Well, I finished up my second playthrough of CS:II and I wanted to write another one. Onto Day 2!

Oh, before I forget, when there's a solid line of italics it means the character's thinking. Otherwise, the italics in the normal font just stand to emphasize.

Broken Images

The morning was quiet.

Rean was the first to really pick up on it, but the lack of noise had everything to do with the fact that Machias and Jusis weren't arguing. At all.

He'd expected at least something petty by now, it was almost unnerving to see them just walk about and prepare silently.

What happened? Machias couldn't have heard the conversation last night. Maybe he just needs coffee?

Rean shook his head and followed Jusis and Machias down to the lobby where Fie and Emma were waiting for them.

"Good morning," Emma greeted.

Rean smiled, "Good morning. You guys sleep well?"

Emma giggled, "Like logs. I was asleep the moment I hit the pillow."

Fie shrugged, "Those things are like marshmallows. I thought it was going to eat me."

Rean chuckled, feeling a bit awkward, when Machias broke his silence.

"I hate to break the atmosphere, but I think we should find out who has our tasks. We have to leave early tomorrow."

Rean sighed, "True. Let's ask the front desk, maybe it was dropped off with them."

He was met with nods, but a polite cough interrupted them. "Actually, I have the envelope. Lord Rufus entrusted it to me before he left."

The hotel manager walked up to them and bowed before handing over the envelope.

Rean took it with a grin, "Thank you."

Jusis nodded, "Much appreciated."

The man bowed again, "If you'll excuse me, then. Should you have need of anything else, please do not hesitate to ask!"

He turned and walked away, leaving the group to peruse the requests.

"We always seem to have monsters show up," Rean sighed.

Emma shrugged, "Well the others are fun at least. Just a quick escort and some ingredient gathering and we're done."

Jusis sighed, "I want the ingredients. I know the chef and I think I know what the dish is."

Machias grunted, "I'll take the escort. Rean, I want you with me."

Fie shrugged, "Guess I'll help Jusis. Free food's involved, I can tell."

Emma nodded, "Then I'll take over the information gathering for today. Everyone, if you could give me the sepith from yesterday and anything you don't need. I'll do some shopping while I'm at it."

Everyone nodded and they walked out into the bright day. Jusis and Fie walked off towards Sorciere, the restaurant they'd eaten at yesterday. Emma waved before walking towards Artisan's Street. Machias and Rean just stared at each other before walking slowly towards Aurochs Canyon.

The moment they were on the road, weapons were pulled out and held at the ready. Thankfully, the walk was a relatively quick trip, but they'd had something resembling a talk.

Machias went first, "How's the injury?"

Rean rolled his shoulder, "Good as new. Beatrix knows her stuff and Emma's a great student."

Machias nodded and they fell silent again. It wasn't until they were nearing Aurochs Fort that Rean spoke again.

"Um, Machias?"

The other boy glanced at him, "Yes?"

Rean bit at his lip, "Did… you wake up at all last night?"

Machias kept his eyes forward, "No, I was sound asleep the entire night."

Rean sighed, "Ok, just thought I heard something."

They lapsed into silence again, not speaking until they picked up their charge, a man named Anton. He was rambling about getting lost on his way to Bareahard and how he was lucky to make the fort, but Rean and Machias tuned him out after they got close to the city. He was very thankful though and even gave Rean a rare Mishy plush along with their payment.

Done with their work, they wandered over to the Sorciere restaurant and entered. Jusis and Fie were sitting at the bar, steaming bowls in front of them as they chatted with the chef.

Rean walked up to them, "Looks like you guys are all done."

Fie looked up from her bowl, "Had to go hunt down some ingredients up north. Spotted the monster before we came back."

Jusis sighed, "Indeed. It's right where the request said it is. And you?"

Machias grunted, "Easy. The guy was there like promised and not one of the bastards on the road gave us even a lick of trouble."

Jusis smirked, "Oh, then I assume you won't be wanting your own food."

Machias glared, "Hey! I want everything on the damn menu!"

The chef laughed, "Well, that's a glowing response if I've ever heard one. Just sit tight, I'll have a bowl for you in a few minutes."

Rean sat down, "Make that two. Thank you, uh…"

The chef chuckled, "My name's Hammond. And, as I was just telling them, I'm now the owner of this fine establishment."

Rean blinked but didn't get to say anything before the owner disappeared into the kitchen. Machias took a seat, keeping Fie between himself and Jusis. "So, that's your uncle I take it?"

Jusis rolled his eyes, "Yes. As I'm sure everyone in Thors knows by now."

