Hyuga was busy writing a response to the inter-cathedral mail he just received when Fiona walked over to his desk in the corner. She was getting acquainted with the squad as told and this man was the last on her list. She stood a polite distance behind Hyuga, just close enough for someone to know she's there but not close enough to pry on his work. When several seconds passed without a response, Fiona cleared her throat once; it didn't work. She tried it again, twice this time and plastered an easy smile on her lips, anticipating the other would turn. Futile. She was just about to open her mouth to say something but Hyuga stopped her with his own set of words.<br/><br/>"You can call me Hyuga or Hyu. We'll get along just fine if you stay quiet." he said nonchalantly and rose from his seat, slipping the response inside the inter-cathedral mailbox and flipping the indicator flag up. He then started on his way out of the quarters when Georg stopped him.<br/><br/>"Oi Hyu! Don't be rude. She's just trying to get to know you." Georg protested his actions.<br/><br/>Hyuga glared at him. "Well I'm sorry Lieutenant, I just have a lot on my mind right now and enjoying pleasantries isn't one of them. I'll be gone a few hours." he informed the man and stepped to the side then out of the squad quarters.<br/><br/>Natalia walked over to Fiona and pulled the other knight with her, an apologetic look evident on her features. "Sorry, we've been through a lot in Palaugrim. He's been like that since we returned." she said with a wry smile. Truth be told, she was having troubles too with nobody to listen to them. "Come on, I'll show you your knight locker." she offered.<br/><br/>When the two disappeared to the backroom of the squad quarters, Alfrei made his way to one of the supply cabinets and took out a bottle of Suppression Pills. The Vice Captain then opened the less used equipment vault and took out a disguise kit. His actions caught the attention of the remaining knights.<br/><br/>"What are you going to do with a disguise kit and Suppression Pills Vice Captain?" Vlad asked, a slightly worried look on his face.<br/><br/>"I'm going to tail Hyuga. He's been acting strange. Let's keep it between the four of us for now. Whatever he's hiding, it's more than enough to bother him for nine days now and I think it's something serious. I'm worried about the reason why he couldn't just tell us or the Captain." he told the others and popped two pills, packing another two in his pouch. "If anyone looks for me, tell them I had errands to run for the Captain." he said and began disguising himself as a merchant.<br/><br/>The other knights agreed and simply nodded. Their squad is clearly still suffering from Palaugrim's fatigue.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________________</div><br/><br/>Hyuga made his way out of the Grand Cathedral and mounted his steed. He had given specific instructions on how to get to his small hometown of Xedia in his response. It wasn't far from the Grand Cathedral and was just beyond the overlooking cliff, a thirty-minute trek on horseback. Hyuga had mixed feelings about this. He felt bad that what he was about to be discussing isn't with his own Captain but actually felt relieved that this matter won't add to what was already on his Captain's plate. He could just hope that discussing this with the other Seraph was the right choice.<br/><br/>The man also brought with him the fruits of his research about the Crystals. He may have found the way the enemy were using these plants and it would have been nice if he could work on a counter-agent. For that, he would need a Seraph's approval for testing on live subjects, preferably tainted ones. With confusion in his mind and a heavy heart, Hyuga rode to his hometown as fast as he could. He didn't want to have to make Master Lethe and Vice Captain Adair wait too long. Unknown to him, a cloaked figure was hot on his trail, using trees and terrain for cover.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________________</div><br/><br/>Guilford made his way to the stables and asked the stable master to ready his horse. As the man hurried to comply, a flapping and cooing of a bird hovering above him snatched the Seraph's attention. One look and he knew it was a Rosenwulf pigeon; it was hard to miss the colored streak these birds have from their beak up to the back of their eyes. These birds weren't specially bred or anything, they were just highly trained to only deliver messages for the Rosenwulf family. The golden streaks this one had immediately told Guilford it was from his mother, Karrie. The bird made itself comfortable on Guilford's shoulder, pecking lightly on his cheek. A surprised Seraph could only assume it was another neat trick his mother taught this one.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Ever the impatient one."</span>he sighed after reading the message. A quick scribble on a piece of paper and Guilford tucked the message to the bird's leg holster.<span style="color: #0080FF">"You go tell her I'll be in time for dinner."</span>he said and watched the bird fly and speed away to the direction of his home town Rosetta.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"Master Guilford, your horse."</span>said the stable master who brought with him Thunder, Guilford's favorite thoroughbred.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Thank you."