A/N Hey guys. Sorry for slacking on the updates for so long. I had to deal with a few things before my big move-out to Boston. Any who, here's the next chapter to you all.


Third Person View

Yuri arrived with the caravan to Heliord before night fell. Once they entered the city, Leeroy parked it at the Fortunes Market's base of operations. Yuri and Leeroy then turned over to the inn to reserve a room for the night until they leave the next morning; they both shared the tab.

Yuri and Leeroy separated for the time being. While Leeroy got his supplies together Yuri decided to stroll around town to see what has been going on in town. After searching for a while he found nothing of interest, so he decided on going back to the inn to turn in for the day. However when he started walking across the bridge that leads to the inn, he saw two people he wouldn't expect to run into. He ducked down to remain unnoticed.

Rita and Estelle were walking out the inn and strolled away from Yuri's position. Yuri exhaled his held breath in relief that he didn't run into them this time around. "That…was close." Yuri sighed, rose up to sneak his way to the inn, and head inside his room. He sat on his bed and fell back. "Man, so much for luck."

Yuri looked up to the ceiling in a trance. After a few minutes, he turns on his side. If I do go down this path, I can't go back. Yuri began thinking in his head. I would have to avoid everyone so they don't get dragged down with me. Yuri turned back on his back and smiled. It doesn't matter. This is for the best, even if it's not for me.

Yuri's attention got grabbed again by the door's lock clicking off. Leeroy entered the room. "Hey. What's going on?" Leeroy walked in and closed the door behind him. He had a loaf of bread in his hand and he threw it in Yuri's direction.

Yuri sat up and caught it. "Just relaxing before I turn in for the night." Yuri took a bite out of the bread.

"Well. The caravan is finished packing. We can leave first thing in the morning." Leeroy told Yuri.

"Great." Yuri finished off the rest of his bread and leaned back on his bed. "I'm going to go ahead and catch some Z's. What about you?"

"I came here to grab a few items." Leeroy walked over to his bed and pulled out several of his belongings and placed it in his bag. "I will be paying my friend a visit. I'll be back in a few hours." Leeroy says as he walks over to the door and reopens it. "I'll see you later." Leeroy walks out and closes the door behind him while Yuri took his time in getting to sleep. As he sleeps, he dreams of a memory he had with Raven not too long after the Adephagos' defeat.


Flashback

In the bar where the Blood Alliance used to be in Dahngrest; Yuri sat on a bench in the second floor balcony. His view shows the distant plains and forests in front of him; a rather pleasing sight. Yuri sat there for a while until Raven came up the stairs and strolls over to Yuri's side. Yuri gestures Raven to sit, but Raven declines.

"Nice to see you're doing alright." Raven notes. "Seems you got a lot on your mind though."

"Nah, I'm just chilling out for a bit." Yuri assures as he leans back a bit more. Raven glares at Yuri a bit since he didn't believe Yuri's statement. Yuri sighs and continues. "Ok you got me." Yuri got up on his feet and walks over to the railing He stos and leans over it a bit. "Yeah I am a little off right now."

"Why's that?" Raven questions. "It's been several months since the Adephagos got wiped out, Blastia is practically abolished, and the world is at peace now."

"We saved the world Raven." Yuri says to him as he pushes himself back up. "But that's all we did, we saved the world, not society." Raven remains quiet for a few minutes to let Yuri explain what he means. Yuri turns around to make eye contact with Raven. "After we had beaten Duke and the Adephagos we hoped that the world can turn a new leaf with a new set of rules to play by." Yuri sighs. "However, all we did was change the circumstance. The game is still the same."

"You mean that since we changed the scenario that the corrupt found a way to change their methods just to continue their villainous ways." Raven summarized. "I can see why you're tense about this. You haven't been going lone wolf on us though, have you?"

"To answer honestly to you only, I think there may be a time when I have to." Yuri admitted. "Duke is right about one thing, we will constantly make the same mistakes over and over again if we don't learn."