Machias smirked, "Hey, it's not my fault your attitude makes your old friend start talking about your past to everyone they meet."

Jusis nearly retorted when Fie snorted. "No offense, but she talks about you all the time. If even half of what she says is right, I have blackmail for ages."

Jusis growled, "I'm going to need to speak with her."

Rean laughed, "Well, hopefully it's not a screaming match. Heaven knows I think we've all had enough of that."

Jusis smiled a bit and raised his glass, "Hear, hear."

Everyone clinked glasses and fell into a comfortable silence. But the silence confirmed something for Rean.

Machias had heard Jusis last night. There was no other possible explanation for the sudden lack of venom in Machais's jabs. Rean could tell Jusis had sensed it as well, and he knew they'd have to confront him, soon.

A familiar voice broke the silence, "Oh, hello everyone."

The group turned to see Emma enter the restaurant, purchases in hand.

Rean waved her to the seat next to him, "Glad you could make it. Find out anything new?"

Emma shook her head, "No, not really. I was able to find some extra things though, like a new armor set."

Rean took the offered bag, "Oh, for me?"

Emma smiled, "You made sure the rest of us were as prepared as possible yesterday, but you only got a better sword. May as well make sure we're all up to date."

Rean nodded his thanks and began looking through the bag. While he was doing that, Hammond returned with three bowls.

Jusis rolled his eyes, "Prepared as always, eh chef?"

Hammond… looked confused. "Pardon me, ma'am, but who are you?"

Emma bowed, "My name's Emma Milstein, sir. These are my classmates."

Hammond nodded, some trepidation in his eyes, "Oh, well please, take a seat. Let me hand these out and I'll get you something."

Jusis narrowed his eyes, "Uncle, you have three meals in your hands and three customers. I see no one else here and no one has entered since Fie and I arrived."

Hammond sighed, "You see, about that…"

Another familiar voice rang through the restaurant, "Hey, Mr. Hammond! I got those veggies you wa-"

A thud greeted their ears, "What are you doing here?!"

Everyone sighed as the one and only Paula Dern stood in the doorway, glaring at them.

Rean spoke first, "We could ask you the same. We're here for a field study, you?"

Paula kept her glare, "Parents needed help with the horses. Instructor Thomas let me come over for a few days if I brought some of my classmates."

She sighed, "Everything would have been fine if they actually helped."

Awkward silence settled in until Hammond coughed, "Well, thank you for helping, Paula. Have some chowder and rest up, it's fresh."

Paula let her glare dissipate and walked over to the seat beside Emma, trying to stay as far as she could from Jusis.

Silence fell on them again and they ate without another word. Rean busied himself with the new armor while Emma at least attempted to talk to the fuming Paula. Machias and Fie just ate while Jusis whispered furiously with his uncle, even Rean's sharp hearing unable to make out their words.

After what felt like far too long, Paula stood to leave. "Well, I need to leave. Thanks for the food, Mr. Hammond."

Hammond grinned, "I really wish you'd stop calling me that. Just Hammond."

Paula smiled, "Not likely. Anyway, I got to see if Rosine and Munk are done with the cathedral."

Everyone but Jusis waved, Rean asking one last thing. "How long are you going to be here?"

Paula paused, "We… should be back by tomorrow. I'll be in the park if you need anything, just don't send him if you actually do."

She spun on her heel and left. As the door shut, Hammond sighed into the silence. "I don't know what you did to make her so angry with you, Jusis, but I suggest you fix it."

Jusis fixed him with a hard glare, "Uncle, I do not wish to offend you, but this does not concern you."

Hammond snorted, "It concerns me when I helped raise both of you. But, you're no child anymore, so I'll leave you to this."

Jusis's face became much gentler, "Thank you."

Hammond waved off the thanks, "Anyway, I think you all still have things to do, correct?"

Rean nodded, glad for the opening, "That we do. The monster on the highway's not going to take care of itself."

Everyone nodded and they were soon on the road after saying goodbye to Hammond. It wasn't that far of a walk to the bridge where the monster was, but they hurried along anyway.

Machias spotted it first, "Another ugly one. Why does it have legs and three head when it's a plant?"

Rean shrugged, "Monsters are weird, that's the first thing they taught us. It looks pretty slow though, should be easy if we're careful."

Jusis sighed, "I've seen the soldiers fight a few like it. Fire, as you might imagine, works well here."

Machias coughed, "Jusis Albarea."

Jusis turned to him, "What is it, Machias Regnitz."

