue, Alfrei sheathed one sword and spoke as he unsheathed his second sword for cleaning.<br/><br/>"Captain, about my assessment of Fiona.." he opened up, earning himself a glance from the other two in the room with him.  His Captain only raised a brow at him, urging him to continue.  "I don't think she's ready to return to active duty." he concluded, meeting his Captain's gaze that had just now turned serious.<span style="color: #0080FF">"How so, Alfrei?"</span>the man questioned him.  Alfrei's glance turned back to the sword he was polishing,  "As she is now, she would only serve to be a liability to the team should we deploy her out on the field," he paused, recalling his sparring match with her, "I don't think the problem lies with her physical condition though," he added, indulging the idea he had been rolling around his head for a few days,  "I think the root is more mental." he finally finished and turned his gaze back at his Captain.<br/><br/>Guilford couldn't help but feel impressed at Alfrei.  Normally the blonde would not dare voice out his thoughts so openly without having second and third opinions but now, he sounded like he was comfortable giving it, and even went as far as considering possible outcomes on a larger scale.  He was growing as a knight, and as a leader?  He was starting to prove himself a capable Vice Captain; Guilford couldn't be more proud.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Then what do you suggest we do about it?"</span>he just had to test him.<br/><br/>Alfrei pondered for a moment before starting to speak, "We can't afford to give her any more time.  Every able knight should contribute to the best of their ability especially now..." he paused and sheathed his second sword, "As much as I don't want to be forceful, I think we should take action and talk to her.  The sooner we find out what's wrong, the better it would be for not just herself but everyone around her."<br/><br/>Guilford smirked.  This was not really a shining example of tough decisions to make but it falls in the same category.  Rallying troops was a part of leadership, and Alfrei made the right call on this one.<span style="color: #0080FF">"See to it then.  I have not seen her today but I can feel her nearby."</span>Guilford ordered his Vice Captain and turned his attention back to the papers he held on hand.<br/><br/>With a nod of his head, Alfrei got up from his seat and went straight for the door.  Hyuga only smirked to himself; the<span style="font-style: italic">kid</span>finally found his adult version.  Finally given the opportunity alone with his Captain, Hyuga turned from his desk to face the Seraph.  "Captain, have you read the requisition request I submitted for approval?" he asked, holding his breath for a favorable response.  Hyuga watched his Captain set the papers he was reading down and pluck another from his desk drawer.  A frown formed on his facial features.  His Captain only shoved requests in that desk drawer if they are to be put on hold or denied.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"This one you mean?"</span>the Seraph eyed the requisition request, shaking his head at the reminder of its contents.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Why would you want to get your hands on some regalia quartz? You know it is a valuable resource used partly in the manufacture of our Faith Necklaces."</span><br/><br/>"But I only need one this big!" he raised a closed fist to give his captain a rough idea of the size.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"And a regalia quartz that big would mean thirty less faith necklaces to go around."</span>the Seraph countered,<span style="color: #0080FF">"Unless you give me good reason, I cannot grant this."</span><br/><br/>Hyuga sighed.  He always hated having to give up information about his research, especially when they are still inconclusive as it stands.  But he needed the regalia quartz if he was to make any forward strides towards the fruit of his research. "The tainted soil Captain." he mouthed off hesitantly.  "I think I'm finally beginning to understand how to undo the blight."  there were no traces of excitement or over-enthusiasm as he continued, taking Guilford by surprise.  "It's true that I would just be using the regalia quartz as part of an experiment, but I would not do it without having put a lot of thought into it." he began pacing around, "I have always tried to be cost-efficient with every research I undertake—and I know just how valuable the regalia quartz can be at times like these." he stopped to look at Guilford, "Believe me Captain, I would not bother you if I have other options to turn to."<br/><br/>This was not the usual Dreamer.  The old Hyuga would simply fall into a tantrum of intellectual mockeries, the old Hyuga would refuse to speak with them for days, the old Hyuga would then find himself another research to spend time on, but not this one.  This Hyuga had a mature air around him, a drive he had only seen today, a purpose reflecting in his red eyes that literally sparkled the word 'hope'.  While many thought it was impossible to rehabilitate the Barrens, this man refused to accept it and fought on his own up to this point.  