"Well I know there are three ways to learn a lesson. The easy way, the hard way, or not at all." Raven smirks at his own thought. "Most people learn the hard way. Sadly, there are some cases where it's never learned."

"Like Cumore and Ragou." Yuri emphasizes.

"Yeah." Raven exhales; feeling uncomfortable by Yuri bringing them up.

"I know you and the rest had disapproved of my actions before but-"

"I know where this is going." Raven interrupted. "I don't blame you either. The group was an axe crazy amazon, A child scientist, a boy who wished to be brave and the best boss he could be, an old man, a snarky knight dropout-" Yuri smirks at his title. "And an oblivious princess. Out of everyone, I think only the two of us really know how the world turns. I would include Flynn but that's a given."

"Speaking of Flynn, the knights have been having a hard time in dealing with the uprisings of crime here and there." Yuri mentions to change the subject for the moment. "What happened?"

"How should I know?" Raven shot back.

"Because you pay frequent visits to Zaphias more times than I do."

"You got me there." Raven submits. "Yeah, things in Zaphias have gone pretty hectic. The knights don't know exactly what to do anymore. They know something's wrong, but lack any proof to do something about it." Yuri merely sighs at the comment in dissapointment, but also in worry. "Yuri, if you really go lone wolf on us, I won't stop you. Hell, you would be doing the Empire, if not the world, a favor before we start to really tear ourselves apart. I have to admit this; the world really needs to get mopped up and the empire can't touch those who know how to play by their rules." Raven turns away to leave, but stops at the door to leave one last remark. "But if you do go lone wolf on us, we may have to cut relations."

"I know." Yuri moaned. The thought that he may never interact with his friends pained him; which is also what has been holding him back from going around his own way in the first place. "I would be branded as a criminal and I don't want you to drag you all down with me."

"At the very least, if you have any more concerns-"

"I'll find you." Yuri said. "Or you'll find me. You always have a nack for appearing when you are needed the most…and Vice Versa."

"Ouch." Raven pouts as he opens the door. "I have to go back to the union to finish off a report I got to do. See you around." He leaves that moment; feeling that there is no other reason for continuing the conversation. "You're secret is safe with me." Raven muttered to himself while he walks down the stairs.

End Flashback


The Next Day

Yuri got out of bed and stretched out the tiredness. He looked to his side to see that Leeroy had already left to the guild base since his bed is already made. Early bird huh? Yuri shrugs off the tiredness and walks out the inn moments later. He strolls around town; getting himself re-energized for the rest of the day.

"Yuri!" Estelle's voice is heard from behind Yuri. Thinking fast to avoid confrontation, Yuri casually walks into an alley to avoid Estelle. Once he is out of sight, he bolted over a ten foot brick divider by leaping to the side of the wall and over the ledge. He did it swiftly and silently. There he made his escape.

Estelle walked over to the alley where Yuri disappeared into. She became perplexed as to why Yuri would run off like that. When Estelle entered the area Yuri was already out of sight from her. "Yuri?" Estelle became confused. "I know I saw him. Where did he go?"

"Estelle!" Rita's voiced calls out in concern. "Where are you!"

Estelle walks out the alley and towards Rita's location at the city square. "I'm here."

"Where did you run off to?" Rita asks sounding rather irritated.

"I'm sorry." Estelle apologizes. "I saw Yuri nearby and ran after him, but then he suddenly disappeared."

"What are you talking about? Yuri is with Judith doing another job nearby Dahngrest." Rita explains. "They wouldn't be here right now."

"B-But I-"

"Take it easy Estelle." Rita said to calm the flustered Estelle. "Maybe you mistook someone else for Yuri."

"But who do you know that can pull off Yuri's looks." Estelle emphasizes.

"…Point taken." Rita sighs. "Whatever the case, we got to head to Torim Harbor so I can go back to Halure, not to mention you have to return to the capital."

"I know." Estelle pouts. "I suppose it was only my imagination." With that said and done; they both walk towards the opposite end of town and on the path to Halure.

