SPOILERS for all of Trails in the Sky and Trails of Cold Steel 1 and 2
Setting the Stage
Chapter 1
Following the event in the Old Schoolhouse, when Rean Schwarzer and Crow Armbrust faced off against Ol-Gadia, that mysterious mechanical knight, certain things went into motion. Crow and Patrick Hyarms agreed to keep the knowledge of Rean's strange power to themselves, but it turned out that they weren't the only ones to notice that power…
Middle of the Night, Thors Main Building, Teacher's Office:
In the dead of night, one staff member was up and alone in the teacher's room. His name was Thomas Lysander, an instructor known at the academy as a lover of history but more than a little dense in general. He was using an advanced orbal phone, and was speaking with someone in a hushed tone.
The person on the other line laughs to himself, and says "Man oh man… A stigma really awakened down at your fancy academy?" Thomas sighs and says "It is as I said… It happened less than an hour ago, and although I can narrow it down a bit, I still do not know who in particular it was." The other person pauses, and says "So, you'll need me to head on down there, huh? I wasn't planin' on going to Erebonia of all places, but maybe it'll be a fun time?" Thomas laughs, and says "You're as perceptive as ever! When you make it here, we'll need to have some beers to catch up!" The other person laughs a bit more nervously, and says "Umm… We'll see… I'll make my way down as soon as I can."
After Thomas ends the call, he looks up at the sky, and wonders just what in the world was happening, if a stigma could be showing itself at the very academy that he has worked at for years…
Same Time, Skies Above The Holy City of Arteria, Inside a Merkabah Airship
The other person breathes a deep sigh, as a pink haired nun approaches, and says "So, what are our orders, sir?" The man, a green haired individual garbed in a priestly attire, grins and says "Well, Ries… We're headin' down to Erebonia!" Ries smiles, and says "Erebonia, Kevin? I hope we have a chance to sample some of their cuisine…" Kevin laughs, and says "If we get the time, maybe…" Then, he turns to his crew, and announces, saying "We'll make for Trista, Erebonia immediately! Ries and I will be dropped off on the outskirts of the town, and you will all standby back in Arteria. Understood?" His crew all shout, saying "Understood!" After that, one crew member turns to another, and says "I've never seen Father Kevin act so serious…" The other laughs, and says "Yeah, it was kinda weird…"
Kevin rolls his eyes, and says "Hey! I can be responsible when I have to…"
The Next Day, Trista, Erebonia
Kevin and Ries approach the entrance to the town of Trista, and as they take in the scenery, Kevin says "You remember our cover, right Ries?" Ries nods, and says "I'm not inexperienced, Kevin… We're acting as a traveling pair of clergy, you as the priest and me as the sister. We were asked to assist the local church with Thors and Trista as a whole." Then, she pauses and adds, saying "By the way, Kevin; I expect us to have a great lunch soon…" Kevin laughs, and says "Of course, Ries. I know where your priorities lie…"
As they walk into town, they are greeted by a young short haired girl, who seemed to be a student. She bows, and says "My name is Rosine! I was asked to show you both around, as I help out at the church as an apprentice, since you will be assisting with our operations…" Kevin laughs, and says "Huh, a student and an apprentice sister? You must be a model that your classmates should aspire to!" Rosine smiles, and says "Thank you for your kind words, Father…"
Then, Ries glares at Kevin, and says "You forgot to make introductions…" Then, she smiles at Rosine, and says "That is Father Kevin, and I'm Ries. I am a sister of the Church, just like what you are aspiring to be…" After that, Kevin grins, and says "Nice to meet-cha, Rosine!"
Following the introductions, Rosine leads the two around Trista, showing them Kirsche's Cafe & Inn, promptingRies to say "I look forward to trying all of their dishes…" After showing them the rest of the town, Rosine leads them into the chapel. But when they enter, she beckons them into a side room, causing Ries to say "I thought I saw the head priest up at the alter…" Rosine nods, and says "That is true, but there is someone else to meet first…"
Kevin smiles, realizing what was going on, as a man heartily laughs, causing Ries to look on with confusion. Then, the man says "Kevin Graham, my old friend! It hasn't been more than a few years, but you look much more mature. And I sure was surprised when you took on Rufina's old moniker." Then, he turns to Ries, as she looks at him suspiciously for knowing about her sister's Gralsritter title, and says "And speaking of that, I never thought I'd get to meet her younger sister! You really do take after her…"
Kevin laughs, and says "Thomas Lysander, 2nd Dominion, The Partitioner. It really has been too long…" Ries quickly gives a respectful bow, and says "I didn't realize I was speaking with the 2nd Dominion. I am Ries Argent, squire to the 5th Dominion, Kevin Graham. Did you know my sister?" Thomas shakes her hand, and says "The pleasure is mine! And Rufina was an excellent negotiator, and an even better friend. And you've both already met my squire, young Rosine here." Kevin hums, and says "So, you're a squire as well… Interesting…" So Rosine nods, and says "Yes! We keep my status hidden, so I can remain at Thors without drawing attention."
So Thomas laughs, and says "Now that introductions are out of the way, how about we have an early lunch and drink! You drink, don't you Kevin? I'll gladly treat the squires for some non-alcoholic beverages, as I would never encourage minors to drink irresponsibly!" Kevin laughs next, and says "You never change, do you Thomas? I hope we'll talk business while we're eating, though?" Thomas nods, and says "Of course! We'll order the food at the café, and eat here, so we'll have some privacy!"