Machias turned to him, "Today, we will form a combat link. I may dislike you, but it is shameful we cannot do what all our classmates can. This presents an opportunity to fix yesterday's failings, wouldn't you agree?"

Jusis stared at him, "Well I'll be. A good idea finally comes from your mouth. Here I thought the day would never come. Guess our conversation last night struck a chord with you."

Machias blustered, "I-I don't know what you're talking about! I was fast asleep while you went on about your family and Rean and P-"

Jusis silenced him with a withering glare, "You heard."

Machias gulped, but nodded.

Jusis's glare intensified, "Swear silence, now!"

Machias sighed, "I already did. No one will hear what you said."

Jusis could see the honesty in Machais's eye but huffed all the same. "Very well. As much as it galls me to say it, I'm currently in your debt."

Machias shrugged, "It's not my place to spread what so obviously doesn't want to be spread."

Emma, Fie, and Rean watched the scene, dumbfounded.

Emma spoke first, "Who are they and what did they do with Jusis and Machias?"

Fie shrugged, "I can tell you they're not imposters. Whatever they talked about last night must have been big."

The girls turned to Rean. Sensing their eyes on him, Rean laughed awkwardly, "That's… private. The only person who can tell you is Jusis and I really don't think he'll want to for some time."

They still had curiosity burning in their eyes, but Machias and Jusis had rejoined them and it was time to fight.

Except, they didn't get to start.

A car had rolled up to them and scared the monster to the other side of the bridge.

Jusis glared at the car, "What's my family's limo doing here?"

The car rattled to a stop and an older man in a green suit exited the driver's seat.

He walked up to the group and bowed, "I'm terribly sorry to interrupt, but I've come to pick you up, Lord Jusis."

Jusis glared, "What is this about, Arnauld? What could be of such importance that you must pull us away from our tasks?"

Arnauld bowed, "I apologize for interrupting you, and for not greeting you yesterday, but I have been tasked directly by His Grace to escort you back to the manor."

Jusis froze, "You can't be serious."

Arnauld kept his gaze steady, "I would be most appreciative if you would follow me immediately."

Jusis had one last card to play, "I cannot leave my classmates to take on that beast alone! Besides, he showed no interest in my presence when we spoke just yesterday!"

Arnauld's gaze became a touch hard, "I am in no position to either question or oppose his orders. Now please, come along. I've arranged for a substitute while you're away."

Jusis's eyes narrowed to slits, "And who, exactly, will be replacing me?"

Arnauld gestured to the car and the door opened to reveal a familiar face.

Jusis's glare turned to ice, "You can't be serious."

It was Paula, again. And carrying an axe twice her size that probably weighed as much as Fie.

She smirked, "What, expecting any different? We're still Thors students, and that means we can fight."

Her gaze became annoyed, "Doesn't mean I won't slap Munk for his cowardice later. Little bastard ran the moment the butler opened his mouth."

Everyone was still staring at the axe she was hefting, so Arnauld got the ball rolling. "As I said, I cannot oppose him, I'm sure you understand that. And, while I dislike speculation, I feel His Grace may feel some regret for how he conducted himself yesterday."

Jusis still felt unsure, "But… does she have an ARCUS she can use? I wouldn't want to give my classmates someone that can't carry their weight."

Paula snorted, waving an ARCUS in the air, "Mine may not be as fancy as yours but it works just fine."

Jusis glanced back to them, still trying to find a way to stay. Machias broke the silence, "Go with him."

Jusis was shocked, but Rean beat him to the first word, "We can handle this just fine."

Emma nodded, "It's your first time back in three months. It'd be a shame not to visit."

Fie smiled, "Agreed. Besides, I don't think we'll have much trouble with someone packing an axe that big."

Jusis stared at them, trying to contemplate an answer, before smiling, "Very well then. I'll worry how you'll fair without me, but you'll try your best. Well… for what that's worth anyway."

Machias glared half-heartedly, "Even with a civil goodbye, you can't help a jab, can you?"

Jusis shrugged, "It's who I am. Anyway, I will make sure to return by this afternoon. It would be quite poor of me to miss dinner."

Rean nodded, "Yeah. We'll meet in the lobby later. Leave a message at the desk if something comes up."

Jusis nodded and turned to follow Arnauld. He gave Paula a barely courteous greeting before ducking into the car. As it pulled away though, he cast his gaze back to see Paula burning a hole in the window with her gaze.

Please, Paula, be safe. Don't do anything reckless just to spite me.

Paula, unaware of Jusis's thoughts, turned to face her temporary team. They were ribbing Machias about how eavesdropping somehow helped him move past his grudge with Jusis. He responded with his usual string of denials and challenges, but it just made her wonder what the notorious Machias could have heard.