Unknowing to them; Yuri is hiding away in the shadows. He was listening in on their conversation since he almost got caught by Estelle. He sighs in relief since now they don't suspect him of being in town. "That was too close. I should be a little more discreet now that I am…" Yuri pauses on his last few words. "Sorry Estelle." Yuri groaned; feeling a bit nauseated over the thoughts that swarms around in his head. "I never thought it could be this hard." Yuri walks out of the shadows and out into the street.

He made his way past the crowd and towards the other end of town where he met up with Leeroy. His caravan is ready to leave now; all Leeroy needs is his companion. "You ready?" Leeroy asks as he sat at the front of the caravan. Yuri nods and jumped in the back. With a whiplash or Leeroy's rope, the horses began to move forward to their next destination; Dahngrest.


Torim Harbor

It was only a few hours after Estelle and Rita left Heliord that they made it to Torim Harbor since they both got a ride from the knights. Both of them searched around town to see the streets bustling like crazy with knights and other guild members. Feeling curious, although on Estelle's part then Rita's, the two females started to investigate the situation, but before that they had to go to the inn and reserve a room. Once they did, they separated with each other to cover more ground.

Rita, knowing that it would probably be the best place to start, headed over to Fortunes Market's headquarters. When Rita walked in, she immediately saw Kaufman at her desk shifting through a series of important documents. "Hey." Rita said plainly to grab Kaufman's attention.

"Hmm?" Kaufman looked up to see Rita. "Oh! What do you need Rita?" Kaufman asks in a friendly manner. She then stands up and walks over to Rita. "I'm not usually prone to unscheduled meetings, but I will make an exception for you this time."

"Well when Estelle and I came into town we saw a lot of commotion." Rita began to explain. "Estelle, being Estelle, wanted to know what was happening. Do you know of anything?"

"Oh yeah. Once of my employees apparently got ambushed by some bandits before." Kaufman began to answer. "Someone came around and killed the bandits before they could do real damage to my underling though. Sadly we don't know who saved him, but the knights are rather edgy about this."

"Why is that?" Rita inquired.

"Apparently there is some sought of vigilante roaming around and they thought he may be connected to all this. So of course the empire would be acting up on this." Kaufman sighed in disappointment before continuing. "Honestly, they should be worried about the crime rate that's going up than chasing a vigilante. It's bad for my business if all my employees are getting killed off. That vigilante has been doing me indirect favors. Kind of wish I could meet him."

"Vigilante…" Rita fell deep in thought after Kaufman's explanation. "I see. Thanks for the heads up."

"No problem. Now if you would excuse me I got work to do."

"Sure thing." Rita said her farewells and left the premises. She then met up with Estelle by the pier where their boat would be parked. "You find anything?"

"No, not much." Estelle pouted.

"Well I did." Rita smirked. "Some kind of merchant got jumped and then he got saved by a vigilante that the knights are after."

"I see. Then I suppose the vigilante isn't here if the knights aren't mobilizing as much as they should." Estelle deducted. "If someone like that is running around. The knights would be scattering around like crazy."

"Hmm."

"Rita?" Estelle became concerned.

"It's nothing." Rita shook off. "Anyway, let's turn in for the day and get some rest. Tomorrow"


Somewhere on route to Dahngrest

The caravan is only a few miles away from the city and night has almost fallen. Yuri and Leeroy were tired after such a long non-stop ride. Yuri still had energy as he performed a series of exercises in the back of the caravan. He didn't want to get jumped by unexpected company. Leeroy yawned, but then stopped the caravan sharply as they come across a road block built by the knights.

"Halt!" One knight called out as he stepped forward. "What is your business?"

Yuri immediately walked over to peak his head out the side to see what is going on. There he saw the knight's barricade. Yuri then lowers his head to meet the Knight's helmet. "Just passing by to Dahngrest."

"Here." Leeroy hands the knight a sheet of paper.

The knight scans it for a moment and hands it back. "Very well, you may pass." The knight turns to the others that are standing by and motions his hand as a command. The knights moved out of the road and allowed Yuri and Leeroy to pass by.

"What was that about?" Yuri questioned as they grew further from the barricade.