</span>Guilford replied and moved to the pack strapped to the side of his horse. He took out a cloak and donned it, earning a mystified look from the stable master. "Avoiding public attention Master Guilford?" the man asked with a smile. Guilford chuckled and nodded.<span style="color: #0080FF">"I'm heading out to Rosetta. I can't let myself be stopped by the people if I want to make it in time for dinner."</span><br/><br/>"Aye. Safe travels to you Master Guilford."<br/><br/>The Seraph mounted his steed and nodded at the stable master.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Thanks for always taking care of Thunder for me. I'll get you a Rosetta's Finest in return."</span>The stable master smiled, "I look forward to it." and waved as he watched the Seraph ride out of the Cathedral grounds.<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;">Gless - Rosetta, Guilford's Home Town</div></span></span><br/><br/><br/>It was nearly dusk when Guilford found himself along a familiar trail. Realizing he still had a little time, Guilford slowed down his horse to an easy trot to take in the scenery. It felt like an eternity since he was last here. Pulling his hood down, Guilford breathed in Rosetta's air. It had a faint flowery scent to it, probably from the meadows to his left. Although he knew that this wasn't the original Rosetta anymore, his family gave it their all to still make it look and feel like their old hometown. Guilford looked to the right, knowing that he would see the pond that Rosetta's people worked so hard to create. Though they could never get it to look like the one when Rosetta was still in the surface, it was enough to keep the memories alive.<br/><br/>As he rode in further, Guilford finally saw the oak tree. It wasn't the same one of course but there should be an oak tree there just before the town's entrance. Much to his surprise, this oak tree now had a tree house. Now it definitely felt like it was that same tree. Smiling to himself, Guilford hurried to town. He was again surprised at how the town looked. It would seem like the people were preparing for a festival by the looks of it. Being the only one who rode into town, the townsfolk immediately noticed him and their faces fell into glee.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"Lord Guilford! Lady Karrie said you were coming home!"<br/>"Welcome home Lord Guilford!"<br/>"We're glad you're back!"<br/>"Hurry up with the preparations! Lord Guilford is already here!"<br/>"Somebody head to the Rosenwulf Manor and tell Lady Karrie and Lord Rannulf."</span><br/><br/>It felt refreshing that nobody addressed him like he was a Seraph here but it would even be nicer if they could drop the formalities. Still, that one he had no control over. Despite his protests to be simply called Gil, his lineage simply wouldn't allow that to happen, especially when his family name was well-liked.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Please. There's no need for a festivity because of my arrival. And how many times have I told you to just call me Gil."</span>he complained after getting off his steed. The people gathered around, eager to be of service to him. One already took charge of leading Thunder to the stables and the others were already taking off his cloak. "You better just give up Lord Guilford. We like you so much to even think of being rude to you or your family." they chuckled. Guilford simply sighed and allowed himself to be pampered by Rosetta's people. He figured it was the least he could do since they haven't seen him in years.<br/><br/>Moments later, Guilford caught a pair elegantly striding down the path to the town square. From a distance he could see the sapphire blue hair of his mother dancing with the breeze. His father had his usual gentle smile and proud stature as they made their way towards him. When they were but a few paces away from each other, amethyst eyes gazed over him, a loving smile and open arms followed waiting for him to come closer. It was embarrassing in front of all these people but... oh well! Guilford walked into the arms of his mother and wrapped his own around her. He instantly remembered her scent like that of flowers. He was really home.<span style="color: #0080FF">"I'm home."</span>he whispered. "Welcome back..." she sobbed. "I missed you so much!"<br/><br/>She wasn't letting go. Guilford was beginning to feel awkward knowing a lot of people are watching them.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Uh... mother, you can let go now. It's beginning to feel emba--"</span>Before he could even finish the word, he was cut off by his father. "Gil! You have been gone for years and you feel embarrassed having your mother show her love for you? Take it like a man and let her treat you like a baby."<br/><br/>Guilford sighed. As if the public display was not enough shame already, he also got schooled in front of the people! If there was one thing he was thankful for, it was that his squad or other knights weren't here to witness a twenty-eight year old Seraph getting owned by parental love and lecture.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Okay, up you go."</span>he finally resigned and lifted his mother in his arms. "Oh!" she startled. "My son has grown quite strong." she continued and cuddled in his chest.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Let's go home shall we? I'm sure the people here still have a lot to do."</span>He could hear his father's playful laughter behind him but Gil knew that it was his father's way of dealing with his wife's tantrums, using his own son as an ace.