When I came back to my senses Ryder was shaking my shoulder and speaking in a panicked voice. I stared at him blankly for a few moments before being able to process his words and my location.

I'm still in the Pope's rooms. I never left.

"Caelan?! What happened? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I mumbled, frowning and pushing his hands away, "You're too worked up…"

He sighed in relief and threw himself back into his chair, rubbing his eyes, "You scared me half to death. You went all quiet and then you just started crying… Jeez." I touched my face in a surprised manner and found what he said to be true. I wiped them away while he continued, "Did you find out who did it?"

I hesitated before lying, "No," I turned to the Pope, "Who else has the ability to do this sort of thing?"

The Pope shrugged, "Most high-class mages and necromancers. Blocking somebody's memory is a pretty high-level magic though."

"So somebody like Pink could do it too?" I asked, slightly surprised. Even after teachers numerous warnings that Pink was an extremely powerful, ancient Lich I couldn't help but view her as a child. After all, she always seemed so happy and carefree.

He nodded, "If that's all, get out before I decide to blast you away for that brat comment."

I nodded quickly, believing that he would. Without waiting I grabbed Ryder by the arm and started dragging him out, shouting a quick goodbye behind my shoulder. We strode through the halls in silence for some time before Ryder said in a quiet voice, "Why did you lie back there?"

I paused. As expected of Ryder, I can't slip something like that past him so easily. Still, I couldn't give him the answer. Instead I turned my head and said in a firm voice, "Nothing. You should go back to your rooms, it's getting dark…"

"Caelan," He said seriously, pulling me to a stop, "Tell me the truth. You're planning something, aren't you? What happened back there? What was it that you remembered?"

I clenched my teeth against the barrage of emotions that came with remembering. I answered his question with another, partly as a means to distract him and partly for my own greedy curiosity, "What would you do if you found out," I bit my lip, not sure how to word it correctly, "That I was somebody… very different to what you thought?"

He frowned, eyebrows meshing as he asked, "What are you trying to say?"

I sighed softly before replying, "Nothing."

I was talking about my gender, of course. Until recently it had never occurred to me what would happen if I was revealed. After all, it seemed like something that could never happen. But now I couldn't help but feel regretful for having to lie all of these years. Eventually I would have to tell them, and then what? What if they didn't accept me? What if they hated me for deceiving them?

"No matter what changes, You'll always be Caelan," He said with kind, soft eyes that made my heart twist. He was my best friend and I couldn't even tell him the truth. I had no doubt that he would keep my secret, but I still feared he would hate me afterwards.

"I'm going to go water my flowers," I said quietly, turning to stride away before he stopped me by grabbing my arm tightly.

"I'll come with you," He said seriously, moving to follow me. I shook my head firmly.

"I want to go alone," I said, not waiting for his reply before leaving. I could feel his eyes on my back as I walked away, ashamed. Still, I didn't have time to waste. Before tomorrow I had things that needed to be done, regardless of the time. Firstly, I had to water my flowers. It didn't seem that important in contrast to my other tasks, but it had to be done. They hadn't been watered since the day that teacher had scolded me.

When I arrived I had to light my hands with Holy Element just to see. Luckily the flowers looked as healthy as ever, standing at about the height of my knees and swaying slightly in the midnight breeze. They were my favourite type of flowers; Sunflower's. Their petals were soft and golden, always reaching for the sun regardless of storm or shade. I sat down, streaming the water from a nearby pond over them gently. I continued for some time until I heard somebody approach, panting slightly.

"I found you!" Seriph exclaimed angrily, glaring at me. I turned and smiled innocently, patting the area beside me for him to sit. He did in a huffy manner, crossing his arms while still glaring at me, "You ran off without me."

"Yep."

"Are you going to tell me why?"

"Nope."

"…" He sighed, shoulders easing, "I'm definitely going to crack and kill you before we can even become Knights."

I laughed, "You can try, but don't be so sure you'll win."

He ignored the comment, instead running his hand over one of the flowers, "Are these yours?"

I nodded proudly, sending my golden hair swinging slightly. It was growing out quickly, as it usually did. I had to constantly cut my hair, as it would grow out to my shoulders in a week. It was unusual, and a general pain. It wasn't like I could just grow it out, either. I had to cut it often. I pushed the thought out of my head. With a smile I continued, "Aren't they pretty?"

He nodded, smiling slightly, "They're very… bright."

"Of course they are!" I boasted happily, "I've raised them all by myself," He looked surprised, "It's been hard, but I love it."

He nodded slowly, "It must be nice, having a hobby."

It was my turn to be surprised, "You don't have one?" He nodded and I paused, thinking before bursting out, "You can share mine then! I won't always be around, and they need watering periodically."

He looked happy, "I'd like that. Somehow I doubt you'll go on that many missions out of the city though."