"Beats the hell out of me." A familiar voice is heard inside the caravan. Leeroy immediately pull the rope to pull a sharp stop. The sudden stop caused the unknown man to come tumbling forward towards the front and lands next to Yuri in a tumbling roll. With the purple jacket and the bottle of scotch attached to his belt, Yuri knew that it is Raven. "Ow, what was that all about?" Raven asks as he sits up.

"Keep going." Yuri waves to raven. "He's a friend of mine. He has a tendency to appear when he feels like it."


Bridge to Dahngrest

"Well, here we are." Leeroy said as they arrived at the entrance to the city. Yuri and Raven jumped out the back of the caravan and walked to the front. "It's been a pleasure to ride with you."

"Likewise." Yuri said. "You heading to the Union right?" Leeroy nods. "Well, keep yourself safe ok?"

"I will." Leeroy nods again. "Thanks for helping me earlier." Leeroy whiplashes the rope and drives away; leaving Yuri and Raven by themselves.

Yuri began walkin gacross the bridge with raven by his side into town, but he stops halfway to talk to raven. "So what are you up to?" Yuri asks. "You usually have something important to tell me if you appear out of nowhere. At least you were nice enough to stay quiet until Leeroy left, but that just makes me more uneasy to what i might hear."

"Nah, I just saw ya and decided lonely old raven here could use some company." Raven jokes.

"Funny." Yuri sighs. "Come on now. I think you would have a better reason than that." Yuri hit the spot with that statement as Raven's demeanor got serious after that once his cheery side drops. "I take it that I am right?"

"I heard about what happened at Torim Harbor. News travels fast you see" Raven mentions. "And you were supposed to be heading back here via Ba'ul." Yuri drops his smile as the conversation continues. "No one knows it's you, but I can tell that you made your decision."

"So you are going to try and stop me?" Yuri turns to Raven with a resolute look.

Raven drops his shoulders and sighs; as if surrendering. "No, you made your choice. I can't stop you from that. But can you at least tell me why you started?"

"At the moment it's not that right time." Yuri drops his shoulders as well as the tension leaves his body. "I need to speak with Karol." Yuri makes to walk away.

"No need." Raven says which stops Yuri in his tracks. Yuri turns to face Raven again with one eyebrow raised. "I left a note about your resignation." Yuri is rather shocked by Raven's words. He shakes it off and continues listening. "I already knew it would come to this after I started hearing news of a vigilante running around. The only person I can think of in those shoes is you.; although i don't think the others will pick up on it." Raven walks over to the side of the bridge; Yuri following from behind.

"Why help me out?" Yuri asks. "Even if you are accepting to what I am doing, I didn't think you would go out of your way and help support it."

"I'm joining you in this." Raven said to Yuri bluntly with a straight look on his face. The look threw Yuri off on what Raven is thinking right now.

"Excuse me?" Yuri became very confused. "What do you mean by you joining me?"

"Simple. I am going to be working with you." Raven explains very simply. Yuri, bieng completly disorganized in his mind about this situation, pushes further.

"You do realize what you are getting yourself into right?" Yuri inquires. "I would be branded as a criminal-"

"And will never return to society. I know." Raven finishes the statement; knowing full well the path Yuri is set on. "But going alone on this is very hard. As your friend, and possibly only supporter, I would walk beside you where no one else would go." Raven smiles a bit.

Yuri at first became conflicted by Raven's proposition. After a few thoughts shuffle though Yuri's head, he eventually gives in. Yuri exhales his held breath and replies. "Alright, I submit. I surely hope you know what you are doing."

"GREAT!" Raven says cheerfully as he performs several back flips with rapid succession. "All we need to do is skip town, give you a new identity, and its hunting season for demons in human skin!" Raven's cheerful demeanor, plus more backflips, got the better of Yuri as he starts laughing. "What? What did I say?"

"Everything right." Yuri chuckles and contains his laughter moments after. "And everything wrong."

"Hey. I try."