"Anyway," Rean coughed after they remembered her, "Do you mind telling us what kind of orbments you use? The skill with an axe is obvious with how you hold it, but that's all I can tell."

Paula smiled, flipping the cover on her ARCUS, "I use Tauros master quartz. After that, most of what I have focuses on defense and putting more force behind my blows. I… don't really use arts."

Rean nodded, "Sounds like Laura, just a lot more brute force."

Paula shrugged, "And a bit less finesse. I'm pretty fast though, even while I'm lugging this thing around."

Rean pulled out his ARCUS and tapped a few keys. A moment later, a combat link burst to life between him and Paula. "Sweet, they're compatible."

Paula huffed, "Like I said earlier, you guys have the fancy experimental models. Professor Makarov's been using the data from you guys to upgrade ours."

Emma's eyes widened, "Ah, that explains why he's been asking for copies of the reports."

Fie called their attention, "Yo, the big plant's coming back."

Rean nodded, "Alright then. Paula, you're with me. Fie, strafe around it and stab when you see an opening. Machias, Emma, you'll be linked and providing arts, fire, and any healing you can where necessary."

He got nods all around, Paula obviously impressed, "Good strategy. Anything else?"

Rean glanced at the monster that was starting to waddle towards them, "Whatever you do, don't get eaten."

Fie snorted, "I could have thought of that."

Rean didn't answer, only drawing his blade as the monster grew closer. "Alright, let's g-"

A blur ran past him and the monster was swiftly liberated of a head. The two others immediately began spewing a noxious mist as they cried in pain, but Rean and the others were trying to catch what had just happened.

Paula had taken the thing's head in one swing.

Rean shook his head, "Paula, how did you do that?"

Paula didn't move, apparently stuck as she was, "Tauros really boosts the damage I do! But, it makes me freeze up to compensate, so please help!"

Rean took the hint and ran forward, a quick art from Emma blowing away the poisonous fog. A large foot tried to end him, but he jumped to the side and cleaved through its leg. It stumbled to the floor and found a shotgun blast taking another leg a moment later. Its heads snapped forward to try and take Rean's arm, but Fie intercepted one while Rean dodged.

"Incoming!"

Rean rolled away as blades of light fell in a circle around the monster, a pentagram blazing to life before it was engulfed in light. It came out looking worse for wear, but Paula was moving again and she charged for another head.

The monster sensed she was coming and tried to flip on top of her. She almost dodged, but one of its tendrils clipped her and sent her rolling.

Rean charged in and leapt onto its center mass, anchoring himself into the flesh with his sword. Machias kept the heads busy while Emma healed Paula.

Rean had an idea, "Fie, Spark Arrow!"

Fie stopped her hacking of the monster's remaining legs and flipped away, an art's circle appearing beneath her immediately after.

As if sensing its impending doom, the monster began to thrash wildly, doing everything it could to dislodge Rean from its back. Paula would have none of it, charging and taking another head just as Fie was about to let her art go.

"Rean, out of the way!"

Rean leapt from the monster and watched as the conjured electricity homed in on his sword and flowed into the monster, setting its delicate innards aflame. The remaining head wailed in pain before it was completely engulfed in fire, exploding into magical energy shortly thereafter.

They held their stances for another moment before everyone relaxed.

"Alright," Rean started after they gathered the remains, "Looks like we can head back."

Paula scratched at her head, "Sorry for not being much help. I'm not used to having other physical fighters with me."

Rean laughed, "Nah, you did fine."

Emma agreed, "More than fine, you were wonderful! You took off two of its heads!"

Paula laughed awkwardly, not really used to the praise. "Uh, thanks. But, let's head back, like Rean said. I don't know about you, but I have some things to do."

Machias had something to say, "Hey, uh, Rean?"

Rean looked at him curiously, "Yeah, what's up?"

Machias scratched at the back of his head, embarrassed. "I… owe you an apology. No, double the apology."

He bowed into a ninety-degree angle, "Please forgive me!"

Rean laughed, "It's fine, Machias, really. I'm just glad you realize that I wasn't trying to lie out of spite, just necessity. Remember, you had a gun and I knew you were a hot-head."

Machias chuckled awkwardly, "Uh, yeah, right. Again, I'm really sorry about being so childish the last couple months."

Rean sighed, "I said it's fine. I apologize for not trying to be more honest with you, but that's in the past. Will you join us for group practice now?"

Machias smiled, "You bet!"