I didn't bother correcting him, instead standing and brushing the dirt off of my clothing, "We should probably head back now. I have some things to do in my room, if you want to accompany me…?"

He nodded and stood too, back to his "Judgment Knight in Training' attitude. This prompted me to complain as we walked, "You're too serious! So is your platoon. Every time I see them I worry they might get constipated," He laughed, "Promise me you'll encourage them to be a bit friendlier?"

He nodded helplessly, "I'll try. After you," We were standing in front of my rooms and he held the door open courteously, no doubt in an effort to keep me in his line of sight.

I nodded and walked straight to my desk, collecting a quill and paper and beginning to write in quick, scratchy writing. I had never managed to copy teachers' elegant script, and had resolved to simply not correct documents to prevent from damaging my reputation. Now, however, it was necessary. I made sure that Seriph wasn't watching until I finished writing and folded it neatly, dabbing a wax seal on it firmly before handing it to him, saying, "When you have time have one of the Holy Knights deliver this to the Princess for me, would you?"

He took it, looking confused, "Why can't you?"

"I have things to do," I replied, leaning out the window to check the position of the moon. It would still be dark for some time. Perfect. Leaning back in I didn't pause before I walked over to him, "Sorry about this."

This time he was prepared. Whether he had been on guard the whole time, or had become wary because of my tone, I don't know. But when I swung my arm to try and knock him out he blocked, looking at me with narrowed eyes, "What do you think you're doing?"

I gritted my teeth and began to barrage him with blows that he easily blocked, "Saving your life."

"It seems more like you're trying to get me out of the picture," He darted forward, pinning my shoulder against the wall with one hand and grabbing my face with the other, "What happened to not being the Twelve Holy Knights if we're divided?"

I closed my eyes in a pained way, not wanting to have to look him in the eye, "I'm not part of the Twelve Holy Knights," I answered, swinging my knee into his gut with a boost from my wind magic. He stumbled back but didn't fall, holding his hands in a defensive pose in front of himself.

"Not this again," He growled, "It doesn't matter why you came to the church! You're one of us!"

"That's not it," I said quietly, stepping forward and launching a kick which he easily blocked, "I'm leaving the Twelve Holy Knights. I can't remain here any longer."

It caught him by surprise, I could see it in his eyes. The confused pain. It made me want to stay. For a second my resolve wavered, then I set it firm again. I have to do this. I breathed deeply, "Goodbye."

He had predicted and blocked all my blows so far. What he didn't predict was me picking up the chair beside me and promptly breaking it over his head. It was a cheap blow, I had to admit. But it was effective none the less, and in a second he was laying unconscious on the ground. I grabbed him by the shoulders and dragged him onto the bed, wrapping the blankets around him to make it seem like I was sleeping. Then I slipped my sword through my belt firmly and swung myself out of the window and onto the roof. From there I ran to the Judgment Complex silently, determined as my feet brushed the roof for brief steps until I was sent hurtling into the air once more. In what seemed like no time I was sliding through the halls of the Judgment Complex quietly, elements of magic ready at my fingertips to incapacitate anybody I saw on the way. The complex was eerily quiet, causing me to frown in confusion. Usually it had patrols, even at night. Proceeding with caution I edged into Kaiden's cell, holding my finger to my mouth to keep him silent. He looked confused until I cut the shackles binding him and began to lead him out slowly, not pausing to explain.

It wasn't until I reached the forest outcrop surrounding the Church that we began to run, and I explained quietly, "I'm coming back with you. First I need to see an old friend, okay? But after that we'll return to the group from the Church of the God of Chaos."

He looked happy and proud, reaching out his hand to tousle my hair, "I knew you'd come to. I'm so happy I found you again," Tears threatened to spill over his eyes and I smiled back earnestly.

"So am I," I replied, "Don't worry. We'll be safe soon. So just trust me, okay?"

He nodded fondly, his eyes crinkling slightly at the side. Soon we stood still, and his look of happiness changed to confusion as he said, "A doll shop?"

I nodded, turning to him before entering, "Stay concealed out here. This shouldn't take too long, but don't come in. No matter what, you hear me?"

He nodded in a somewhat exasperated way, one corner of his mouth tugged up in a smile. I turned and entered quietly, calling out, "Pink? I have a deal to make with you. I'm willing to pay."

It was half an hour later that I exited, breathing a sigh of relief when Kaiden came back into sight and said in a cheerful voice, "Shall we go?"

I nodded and followed him through the streets quietly, staring at the rising sun with worry. I hadn't expected to take so long accomplishing my tasks, and now I was running out of time. Soon somebody would notice that I was no longer in the Church. I imagined how furious Seriph would be and prayed he wouldn't wake up until I had left for good.

We moved from the market streets to the outskirts of the city, and I tried to take in every moment of it., tried to imprint Leaf Bud City in my mind. Its long, winding streets paved with bricks, he array of houses that lined them, the smell of it. All around us the early-rising shops began to open, starting with the bakeries; signaled by the sweet and savory smells that wafted to us.