Guilford smiled.  He was just glad he was not one of those many who refused to believe in this man's dream.  The Seraph grabbed his Faith and took out his seal stamp, smacking it hard on the part intended for his seal in the request paper.  He then held the paper out for Hyuga to take.  Perhaps it was not so wrong to pin his other hopes on this man.  Should there be someone who could accomplish such a grandiose dream, it would be him.<span style="color: #0080FF">"This better be worth it."</span>he looked at Hyuga sternly.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Go on Hyu, take this and get your quartz before I change my mind."</span><br/><br/>Hyuga's eyes brightened up in an instant.  He couldn't feel more overjoyed!  His Captain really did believe in his talents, no matter how useless he himself deemed them to be in combat. "You will not regret this Captain! I stake<span style="font-style: italic">your</span>life on it!"<br/><br/>What did he just..?<span style="color: #0080FF">"<span style="font-style: italic">My</span> life?! Why does it have to be mine and not yours?!"</span><br/><br/>"Err.. well.. If I stake my life on it, there wouldn't be anyone left who is skilled enough to take my place and accomplish my goal right?" he flashed a grin at Guilford.  "Don't worry Captain! I won't let you down!" the Dreamer happily skipped himself out of their squad quarters, leaving a baffled Seraph behind.<br/><br/>Guilford sighed.  Just now, he could have been wrong about him entirely.<br/><br/>Alone to his thoughts once more, the Seraph turned back to the documents he was earlier studying before Alfrei and Hyuga's interruption.  Two names caught his attention and made him pick out the prowess reports included among the files, Nygel d'Arques and Yves Linser, names that were new to him.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF"><span style="font-style: italic">"So these were the two we replaced?"</span></span>he thought to himself silently, turning the pages of the prowess report for Nygel d'Arques.  Imagine that, two d'Arques in one squad, and to think La Gamme was involved.  Grim thoughts lingered in his mind.  What does this mean exactly?  He then glanced at the other prowess report for Yves Linser.  He turned the pages of the report and read the details about the woman.  Except for the fact that she belonged to the Linser noble circle; a distant branch of the d'Arques circle, nothing more conclusive was to be found.  It would seem like they would need accounts from the living regarding these two but as it stands, only three members of former Squad Seven still lived. And the one who knew everything was the same person they had in question.<br/><br/>Guilford shook his head in defeat.  He was not going to get anywhere with just this.<span style="color: #0080FF">"I need more information..."</span><br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________</div><br/><br/>A transport carriage conveniently stopped in front of the house where the Crests stayed in Caleta.  Silver who was seated beside the driver jumped down and moved to the back of the carriage with haste.  He reached in to grab several packs and set them down on the pavement before heading back to the driver to pay the transport fee.  Having graciously accepted the generous compensation, the driver of the carriage bowed to Silver before commandeering his steed on its way.  After a casual wave towards the driver, Silver returned his attention to the packs he brought with him.  These packs had the rest of their old gear; weapons and armor that have not seen the light of day for a long time.  If it wasn't for Akira revealing his findings two days ago, he would not have made the trip to and from their valley just to get these items.  However, as covertly mischievous as Akira can get, it only made it harder to ignore his serious expression.  Hoisting all of the packs at once, Silver turned towards the door that just now creaked open.  Alona was there to greet him, waiting for him to come inside.  With a quiet nod towards the redhead, Silver disappeared behind closed doors.<br/><br/>"You got everything right?" Akira double-checked while rummaging through the pack handed to him by Silver.  The larger man simply continued distributing the packs to their respective owners, "Of course I did.  I even got<span style="font-style: italic">those</span>for us." he nodded towards the crests that Cora and Alona just now laid their hands on. When both turned to look at him, he just flashed an apologetic look towards their two female companions topped with a wry smile.  Cora and Alona simply exchanged looks and shrugged their shoulders.  They wouldn't really mind Silver going through their closet where they kept their crests at all, just as long as it was not Akira.  The former scout simply scoffed but continued to take out his gear instead of reacting.<br/><br/>"I didn't think the day would come when we would have to wear these again." Alona mumbled in her nostalgia.  She was currently looking at the Sword Squadron insignia attached on the right sleeve of her armor she just put on.