Emma's voice carried from a short way's down the road, "I'm glad you're making up and all, but we need to meet up in the lobby!"

They jolted and joined the girls.

Fie smirked, "Ah, youth. So easy to forgive, but too stubborn to do it."

Machias fixed her with a flat stare, "Yeah, your one to talk Miss Fifteen."

Rean smirked, "Actually, while we're on a roll here, why not try and get along with Jusis too?"

Machias gaped, "What?! I admit I was wrong to be mad at you, but he and I are like oil and water! Like orange juice and toothpaste! We are fundamentally incompatible and nothing anyone says or does can change that!"

Fie sighed while Emma laughed awkwardly. Rean just thought it would take a while for them to get along, when he noticed Paula's face.

Hmm, she looks really conflicted. Likes she really wants to agree with Machias, but also really wants to punch his teeth in.

"Getting back on track, "Rean coughed, "Let's hurry up."

Emma smiled, "Yes, Jusis should be back soon too."

Fie rubbed her stomach, "I'm hungry."

Paula just looked at them like they were the strangest things in the world.

With that, they had an upbeat and cheerful walk back to the city, each discussing what they could get for food.

That all died when the provincial army came and arrested Machias. Every protest, counter-argument, and plea was met with cold indifference as they dragged him away for false charges. Not even using Jusis's name did anything.

Bastards found out who he was. They want him as a damned bargaining chip.

Those were Rean's thoughts as they tried to come up with a plan to free Machias barely an hour after he'd been taken from them.

Paula walked up to Rean with Fie and Emma in tow, "No good at the guard house. They wouldn't listen to anything we had to say."

Rean sighed, "They planned this. Calling Jusis away at such an inconvenient time, the accusations, all of it's staged."

Fie looked miffed, "If Jusis had been with us, he could have prevented the arrest. The captain even told us his 'business' will take longer than expected."

Rean cursed, "He's under house arrest then. Along with that, we can't make them listen to reason and they'll slow everything to the point of stoppage to use Machias as a bargaining chip."

Emma sighed, "And we can't just storm the gates. We're better than when we started, but I don't fancy dealing with an entire guardhouse."

Fie swirled a drink she'd been given, "Look at us trying to plan a rescue in a bar. It's like an old spy novel."

Emma almost swatted the drink out of Fie's hand, but stopped when she realized it was just juice. "But, we can't just leave him there!"

Fie shrugged, "And we won't. We just need to bust him out ourselves."

Everyone stared at her like she'd grown another head.

Fie's fate went flat, "Think about it. Rufus is off in Heimdallr while Jusis is under house arrest. With them out of the equation, our only chance is to bust him out while he's still at the guardhouse. If he gets taken to the fort, we lose that chance."

Paula coughed, breaking her silence, "Fie's right. The army will move him by evening at the latest, that's how they work."

She smirked, "But, we do need to be covert about it. Thankfully, you have a local guide here that's more than willing to help."

Emma sighed, "Thank you, Paula. If we get caught before he's safe, it'll be nearly impossible to talk our way out. But, since the charges are false, if we get him out there's almost nothing they can do to retaliate."

Rean nodded, "And if there's one thing the provincial army values, it's their image. They wouldn't do anything to hurt it. If we can get out of Bareahard, we're basically home free."

Fie got a sly look in her eye, "So… no smoke grenades or flashbangs?"

Everyone stared at her, Paula voicing their thoughts, "You… don't actually have those on you, right?"

Fie smirked, "What fair maiden doesn't?"

Rean shook his head, "I don't even know where to begin."

A conversation caught their attention and they glanced over to the other side of the bar. A young blonde man was asking about an underground waterway and the monsters inside. Rean and Emma kept listening, but Paula had a downright evil grin on her face.

The man paid for his meal before noticing them. "Oh, that's some fancy red and green you guys are rockin. You students?"

They nodded and gave a brief explanation for why they were there. The man nodded, apparently satisfied, and wished them luck before leaving.

He had a powerful aura around him that caught the student's attention, making them curious enough to ask the bartender who he was.

Apparently, he was a bracer named Toval based out of the guild's branch in Legram. While it was curious to see one of the few bracers left in Erebonia, they had a classmate to rescue.

Twenty minutes later, they were standing in front of a small side door below the streets, Paula finagling the lock like an old hand.

Rean sighed, "I knew you said you and Jusis used to come down here all the time, but did you really learn lock picking just so you guys could play in there?"

Paula grunted as the latch came undone, "Yeah, used to, before he turned into a self-absorbed prick."