"That you do." Yuri smirks at his friend. Both decided to stand on the bridge for a little while longer. Later, when night fell, they both made to leave town altogether. "So much for talking with Karol." Yuri sighs with a smile as he and Raven reach the other end of the bridge.

"Eh, he'll understand." Raven assures. "Although he just knows that you quit, not going on a hunting spree."

Yuri chuckles at the comment, but the laughter died out quickly. "I should still confirm with him that I'm actually quitting. If you turned in my resignation he might just think you're up to another one of your antics."

"Hey," Raven seems rather offended.

"Anyway I'll be right back," Yuri told the Altosk Guild member and headed off towards the pub. When Yuri walked inside the official Altosk resturant he found Karol sitting at a table by himself diving head first into a rather large sandwich. Yuri sat down in front of him without him noticing. "Sure you can finish that? That thing's bigger than you are."

Karol is shocked to see the long haired swordsman. "Y-Yuri!" Karol pratically jumped out of his seat in shock and drops his sandwich on the floor. However, the sandwich is teh furthest thing from his mind now that Yuri is here in front of him. "Wh-what are you…it's not true is it? You're not really quitting are you? Raven's just being an idiot like usual right?"

By Karol's reaction, Yuri immediately knew that Karol got the letter from Raven. "Yeah i know it's a bit sudden, but i need some time on my own now." Yuri said as smoothly as possible to try and swing by this conversation.

"What? But why?" Karol is rather upset, which is understandable. Yuri is like a role model to him and a co-guild founder.

"Well i could just say that you'll understand when you get older." Yuri joked, although he was partly serious when he said that.

"That's not funny," Karol glared. There was a brief pause before the young guild leader continued. "This isn't like you Yuri. If there's a problem tell us. That's what Brave Vesperia was built for. All for the guild and the guild for all." Karol repeated their creed; which kind of bothered Yuri a bit now that he remebers those words.

All for the guild and the guild for all...Yuri took a moment to register the thought completly before exhaling a breath. "I know, but there are some things that can't be resolved by unity. I guess you can say that now, after all this time, I found out that I am still searching for myself."

"But, but that's not fair. You can't just leave." Karol continues in his understandable whining. "Brave Vesperia needs you. You can't just quit. I can give you a vacation break if you need it." Karol would do anything to keep Yuri in the guild. He didn't want to see one of his closes friends walk out the door.

"Karol, i'm not leaving and disappearing forever you know." Yuri told the young leader as he pats his head. "I need this Karol. Please understand."

"But why do you have to go so far as to quit the guild?" Karol is insistent on knowing.

"It's because i don't know how long it will take me to find what i am searching for. It may take months, maybe even years," Yuri explains.

Karol finally submits, realizing Yuri's mind is set. "Fine, but when you do come back you owe me one big explanation."

Yuri let his hand drop off Karol's head while he pushes himself up off the table. "Well that settles it then. I'll see you around." Yuri turns around and starts to leave.

Before Yuri got more than five steps Karol realizes he forgot something important. "Oh wait, if you're back now then how'd the last guild mission go? Where's the reward we were promised?"

"Judith took care of it." And without even waiting for a response from Karol, Yuri left the pub. He met Raven back at the bridge; the old man is still doing backflips.

"Took you long enough," Raven said jogging up to Ex-guild member, "Old Raven's joints were starting to get stiff just standing around."

"Nice for you to actually wait for me, but are you reallly serious about this?" Yuri wanted to be certain Raven knew what he was getting into.

"Well, i already gave my answer. No use repeatin myself." Raven said while winking with his left eye.

Yuri just rolled his shoulders and sighed, realizing he wasn't going to shake the old man off. "All right, let's get going then." The two of them heads off out of Dahngrest to the forest in the direction of Heliord.

Unknowing to them, a shadow moves through the forest like a predator stalking its prey. With glowing red eyes it creeps from behind Yuri and Raven, following them to the city of Heliord.


A/N Well, that's a wrap. Sorry for the cliffhanger, i had to leave it here or else there wouldn't be a good place to stop for a while. Anyway. Enjoy until next time.