<br/><br/>"Yeah." Cora chimed in, staring at her old cleric cap, "It's funny that back then I was eager to take these off but now, I'm eager to put them on." she added, continuing to take out the rest of her gear from her pack and wearing them.<br/><br/>Silver swung his diamond shield a few times, getting a feel for its weight after a long span of disuse.  "If you feel that way, it just goes to show that time has healed your wounds." he said but paused, "<span style="font-style: italic">Our</span>wounds." he corrected himself with a smile.<br/><br/>Akira was in the process of hiding multiple daggers in the concealed weapon slots throughout his armor when he stopped at Silver's comment.  Has time really healed their wounds?  Were they really ready to throw themselves into the fray and get wounded again?  He didn't know.  All he knows is that he wanted to do everything that he possibly can to make up for lost time.  "You know..." he began, putting his attention back to sheathing daggers. "You all don't have to join me in re-enlisting; there's merit in acting unrestricted by command."<br/><br/>The other three simultaneously stopped what they were doing and shot him dagger glares. "Don't think that makes you cool Akira, you're still a pervert in my eyes." Alona snarled at him, a touch irritated, "While I can't deny the truth behind your words-that there's merit in acting without command-that's not what we need right now."<br/><br/>Silver swung his shield and pointed it at Akira. "She's right Akira. Right now the knighthood needs morale. The more veterans coming back to serve, means the more hope we bring into the fold."<br/><br/>Cora smiled at the three, "We're pretty popular you know? I've been hearing knights talk about us while I was temporarily helping out in the infirmary.  I bet if the knights see us waltzing towards the Grand Cathedral, in full battle gear no less, they'd be thrilled and honored to know they have us on their side." she stated, "There's merit in inspiration too."<br/><br/>"Tch!" Akira smirked, "Don't say I didn't give you a chance to back out." he said and slapped on the Panther Crest to its rightful shoulder slot. "I don't want to hear any of you complaining later."<br/><br/>After some time, the four of them exchanged resolute looks.  They were ready, all of them had already made up their minds, all that's left now is to make it official.  Akira moved towards the door to take the lead.<br/><br/>"Alright then. Let's get ourselves reinstated!"<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________</div><br/><br/><br/>Natalia, Georg, and Joaquim were strolling around the Grand Cathedral courtyard, satisfying their youngest knight's curiosity about the 'veterans' that have returned to serve.  They had met several along the way and Natalia couldn't help but feel impressed by them.  Were all of them so skilled?  Even she could tell the difference in caliber from the present knights.  According to Georg, the first war knights were trained differently, and that method was now called the Old Sword.  While he did not elaborate much about it, Natalia could tell the difference just by looking at some of the moves those veterans were dishing out while in training.  They had also met this Master Jung person; that man was something else!  He had a distinct aura around him only emitted by well established, highly accomplished knights like Master Lethe and her Captain to name a few.  Then there was that shield woman again, Natalia couldn't help but think that she was somehow related to Silver in a way.  There were some defensive moves she incorporated in her patterns that were remarkably similar to the ones Silver taught them.<br/><br/>"Hey! Hey!" Natalia began to chirp. "Who's that?" she pointed towards a knight who was swinging around an overly large Judgment sword. "His style looks similar to you Georg." she added, stopping in her tracks to watch the man hard at work.<br/><br/>Georg scratched his head in recognition. "His name is Garn. Best steer clear, otherwise he would challenge you to a mock duel." Georg grabbed Natalia by her shoulders and forcefully urged her to move on.  It hasn't even been a few minutes of walk yet when Natalia stopped again, intrigued by another knight.<br/><br/>"What about him?" Natalia pointed again, this time towards an axe wielder.<br/><br/>Joaquim was the one to respond this time. "Oh him? That's Darsius.  His skill with the Judgment axe is unparalleled.  Rather brash by nature but he's a good knight." he laughed but immediately turned to Natalia. "Best steer clear too. Like Garn, he's fond of mock duels."<br/><br/>"O-oh! Okay then.. let's move on." she insisted, happy like she was having a field day watching veterans in action.  Several minutes later and she had her eyes set on another veteran. "Oh! I know this one..." she trailed off, trying to recall the bit of information she overheard. "King Jao... or something?" she asked clueless, unable to recall much after all.<br/><br/>Georg was about to correct Natalia when they caught wind of a ruckus starting from behind them.  They heard cheering and applause in what seemed to be a lively greeting.  Curious, the three made their way towards the source, only to find four individuals strolling towards the Grand Cathedral.  