She pushed the doors in with a huff and they found themselves in the waterway, the ancient stone practically radiating the sweet smell of rot and clean water.

They looked around and found a gate blocking their path. A quick examination down the opposite path revealed a switch that opened the gate and they continued.

Emma looked around as they walked, "It's really pretty down here. I knew the 'Verdant City' would be beautiful, but I didn't think it'd extend underground."

Paula swelled a bit in pride, "Well, I may dislike the stuffed shirts, but we locals are proud of this city. We do everything we can to keep it pristine."

Rean chuckled as they walked onto a large platform, two paths branching from it. "Alright, Paula, where do we go?"

A boy's voice answered, "The one on your left."

Everyone stared as Jusis himself rounded the corner of the path opposite them, calm and solid like always.

He smirked, "Normally, I'd be surprised to see you. But, if anyone here deserves the title 'sewer rat' it's you."

Paula bristled, "Oh please, you spent more time in these crannies then I ever did!"

Jusis huffed before turning to Rean, "I will say, I wasn't expecting house arrest the moment I got to the manor."

Rean nodded, "That's what we thought happened."

Fie tilted her head, "Mind telling us exactly what's going on?"

Jusis folded his arms, expression stormy, "It's what it looks like. The arrest of Governor Regnitz's son to keep the Reformists under control. Frankly, I'm surprised my father would ever be so brazen."

He continued in a whisper, "My father had no want to talk to me. Not even a single word. This was planned from before we even arrived."

Rean gazed at him sympathetically, Emma trying to console him. "…Jusis."

Jusis shook his head, "Enough about me, I'll lead you to the guardhouse. Both my brother and my misspent youth have given me a near perfect layout of the waterway. Come along."

They nodded and followed Jusis's brisk pace. Rean looked back to the trailing Paula and almost paused.

It was like she was seeing Jusis for the first time.

Jusis's voice carried back to Rean. Emma had asked him something. "Just so everyone knows, I'm doing this because I don't condone my father's actions. Besides, Regnitz's probably huddled in a corner weeping by now. It'll be worth rescuing him just to see that."

Rean glanced back to Paula. All sympathy was gone from her face.

Smooth, Jusis. Smooth.

The next while was spent walking through the waterway, finding all manner of items and monsters along the way. Eventually, they reached the entrance to the guardhouse.

Which was barred by a big iron door with no keyhole.

Jusis and Paula stared in open shock at the door, speaking in unison. "This… is new."

They started discussing a way to open the door when it was found to only open one way. While they were debating, Fie pulled five gray lumps out of… some nebulous dimension and stuck them to spots on the door, making an X.

She jumped back, "Stand back everyone."

Confused, they did so.

Fie took a stance just a bit closer than they were when Rean sniffed something.

Wait, that smell...!

Fie took a deep breath before striking her bayonets together, "Ignition."

The sparks landed on the grey lumps, followed by five bright flashes and a dull thump as they exploded. A moment of silence stretched for an eternity before the door fell forward with a crash.

Fie just stared at her handiwork, "Done, let's go."

Paula shook her shock off first, "Plastic bombs?! Where did you get those?!"

Rean shook his head, "Better question, where was she hiding them?"

Fie just stared at them, "Do you really want to know?"

Jusis answered for everyone, "No, I really don't."

Emma groaned, "Let's go. That blast was bound to catch someone's attention."

That lit a fire under their feet and they sprinted through the passage. But, as they ran, Rean spoke one last time to Fie.

"I'm letting it slide for now, but we have a right to know your background. Either tell us on the ride back, or to everyone when we return, got it?"

Fie nodded. She just hoped Elliot would take it ok.

They ran up one more flight of stairs before stopping, listening for any noise. A voice drifted down the hall and everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief when they realized it was Machias.

Jusis smirked when they found Machias' cell, "Oh, tis a thing of beauty. Were it not on false charges, I'd love to see you stay there."

Machias growled, "Again, with the jabs, can we not do this right now? How did you guys get in? And don't tell me you broke in!"

Fie shrugged, "Explain later. Let me open the cell."

She placed a small piece of explosive into the key hole and detonated it. It was a dull thud rather than a boom, but it blew the lock apart while Machias gaped at what he was seeing.

Paula was glancing around impatiently, "Yeah, it's cool and all, but we need to go!"

A pair of voices grabbed their attention and they cursed as some guards entered the corridor. Paula, Rean, Fie, and Jusis charged them, but were unable to stop one of them from calling back-up before the back of Rean's blade shattered his cheek.

Rean turned to the others, "We need to go, now! They won't catch up with us if we run!"