"It smells like fathers' cooking," I said softly, closing my eyes and breathing it in.

He looked pained when he stopped suddenly, looking unsure. I waited for a moment until he began to speak, "Caelan, I…" He clenched his fists, "I'm sorry. I must seem so selfish…" He looked back to me, "After all, you were so happy… I should have-"

I shook my head, interrupting him, "No. We're family. I wouldn't give you up for all the harsh realities in the world."

"Really?" He asked hesitantly. I nodded and gestured for him to continue walking. He did, and I followed without a word. This may be the last time I walk these streets, I thought dimly. The world began to be bathed in the soft orange glow of the morning, warming me as I walked and stared, Everything is so beautiful. How did I never notice? How did I ever take all this for granted?

"We're here," Kaiden said, breaking me out of my ponderings, "When we go in, let me speak. They're going to be wary of you, so just keep close to me."

I nodded and followed him in closely, keeping my head down. On the outside it had looked like a normal house, but inside showed the truth. Several black-clad figures were scattered throughout the house, most armed. On the wall several hooks stood, hanging with belts full of weapons. I tried to imagine my parents here, wearing those belts and failed. They seemed too gentle to be assassins. I tried not to dwell on the thought as we walked through the house, fleet clacking slightly on the rough wooden floor. It was a one-story house, which made sense given that more than that could only exist in the wealthier parts of the city. We turned into a well lit room and stood waiting to be acknowledged. Inside several black-clad people stood in a circle around a table. On top of it was a map, and at the head of it was an extremely plain man. He looked to be in charge as he talked loudly, pointing to places on the map with fierceness. The others nodded and dispersed, leaving. When they noticed Kaiden they looked shocked, then happy. One even called out to him, "Glad to see you're back!"

The man at the head of the table moved forward with a smile, arms raised either side of him, "Kaiden, my boy!"

Kaiden saluted formally, back straight, "I apologize for my absence, general."

The general was as I had described him; plain. His eyes were a plain brown, his hair a plain brown, his skin a plain tone and all of his features utterly plain. The perfect assassin.

"No matter, no matter," He said in an off-handed way, "A little absence is no problem from one of my finest agents. And it seems you've brought somebody back with you…?" He gestured to me curiously.

"Yes General!" Kaiden said with a large smile, gesturing to me also, "I found her recently. She helped me escape."

The general looked surprised, "I apologize, I thought you were a man."

"She has been," Kaiden explained, "She was the Sun Knight-in-training."

The general turned to me, "Is that so? And what brings this…" He smiled sharply, "sudden change of heart?"

"She realized the truth," Kaiden said, "And who she was."

"And other than the Sun Knight in training," He said, obviously not amused, "Who is she?"

"My sister," Kaiden said quickly. The general stilled, looking shocked, "I only recently found out she wasn't dead."

"That is…" The general said slowly, looking at me warily, "News to me as well. Happy news, of course."

"Actually," I said quietly, staring at the general steadily, "My choice hinged moreso on the truth of my parents death."

"And how did you find that?" The general said intently, trying his best to seem casual.

"I told her-" Kaiden started, but I interrupted him by putting my hand on his chest and stepping forward.

"It wasn't that hard to find," I said loudly, "After all. I was there till the end. Up until they sent me here and entrusted me with a very important task."

The general was completely frozen, glaring at me before saying in a cold voice, "You had best leave while you still can."

That sentence confirmed all of my suspicions. I was no Seriph, but even I could remember a voice. Even I could piece together the painful truth. My next statement was filled with fire, "That's odd. I don't remember you giving them the option to leave," I took another step forward, drawing my sword, "Actually it seems you went to great lengths to stop them from leaving."

The general laughed, covering his eyes with a hand when he replied, "I certainly was careless that day, wasn't I? I even left such a dangerous loose end," He paused, lowering his hand and staring at me thoughtfully, "Actually perhaps it wasn't that dangerous a loose end. After all…" He smiled darkly, "It should only take a little fire to purge you."

"And it should only take a little ice to purge you," I snarled, ice element beginning to frost the air around me.

"What?" Kaiden's voice sounded small and broken as he stepped forward, "Weren't you going to help us? What about avenging our parents?"

"Kaiden!" I snapped, "Stop trying to ignore the situation. Isn't it obvious? The one who killed them isn't the church. Wake up. The person who killed them is standing right in front of us. And he probably wasn't the only one. This whole sick group is the reason they died. Because they weren't going to be allowed to leave it."

"No!" He said loudly, his voice choked, "That can't be true! I've been with them for so long and I-"

"Have been their pawn. Remember back to that day. You went to the church to leave it, so we could live normally," I said quietly, "But don't worry. Soon we'll be back to normal. Soon everybody will be safe."

I leapt forward, murder in my eyes.