Georg smirked, Joaquim scratched his head, and Natalia's jaws dropped.  She already knew that the Crests were awesome knights, but seeing them in their full combat gear added more to the image of them in her mind.  "They're not just showing off are they?"  Natalia just had to ask.  Who would have thought that the Crests were<span style="font-style: italic">this</span>popular among the veteran knights? The newer generation knights didn't seem to care much about them, only the ones who have heard the stories but this... this was something else.<br/><br/>"Nope. I don't think they are." Joaquim answered, his eyes focused on the stars of the show. "Look at their eyes, it looks like they're going to re-enlist too."<br/><br/>An awkward smile played on Natalia's lips. "This is too much... it's like watching superheroes from fantasy books come to life." she sighed.<br/><br/>"Don't be like that Nat, it's like how the newer generation knights treats both squad eight and ten when they see us around." Georg chuckled. "Come, let us welcome them too."<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________</div><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Barrens: Eve's Fortress</span></span><br/><br/>One of Eve's Dark Valkyries ran around the fortress in search of her queen. She had urgent matters to report and her mistress was nowhere to be found.  She had checked the throne room, the ritual chamber, the broken courtyard, even the highest balcony of the fortress but to no avail.  She was just now coming up of a dungeon after beating a group of Sinners because they had no idea where their queen was. Sin damn it all! Where is she?!  The Dark Valkyrie spotted another group of Sinners coming out of the fortress kitchen and immediately approached them.<br/><br/>"Queen Eve," she demanded with a harsh tone. "Have you seen her?"<br/><br/>The Sinners cowered under her glare and simply pointed towards the direction of the kitchen.  The Dark Valkyrie scratched her head in confusion.  What would her queen be doing in the kitchen?  It was the one and only place she would never dare set foot on in her fortress and now she was there?  Hissing at the group of Sinners before leaving them to their own devices, the Dark Valkyrie stomped her way towards the said area where Eve was.  She pushed the kitchen doors rather forcefully to open them.<br/><br/>"My queen there you are! I've been looking all over for.. you..?" the sense of urgency in her tone dropped at the sight of the female demon.  She was wearing maid garbs, humming a happy tune while mixing what looked like a deadly concoction, fuming both green and purple mist inside a cauldron using an overly large ladle.  The startled demon queen spun around her heels, a vibrant dash of red in her cheeks.<br/><br/><span style="color: #8080FF">"Close the door you maggot!!"</span>she spat venomously, emitting an intent to kill and had the Dark Valkyrie moved a second slower to do her bidding, she would have no doubt lost her life. Eve immediately spun around, hiding her blushing face, cursing the fact that she forgot to lock the door.<br/><br/>"M-may I ask what you are... doing?" the Dark Valkyrie hesitantly voiced her question.<br/><br/><span style="color: #8080FF">"What does it look like you imbecile! I'm cooking!"</span>Eve hissed, the motion of her mixing hands growing stronger but immediately softening at the thought of her lord, the person intended to receive this lovely meal.<br/><br/>The Dark Valkyrie eyed the ingredients her queen kept tossing inside the cauldron.  There were horns covered in slime, unknown roots, Sin Crystals, some fruits, and slabs of... is that Sinner meat?! The Dark Valkyrie shivered in horror.  What does the God of Sin eat exactly?  She swallowed a dry gulp of air, knowing that her life was on the line should she say anything not to Eve's liking.<br/><br/><span style="color: #8080FF">"So, what are you here for? You know I don't like being disturbed when in the middle of something."</span><br/><br/>The question jolted the Dark Valkyrie back to her senses.  It would seem her life was still on the line any way she looked at it for having disturbed her queen in such a.. tender moment?  Regardless, the report needed to be passed on.  Bracing herself, the Dark Valkyrie knelt behind her queen.<br/><br/>"Our Reapers have almost finished setting up the passage in Lindela. It should be ready in a few days time."<br/><br/>Eve did not respond immediately.  Her lord was the dominant thought in her mind.  While she had initially planned to strike at Lindela sooner, her priorities changed upon seeing how weakened her lord had become.  His recovery is of the utmost priority at the moment.  The Light infested bastards can have the time they would spare them; not that it would change the outcome now that her lord has been revived.  They can wallow in their last moments for a while longer.  After all, it is always enthralling to shatter a false sense of comfort.<br/><br/><span style="color: #8080FF">"Have them continue their pace but make sure that the passage is never found.  We will strike way behind schedule."</span>