He received mute nods and they sprinted the way they came, Machais eventually yelling at Jusis while they ran.

"Was it ok to leave them like that?"

Jusis grunted, "They'll be unconscious a while and have some pain to work through, but they'll live. Right now, I'm happy. I got to see your tear-stained face and pay back my father at the same time."

Machias cringed, "I…see."

Fie rolled her eyes before stopping in the large area they'd walked past earlier, "Take cover!"

Everyone else followed the command a moment later, their lives saved as two twisters of claws and teeth flew by them.

Jusis recognized the beasts, "They're Kazak Doven! They're smart enough to work together, don't let them isolate you!"

Machias caught a replacement gun from Emma, "Your family actually uses these things?!"

Jusis growled, "I'd only heard rumors and ideas. Nothing I thought was being taken seriously!"

Fie kept her eyes on the circling beasts, "They're well trained. We'll need to be really careful here."

Emma hummed, "They're not attacking us. They must be holding us here until the soldiers arrive."

Rean snarled, "We can't let that happen! Let's wrap up this month's filed study!"

The group roared its approval.

Rean readied his blade, "Class VII, Group A, and guest, commence assault!"

They roared in answer, links springing to life among the most compatible partners as they charged the dogs.

Machias started off with a rapid salvo of shots, making the beasts hop away from the blasts and distract them. Emma took advantage to cast a series of arts, each one trained on the one in blue armor. Fie finished up by racing the beast, stabbing at any openings she could find.

On the other side, Rean and Paula took turns slashing at their beast, Jusis providing the arts. His were more area of effect, but he was still getting some good hits in. Rean was following Fie's lead and going for the weak points while Paula tried to crush the armor and the beast beneath it.

The moved, attacked, dodged, and healed in a dazzling display of synchronization that had the beasts on the ropes and on their last legs within two minutes.

Then they got smart.

The beasts leapt clean over their attackers and regrouped. Now with a better understanding of their prey's pattern, they focused in on the most vulnerable members.

Emma and Paula.

Pouring all their strength into their legs, the beasts sprinted forward. When the others moved to intercept them, one screeched to a halt and let the other use it as a springboard. Paula's swing, having been aimed to where the beast was going to be, embedded the axe into the ground and left her open to a vicious swipe that sent her flying into a wall.

The other beast had a clear line of sight to Emma and rammed into her, raking its claws through her armor and across her back. She screamed in pain and fell to the floor, the beast readying to pounce and snap her neck.

Machias would have none of it.

The first shell blew the beast clean off Emma. The second shattered its armor. The third ripped its hide to shreds and reduced its leg to a useless hunk of meat. The fourth drove it to the ground, the monster whimpering for its kin.

The fifth blast silenced it.

The other beast, sensing the death of its littermate, flew into a rage, striking with wild abandon before charging the motionless Paula. It leapt into the air, claws ready to rend her in half.

A sword stopped one of the paws. The other continued unabated.

Blood stained the ground and colored the recovering Paula's vision red. She blinked once, twice.

"J…Jusis?"

His back was to her, but she could see red on the ground, hear the wet splats as more fell from the boy in front of her. The scent of copper brought her back fully.

"Jusis!"

She couldn't see it, but Jusis's chest had been nearly ripped open to the bone. If it wasn't for his armor, the claws would have cleaved right down to his ribs. But even still, as pain screamed through his mind like knives of burning ice, he held his sword steady.

"Get away from her… you damn beast."

He pushed it's claw to the side and Paula had enough wherewithal to grab her axe and take the stunned beast's head with a guttural roar. Jusis, seeing the danger pass, collapsed into a heap on the floor. Paula and Fie were beside him in an instant, Rean and Machias supplying aid to the whimpering Emma.

Rean was solemn, but felt proud. Everyone had performed admirably and everyone had successfully formed and maintained combat links with each other. They couldn't have done better.

A loud whistle pierced the silence.

Damn

As the soldiers surrounded them, Rean felt his blood boil at the officer's cavalier attitude. The man was casually threatening to lock them away for eternity, just to use Machias.

A ragged voice interrupted the officer mid-rant, "That… is enough."

The officer and soldiers collectively gasped as Jusis's hastily bandaged form limped forward. The bandages were already stained.

"I… am Jusis Albarea. I may… not be the… best of friends with him… but…"

He coughed harshly, spitting a wad of blood and mucus on the floor.

"I will not… see… one of my classmates… locked up and used in some… political… war!"

The soldiers went silent, Jusis's friends staring in awe. Paula, for a moment, a single, breathless moment, saw her friend and first love return. Her heart thumped hard at the sight.