As they walk, Ries whispers to Kevin, saying "Why can't you be so generous with guests…? You barely spend much for your squire…" Kevin rubs his neck, and says "I can't help it Ries! The Church assigned him to be an instructor here, so he essentially gets two salaries for one job! I can't compete with that!"
Midday, Trista Chapel, Erebonia
After everyone had some starting food, and a bit of casual chatting passed, Thomas prepared to explain the current situation. He begins, saying "Last night, there was a strange situation. One of Class VII's siblings got lost, and we were all trying to find her." Kevin interjects, saying "Class VII?" Thomas explains, saying "Class VII is a special class of students from various class backgrounds, to test a new orbment system, called the ARCUS unit. Anyway, near the end of the night, around midnight, I felt the presence of a Stigma, and it felt like it was located in the Old Schoolhouse building. I don't know who exactly went down there at that time, because while Class VII has been conducting monthly investigations, there wasn't a request for them that night."
Kevin thinks for a moment, and then says "So, if it happened during a night when your Class VII, it would have been easier to determine. Do you know who might know about who went into that building?" Thomas answers, saying "I believe Towa Herschel, the student council president,organized the search. I can introduce you both to her a bit later." Kevin then adds, saying "Speaking of that; are there any people we should look out for while we're here?"
Thomas laughs, and says "Well, there is Sara Valestein. She's an instructor here, but she used to be a Bracer, and she is actually the youngest one to reach A-rank. They called her the Purple Lightning." Kevin smiles, and says "I've worked with Bracers in the past, so I can tell how skilled an A-rank one can be. Anyone else?" Thomas thinks, and then says "Well, another one of our instructors, Makarov, was a disciple of Professor G. Schmidt, although he keeps that pretty far under wraps. Ries hums, and says "He was one of the disciples of the famous C. Epstein, right? The same one that the Epstein Foundation was named after, right?" Thomas nods, and says "That's correct. The others are mainly military folk, although Principal Vandyck was pretty well known in the military."
Then, he pauses and says "But, our board of directors are our more varied and notable bunch. First, there is Rufus Albarea, an influential and gifted noble, and is a central figure for the noble faction. Next is Carl Regnitz, the governor of Heimdallr, the Vermillion Capital. He is one of the central figures of the reformist faction, along with the Blood and Iron Chancellor, Giliath Osborne." Kevin interjects, saying "Wow! That is the most divisive pair that I've ever seen. I wonder how they can even make decisions…" Thomas nods, and says "You have a point, but they manage, mostly because of the third member of the board. She is Irina Reinford, the Chairman of the Reinford Company. But the Chairman of the board is an even crazier pick…"
Kevin looks, and says "You've got a bunch of major players, so who could be crazier?" Thomas smiles, and says "The Chairman of the board is none other than His Royal Highness, Prince Olivert Reise Arnor." Kevin merely laughs, and says "Is that so? Seems like things are gettin' interesting!" After that, the lunch continued, as Kevin was glad that they had a solid lead to search for the stigma bearer.
Same Time, Industrial City of Zeiss, Liberl
In the Russell household, the Russell family (+plus Agate) were having a chaotic lunch, as Erika Russell shouts "There's no way my precious little Tita is travelling all the way to Erebonia, and with that brute of all people!" Dan Russell sighs, and says "Come now, honey… This will be a good chance for our daughter to grow. And I can't think of a better person to protect her, than that 'brute'…" Agate sighs next, and says "Geez, you guys are harsh. You know that I'm not thrilled about her going either, right? If that minstrel was accurate, then Erebonia is gonna be a pretty dicey place pretty soon."
Tita frowns, filling up with worry, until Albert Russell chimes in, and says "That may be true, but there are some skilled orbal engineers at Thors Military Academy. And I've heard that they have some ties to the Roer Institute of Technology, which will be a great boon as well!" Dan nods, and says "I think you should take that step, Tita. We'll all miss you, but you'll be one step closer to reaching that 'goal' of yours." Tita lights up, and says "That's right! And Agate, didn't you say you wanted to help the Bracers in Erebonia?"
Agate nods, and says "That is true. The Bracers in Erebonia have all but been driven away, so I might be able to help out, as an experienced A-rank Bracer." Then Erika turns to Agate, and says "If that's the case, then you'd better keep my precious Tita safe, you hear me?" Agate scratches his head, and says "Yeah, I'll make sure of that. You don't need to worry about me."
Then, Dan smiles, and says "Well with that settled, why don't we have a nice lunch? You guys will have a long flight today after all, so you'd better relax while you can!" Tita grins, and says "Okay!" The group then continues their lunch, enjoying their time together before Tita and Agate leave for Thors Military Academy…
End Chapter 1
Notes
Hey everyone! I wanted to try out a new story, as I've had some ideas as I finished Trails in the Sky The 3rd and played through Trails of Cold Steel 1. I at least want to get this first chapter out there, so I can solidify some things.
I'm setting up a bunch of things, and taking some ideas from different games. For example, the part with Tita going to Thors is based on what happens in Cold Steel III, which only just came out. That was an early pre-release piece of info, so it's not a bad spoiler or anything.