<br/><br/>The night began with the town celebrating his return. There were a lot of presentations in the form of dancing, games, and even impersonations. Guilford laughed at one of the townsfolk who impersonated him. He was just too stiff to be true! Or wait... was he always like that? The thought lingered in his mind remembering the times when he would get teased in Abel's squad for being too uptight. Regardless, it felt good to be home. The night drew to a close with a speech from his father, thanking the Light, the townsfolk and for his son's safe return. About half an hour later and they were finally in the Rosenwulf Manor.<br/><br/>Guilford was out in the balcony with his father, staring at the vastness of Gless when he heard his mother's voice from behind. "Would you like some coffee Gil? I can make you some." she offered with a warm smile. He was about to decline but recalled his father's words after a sharp glare from the other man. He knew his mother was very fond of him and would be upset even at the slightest rejection from him. "Yes please. Thank you mother." he helplessly said, even knowing his stomach was still full.<br/><br/>"Forgive your mother Gil. Karrie just missed you so much." his father said, joining him at the side. "I know it's hard being a Seraph so I don't complain much about your absence but it would be nice if you can come home more often." his father continued. He missed his son too but knew the duties the man was bound to. "After all, you're our only son. I'm sure you know how worried she can get if she hears about your stunts." Rannulf added.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Stunts? You mean you know what I've been doing?"</span>Guilford asked in surprise. Rannulf nodded. "For the most part yes, we're not an influential family for nothing. I also know that you're butting heads with the High Council these days. What do you think you're doing Gil? The High Council isn't exactly what you should be focusing on."<br/><br/>Guilford bowed his head, feeling a little shame.<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #0080FF">To rid this world of the twisted shackles of faith</span></span>, he recalled his words, pulling a hand up to brush away some loose strands of his hair.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Father, what do you think of the current teachings?"</span>he asked, finally mustering the courage to talk about his vision. Rannulf's eyes widened at his son's query but immediately fell back into their usual calm gaze.<br/><br/>"Are you thinking of changing this world Gil?" he asked back, receiving a determined nod from his son. "It's not an easy path. With the current teachings, the people were led to believe that this world can exist with Light alone." he trailed and gazed to the sky. "The truth though is much like what we see every day, this world revolves around day and night, similar to light and dark. The current teachings forces the people to only look at the day, forever ignoring the night."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"And this is why I feel like we are chained."</span><br/><br/>Rannulf chuckled after hearing his son's comment. "It does feel like that somehow doesn't it? Like this world of Light is missing something."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Freedom. That's what we're missing father. The revised teachings feel like a control system to me. My stay in Palaugrim made me realize that."</span>he paused, clenching both hands to fists.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Some people in Palaugrim think that our way of life is wrong, that our path is twisted. I tried looking at it from their point of view and I can't help but feel inclined to agree. And at the same time, there are people there who were just fine living with the Light and Sin. I think the way Gless and Lindela have been brought to the Light, forces the people to live in fear of Sin, thus making them generally weaker against it."</span><br/><br/>Rannulf placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "My son, you are not entirely wrong. What I will tell you is a passage from a very old Scroll of the Pure in our family's possession. It goes like this: 'The more a person fears Sin, the more that person is susceptible to it'. Yet you best be careful with who you talk to about your ideals son. Not many will see the world you want to see and will consider your words blasphemous."<br/><br/>Guilford lightly chuckled.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Blasphemous? Yeah, I probably already have four old men who think that way about me. Blasphemy is a Sin, yet if I was spouting blasphemy, I wouldn't be able to stand inside the High Council Chambers. I wish they would realize that."</span><br/><br/>Rannulf almost laughed his heart out. The High Council never did try to look for other solutions against Sin after the First War. They were the ones who feared it the most and came up with the idea of eliminating it from the root, which was even more ridiculous knowing about Sin's origin. Man welcomed it in their hearts, it should also be man that fights it in their hearts with the Light's guidance and not their control.<br/><br/>Their conversation came to an abrupt end when Karrie came back with two cups of coffee for the two men of her life. The family of three laughed as they shared the late evening under the beauty of the stars, recalling Gil's childhood memories.