The officer tsked, "…We have our orders. Nothing you say can stop them. Men, disarm them, Lord Jusis included. Then, take him to the medi-"

"That will not be necessary."

Everyone looked around for a moment and gasped when they found the speaker.

Jusis smirked, even as his vision began to grow dark, "Took you… long enough… Rufus."

The officer was trying to process what was happening, "W-we'd heard you were in the capital, sir!"

Rufus smirked, "I received a message from Thors Military Academy at noon today. I hopped an airship and came as fast as I could, with your Instructor in tow."

Rean blinked, "What?"

A familiar voice came down the passage, "Looks like you guys did great!"

Sara walked up to join Rufus, winking at her surprised audience.

Jusis could barely see now, but he heard Machias speak, "What are you doing here Instructor?"

She didn't speak as Rufus dismissed the guards. The officer tried to salvage his orders but Rufus swiftly sent him scurrying.

Sara and Rufus watched them go, "Have to say, they're well-trained if a bit empty headed."

Rufus almost laughed, "The provincial army takes its training very seriously, though not all recruits are the brightest." His face darkened, "Though to see it misused so grievously galls me to no end."

Sara smiled, "Sure."

Paula cleared her throat, "Not to detract from this, but we currently have two of our group with serious injuries. Can we talk about all this later?"

Sara blinked, "Which one's?"

Paula looked to Jusis and Emma who'd done an impressive job of hiding their injuries. That was until the red started leaking through Jusis's shirt and they both fainted.

Paula caught Jusis while Machias caught Emma. Rean looked both stricken members in the eye. "Talk later, let's get them patched up."

Three hours later

They were resting in Hammond's home, Emma and Jusis lucid if tired.

"So, you found out what happened from a friend, and then got a ride on an airship. Man, you seem prepared for everything."

Sara shrugged, smile sad, "Well, the director was kind enough to do so. Can't say I was prepared to see two of my students with massive gashes in them."

Everyone sat in silence before Rean put the pieces together, "Wait, you keep calling Rufus 'director'."

Sara blinked but let Rufus answer, "That is correct, I'm a permanent member of the academy's board of directors. Perhaps will meet again that way."

A wheezing cough sounded from one of the beds, "Why… is this the first I'm hearing of it."

Rufus smiled, "I wanted to see the look on your face when you found out, that's why I kept it secret. But, as you might imagine, I'm not the only member. In fact, I'm but one of three."

Jusis just gawked.

The conversation swiftly switched to a short explanation of why Rufus had helped and what they were planning to do the next day. Rean didn't pay any attention to it, instead watching Jusis and Paula. Paula was glancing in Jusis' direction occasionally, and Jusis would glance at her when she wasn't.

But, where hers were simple worry and confusion, his were full of despair and anger. But, the anger wasn't directed at her. It was directed at Rufus.

Rean found out why that night when Jusis whispered two words to him.

"He knows."

Sleep did not come easily that night, and there was a faint, near undetectable trace of tension in the air as Rufus saw Class VII off. Paula and her classmates saw them off as well, their train not arriving for another two hours.

The train ride itself included a thorough interrogation of Fie, where they learned she'd been a jaeger, an elite mercenary, before joining the Academy. Rean just knew it would take Elliot some time to process he had a former mercenary gunning for his gonads.

Great, Fie and Vivi were rubbing off on him.

Sara shared the tale that Group B had run into similar troubles to them in Saint-Ark, though not as serious, along with a couple of humorous anecdotes.

Rean's personal favorites were the rendition of 'Hamlet with Minks' that the group voice acted and the 'Great Slime Round-Up'.

Now though, they were resting, just trying to enjoy the scenery or catch up on some sleep.

Rean glanced out the window. This is weird though. Instructor Sara told us not to worry about it, but thinking about the divide between the classes and the arms race. Maybe needing to take sides. It's all so much.

He did chuckle at the speech she gave after that. The words were touching, but it was just so funny to hear Sara of all people be serious and thoughtful.

Something caught his eye as he glanced out the window.

What was that? It looked… silver and blue.

He had no idea what he just saw, but it would come back to greet them in both the worst and best way possible.

But, that was for later. Now, they could finally rest.

For a time.

Ch. End

Jeez Louise, these last two were absolute monsters. If anyon'es curious about Paula having an axe, I basically realized that everyone at Thors can fight and that axes were criminally underrepresented. Thus, she has an axe. Hope everyone enjoys, this is my last chapter for a time since finals are closing! Peace and love!