Stumbling upon a market square, a young lady made her way through the setting. Taking in a deep whiff of the scents, she was filled with nostalgia. Glancing around until she found the same old merchant, she giggled happily. "It's been forever." Just as she made her way to purchase some of the goodies, a hand placed itself on her shoulder. "After all this time, you're still the same old you…" a now, much deeper voice said.

Turning around, she noticed it was her brother. He had a smile on his face, possibly from the exact same reason she did. Shaking his head, he let out a chuckle. "You're still much like a child, Limera."

Shrugging off his hand, she slipped a hand into his pocket, and took his wallet. "Maybe you should just spoil me a bit more." Nodding, the young man called the attention of the merchant. While the two munched on the cookies, the young lady took out a small flier from her knapsack.

"Join the Provisional Army. Make a difference, and show that you have what it takes to protect the lives of others." She read out loud. The young man remembered how she went on and on about this "Provisional Army." for quite sometime. Giving in to her begging, he finally agreed to help her reach her destination.

Sighing, he finally said what was bugging him for awhile. "Are you sure?" Eying him, she was silent. "You want to do this, right? Join them. I….won't be around anymore…" Smiling, the girl turned around and gave him a hug. "You always worry about me. These past few years, I've enjoyed your company."

Closing his eyes just so she wouldn't see the tears forming in his eyes, he kept the persona of the cool, calm person she has known for all her life. "I….guess it's time for you to move on." As much as it pained him to see her leave, this is what she wanted. Just like back then, she had made the same decision. "There's no stopping you when you put your mind to it, y'know?" Placing a hand against his cheek, she give it a gentle pinch. "You're so silly. I'm doing this all to show you what I'm capable of. I've already had the chance to prove myself."

Refusing to talk, he gave her a smile filled with pain, but as soon as it appeared, it was gone. "Let's get going." He said. While on the path to where one of the sites of the army was held, the young lady kept looking at the corner of her. There was a shadowy figure following them around, but his presence didn't feel familiar. Whoever he was, she would confront him when given the chance.

Rouche seemed almost too calm. She was sure he would be fully aware of this stalker, but he just seemed….oblivious. Just when she was about to ask him, he took a detour into a dark alleyway. Squinting, Limera finally saw that he picked up the pace. He certainly knew someone was on their tail. Footsteps were heard echoing as the two made their way deeper and deeper into the dimly lit passage.

The next thing that happened seemed almost like a blur. Immediately being pushed onto the wall by her brother, he turned around sharply. His hand outstretched, a bright flash illuminated the alley, momentarily blinding their pursuer. Using this opportunity, the young man grabbed ahold of his dagger and lunged at them. Their recovery was much faster than he anticipated.

Dodging his attack effortlessly, he held one of the boy's arms painfully behind his back while pressing a blade against his throat. "I'm surprised." The voice now identified as male. "I thought she was the only one who knew of my presence." Letting him go, Rouche felt the pain in his arm; hugging it tightly.

Making his way to the girl, she didn't have enough time to cast any spells before he put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. It felt….just like Rhein's. "DON'T YOU DARE HURT HER!" He glared. The man laughed at the injured sibling's threat. "Please, do not fret. I was just telling her that you two needn't about me." He stated. " I am...but a friend." Limera looked at him strangely and mumbled, "A….mask? Why are you wearing that?"

Neither of the two could read his expression, but they could sense it was one of amusement. "I need to be kept hidden." Making his way back into the shadows, he waved goodbye. "If we meet again, I'll show you who I really am."


Making their way out of the alley, the boy sighed. "After all this time, I still can't protect you against everything." Shaking her head, she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "He was obviously more experienced than either of us." Seeing that her convincing wasn't working, she tried again. "Maybe he was a spy! And spies are trained to be strong!" Hearing his laughter, Limera knew it was working. "Yeah. All we've done is read mother's small collection of spells you were able to gather." He said.

Nodding, she continued. "And no one's around to teach you how to actually use a sword!" The truth hurt his pride a bit. "I-I know." The next few minutes were spent reminiscing about their many adventures over the last few years.

When they finally got to the entrance of the Provisional Army's headquarters, they were redirected. Something about them being the children of hero's or what not. The young man didn't mind, but his sister let out a low growl. "I don't deserve special treatment. I want to prove myself!" Petting his sister, she eventually calmed down. Now he was ready to start off another conversation. "Just what do you think this "Randall Guard." is for?" The girl crossed her arms and puffed out her chest. "It's probably something cowards thought of." Ignoring her behavior, he continued on the trail.

Soon the siblings were taking a much needed break from traveling. Flipping through a recently bought book of some archaic nature, the girl stumbled upon some advanced fire magic. "Hey, hey brother!" She ran to his side, where he was resting near a tree. Opening an eye, he asked her what she had to show when she suddenly shoved the book in his hands. "Qua….Quadraft Ankh?" Giggling, she took the book from him. "With this, I'll become the strongest around!"

Her optimism was staggering. With every word she spoke, it only convinced him more that she truly has changed. A wave of sadness washed over him, and he pulled her in tightly. The girl didn't object to it, she only wrapped her arms around him; nuzzling his chest like she was a child again. "Brother, please don't be sad." Her voice quivered, on the verge of tears. "You know I don't like it when you're upset."

Shaking, he finally let the tears roll. The one person who he spent all his life with, was now going to leave him. They stayed that way for hours, until the two eventually fell asleep. Her warming embrace was enough to make him forget about the pain. That night, he dreamed of their childhood. So carefree….how he wish those days could return.


A/N: So after being gone for awhile, I think it's about time I posted the 4th chapter to this story. It will pick up from here. More characters will be introduced. Again, a review or whatnot would be very appreciated. Remember; it's the readers who motivate the writer. Lots of love to those who like the story!